Chapters Revenge Of Jack
Chapter 0 - My Story
Month Ago
"Hey Jack, you better keep moving, people are really impantient today!"
"Yes, of course sir."
Last 3 days were pretty busy for me. I'm working at the grocery shop, as a cashier. People lately were coming in insanely huge amounts, even 30 per hour. My boss had lately problems with family, his 10 years old dauther died week ago, and since that day he have been really harsh for workers. I dont know what i would do if my daughter or my wife would die, so i kinda understand that guy. Anyway, only half an hour more and i'll be heading home for dinner. Eight more guys and three girls came to shop, bought some stuff and left, but except that nobody else came, so i was just looking at the door with hope that nobody else will come.
Finally, 8pm came as i quickly left shop, brushing past Elizabeth and giving her a small smile as she went to take her shift, and went straight to my home. That shop i'm working in is about 2 kilometers from my home, which means i dont need a car to get to it, so i just went throu some empty alleys to finally find my home at the horizon. It was nice, small home with small garden in front of it, light blue walls and some windows with a look at the garden were visible from where i was standing right now. From far away it was looking pretty old, but truth is that this home was build recently, max 2 months ago. My family moved here month ago, after my father died. It's been a bad time for me, but i quickly recovered and decided that it's time to think forward. I'm living here with my eight years old dauther and my twentynine years old wife. I walked throu the front, wooden door to be quickly welcomed by my dauther hug.
"Daddy, daddy! Tommorow me and mom are going to zoo! Are you coming as well?"
"Well Emily, i wish i could, but daddy need to go to work, i'm sorry." I replied.
"Awwwww, you're always going to work!" Sadly, she was actualy right. My work is from monday to sunday, so i barely have a time for her. I kneeled and grabbed her in a hug.
"I'm sorry honey, but this is how it works. If it will make you feel better, i can ask my boss if he will let me go earlier tommorow so i can go with you, but i dont promise anything, ok?"
"Yay! I love you daddy!" She replied happy.
"I love you to honey, now let's go, i'm sure your mom made already dinner"
I let her go and went inside, sit next to my daughter, at the other side of the table my wife, Lilly. She was about 1.74 meters, had short brownish hair, black t-shirt and deep blue pants. Whenever she smiled, my heart melted. My dauther had long black hairs, light pink t-shirt and pink long skirt. She was a little bit chubby, but that wasnt really a problem. After dinner i went to bathroom to clean myself up. While wipping myself, i couldnt help but look at the mirror. I have short, black hair, blue Camisole and black pants. I have a scar at my hand after a small accident back in my father home, but i dont mind it. I'm 25 years old, quite fit due to my three years long military service, and... afraid of being lost. It's a phobia i had since when i was small. I'm always avoiding going into uknowed places, but that is something that's pretty much clashes with my dream of going into world, seeing new places and stuff. Eh, such is life.
I quickly left the bathroom and walked straight into bedroom. Today i've felt quite tired, so i went to sleep early. This night i had a nightmare about a strange snakish monster sliding around my room. It was dark, so i couldnt see what is it exacly, i only knew it was pretty long and thin, so i assume it was some kind of snake. After a while, i could hear a quiet laugh as suddenly everything went bright white. At the same moment i woke up, so i dont even know what caused that. Anyway, i quickly get myself straighten up, ate breakfast and went back to work, only to get surprised... in a bad way.
As i walk in, my boss immediately walked in my direction, looking furious.
"Jack, you're fired!"
...
"What?!"
"You heard me! You! are! fired!"
"But why!?"
"I know everything! You stole from cashbox at least two hundred dolars! You're lucky i'm not going to call police!"
"What?! I didnt do that!"
"Dont lie to me! Elizabeth saw everything! Now get the fuck off my shop, or i'll really call police this time!"
I didnt even wanted to check if he's lying, i just quickly left his shop. I cant believe Elizabeth said that! I know we never liked eachother, but lately we've been doing better! If she was the one who stole this money, i wont be able to say it was her, since our shop dont have any cameras. I've been thinking how my family will take this information, that might be a real problem. I've been in halfway when i suddenly heard and saw a fire truck going the same way as i was going. I've had a bad feelings about this, so i quickened my steps. What i saw was just too much for me. My home, burning, a fire brigade all around it, pouring water. I was stunned. I've never thought this would ever happen. I dont really remember what happend next, but suddenly i was already in front of my house. I'm sure i would go in, but one of fire brigade guys stoped me.
"What are you doing here? This is dangerous, get away!" He said.
"What is going on!? This is my house!" I replied.
"This is the strangest kind of auto-ignition i've ever saw! By the explanation of neighbors this house just suddenly started burning!"
"What about my wife!? And Daughter!? Are they alive?!"
"I have no idea! If there was some people in this house, i dont believe they would stay alive from that, this fire reaches even forty meters high!"
Now that was too much for me. I kneeled and started to cry, all i could hear is cracking of fire and my sobbing. I think some people from fire brigade was trying to get me away, but i didnt cared. My whole life is now burning. My only, last members of family after my father died are now probably nothing else than ashes. People will later call this day a "Burning Sunday", since biggest fire seen in this city so far was a small campfire in the nearest forest that some teenagers forget to put out. When i came back to my senses, a fire brigade people were dragging me away. All i could do is stay here and watch my world fall apart. I've been here untill fire have been put out, which took them almost two hours. After that, i insantly walked to them to make myself sure if my family was actualy there. I still had a little hope that they werent here or they survived it. As i approaches them, i saw two guys from fire brigade enter my ruined house, probably to search for anyone who would stay alive. Some of them noticed me coming, and started walking towards me.
"I'm really sorry for what happend, mister. My team is now searching throu the house to see if there was anyone in this building"
"How long it would take them?"
"Well, since this home isnt really that big, it would take them max 10 minutes"
I was about to say something, but suddenly these 2 guys walked from this building carrying my dauther. She was all burned, her face scrunched in pain. I could feel some more tears forming in my eyes again. both of them were walking toward us.
"Lucas! We've found 2 girls in this house! One is for sure dead, it looks a cupboard fell at her while home was burning, but there's still a chance for that little girl. My partner already called for ambulance, they will come soon."
"Great, we dont have much time. It looks like she went throu hell, i dont believe she will survive next hour without help."
Ambulance arrived after 10 minutes. At least four guys, two with scretcher and two with some first aid kit stuff at once quickly rushed to Emily. Within 3 minutes, she was already in ambulance, and me with her, driving to the nearest hospital. I cant let her die, she's my last hope. We arrived a little bit later, thankfully my home was near a hospital. Emily ended instantly at the surgery room while i had to wait in a waiting room. I think i've never been so worried as i am today. After what felt like an eternity, two guys walked from surgery room.
"We have done all we could, now we can only wait and see what will happen. About 70% of her body is burned, so we will need periodicaly making a skin transplants. Now she need to rest, she will need this."
I sighed with relief. I was sure she was dead already, but thanks god i was wrong. They will help her, they will heal her, i'm sure... She will survive... she will... she will...
She didnt.
24 days ago
I think i've entirely lost my mind. My friend let me live with him, but i didnt even cared to search for a new job or to find a new wife. My last week was about either drinking or lying. I couldnt stand the fact i've lost everything, this is just too much for me. I think i was already pissing off Simon, since i've been drinking and feeding at his cost. Tonight i went to sleep at almost 2am, i had a problem with sleeping lately. When i finally managed to go to sleep, i've had a really important dream, one that will totally change my life. In this dream i've been in a large, uknowed by me room, with wooden floor and red carpet at the middle of it. There was a table at this carpet, and behind a table that snakeish thing i've saw before, but this time room was fully visible, so i could take a better look. It looks like this snake wasnt a snake at all, it had paws... and claws, and... what the hell? It looks like a mix of random animals, with a head of a... well, i think it was a goat or something, it's actualy hard to say. It was looking rather creepy, but more disturbing was his smile... it was like he knew something i didnt. I've started to walk toward it, untill i was facing it. After a short time of silence, it spoke.
"Ah, i'm sorry, but i think i didnt introduce myself yet. I am Discord, spirit of chaos and disharmony."
"Yeah yeah, whatever. My name is-"
"Jack, i know, but i dont know exacly why you're avoiding using your surname, mister Jack Richard Ne-"
"Dont even say that, or else i'll end with you"
"Jeez, it looks like we have a tough one here, eh? What a shame that your toughness didnt helped you with your family."
"Say something about my family one more time and i'll make you suffer for the rest of your life!"
"Why should you? I'm not the one who did that, but i know who did..."
"Wait, someone did this? and you know who? tell me!"
"Well, this is actualy complicated. It was a person from another realm."
"What?"
"Exacly! You see, there's another realm in this universe, and i'm from this realm. This place is unlikely any you have seen so far! A person, or should i say, a girl who killed your family, who's living in this place is called Celestia. I do believe you want your revenge, but it's not as easy as you think it is. She's the ruler of the land i'm from, not even mentioning that going into another realm is just impossible for someone like you! unless..."
"Unless what?"
"...Unless i will help you! I shall create a portal for you to go into my realm so you could try and face Celestia, but if you want my help, you will need to stick to a few rules."
"...I'm listening."
"Very well! First rule: I'll create a portal, but you will need to get to it first! Teleport shall arive at the Rock Mountain Park in Georgia, at the top of this mountain. You will have to get to it on your feet, without any kind of vehicles. Second rule: You're not supoused to tell anyone about me. If you do so, teleport will dissapear, and you might have a little problem with your memory, just like person you told about me."
"I... I'll do it. I accept these rules."
"Great! Teleport is already on. Nobody can see it except you. Nobody can go throu it except you. This teleport exists actualy only for you, so you dont need to worry. Ah, and one more thing before we're off. You will be able to hear me in your mind, helping you solve some things, and you can asks me questions, just a small bonus from me." He smiled innocently. I know something is wrong, but does it matter? Dreams are crazy, but this one at least was interesting.
I woke up feeling refreshed. I've never felt so good since last few days. My first stop was at bathroom, then kitchen, had a little talk with Simon and then left his home. I've forgot already about this dream... if not one thing.
You still think it was only a dream? That's just funny! * *laughs****
No way. It was... real? I would never think it was real if not that. So i accepted offer from a strange freak about traveling throu realms to have a revenge on a ruler of their world? That just seems too fucked up to be true.
Where's fun in making sense, my friend? Our deal is still on, no matter what you think.
Ehhh, i really dont like that, but that... thing is right. I do want my revenge, and i shall do everything to kill that whole Celestia, no matter who she is.
I do believe it's not so easy as it sounds like, Jack. To get even close to her, you will need to stick to her subjects, or else you will never be able to even see her. Rest i will tell you once we will be at the other realm
And so began my journey throu forests and hills, looking for this whole portal. It took me forever to even get to Georgia at first place, and i still had to get to this whole park.
I would never consider things would turn out to be that bad...
Present Time
Fuck! fuck fuck fuck! I've been walking throu these mountains forever, looking for a way to climb on it. This damn park is just ahead, but here i am now, lying and slowly dying, with at least weighing 3 tons rock on my left leg. Discord or whatever it was called was silent for last week, and even now when i'm asking him for help, he dont respond. This is probably my end. I dont even know how it happened. This rock just slid out of nowhere. I tried to dodge it, but i was too slow, and rock fall straight at my leg. Blood slowly flows under it, and i'm twisting from damn huge amount of pain. I wish things wouldnt end like this. I just want to be with my wife and my daughter... i hope i will see them at least in the afterlife...
Sudden flash was all i could see before i fainted.
Chapter 1 - Into The Fairyland
Chapter 1 - Into The Fairyland
...Wake up Jack, it's not a good time for a nap. It is time to face a new reality...
I slowly open my eyes to quickly shut them again due to pain. I wanted to twist around, but i couldnt move my body. Just great .
So i was just lying at the... grass? Where am i exacly? I tried to slowly open my eyes to discover something... strange. I wasnt at this mountain anymore, i was in some kind of a forest... wait. If i'm in forest, i'm not at this mountain, so i probably dont have this rock at my leg anymore.... So why i dont feel it anyway? I looked down at my legs and i felt terror building in me slowly. I was missing a left leg. I. Was. Missing. A Damn. Leg. I think i was about to pass out again if not the sudden voice from somewhere behind me.
"Dear Celestia! What is that thing?!" It was probably a young girl, from the way her voice sounds like.
"I dont know, maybe it's an ape?" Another young girl, but her voice was rather deeper than the first one.
"It's missing leg! What should we do?" Hold on... It ?
"Maybe we should tell someone?"
"Good idea! Maybe we will be rewarded for discovering a new kind of ape! Just think about this, Doctor Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon!" ...Wait, how many times they called me an ape? And what's wrong with their names?
I could hear them walk away... yeah, i wish i could call it "walk". It sounded like horses trotted away. I dont even want to think about it, but after a while a sudden realization came to me... i'm in another realm. I did it. How? i have no idea, but i did this... Wait a second, did one of them said 'Dear Celestia'? Eh, whatever. Revenge have to wait for a while, first i need to think of what to do now... AND MY LEG! God damn it, i cant believe i lost my leg! How am i supoused to survive with just one leg?!
This shouldnt be much of a problem, i do believe you're creative!
DISCORD YOU FUCKING TRAITOR!
Calm down my friend, i havent done anything wrong! I had some stuff to do on my own, so i couldnt help you before. But hey, here you are! You should be thankfull that i stoped bleeding from what you have left of your leg just in time to save your life. Sadly, that's all i can do for you, to get better you need to get to the hospital... and i reccomend doing it quickly.
Another wave of pain agreeded with him, but it still doesnt change the fact that i can't really move right now. All i can do is wait for these two kids bring help. Luckily, soon i've heard more of... horse... trotting. Man, that sounds just weird. It would suck if it comes out that they arent people at all, since this is totally other realm.
"...and then we found it lying here!" Said one of these young girls approaching.
"Dear Celestia! Girls, i dont think this is an ape. Stand away from it, i have to take a closer look at this" Said a new voice, another girl, but probably older than these girls. I could hear something approaching to me. After a second i was able to see who's that.
...
It was a horse.
It was a purple horse.
It eyes were unnaturaly wide, it had purple mane with pink highlights or however that was called, and her tail looked pretty much like her mane. It was also quite small for a horse, i think it was a pony or something in that matter. When she saw that i have opened eyes, her eyes went even wider. I think i was slowly getting back control over my body, because i somehow flinched, which made it to take a step back.
"Oh dear, it's awake!"
...It talked. She talked. Now here's a little problem, you see, i hate horses. This scar i have at my hand is related to an old history. When i was 10 years old, i went with my dad on a trip to farm of my dad's friend. My father was working once at farm, so he thought it would be nice to show me that working at the farm isnt really that bad. Once we arrived, our first target was a stable. My father's friend, Edgar, told me to fed them, so i could gain their trust. When i tried to give them some hay, one of them bite my hand. I've almost lost it, if not quick help. From that day, i have some kind of a phobia to horses. So you can gues my reaction when i saw purple talking horse above me. I wanted to step aside, move from here, do anything , but all i could do so far was to move my arm a little bit my arms and move around my head. I tried to say something, but all i could say was:
"Get... Away..."
"It talks! Quickly girls, we need to get this to hospital! I'll take care of it, you go and-"
That was all i could hear before i fainted again, due to sudden, Really Bad wave of pain.
When i woke up, i still could feel pain, but this time it was way lesser. It looks like i was in some sort of hospital room, white walls, some strange machines around me, a small table next to me with a vase with some flowers. Thankfully i could move already, so i get myself into a more comfortable position and started to think. Probably some guys will come soon to ask me how do i feel and blah blah blah... or maybe a girl... yeah, that would be nice... And then, a sudden realization hit me. Am i... lost ?
I could feel all my muscles tense up, my eyes went wide, my heart rate speed up and my breath quickened. No, dont panic, i'm not lost, i'm in hospital, i'm not lost... But where is this hospital? I dont know any places at all! Alright, calm down, you have to discract yourself, think! What to do, what to do...
At this moment, i heard door opening, followed by a gasp. When i looked at the door, i saw... the same fucking purple pony as before. She looked pretty horrified, but after a second she said:
"Ummmm... execuse me..."
"What are you?" I said, trying to keep my voice as much calm as i can.
"Oh, right! My name is Twilight Sparkle. What's yours?" She seemed a little bit more reliefed now
"I'm Jack."
"...Jack who?"
"Doesnt matter, for you i'm Jack."
"Well... ok, Jack. I have a few questions to you, and i'm sure you have some questions as well, but first i need to ask... do you feel alright?"
"No."
"Oh... yeah, i could expect that. Also, one more thing before we start... what happend to your... left leg?"
I clenched my fist. C'mon, you need to stay calm. "...I lost it"
"Oh dear. I'm so sorry, but our healing magic cant do anything in that case... i dont believe your leg will grow back?" I really wanted to tell her to fuck off now, but i have to play it cool... at least for now. Magic? I'll sure ask about that.
"No. I wont have it back.
"I'm really sorry Jack... are you sure you dont mind some questions?"
"Go on, i'll anserw what i can" She was about to come closer, and at the same time i feel my phobia kick in. "But please, stay away. Dont take it in offensive way, just... stay back."
"Ouh... Well, ok, i gues... So tell me, what are you?"
"Well, i do believe i'm a human."
"Human?" I think i could see a spark in her eyes, i have a bad feeling about this. "I've never heard about humans before! We just probably discovered a new race! Tell me, where do you live?"
"Florida, Miramar city."
"Ummmm... what?"
"Ok, maybe another way: Earth."
"Wait... you want to tell me you're not from Equestria?"
"From what?"
"You dont know Equestria? Oh dear Celestia, you must be from another world then!"
I was about to tell her about how i get here or what i'm doing here, but then suddenly i heard Discord.
It would be the best if you stay innocent, dont tell anyone what you plan on doing here or how you get there. Let everyone think you dont know how you end up here, it will keep you safe.
I do believe he's right, but i have a bad feeling about this. From Twilight's wide smile i could say she wanted so literaly read me. It feels... slightly creepy.
"Well... i dont really know. I just suddenly arrived here and-"
"So you have no idea how you moved throu about billion light years from one planet to another?"
"Hey, if i say i dont know, then i dont!"
"Oh... Sorry, i didnt wanted to press" I could say from her... Face mimic? That she was a little bit ashamed.
"Eh... dont worry about it. I have some questions as well, if you dont mind asking"
"Of course no, feel free to ask anything."
"Where am i?" At least i could keep one of my phobias at bay.
"Well, you're in a land called Equestria, in a small village Ponyville." Ponyville? Really? Not even mentioning that a small village have a hospital . I decided to not push my luck with that.
"...And what are you ?"
"Well, i'm a pony, unicorn exacly. This land is mainly populated by ponies. There are 4 kinds of ponies in this land: Earth Ponies, Unicorns, Pegasus and Alicorns. Earth ponies are mostly strong and fit, unicorns can use magic and cast spells, pegasus have wings and can fly, while alicorns are mix of all these 3 kind of ponies." Well, at least one puzzle solved so far: world of ponies. Just great.
"Ummm.. you wouldnt happen to have more humans here, dont you?"
"No, you're the first human in Equestria. Ooh, this is so exciting! There's so much we can learn from eachother abour our worlds!"
I think i was about to lost it when suddenly another pony came in. Comparing to Twilight, she was probably female as well. She was all white with a red plus at her flank. If i have to gues, she's problably a nurse. I wonder what's up with these tattos at flanks, since i noticed that Twilight have such tatto as well, but her looks like a big star with a few smaller stars around it. Another thing to ask about. Maybe it's- Oh god she's coming closer!
"Well, it looks like it's awake now, i will have to-"
"STAY AWAY FROM ME!" I yelled as i started to back off in bed. That nurse and Twilight were quite shocked, and started slowly to step back.
"Jack, is there's something wrong?" Twilight asked, concern in her voice. It looks like Nurse write something down at card (Which i didnt even saw when did she get it).
"I.. uhhh... well, i have some kind of a... phobia"
"Execuse me, what was that?" Nurse asked.
"I have... a phobia..." I said it and quickly hide under bed sheets. What am i supoused to say? 'Hello my horse friend, i'm scared of you, so dont even come close to me or i'll break your neck!'
*Laugh*
Shut up, this is serious. I slowly peek out of sheets to see them looking at me with rather mixed feelings. God, that have to look pathetic, but i cant really help it.
"...What phobia?" Nurse asked.
"...I'm afraid... of you..." God damn it, that's just embarrasing.
"...of nurses?" I could hear Discord laugh again at this point.
"No! I'm afraid of... horses..." After few seconds of thinking i added "... and ponies." I think i broke them. They were looking at me like i was dumb. Nurse took a step closer as i quickly backed in my bed again. I think i could see a smirk at her face for a second.
"Well, this might be a problem. But where are my manners, let me introduce myself! My name is Redheart, and i'll be your nurse for a next 2 weeks. Twilight and her friends brought you here yesterday. And i'm really sorry, but you will have to get used to us, land of Equestria is mainly populated by ponies!" She happily said.
"She is right Jack, i dont know how long you will stay here, but your phobia might be really a problem. If you want, we can help you."
"Well, i dont know... i gues we can try" I replied. I'm really not sure about this idea, but it's worth a try.
"Very well, wait here, i'll call my friends, they might help as well!" She happily said and quickly trotted away. I have a bad feelings about it.
Nurse stayed here for a while to explain me how i can call her if i would need something, and then left as well. I laid my head on a pillow and started thinking again. So, world of ponies, eh? That would means Celestia is a pony as well... and she's the ruler of this place... I dunno, these ponies looks like they're pretty peacefull, i dont know if she would do it.
Oh trust me, she did. I've saw it on my own eyes! I tried to stop her, but i was too slow. She opened a portal to your world and shot a fire ball in it, and quickly closed it after that. Oh, i wish i could get back in time and stop that!
These words filled my soul with fire once again. Throu my journey i was slowly calming down, but Discord was always trying to keep my anger. I'm slowly starting to wonder if he have something planned.... but hey, wait a second! I was supoused to hear Discord only throu my journey. Why do i still hear you?
Well, you're actualy right, but are you sure you want me to leave your mind already?
...well, he's probably right. I dont want him to leave me yet, there's still a lot of things i dont understand about this world, and he will be a great help to get used to it.
That's what i thought. Dont worry Jack, there's not much things left for you to understand, rest you will be able to solve by your own.
At this moment Twilight came back with 5 more ponies behind her. One of them is light yellow pgeasus with long pink mane and tail, she was the last one who entered this room, and looks like she's ready to run away whenever something goes wrong. She have 3 butterflies at her flank. Second one is... whole pink. Pink mane, pink skin, pink tail, 3 ballons at her flank and with really wide smile, it looks like she's earth pony. Something tells me i wont like her. Third one is a white unicorn, with really fancy purple mane and tail, and with gems at her flank. By the look at her face i can say she's not really pleased by being here. Fourth one is an orange earth pony with yellow hair and brown cowboy hat. Damn that hat is awesome. She have 3 apples at her flank, and by the way she's looking at me i feel like one wrong move and i'll end up with my head smashed into a wall. It makes me a little nervous, but this fifth pony is quite distracting me from it. She's a blue pegasus with a fucking rainbow mane and tail . Picture at her flank looks like a lighting bolt coming from a cloud. The look she's giving me is similar to the one the hat pony is giving me, but i can see a slight interest in her eyes. When all ponies entered my room, everyone went silent. I could feel all of them looking at me, which make me feel uncomfortable. After a while, Twilight stoped this silence.
"Well girls, meet Jack! Jack have a little problem which i already told you about, and i want you to help him to get throu his fear!" Twilight happily says.
"Well it's nice to meet ya Jack. Mah name is Applejack" said the Orange one
"Hi! My name is Pinkie Pie! You must be new here cause i havent seen you before and when Twilight told me about you i was like *gasp* and i just know that i have to see you to say hi and tell you that i'm Pinkie Pie and that you're going to have a party!" Pink one said that all in one breath. I knew i wont like her.
"My name is Rarity, Ponyville Fashonista. It's nice to meet you." White unicorn said that. Fashionista? Ponies wear clothes?
"Umm... my name is fluttershy"
"Umm, excuse me? I didnt heard that" I replied.
"My name is Fluttershy"
"Fluttershy?" i asked.
"Y-yes..."
"Ok..." I think she would run away already if not the fact that others were here with her.
"And my name is Rainbow Dash! The best flier in Equestria!" Said the blue one. Rainbow Dash . Of course.
"Well, now that you know everyone, i think we can start now!" Twilight happily said.
We spend next week trying to get rid of my phobia. I have to say, we were doing pretty good. They were coming every day for two hours, and these hours were mostly spend by talking with eachother about our worlds, differences and stuff like that. After first 4 days, i was able to allow them come closer to me, and at the end they were able to touch me without me freaking out. Discord was quiet throu all this time, so i wasnt distracted. And then nurse Redheart decided that i'm ready to go.
"What do you mean he's ready to go? He dont have a leg!" Rainbow Dash protested
"Dont worry about this, we have created something to help Jack move on his own!" Said Redheart, looking somewhat excited.
"Really? What is that?" I asked with hope in my voice. Redheart walked out for a minute, and then came back with the leg prosthesis. They made a leg prosthesis? I have to say, this one looks rather strange. It looks like it just simply dissapears at the part where should be knee. It looks like my normal leg on the outside, skin and stuff, but inside looks like filled with a blue fog.
"C'mon, why dont you check it?" Redheart said as she gave it to me. I looked at it without any idea of what to do with it. From what have been left from my leg is only thigh with a knee, so i just slid this prosthesis at it. My knee sting for a second, and then... i could feel my left leg again. It felt like i have my leg back, even if it's just a prosthesis. I slowly stand up and look around myself. Ponies were looking quite shocked as how high i am comparing to them. Most of these ponies heads were at the height of my stomach. I could feel a smile forming at my face.
"Let's go."
Chapter 2 - Target Marked
Chapter 2 - Target Marked
After i left hospital i couldnt help but notice one thing: This place is way too colorful. Everything is bright, it all looks like it's been drawed. Twilight told me i can live in her house for a while, so this is where we're heading right now to. On our way all the ponies around were looking at me. After a week of fighting with my phobia i dont feel that much scared of them now, but the fact that that they are all looking at me makes me quite nervous. I think Twilight noticed that, cause she quickened her step. We arrvied in front of her home in 5 minutes or so. God damn it, she's living in a tree?
"Ummm, Twlight? Are you sure this is your home?" I asked, still not sure of what to think about this.
"Yeah, why do you ask?" She asked innocently.
"...This is a tree."
"Yes, but also my home! C'mon, step inside!" She said happily. I couldnt help but to roll my eyes.
As we entered this place, i couldnt help but look all around me. Is this a Library? I saw a sign next to this house, but didnt payed attention on what's written on it. There was bookcases on every wall, and every bookcase full of books of all kinds, all alphabeticaly arranged. There are stairs leading into second floor and a wooden door on my left. After a while rest of ponies get inside and Twilight started to explain us her plan on what to do with me.
"Alright girls, Jack will live with me untill we discover what bringed him here, and if that's possible, how to make him get back to his world." Oh dear, i didnt expected they will want to send me back to my world. I'll need to talk about this with her later. "Well Jack, if you will need clothes, talk with Rarity, i'll pay for everything you need, so dont worry"
"Well, i dont know Twilight... it makes me feel bad to know that you will pay for everything, i'm sure there's a way i can get money on my own."
"Well, if ya think so, ya can always work on mah farm. It's near ponyville, so ya dont need to worry." Said Applejack.
"Oooooor you can work in Sugar Cube Corner! In this way we could see eachother everyday! I would teach you how to make cupcakes and muffins and other sweets!" Said... eh, you perfectly know who said that.
"Well Pinkie, i think i'll accept Applejack offer. I'm not really a cook, and at least i've seen how does farm looks like." I replied. Pinkie awww'd and Applejack smirked. I couldnt help but chuckle a little.
"Anyway, so you will be able to to pay for yourself. As i said, for clothes you can ask Rarity, i'll get for you food and drink, and Rainbow Dash can guide you throu town. And now, dont even think about paying me, it's all for my own cost." I could see Twlight face harden at that, so i didnt even wanted to argue with that.
"Eh, seems fair. So, what now?"
"Ah, right! I need to show you around my home! Follow me." And so i went on a quick tour throu her house. As it comes out, it is a library, which explained a lot of things. Throu this quick tour i almost jumped out of window because of a small dragon suddenly aproaching from nowhere. Later i've been explained that he's her assistant or whatever he called himself... for me it was more like he was her pet. At the end of tour she showed me my room. It was pretty small for my opinion, but it still was good enough. A single bed, a closet, a table with some stuff on it like quill and ink or some blank pages. Whole room seems to be pretty empy, but that wasnt really a problem.
"So, if you will need anything, just call me." Said Twilight. Ok, i think this is a good time to ask her about this.
"Actualy, i have a question. Do you happen to know who is Celestia?"
"Of course Jack, she's the princess of Equestria! She and her sister Luna are ruling together whole country! Additionaly, they control sun and the moon. Celestia controls the sun, while her younger sister Luna controls the moon. So i gues you can say they control the day!" She chuckled. So, Celestia have a power to control celestial bodies ? Surprise, surprise... Thou i havent heard about this whole Luna before... I'll have to ask Discord about it.
"So, anything else?" Twilight asked.
"Actualy, no... Tell me, why do you help me?"
"Why do you even ask? It's normal to help a friend in need!"
"...Friend?"
"Of course, we're friends!"
"Huh... Friends. Thank you, Twilight."
"You're welcome!" She happily said as she left apparently my new room. So... Friends?
I wouldnt recommend being a friend with her Jack, this is dangerous.
Why is that? She helped me in need, she helped me fight with my phobia, and now she let me live with her. I owe her a lot.
Because maybe i havent told you yet, but she's Celestia most faithful student.
...
I was just standing there, looking throu the window, shocked. Celestia's most faithful student? I cant believe i just became a friend with someone like her! But still... she did helped me. I dont have anything against her, but why she have to be Celestia's student? ...Actualy, this is good. This is great! If she's her faithful student, maybe she will be able to prepare a meeting for me with her! That would be a perfect chance to... to... Exacly. Even if i will meet her, what do i plan to do? If she's able to control sun as Twilight said, i wont be able to do anything to her. But this is my main problem right now. Do i even want to do something to her? I think i would just talk with her about it and-
YOU SHALL KILL CELESTIA!!!
Suddenly i could feel a splitting headache. It was so powerfull i instantly fall on the ground and twisted in pain. Everything went blurry around me and it felt like there's a powerfull earthquake going on. After a few more seconds it all suddenly stoped just like it started. I slowly get back on my legs and tried to think of what just happend... Discord? He was silent. I was terrified by the idea that he can do something like this and i cant control it. I knew from the beggining it was a bad idea! Now it looks like i have to kill her, not because of my own need, but because i'm forced to do it. Discord really is a traitor.
As i looked throu the window, i could see a night approaching. I just realized how tired i am, so i went straight to my bed. It was way too small for me, so i had to curl in ball and sleep like that, with a hope i wont fell off throu the night.
And then, once again i arrived in the same room as when i first meet Discord, but this time something was changed. Whole room was a lot more darker, and Discord was almost entirely black, only his eyes, one of his horns and his teeth glowing bright yellow throu the darkness. His eyebrows were white, and once again he had this face expression like he knew something i dont. And this time, there was a single chair in front of me. I've slowly walked to it and took a seat, only to suddenly fall on the ground as chair somehow pushed itself away on it's own. Discord instantly started to laugh.
"Hahahahaha! I wish you could see your face! Priceless!" I couldnt help but to clinch my fist tight as i sit on this chair, first holding it with my hand to make myself sure i wont fall again. "Oh c'mon, you dont think it was funny?"
"I'm not here to watch your bad jokes. Tell me, what do you need me for?" I could see his face harden when i called his jokes bad, but he quickly recovered as he walked to me.
"Well, you see, there's a little problem we have. I know you dont want to kill Celestia, even if you sure feel hate to her, so i decided to change my rules a little bit. Here's new rule: I'll help you get to Celestia and give you power enough to kill her, but you have to do it. "
"...No." He instantly get more serious as he suddenly teleported behind me.
"I think i didnt heard you, my friend. What was it?"
"I dont want to kill her. She did something really wrong, but if she's a ruler of this land, then probably she had a reason to do it. All i want to do is to talk with her about it." Now i think i pissed him off. Discord teleported away, once again back at his position behind a table.
"Alright, you have two options now. First option, you will do as i said and we will be all good, or second option. You will do it on your own way, and you can forget about my help. Even more, i might be able to make it harder for you to get to her. Choose." I pretend to think for a while about it, but my choice was obvious.
"I want to do it on my own. I dont need your help, Discord." I was sure he would tear me apart now, but he just smirked.
"Very well. Let's see how you will get to her with that. " At this moment i could feel a sting at my forehead. I put my head in my hands and try to not focus on it. It didnt really hurt, i would say it was just annoying. After a few seconds it stoped, and when i looked around, i saw Discord right in front of me.
"It's time to wake up now."
When i woke up, i felt pretty bad, like i havent sleeped forever. I wish i could just stay in my bed for the rest of the day, but after a while i heard Twilight knocking at my door.
"Jack! Breakfast is ready!" After a few seconds i could hear her walking away. I sighed heavily, get up from my bed and went straight to bathroom. I will need to ask Rarity for a new set of clothes soon, i have these since i arrived in hospital, so it was pretty smelly right now. Eh, such is life.
While i was done cleaning, i looked in a mirror. I'll need to shave soon, i would use a haircut as well... wait a second, what is this ? It looks like some kind of a brooch with 2 red gems and horns, quite similar to Discord. I had drawed this at my forehead. I tried to clean it somehow, but whatever i tried, it never dissapeared. Is that what he meant by saying he will make it harder for me? It sure looks silly, but i dont know how that would make it harder to visit Celestia. Anyway, breakfast is ready, i'm sure Twilight will find a way to get this off my forehead sooner or later.
I left bathroom and went down stairs, straight to the kitchen. When i entered it, Twilight was already eating. I came to the table and looked at what she served. Flowers . Grass . Is these are pancakes? Well, at least something i will be able to eat, but thinking that they eat grass and stuff like that made me worry what these pancakes are made of.
"Hey, Twilight... these pancakes are... good?"
"Yes, of course! Feel free to try!" She said, at last looking from her plate. At the moment she saw me, her face had a mixed feeling of terror, shock and anger.
"What are you and what have you done to Jack?!" She angrily demanded as she suddenly stand from the table and backed away.
"What are you talking about?" I was rather shocked. What is going on?
That was all i could say before a sudden wave of light hit me and pushed me at the wall. I could see Twilight slowly approaching me with quite angry look on her face.
"Twilight! What is going on?!"
"Stop acting dumb! Mark of Discord is clearly visible!"
"Mark of Discord? What?!" Oh uh. I know where is this going to. Alright, it's time to play dumb.
"What mark?"
"Mark of Discord, a way Discord could distinguish between his slaves and other ponies! This mark simbolizes a total obedience to him!" Well, now that explains a lot. Discord put that thing at my forehead so ponies would think i'm some kind of a freak... but wait a second...
"Who is Discord?" I knew him, and i knew that he's from this realm, but i had no idea other ponies knew about him as well. I think Twilight was getting more relieved with each sentence, though she was still pretty tensed.
"Discord is a god of chaos and disharmony, he was once ruling this land, but Princess Celestia and Princess Luna sealed him into a stone prison. Now he's a statue at the Canterlot garden." At this point she wasnt helding me anymore, i've slowly slid back at the ground. "If you're really not his slave... But why you have this mark?" Oh uh. It's time for some explanations.
"Well, Twilight, you see..." And so it went. I've told her about my family, my home, about my pact with Discord and how i left him. After all that she was thinking for at least 10 minutes, all this time looking throu the window. Finally she turned back to me.
"Well, Jack... this seems really unbelievable... Wait here, i need to talk with Spike." And so she left. She came back after 5 minutes or so, looking pretty worried.
"Twilight... we are still friends, right?"
"Uhh... oh, yeah, of course." She seemed even more worried right now. I wanted to talk with her more, but she suddenly said.
"Hey Jack, i think you should visit Rarity! Your clothes arent really that fresh anymore."
"Yes, i do believe you're right. I'll be back soon." I left her home... and realized i have no idea where Rarity is living. If i good remember, Rainbow Dash was supoused to show me town, but i cant really- Oh, nevermind, here she is.
"Hey Jack, are you ready for tour?"
"Well, i gues i am. Can we visit Rarity shop first? I need something from her." Something tells me this is going to take a while.
"Yeah, sure, now c'mon!" And so we went.
First stop was at Rarity fashion stop as i asked, 'Carousel Boutique', as i learned before. Whole place looks... Strange . I dont even know how to describe it. Whole thing for sure looked fancy . Inside there was some pony mannequins, some fabric around and all this stuff for fashion. As we enter, a bell above the door rang and Rarity peeked out of nowhere.
"Oh, hello Rainbow Dash Darling, Hello Jack. How can i help you?"
"Well Rarity, do you think you could prepare a set of clothes for me?
"Of course, i can always try! I'll need to prepare some... ummm, Jack? What do you have on your head?" Crap, i hoped they wouldnt notice.
"Yeah... now that i looks closer, you did have something drawed on your head... it reminds me of.." Rainbow Dash was about to end this sentence but suddenly Rarity said.
"Nothing! It's nothing, Rainbow! It's just, ehmmmm.... Tatto! Yes, a tatto! I've showed him a... uhmmm... a one Stalion that's making tattos, outside of Ponyville!" ...Tatto? She's helping me? By reaction of Twilight, i can say it's somewhat strange, but i think i dont have any other choice now anyway.
"Oh, really? Great! You will need to show me that Stalion once!" Thanks god, she bought that.
"Well... maybe later. Now, you said you need some clothes? I'll need to take some measurments, wait a second dear." She said as she left.
"Alright Jack, i'll wait outside once you will be done here. Just dont take too long, ok?" Rainbow asked.
"Alright, thanks" She nod as she left. I've decided to look around while Rarity was preparing some stuff. After a while i noticed a short letter at the table. Curiosity won, so i checked what was on it. I couldnt believe what i saw.
'Dear Rarity
Jack is coming to you right now. He is probably dangerous, you will understand once you will see him. Try to hold him here, help will be here soon.
Twilight Sparkle.'
I slowly backed away, my eyes locked at this letter. Help is coming? I was about to quickly leave this place, but suddenly Rarity came back with some tapes.
"Alright Jack, if you could take off that shirt and pants, that would help a lot. It shouldnt take too long." I was rather nervous at this point. She wants to check if i have any kind of weapons with me. Well, i couldnt do too much now anyway, running away would make this whole case worse, so i start to take off my shirt and pants. Once that done, Rarity came closer and really carefully took some measurements. Once that done, she quickly step away and went back to her room. I put my clothes back and sat at the closest chair. Help is coming, eh? I need to find an opportunity to get away from these ponies, thou i dont really believe i will have such a chance. I had a plan slowly forming in my mind. After that i'll talk to Rainbow Dash to bring me back to Twilight. I dont know how much i can trust her, but from that place i can run away throu the balcony. After that... well, i'll think about it. Rarity just came in, looking pretty worried.
"Well, Jack, i have your measurements prepared, and soon i'll start working on a first set... Would you like maybe to stay for a while? Perhaps for a cup of tea? I do believe we could talk about how you want your clothes to looks like." Nice try Rarity.
"Sorry, but i forget something while leaving Library, and i need to get it quickly." Oh damn, that look at her face.
"Execuse me?! But... but... Wait! I can bring it, you can stay here!"
"C'mon Rarity, it wont take too long, i'll be back soon." 'Back soon' my ass.
Before she could say anything i left. Rainbow Dash showed me way back to Library. I have a feeling like... something big is coming. When i was in front of Twilight home, i could see a white, buff unicorn stalion going outside. He had some kind of a star as his cutie mark, and had a white armor. I gues he was some kind of a cop or however they were called in this land. As he noticed me coming, he and four other armored ponies came out of building and walked straight to me. I was about to turn around and run away, but suddenly a blue light surrounded me as i somehow levitated to the one with a start as his cutie mark. I saw twilight using something like that as well. Is it that whole magic Twilight and others were talking about back at hospital? As he slowly approach me, i could see his face hardener with each step. I tried to get away, do anything, but this magic was holding me in one place. When he was almost face-to-face with me, he said:
"My name is Shinning Armor, Captain of the royal guards in Canterlot. Are you the one called 'Jack'?" I wanted to say no, lie and hope he will buy it, but somehow all i could say was:
"Yes, i am Jack." What the hell? It felt like a part of my brain blocked any possibility to create a lie, and instantly send a truth instead. Is that another unicorn trick? I could see him smirk at my probably horrified face expression.
"Very well, Jack. You are under arrest."
Chapter 3 - New Perspective
Chapter 3 - New Perspective
What ever have i done to deserve it? . Right now i was in some kind of a train, on my way to Canterlot Prison. All this time Shinning Armor was looking at me with a smile at his face. Silence filled wagon as i was getting more worried with every second. This whole situation makes me nervous as hell, cant he at least give me a break? After a while he broke this silence.
"Hey, dont worry, i know you're innocent." Now that just stunned me.
"Wh-What? How do you know?"
"Discord slaves are immune to all kind of mind spells, which also means lie detector." I knew it was him! "So right now you will only need to visit Princess Celestia to let her check it on her own. I'm almost sure that this thing at your head isnt a real Mark Of Discord, though it looks pretty similar to the original one." Jackpot! I will be probably free and i'll meet with Celestia! Oh god, this is getting way too easy! ...I'm sure something will fuck up soon.
"Sooooo, can you get these cuffs off me?" I dont even want to know why ponies have a cuffs when their population dont have hands.
"Sorry, i cant. If other guards would see you free, i might be degraded."
"Eh, seems legit. Anyawy, how long will it take to that prison?"
"About two more hours. But just so we could understand each other: I know you're not working for Discord, but it doesnt mean i trust you. Do you understand?"
"I gues i do. Have you told Twilight that everything is fine yet?"
"No, i havent. I didnt really had much time, after i arrest you i had to get us a train and prepare guards for leaving. Being a captain makes me responsible for everything, sometimes i wish i would be just a normal guard." Oh, you poor thing. Too bad you said before that you dont want to be degraded.
"Eh, such is life."
"I do believe you're right."
We went silent for a next hour. I was watching throu the window as train was going throu mountains and forests. I could see far away a huge castle up on the hill. That must be a Canterlot. We were getting slowly closer to it when another guard entered our wagon.
"Sir! We've reported something strange. It looks like all wolfs from the forest next to us are watching train."
"What? This forest have at least sixty kilometers!" Shinning said as he looked throu the window on the other side. I wanted to come as well, but this guard was watching my every move. He would probably cut off my legs if i try to move... though i have only one real. After a while he walked away from this window, looking confused.
"Well, that's strange. It looks like all the wolfes came at the edge of the forest just to watch train going throu. I've never seen something like this before, most animals stay away whenever train is approaching." He started looking around him. "There must be probably something that attracts their attention..." His eyes locked on me. "Do you have something to do with this?" I've saw his horn glow as he once again blocked my possibility to create a lie. "Well?"
"I dont." I could feel the spell fade away.
"Alright. I'm sure it's nothing important. Guard, tell our conductor to check if wolfes will be looking again next time he will be going this way"
"Yes, sir!" He left a second after he said that.
After another hour we arrived at our destination. Canterlot was huge comparing to Ponyville, but what did i expected from a city where princesses are living. We made our way to the prison... Which is right next to the castle. Putting a prison next to the castle? Interesting. Prison outside was looking almost the same way as the castle, quite colorful, happy and all that stuff. We made our way inside, i let Shinning lock me in a cell and now we were waiting. Inside of this prison was... rather unexpected. Have you ever been inside of a maximum security prison? It was something in that kind. Walls looking like they were carved in a rock, metal bars at least 20 centimeters wide in every cell, and inside of every cell were a simple bed and a toilet... Yeah, i'm sure not using these toilets, even if i had to shit in my pants. Luckily, i wasnt about to stay here forever, me and Shinning were waiting for Celestia right now. After half an hour, i could hear a hoofsteps approaching from the hall. After a while, a huge... alicorn, was it? Came out of the hall. Her head was at the heigh of mine, maybe even a few centimeters higher, she was pure white with golden tiara on her head and golden horse shoes. She had a rather worried look on her face. As she approached, i felt somehow instantly safe, like there's an invisible aura of warm around her. She was looking at me for a while before she spoke with motherly voice.
"So you're the one who's supoused to be a slave of Discord? I have to say, i didnt expected 'friend from another world', as Twilight said, would be working for Discord. A mark seems to be original, but i'll have to check it on my own." Twilight was talking with Celestia about me?
"Feel free to check." She smiled at that as she slowly lowered her horn, to the point she was poiting it straight at my chest. After a few seconds, a small laser thingy came out of her horn and connected with my chest. I could feel something warm going throu my body, and then throu my mind. With every second of it, i could see her smile fade away, to be replaced with... fear? Finally laser dissapear, as she looked at me with rather worried experssion.
"You poor thing... You're not working for Discord, or at least not anymore. I've seen some of your memories, and it was just awfull! I can help you if you want that, but i need to assure you i've never done anything to your family, believe me or not. Discord manipulated you, though i dont know what does he have planned... I will need to think about this for a while. You're free, but please, come with me, i need to discuss some things." I was standing there, totally stunned. She was able to read my memories? That saved a lot of explanation, but still that was just wrong. Shinning was shocked as well, but he recovered first. He quickly opened my cell and let me out. Celestia lead the way outside as i followed her, still shocked. We were heading to the castle, but as we were walking, i've noticed something. Guards. Guards are all around us. Some of them were visibly walking next to us, some were hiding, i've counted at least twenty of them overall. I've been following Celestia in silence, but after a while she started a conversation.
"So, how long you've been here?"
"Over two weeks, more or less." Shit, should i add 'princess'? I could feel some guards gaze at me. Celestia clearly didnt minded that though.
"I see. How do you like it here?" Trick question? If i say i dont like it, i would say that i dont like her land. I have to say, Canterlot and Ponyville seems pretty nice, but some ponies around arent quite... charming. I still cant believe Twilight didnt trusted me.
"Well... It seems quite n-nice..." Shit, such obvious lie. Celestia gaze went for a moment to me, but after a while she smiled.
"You dont need to worry, Jack, nobody will harm you now. But iff you dont want to talk about this, i'm ok with it." Thanks god.
We soon arrived at the main hall in castle. Everything was richly decorated, a huge crystal chandelier hanging above us, a marmur floor under us and in front of us and a huge stairs leading at the next floor. I was expecting that the castle will be looking rich, so i wasnt really that shocked, though everything was still looking amazing. Our trip continued to the throne room, where was two thrones, and at one of them was sitting a dark blue alicorn. By what Twilight told me, it was probably princess Luna. Her gaze was following me as i hesitantly entered the room.
"So, thou must be the one called Jack?" Luna asked.
"Yes, it's me." And once again, forget about 'princess' part. Luna seemed unpleased by that, but thankfully Celestia saved me.
"I've bringed Jack here to discuss some important things, my sister, and i need you to hear it as well. I'm afraid Discord is free once again." ...Free once again?
"What made thou think that?" Luna asked.
"Take a closer look at his head, but dont worry. It is original, but Discord have no control over him, i've personaly checked it." Luna stand up from her throne and came closer to me, a confused look on her face. I cant help but notice one thing. Both princesses manes looks... i dont know... eternal? Princesses manes and tails looks like swimming throu the air, Luna's looked like a night sky, and Celestia's like a strips of colors you can see throu day at the sky, and one pink. When Luna came closer, she gasped.
"This is the Mark of Discord! But it's not possible! Discord is now a statue in our garden!" Suddenly, both princesses froze.
"Guard!" Celestia called, a mix of fear and shock mixed on her face. A second later a guard came in.
"I am at your call, princess." Said guard.
"Go to our garden and check a statue of Discord."
"I'm on my way!" And he left. About three minutes left he came back, rather worried. "Princess! Discord statue is cracked in one place! Send someone to fix it?" I think Celestia was about to pee herself. Man, last time i've seen such face expression when my friend was hitting on a girl, and after they had planned a date i had to tell him that she was a dude.
"Yes, send someone to fix this... but i dont think it will be able to be fixed anymore..." Celestia heavily sighed.
"Of course princess." Aaaaand he left again.
"Sister, do you think Discord is..." Luna said, worried as well.
"...Yes, i think Discord is trying to break free. This is why i've brought Jack here. Tell me Jack, do you think Discord might plan something?" At the moment i thought they forget about me, surprise!
"Definitely yes, he was trying to make me kill you, as you probably know already. He also expected me to avoid Twilight, and for a reason he said she's your faithful student. I think he was afraid that Twilight might suspect something, which made his plan to fuck me up even better." I'm sure that even if both princesses and Shinning Armort themself would tell her that i'm fine, she still wouldnt trust me. Luna was pretty confused, since she dont know anything about what was happening, and i think she was about to ask, but Celestia stoped her.
"I'll explain you everything later, Luna. For now you must know that Discord is breaking free and tried to use Jack as an assasin to eliminate me. Thankfully, Jack resisted, which made Discord to retread. To punish Jack for that, he left his mark at his forehead." Wow, whole thing sounds less complicated than it is.
"I... see. So what do we do now, sister?" Luna asked.
"I'll send a group of guards to keep an eye on the statue and report everything that will happen to it. Me and you will try to keep Discord's magic at bay. Also, Jack, i want you to stay in Ponyville and keep an eye on elements of harmony. Now when Discord is trying to break free, he might try to corrupt them." Elements of Harmony?
"I'm sorry princess, but i dont know what these Elements Of Harmony are, or who have them." Hell yeah, i said 'princess'!
"Your friends Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight Sparkle have actualy Elements of Harmony, they are bearers of them." ...What. They have the Elements of Harmony?
"I still have a question though, princess. What are these Elements Of Harmony?" Luna looked at me like i'm dumb, but Celestia smiled, i think she expected that i'll ask that question once again anyway.
"Elements Of Harmony are an artifacts, older than this land itself. These contains a pure power of friendship, and there are six of them. Element of Honesty, Element of Kindness, Element of Laughter, Element of Generosity , Element of Loyalty and Element of Magic. Combined can counter everything." 'Go, go, Power Rangers!' Luna explained rest. "Bearers of the Elements of Harmony were discovered a year ago, after defeating a monster inside of me, called a Nightmare Moon. Elements of Harmony contain a great power, but only combined will work, so all of the bearers must be prepared."
"I see now. So, what do i do now?"
"Now i'll send you back to ponyville, but first i do believe you want this mark to be gone, dont you?" Celestia said, a small smile appearing on her face.
"Yes, that would be nice princess."
"Please, call me Celestia." Luna was looking quite shocked at that. "Alright, let me see what can i do about this..." She lowered her head to the moment her horn was pointing at my forehead. I saw her horn glow for a while, then stoped as she looked back at me, smilling.
"It's gone. Want a mirror?"
"No, i trust you made it dissapear, though i'm not sure if..." At this moment i looked at my hand, and saw a Mark of Discord at it. Celestia noticed that as well, and slighly narrowed her eyes.
"Dont worry Jack, i can try again." She repeated whole process, and now i didnt had it at my hand nor at my forehead. To make myself sure it's gone, i've checked rest of my body. Now mark appeard at my shoulder.
"I'm sorry Jack, but i dont think i will be able to make it dissapear, but at least it's in less visible place now."
"Eh, i think that will do." I hope so.
"Alright, then i think it's time to go. I'll come with you to calm down citizens, but i wont stay for too long, so i gues you will need to be the one to explain everything to your friends. Luna, do you wish to come as well?" At last Luna recovered and looked at us.
"No, i'm fine. Someone need to look after the castle while you're not here, after all."
"Dont be silly, Luna. I wont be there just for a few hours. Pleeaaseee!" I could see her making a puppy eyes. This trick is always working.
"Ehh, fine. I do believe it's been a while since i was last time in Ponyville." See? i told you, always working.
"Great, so let's get going." And so we left the castle. Thankfully, instead of taking a train, princesses used a chariot. It was quite big, rich detailed chariot, with a window on each side. It was night already, but throu the windows i could see everything perfectly, like it was middle of the day. We were about to start when suddenly... we flied.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! We are flying?!"
"Of course, you didnt saw pegazus in front of a chariot?" Oh. Right.
"That's amazing! I've never been flying before!"
"Well, there's always a first try." Luna and Celestia giggled as we flew above the forest. I could see mountains far away, some prairies with a village with some apple orchards and more mountains at the other side. We were flying right under the clouds. Flying is the best thing in the world! Soon we were approaching Ponyville. It's actualy bigger than i consider it to be, interesting... Morning was coming now, so some ponies were already outside, doing their busines. Soon after we arrived, all the ponies stoped whatever they were doing and quickly approached our carriot, some of them left their houses. When princesses left the chariot, everyone bowed. I could see Twilight and her friends approaching us as well.
"Stand up my ponies, i'm here to announce something." Celestia said. Twilight and rest were already next to princesses, nobody even noticed me. Maybe that's good.
"Princess Celestia! Princess Luna! What are you doing here?" Twilight happily asked. Celestia smiled at that.
"I'm here to announce a new citizen of Ponyville, Jack." Everyone's gaze went to me. I could see at Twilight face a mix of shock and terror. Feeling guilty, eh? "Jack will be living with Twilight Sparkle untill he will get his own house." I think Twilight was about to pass out now. "Also, one more thing. Jack, would you please show us the mark?" I rolled up my sleeve and showed everyone a Mark of Discord. Most of ponies probably didnt knowed what is this, but at least quarter of them flinched at that. Twilight... well, i think i could see a single tear forming in her eye. "Jack have a Mark of Discord, but dont worry everypony, Jack isnt working for Discord, i've checked it personaly. Treat him like everypony else, i give him my trust." And with these words, she and Luna came back into chariot and left. I could see everyone still looking at me, unsure of what to do. After a while, some of them started to walk away, as group start to spread. Twilight was now looking at me with tears in her eyes.
"Jack, i'm sorry... I should trust you... I have just done what felt right... I'm so sorry, Jack..."
"No problem Twilight, even more, i have to thank you. I was able to talk with Celestia and explain some things." Though it gave me yet another question. If she didnt burned my house, who was it? Or maybe it really was an auto-ignition as fire brigade said?
"Hey, so if Jack is going to stay in Ponyville now, i'll need to show him places around!" Said happily Rainbow Dash.
"And he will be able to work at mah orchard! Of course, if ya still want it is" Said happily Applejack.
"I have done already some projects of your clothes while you wasnt there, since i knew you'll be fine!" Said happily Rarity.
"Oooh! And i can make a 'Welcome-to-Ponyville' party! It will be soo great i'll invite everypone in Ponyville and there will be food and games and all your friends and it's gonna be the best party ever!" And once again, Pinkie said that in one breath.
"I'm so happy you're back, i was really worried when you left." Said happily Fluttershy, hugging me. I wanted to say her to let me go, but suddenly rest of ponies hugged me as well. God damn it, they are so soft, it's like hugging to a plush toy. After a while, they let me go. Twilight looked more relieved now.
"Alright Jack, i gues you can stay at the same room as before. Welcome back to Ponyville." She said with a smile.
Rest of day was spend at walking around Ponyville with Rainbow Dash, visiting Rarity to get my first set of fresh clothes, then working at Applejack orchard, and at the end of the day Pinkie made her 'Welcome-to-Ponyville' party. It was really fun, after a month of planning revenge on a person i havent even ever meet untill today, it felt really good to not worry about anything and to just have fun. After the part i went to Twilight home, know already the way. I went to the bathroom and cleaned myself up, still thinking about what happend today. After that, i went straight to bed. After a whole night and whole day without sleep, i felt tired as hell. As soon as i lay down on my bed, i realized something important... Discord was the only one who was able to talk with me, back at the earth. Nobody even knowed there was something like 'human race from another world'. That would mean...
"Discord was the one who destroyed my home." I said aloud. I could feel a smirk forming on my face.
I'm going to have my revenge Discord, just a person i'm going to kill changed...
Chapter 4 - Cutie Mark Disaster
Chapter 4 - Cutie Mark Disaster
It's been three days since i've came back to Ponyville. Nothing big happend, i've been mostly working at Applejack orchard, and my free time i was spending at library or walking around Ponyville. Ponies are slowly getting used to me, though i still get a lot of stares whenever i go. I was just on my way sugar cube corner, apparently Twilight needed something from here, and i was supoused to deliver it. She said it's some kind of a birthday cake for Spike, and she want it to be a surprise. As i entered sugar cube corner, Pinkie immedatiely approached to me with a wide smile.
"Hey Jack! It's been a while since you've been here! How i can help you?" She happily said.
"Hey Pinkie, i came here for some kind of a cake Twilight ordered."
"*Gasp* But it's not ready yet! I've send Sweetie belle a long time ago to bring me some gems to this cake, but she havent come back yet!" Ok...
"...Why would someone need gems to his cake?"
"Oh silly! Dragons eat gems! That's obvious!" Well, now that she mention it... Dragons in legends always had a caves with money, gems and all that kind of treasures. But if they eat only gems, then what about rest? Eh, whatever.
"Uh huh. And who is this Sweetie Belle?"
"She's Rarity younger sister! She wanted to go because she wanted to exercise her gem finding spell!" Uh huh. A spell that searches for gems. Right. Is there something that magic isnt doing? But wait...
"You want to tell me you send a young filly into a mine?"
"Of course not, Jack! Dont be silly! That would be dangerous! She said she's going to look for gems near diamond dog tunnels!" ...Diamond dogs?
"Whatever, can you show me where it is?" If she's in dangerous, maybe i'll be able to save her... should i tell rest about it?
"Not really, i'm quite busy here, but you should ask Rarity! She knows where it is!"
"Alright, thanks Pinkie."
"No problem! You're always welcome here!" And i left. I went straight to Rarity shop, hoping that she will be in here.
Thankfully, she was. I think she was working at another set of my clothes, but as i entered, the bell rang and she immediately stoped to look who came.
"Oh, Jack! How can i help you?" She said. So she probably have no idea where her sister is, or at least consider she's doing something safe.
"Hey Rarity, can you show me where are diamond dog tunnels?" She looked nervous at that.
"And why would you ever want to go there? This place is dangerous! This is a hunting zone of diamond dogs! They are catching ponies and using them as their slaves to pull a carts of gems and do other horrible tasks! I know all that because they have catched me once! Thankfully, my friends helped me to get away." I knew this place is dangerous! Now comes the hard part...
"Well Rarity, try to stay calm... Pinkie Pie send your sister here to search for a gems and-"
"SHE DID WHAT?!" Oh god, here we go...
"Calm down Rarity! This is why i'm going there! I need to make sure she is safe, and to help her if there's such a need." I think it didnt calmed her down.
"Alright, i'm going to show you where it is, let's hurry! I cant believe Pinkie Pie told Sweetie Belle to go there!"
"Well, it wasnt exacly in that way. Pinkie wanted someone to get some gems, and she volunteered."
"What?! What was she thinking about?! Oh dear Celestia, i hope she will be fine!" We were already outside, heading into a direction of the nearest hills. It... actualy looked more like bared rocks, but i'm not to judge. In our way i asked her about few things.
"So, what are these diamond dogs anyway?"
"Oh, these ruffians are like huge dogs, addicted of gems. They are carving tunnels and searching for gems almost their whole life, but if they can, they're getting slaves to do the hard work for them. Diamond dogs are mostly aggresive for other races, but they try to stay out of possible fights, and sometimes they trade their gems for food and tools they need." Interesting...
"You said you were once one of their slaves. How many ponies you've seen there?" If there's others in these tunnels, we might need to save them as well.
"Actualy, when i was there, i was the only slave they had. I dont supouse other ponies would come near here after that accident." Well, that makes sense.
We were already next to these hills. Whole place was full of holes in it, probably made by diamond dogs. We've been looking for Sweetie Belle for about twenty minutes, calling here and all that stuff, but she was nowhere to find. When we was about to surrender, we've heard a scream behind us. When we looked behind, we both were stunned. A pony that i consider was a Sweetie Belle was running away from at least 10 armored diamond dogs. She had a small bag at her back, probably with gems. Rarity recovered first, and began to focus magic around her horn. When diamond dogs were almost in front of us, she send a wave of magic that hit all diamond dogs and made them go to sleep. Sadly, Sweetie Belle was catched by this spell as well, so i had to carry her back to Carousel Boutique. As we entered the shop, Sweetie Belle woke up.
"Uhhh... Where am i? And where... Diamond dogs! They... they are gone... Rarity? And..." Her gaze went to me, still holding her in my arms. She was looking terrified. "...Cursed Jack?" She mumbled. When did i get a new nickname?
I slowly put her at the ground. She was looking at me like i was about to eat her. She was all white just like her sister, had a green eyes and a half pink, half purple mane and tail, slightly twisted at the edges. When she looked up at me, i could feel her gaze locked at mine. I couldnt help but smile, which made her make a 'Squee' noise. I have no idea how did she do that, but that was freaking adorable. She slowly backed away, only to bump into an angry looking Rarity.
"Sweetie Belle, what were you thinking?!" She asked.
"I'm sorry, Rarity. I wanted to discover my cutie mark! Girls told me it would be a good ocasion to get a cutie mark from geologist!" Ah, right, their whole 'cutie mark' thing. Apparently, when a pony discovers what he's good at, he get a cutie mark that simbolizes it. So if someone dont have a cutie mark, he or she is simply 'talentless'. Now that i look at her, Sweetie Belle dont have her cutie mark.
"Ah, Sweetie Belle, you already tried that, remember?"
"Yeah, i know, i realized that when i was running away from these diamond dogs. But hey! I did found some gems!" She said as she slid off her back a bag full of gems of all kinds. Total value of these gems should reach at least five hundred thousand dolars.
"Ehhh... Alright, let's bring that bag to Pinkie Pie, but we're not done yet Sweetie Belle!" Rarity said as she picked up this bag with magic and put it on her back.
Me, Rarity and Sweetie Belle left shop after a while and headed to sugar cube corner. When we entered, Pinkie was apparently busy with a mass of clients, so we had to wait. After about half an hour, she came to us.
"Hey Rarity, hey Jack, hey Sweetie Be- *Gasp* Sweetie Belle! Do you have these gems!?"
"Yes Pinkie!" She said as she nodded at the bag Rarity had at her back. Pinkie quickly picked it with her teeth - Disgusting - and quickly went to the kitchen, saying thanks throu clenched teeth. Rarity left sugar cube corner, and so i wanted, but suddenly i could feel Sweetie Belle poke me at my leg.
"Ummm... execuse me, mister Jack... i wanted to thank you... for your help." Seems legit.
"No problem, Sweetie. So, you're trying to get your cutie mark?" I think i just digged my own grave. She looked at me a lot more excited at that.
"Yes! Me and my two friends, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom are Cutie Mark Crusaders!" Well, if i good remember, Apple Bloom is Applejack sister. I've seen her a few times, but i think she's avoiding me. By the fact that somehow i have a nickname 'Cursed Jack', i can gues that i'm quite disliked by kids from Ponyville. That gives me an idea. If i'll help them, she and her friends will tell others about it, and i will be able to get rid off that stupid nickname. Why do i even care? Eh, fuck it', it's better than walking around Ponyville for the rest of the day.
"And how about i will help you?" I cant believe i'm actualy doing it.
"Really? That would be great! Wait here Jack, i'll bring my friends here so we can start!" She happily said and trotted away. I couldnt help but sigh. What am i getting myself into?
After a while, she came back with two other ponies. One was Apple Bloom, second was some kind of a pegazus, which i gues is Scootaloo. Applebloom is all yellow with bright red mane and tail. She have a pink bow in her mane. Scootaloo is an orange pegazus with light purple mane and tail. It looks like she was riding at some kind of a scooter. When they approached, i could see Applebloom and Scootale looking quite worried.
"Here we are Jack! Cutie mark Crusaders! This is Scootaloo and Apple Bloom!" Sweetie Happily said.
"Hey there. I want to help you get your cutie marks, are you interested?" I think it made these two a little bit more reliefed.
"Of course! What do you have planned?" Asked Scootaloo. Oh dear. Planned?
"Well, yeah... I think... how about painters?"
"We already tried that one." Said Apple Bloom. Damn it, that might be a problem.
"Well... " I was about to say something probably really stupid , but Sweetie Belle saved me.
"How about Archery? We would become a famous archers!" ...How are they supoused to use a bow?
"Yeah, that's a good idea!" Scootaloo said. "CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS ARCHERY, YAY!" They all screamed at once, making me jump in surprise.
"How are you supoused to use a bow?" They looked at me like i just said something really retarded.
"What do you mean? You cant use a bow?" I couldnt help but facepalm, making crusaders chuckle.
"C'mon girls, let's show Jack how to use a bow!"
They all nodded and trotted in the direction of Applejack farm. I had to actualy quickened my step to catch up them. They were going somewhere deep into orchard, in the parts i wasnt in before. Oh boy, i only hope my phobia wont kick in. Finally we managed to get to some kind of a tree house. Applebloom went somewhere behind it and bringed a simply made bow. It looks like this bow had one edge of it longer than the other one. She dug the longer part in ground. Oh, i see now. they dont hold it.
"Alright Jack, you need to pick up an arrow, put in here," she showed with her hoof. ",then pull and hold string, take aim and let string go. Here, let me show you!" I could see Scootaloo pulling out a target about twenty meters away from where Applebloom was standing. I've been watching her do it, and a thought came to my mind. Unicorns are using magic to hold things, pegazus are using their wings, and earth ponies have to hold things in their mouth. Interesting.
"But you know girls that i know how to shoot?" I asked as i picked up a bow, took an arrow, aimed and shot. It was near the bulleye, girls looked quite shocked at that.
"*Whistle* Nice Jack, it looks like yer quite good!"
"Well, it was just luck. Anyway, can we start?" Faster we will start, sooner we will end.
"Sure!" All of them said at once.
It was quite fun, i have to admit. Last time when i was shooting with a bow was when i was still a child. It looks like they were having fun as well. Scootaloo was doing the best from them, and Sweetie Belle had some problems with aiming, but overall nothing bad happend.
Untill i got shot.
"Oh my god! Jack, are you alright?!" Scootaloo asked, clearly worried. I have an arrow in my knee - hahaha, totally funny - in my good leg. It was bleeding pretty badly, and last thing i needed now is to lost another leg!
"Sweetie Belle, ah told ya to leave this old bow! It's been cracked!" Applebloom said angrily.
"It's not my fault that Scootaloo was all the time using the new one!"
"Girls! Calm down! Applebloom, go tell Applejack to come here, and to bring a first aid kit." She nodded and trotted away. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were at my sides, looking worried.
"Hey Jack, you will be fine, right?" Asked Sweetie Belle.
"I hope so, i'm not really a doctor. It sure hurts a lot though." Wrong thing to say. Now they were looking even more worried than before. Luckily, Applebloom came soon with Applejack at her side.
"Dear Celestia, Jack! Are ya alright?" Applejack asked, as Applebloom joined me at my side, a first aid kit at her back.
"Ehh, i'm fine, but it sure hurts. Can we get this quickly?" I asked with a hope in my voice.
"Dont worry, ah will be as gently as ah can." She didnt really anserwed my question.
Next ten minutes were probably most painfull ones in my life. If not the fact that i was given a part of some fabric to bite in, i would probably bit off my tounge Applejack poured some alcochol to disinfect wound. Tell me, had you ever poured an alcohol at wound? It hurt like a fucking bitch. I could barely stand that pain, twisting around and cursing in mind. Applejack and girls had to hold me so i woulndnt hurt myself even more. Then, the worst part. She had to pull away an arrow. Thankfully, it wasnt an arrow with a kind of tip that was used to hurt more while pulling away, this one is quite smooth. But it doesnt really changed the fact that it fucking hurt. Applejack was slowly pulling away an arrow while crusaders were holding me still. Of course, things wouldnt go so easily, and in one moment i've jerked my body too hard and broke an arrow, leaving a tip inside. I was already slowly passing out, and honestly i was hoping i would do so right now. Applejack had to pull it away from inside of wound. Next minute was a living hell. I dont even know how she did it, but she slowly pulled it away, making me clench teeth to blood, even throu a fabric. After that, she quickly bandaged it. Thanks god it's over now.
"Alright sugarcube, lie here, help will come soon." At the same moment as she ended this sentence, i could see an approaching two stalions in hospital coats. They carefully picked me up with magic and started trotting away towards hospital. Within ten minutes i was already lying at the hospital bed, with a doctor next to me.
"Alright mister Jack, we will need to make a radiograph of your leg, to check if bone isnt damaged. Doctor Husgrad will come here soon to do it." And with that he left, leaving me in room with Applejack next to me.
"Are ya sure yer fine, Jack?" She was still looking pretty worried.
"Yeah, i'm fine. What about girls?"
"Still shocked, but they're getting better. What happend?"
"We were practicing archery. One of the bows were cracked, and it broke during aiming, sending arrow in random direction, which seemed to be in my direction." I smiled at that, which made AJ to give a small smile as well. "Thanks for help though, i really appreciate it." Even if it hurt like hell.
"It's really nothing, Jack. So, when they will release ya?"
"If i heard good, in about week or so, if bone isnt damaged."
After a while, a light blue unicorn in white coat entered room. He had a glasses, short brown mane and tail, and a cutie mark of needle. He was looking at some kind of a card, but soon after he entered, he looked at me. I think he was quite shocked at first, but he quickly recovered.
"Ah, so you must be this famous Jack? I'm doctor Husgard, i'm here to make your radiograph. Dont worry, it wont take too long." I hope so. He pulled from a pocket of his coat some kind of a cream and buttered my leg with it, then i could see a weak amount of light around it. After a while, i could see the magic fade away as suddenly a nurse came here with a radiograph photo. Doctor took it and looked at it for a while, then turned to me with a smile.
"It looks like your bone is fine, you will be able to leave soon." And he left.
"Thanks Celestia, ah was worried they will make ya to stay here." She was clearly relieved at this point.
"Yes, thankfully. Are there maybe crusaders somewhere in hospital?"
"Yeah, they are outside of room. I think they are ashamed of what they did, and are afraid to come. Should ah tell them to come?"
"It would be nice, yes." Applejack went outside for a few seconds before she came back with crusaders. Scootaloo was actualy the only one who were looking at me, rest of them were looking at the floor.
"C'mon girls, come closer." They did, still looking away, this time even Scootaloo was avoiding looking at me. "There's no need to feel bad, girls, you havent done anything wrong." Sweetie Belle looked at me now, tears in her eyes.
"What are you talking about? I've shot you! I should go to jail for that..." Oh god, she was now crying. I reached out her and scratched her behind her ear. I have no idea why, but it feels like a right thing to do right now. Fuck my brain.
"Dont cry Sweetie, it was an accident. Nobody blame you for that, it was unexpected, and it would happen to anyone." She hugged me and cried in my chest, as i keept scratching behind her ear. After a while, she stoped crying and looked at me. "Are you going to be ok?"
"I'm definitely going to be ok, dont worry about this." At this point to our room walked suddenly nurse Redheart.
"Oh, there you are Jack! I've been looking for you! I want to show you something amazing!" She happily said. Amazing, eh?
"What is that?" I asked
"Do you remember your leg prosthesis?"
"Yeah, i do. What about that?"
"Try to take it off!" She looked at least excited now. I tried to remove it, and... nothing happend. I was keep trying, untill i realized something... it's a normal leg now. It grew back somehow.
"H-How?"
"Well, i have to admit i was shocked as well. Your prosthesis was filled with regenerative magic to prevent it from destroying or damaging a part of your real leg. When you first arrived in our hospital, i've took your blood sample for testing. As it came out, your body seems to react to all kinds of magic about fifty times more intensively. So when regenerative magic started working in prosthesis, it slowly made your leg grow back! You couldnt feel it, since your prosthesis had artificial nervous system, but it looks like it was slowly dissapearing as your leg were growing! Isn that great?"
"Yes, it is! Thanks god i have all my legs back."
"What do ya mean, ya all legs?" Applebloom asked. Shit, i havent told them. I thought everyone know that already.
"Well, you see Applebloom, when i first arrived there, i was missing one leg." I tried to make it sound like it was nothing, they're already pretty worried, there's no need to worry them more.
"Really? That's terrible!" Said Sweetie Belle. Defeat.
"Well, at least you have it back! I couldnt imagine if i would be missing one of my hoofs!" Said Scootaloo.
"Well, thanks nurse for information." I said. She nodded at me.
"Sadly, i will need to ask you to leave Jack now, he need to rest." Redheart said, getting mean looks from crusaders.
After a few seconds everyone left, leaving me alone in room. I could see throu the window that night is coming anyway, so i tried to get some sleep. After what felt like hal an hour, i could hear some strange noises outside of room. After a while, someone unexpected entered the room.
"Celestia? What are you doing here?" I asked. She was looking really serious, but when she saw my leg, her gaze softened.
"Jack, what happend?"
"Eh, a small accident, nothing big. Dont worry about it."
"Well, if you say so..." Her face hardener now. "...We received an important information from guards in canterlot, and i think it might do something with Discord." Now it was my turn to get more serious.
"What is happening?" She closed her eyes for a few seconds, deep in thought. After a while, she opened her eyes again, her gaze meeting mine.
"Animals from the nearest forests and hills are bieseging Canterlot."
Chapter 5 - Highway To Hell
Chapter 5 - Highway To Hell
I was lying in my bed, shocked. Animals bieseging Canterlot? Does it have to do something with wolfes watching train?
"So, what do you suggest to do now?" I asked, still not sure of what to think about that.
"From what i remember, your friend, Fluttershy can talk with animals. I shall ask her if she can communicate with them and ask what they want. If that wont work, i will do what i only can to protect my city." At the last part, her motherly voice get quite sharp.
"Uh huh, i see... But why you came with it to me?" I have a bad feelings about this.
"Because if my plan with Fluttershy wont work, i want you in to join in protecting Canterlot." Wait, what?
"Why me? I'm not a warrior, i dont know how to fight!" Well, that wasnt exacly true. When i was young, my father taught basic self-defense and tactics of how to attack with a knife. Nothing special if you ask me, but it was still quite usefull in my life.
"We will need everypony to defend. It's been a long time since Canterlot was attacked last time, but at least this time things are way easier." She sighed.
"What happend last time, then?"
"An army of Changelings attacked, they almost took over whole Canterlot, if not Twilight and her friends."
"Changelings? What is that?"
"It's... rather complicated. They are an old race of creatures that looks like a mix of ponies and bugs. Everyone in their race are black and have holes in their legs, have canines and bug-like wings and are missing pupils. They're feeding on emotion, love exacly." Weirdos, avoid them. Noted. "Anyway, i'm going to use my magic to fix your leg faster."
"You can do that?" Then it makes me wonder why nobody else tried, since in this hostpital most doctors are unicorns...
"Of course yes, now give me a second..." She focued magic in her horn, and after a while a wave of light surrounded my knee. I could feel my wound close and slowly dissapear. That's creepy, man. After a while magic slowly dissappeared as i stood up. "Alright, you should be better now. Feel free to leave hospital, i need to meet with Fluttershy now. Farewell." And she left. So animals are besieging Canterlot? And Discord might be related to it?
When i left my room, nurse was at least shocked. There was a small explanation about why i'm already fine, some documents to sign and other stuff like that before i could leave hospital. It was already night, but i could barely see throu darkness a Celestia's chariot flying towards Canterlot. That was quick. I began walking in direction of Twilight house, hoping she's not asleep yet. I was just in time to see Twilight changing a sign at Library's door from 'opened' to 'closed'. When she saw me coming, she was rather confused.
"Jack? Applejack told me you were wounded and had to stay at hospital for at last one week!"
"Well, Celestia came to me and on the occasion she healed my knee. Also, she probably took Fluttershy with her."
"Princess Celestia was in Ponyville? And she took Fluttershy? What is that all about?"
"Apparently animals from the nearest forests and hills are bieseging Canterlot and Celestia had to-"
"WHAT?! Animals bieseging Canterlot?! Why princess didnt told anything to rest of us?"
"It looks like she want to do it on easy way, and make Fluttershy to tell them to fuck off. If that wont work, she's going to get rid off them." What? She didnt said it that way, but i'm sure she thought about it like that.
"Jack, are you sure this is what princess exacly said?"
"Well, not really, but point is the same."
"*Sigh* I dont really know what to think about this"
"Me neither. Let's go inside." So we did. Spike wasnt anywhere near, so i gues he was sleeping already. Like always, i've went to bathroom, cleaned myself up and went straight to bed.
Morning was pretty calm. Twilight knocking at my door woke me up, i went to bathroom to do my stuff, then head to the kitchen and- Oh god, this smell. I could feel my mouth watering. When i came in, i could see a plate filled with all kinds of cooked vegetables, carefully designed and spiced with some kinds of herbs. Ratatouille?
"Ah, good morning Jack! I've decided to prepare something special, since today is a big day!" I've quickly approached table and started eating - God, this is fucking delicious! - as Twiligh continued. "You will see soon anyway!" She giggled. I have a bad feelings about this, but apparently food kinda prevents me from thinking right now.
After that i went to Applejack orchard. My job here is pretty simple - i have to carry baskets with apples to their barn, empty it and bring it back to Applejack or Big Macintosh, which was Applejack brother. Normaly i'm working for at least six hours, but this time Applejack told me to stop after two hours or so, suggesting me to go to sugar cube corner with her. I didnt had anything else to do, so i didnt mind it, but in halfway a realization came to me. Twilight said about something big today, and apparently Applejack is bringing me to sugar cube corner. Surprise party? Well, not 'surprise' party anymore, but i'm not going to be a party pooper. We arrived after a while at sugar cube corner, and, of course as i expected -
"SURPRISE!" Pinkie and other ponies screamed as i entered. Randomly colored ballons around, some kinds of food and drink at tables, everyone in party hats. I feel like at a birthday party for an eight years old kid. But as i said, i'm not going to destroy their efforts.
"Whoa! I totally didnt expected that!" Way too obvious. Thankfully, they bought that.
"Well Jack, this is your late Welcome-To-Ponyville party!" Pinkie happily said, i couldnt help but smile at that. Yeah, she's been talking about it lately. And so party goes on. Everyone were having fun, there was a lot of dancing and laughing. I'm not really a party person, so most of this party i was just staying away or talking with some random ponies. I've meet Lyra at this party, but she seems somehow... strange. All the time she was looking into my eyes, a wide smile at her face. I was actualy thinking that she's high, if not the fact that ponies dont have drugs, which is probably a good thing. Everything was going just fine... for a half an hour.
Then something totally unexpected happend.
A bear rammed the door and went inside, a confused look at his face. Yes, i'm calling everything with a mouth a face. Yes, i'm dumb. Anyway, we were looking at eachother, untill this bear went berserk. He charged at us, but tripped over as one of ponies lay in front of him. He was falling on the ground as he suddenly get in halfway a punch in a jaw from another pony who quickly came with at least five others. They all started to beat a crap out of him, untill he ran away. What was that about? Now that everyone went silent, we could hear screams outside. I've went throu the hole where once was a door and saw whole Ponyville under attack of... animals? Oh god. A group of some kind of wooden wolves were chasing some ponies, most of homes were destroyed, and i could see actualy some wounded ponies lying down. As soon as i left sugar cube corner, rest of ponies did as well, and gasped when they saw how their village is being destroyed. Twilight and her friends immediately went into fighting stances and charged at the closest group of wooden wolves. When they went into fight, all nearest animals came as well, just as ponies from party did. Now it was a huge damn battle. I couldnt really see everything, but i didnt wanted to stay back and watch. I've looked around for some kind of weapons, and saw some kind of a ripped off pipe lying at the ground. I picked it up and went to fight as well. As i approached, one of these wooden wolves noticed me and went straight at me. I made a quick dodge and hit it in it's head, making it only roam in anger. There's no way i'm going to hurt a wooden wolf with a damn pipe! It was about to jump at me again, but he got shot from some kind of a lazor. When i looked behind me, i saw Pinkie Pie holding Twilight by her neck with one hoof, and other hoof spinning her tail, making her shoot a wave of lazers straight at the group of animals. She destroyed almost all wooden wolves, killed some bears and made some smaller reptiles to run away with rest of animals that survived. Twilight looked exhausted after that, and actualy would fall on the ground, if not Pinkie holding her. And then, a weirdo animal came. What is that thing? It looks like a lion with a tail of scorpion and wings of bat. And man, it was damn huge. At least half and meter higher than me. It roared evilly at our exhausted group, and was probably about to attack us, if not suddenly Fluttershy appearing out of nowhere.
"Now now, there's no need to scream! Look what you're doing, you've scared these ponies! You need to apologize!" He looked away, a shame clearly at his face. He looked at us and softly roared. I cant believe this is happening. "That's better. Now you can go back to your home." She said happily. It turned around and walked back from where it came from. Fluttershy was now going in our way, but stopped when she saw a group of dead animals in behind us. I think she was about to vomit now.
"I'm sorry, this was in self defence! We really didnt wanted to do this!" Twilight said, clearly sad. Fluttershy looked around ruined now Ponyville.
"Yes, i do believe it was right thing to do... I just... need a moment to get throu this." Twilight and rest of friends went to her to hug her. Everyone were already gathering around to discuss with mayor what to do now.
"Alright everypony, listen! I need two group of ponies! One group will take care of wounded ponies, and the other one will try to fix any kind of damage animals have caused! Anything usefull to help ponies you can find at the hospital, and tools needed to repair you will find at Garry's workshop! Now move, faster we start it, sooner we will finish it!" Everyone cheered and spread around the town. Girls were comforting Fluttershy, but soon they joined groups as well, and since i didnt had anything else to do, i helped as well. I've been looking for wounded ponies, but when i started, most of wounded ponies were already fine. After about half an hour, i could hear a silent crying from one of dark alleys. I've started to head into direction of sound, untill i saw... Scootaloo. Badly wounded Scootaloo. She was lying at the floor, facing a wall. She had a lot of scratches bites at her body, all of them quite badly bleeding. Thankfully, as a part of group, i had a first aid with me, so i quickly approached her and started to take care of her wounds. When she looked at me, her eyes lit with hope.
"Jack! Thanks Celestia, someone found me! I've been trying to fight timberwolves, but they came at me in group! I had to retreat, and ran accidentialy into this alley. They... they surrounded me. I'm sure they would kill me, if not a sudden roar which scare them away. I was scared that... nobody would found me..." Well, at least she stoped crying.
"Of course someone would find you, i'm sure your parents would start searching for you as soon as they noticed that you're missing." I dont think i'm good in comforting others. I could see her eyes watering again.
"But Jack... I dont have a parents... They... died soon after i've been born." Oh crap, i just officialy became a dick.
"I'm... i'm sorry..."
She sighed deeply, clearing her eyes. "It's... Ok, Jack. I know you didnt knowed..."
"You dont have anyone to watch over you?"
"Well... Rainbow Dash is acting like my sister, though she isnt. She was taking care of me so far, helping me if i needed that."
"I see... i'm really sorry, Scootaloo." I just ended bandaging her at that point. "Alright, can you walk?" She get on her hooves shakily, but she managed to actualy walk. "Okay, good. Can you make it to the rest of ponies?" She made a few more steps, but each of them were more shakily. I sighed and picked her up, holding in my hands like a baby.
"C'mon Jack, i can walk, you can let me go." No she cant. She is barely able to walk, and it's about one hundred meters away. I just kept walking, whistling a happy tune as i carried her to group of ponies. When Rainbow Dash saw me coming with Scootaloo at my hands, she bolted right to us.
"Scootaloo! Are you ok?!" She asked, clearly worried.
"I'm ok, thanks to Jack!" Scootaloo happily said, though i know she's still in pain.
"Really? Awesome, but we need to get you to hospital! Jack, can you carry her?" Someone's lazy? Or does it have to do something with the fact she's not really able to hold her with hooves?
"Sure, i gues." And so we did. It took us about twenty minutes, and as soon as nurse saw us coming, she went straight to us.
"Another wounded pony? Alright, bring her to room with a red plus on it and wait for me here, i'll come soon." We quickly started looking for that room, which took us fucking forever. This hospital is huge, and after half an hour, which felt to us like eternity, we found that room. When we entered it, there was at least thirty ponies, all of them wounded. I put her on a free bed, and Rainbow Dash bringed some blankets to cover her.
"Alright, i think i will be fine now, thanks Big J." Rainbow Dash said. Big J? Big Jack? ? Big Jack, Big Jack, You know it's only natural, he gets you up to scratch!
"No problem, Rainbow. In that case i think i'll-"
"No, wait! Can you stay?" Scootaloo suddenly asked.
"Well, ok i gues..."
Next hour i spend by staying with Scootaloo, comforting her and bringing whatever she needed, along with Rainbow Dash. I have to say, it sure wasnt something interesting to do, but Scootaloo insisted me to stay with her. When doctor came to take Scootaloo for an observation, i left. Rainbow Dash wanted to stay though, so didnt pressed. I've left hospital, and i could see already most of buildings fixed, though some of them had still slight damage visible on them. Damn, these ponies are fast. With nothing else to do, i started walking toward Twilight house. When i was in, Twilight was walking around, a worried look on her face, as well as the rest of girls.
"What is going on?" I asked. Everyone's eyes turned to me.
"You were right Jack, animals are bieseging Canterlot. Fluttershy came here after trying to convince them to leave this city." Twilight said.
"And, sadly, these animals didnt even listened to me! Animals that attacked Ponyville were from Everfree forest, and still i was able to communicate with them. When i talked with this manticore, it came out that he didnt even knowed what he was doing here, like something possessed him! Same is with the animals bieseging Canterlot, they cant control themself! It's like something took control over them and told them to surround Canterlot! I... one of them h-hurt me... If not Celestia next to me, i'm sure he would try to kill me..." So something possessed them? Now i'm sure it could be only Discord.
"And now, animals attacked Ponyville as well! Ah'm sure it's somethin' more than just animals going berserk!" Applejack said. No shit, Sherlock.
"Yes, it is something else. As princess Celestia said, this might mean that... Discord is coming back..." At this point, everyone's eyes went to me.
"What?"
"You know Jack that you've been suspicious for working for Discord. Princess Celestia said you're not working for him, and you explained already what connected you to him, but i'm sure it's not just a coincidence that animals are attacking ponies after Discord left your mind. I'm not trying to say you caused it, but it's obviously linked with you." God damn it Twilight.
"I.... eh, i gues you're right. But as you said, it doesnt mean i have caused it."
"We know you dont, nobody ever considered that possibility. Still though, princess Celestia asked us to come and help her in defending Canterlot... and she said to bring you too... If you dont mind of course."
"Eh, like i have a choice. When do we go?"
"As soon as we can! Princess Celestia will need us before animals will strike, and nobody knows when will that happen, so we're leaving as soon as everyone will be ready!" Twilight said, looking around the room. "Where is Rainbow Dash?"
"She's with Scootaloo, apparently she's been wounded." I anserwed, getting shocked looks from everyone.
"Scootaloo have been wounded? Oh, poor darling! I dont know what i would have done if Sweetie Belle was wounded!" Rarity said, a mix of shock and sadness at her face.
"Rainbow Dash is the only one who could take care of Scootaloo now, we cant make her go." Applejack said. Twilight sighed and looked around room once again.
"And where is Pinke Pie?" And then suddenly Pinkie fell off the ceiling. I dont even want to know how did she get there.
"Pinkie?! But how... Nevermind, do you know everything?"
"Yup!"
"And are you ready?"
"Yup! Let's go!"
"Alright. Jack, do you need to get anything before we can go?" I thought for a second before i shook my head. I dont really have anything to take with me, except from some bits and clothes, which i wont need anyway if i'll come just to fight.
After few more minutes we went off. We had to take a train apparently, since chariots wouldnt get throu a wave of eagles guarding edges of city. As i heard later, the only way Fluttershy was able to get throu was because of Celestia, who - of course by magic - made her inivisble for a half an hour. It still didnt changed the fact that she had to walk - or fly - for at least few hours to the closest train station. Anyway, aside from that, we were slowly approaching Canterlot. Train is the only possible way of transport to get in and out of this city, since animals blocked any other kind of transportation. When we left train, i was able to actualy notice a huge barrier around city. From outside it wasnt visible, but inside i can clearly see it. And, of course, all around this barrier were animals. All kinds, from birds to reptiles. Some of these creatures werent like any i've ever seen. We've made our way to castle, and then to throne room. Princesses were already waiting for us, with another one, third princess i dont actualy recognize...
"Cadance!" Twilight suddenly said as she trotted to this third princess, which seems to be named Cadance. She was pink alicorn with some kind of a crystal heart as her cutie mark, her mane and tail reminds me of Celestia's, but her was in colors of purple, pink and yellow. I can sense in these purple eyes an evilness and a pure chaos, a look that a murderer would give to his begging for life victim, before - No, i'm just fucking with you. Her eyes were just purple. Twilight went to Cadance and did some... kind of a... dance. Yeah... Spike went behind her, holding some kind of a suitcase.
"Where should i put this Twilight?"
"Ah, place it on the ground for a moment, i'll tell you later." He did so. Twilight and Cadance were already done, while Celestia and Luna were walking towards rest of our group.
"Greetings, my little ponies... and Jack. Our plan is simple - We will need you to protect south part of the city when i'll make barrier dissapear. I'm additionaly sending with you Shinning Armor, i do believe you know him already." Celestia said. We all nodded.
"Splendid, i do believe everypony's ready?" Luna asked us, as we once again nodded.
Soon after that, we all left and walked to the south part of city, so we just back at the train station. As we walked, we could see Shinning Armor already there, waiting for us.
"Ah, it seems you're all ready. Hey Jack, it's good to see you again."
"You too, Shinning." That's all i could say before barrier dissapeared.
After a few moments we could hear animals coming in our way. We were standing still, waiting for anything to show up. After a while, we could see an army of animals going straight at us. We all went into fighting position and went at them as well. Do you know what's worst in a fight? When you dont even have a chance to join it.
"Jack! Watch out!" Was all i could hear before suddenly a bear at least twice as huge as me suddenly came from somewhere beside me and hit me into my head. Everything went black immediately.
I woke up at the most unexpected place i would consider myself to wake up. At the morgue. In a body bag. I instantly bolt straight up - Thankfully zipper wasnt fully buttoned - and left it. I was naked, but i didnt really had anything with me i could wear, duh. I left room with bodies and went to another, to meet a very surprised pony.
"...ZOMBIE!" What.
"Not a zombie, dude. Now, can you tell me where are my clothes?" Aaaaand he fainted. Great. Thankfully, i've noticed actualy that he had a basket with my clothes in it. I've get dressed up and left this cursed building. When i looked outside, i was rather surprised. Half of Canterlot was destroyed. What surprised me more though, was what i saw when looking at the direction of Ponyville.
A huge badass dark castle was now coming up from the Everfree forest. Well, i'm sure this wasnt there before...
Chapter 6 - It's Time To Man Up
Chapter 6 - It's Time To Man Up
I've quickly walked towards castle. Canterlot is quite a big, but i know already almost most of this place, not even mentioning that it's not hard to find a castle that protrudes over whole city for at least fifty meters. When i entered, guards next to the entrace looked at me with wide eyes.
"Human!? How is that possible, you were dead!" Shout one of them.
"Yeah, i do believe i was. But here i am, and i need to see Celestia." They shared a look with eachother, but after a while they led me into throne room.
When i walked in, i could see Celestia talking with girls about something i couldnt really hear. She looked really sad, and Fluttershy was actualy crying. I couldnt see Luna anywhere here, so i gues she was busy. At the moment i took a few more steps in, everyone's eyes went on me, shock clearly visible at their faces.
"Jack? You're alive!" Twilight shout as she ran to me and grabbed me in crushing hug. Soon everyone else came as well to join group hug, including Celestia.
"Yeah, i do believe i am. Can someone explain me what happend?" Celestia looked at me, her eyes slightly watering.
"Animals died, Jack. We killed almost 80% of the nearest forests populations, and it's nothing to be proud of. Additionaly, before that, Canterlot went throu hell. There was at least hundreds of deaths, and most of buildings are now ruins. But, what's worse... you were the first person who died. You were missing at least half of your head when Applejack bringed you here, Jack. It was a terrible view. It's been three days since that battle. Throu this three days me and Luna were charging power to cast a reviving spell on you. When we finally did it, nothing happend. You were still dead... So we didnt really had any other option. Revive spell is the hardest spell to cast ever knowed. Most of ponies dont even believe it's real, since to bring soul back to body needs a magical power strong enough to blow up whole universe. We were sure it didnt worked, ut then suddenly you came back!" She squeezed me even stronger, i think i could hear actualy one of my bones break. That explains some things, but not everything...
"And what about this castle in the Everfree forest?" They looked at me like i was dumb.
"What castle?" Twilight said at the same moment as another guard entered throne room.
"Princess! Guards report a sudden appearance of a mystery castle in the middle of forest next to Ponyville village!" Oh, so that's actualy a new thing? Everyone in room seemed shocked at that, and quickly trotted outside, as i followed them. Their jaws fell on the floor once they saw it.
"But... if... How? This thing wasnt there a while ago!" Twilight said, looking frustrated.
"Whoever did this, i'm sure he have no friendly intentions toward us. This cant be Discord, he's still in his stone prison, though there's are already a lot of cracks on it, but whoever this is, he's probably linked with the animals attacking cities." Celestia sighed deeply at that.
"Wait... other cities?" I was kinda confused. From what i remember, only Canterlot and Ponyville were attacked.
"Throu these three days, i got from at least five other cities reports about animals attacking them. If i'm right, and this castle is a property of the one who's sending these animals, then this someone must be really powerfull. I'll need someone to explore this castle and see who made it... And, Jack, i have a special request for you." I have a bad feelings about it.
"What is it?" I got a mean look from Twilight. "...Princess?" Her gaze softened. Fuck you Twilight.
"You will get a training from a Shinning Armor. He's a captain of the guard, and he's specialized in training other races."
"No."
"...What?" She was quite surprised at that.
"I dont need a training because i dont plan on fighting, that's simple. If i ever will need to fight, basic rules i've learned back on earth will be enough for me." I shruged. I think i just pissed her off.
"Jack, please trust me, you will need this. We're living in a dangerous times, and you have to be prepared for everything. A bear attacking you from your side - As Applejack described it - cant surprise you."
"Celestia, i trust you want it for my good, but i will be honest with you about one thing." She was quite curious now. "I've decided to move to this world only to have my revenge, and since it's not even sure anymore if anyone ever killed my family" - i could see some ponies were quite shocked at that, except Pinkie who didnt even payed attention to what was happening - " I've planned on leaving this world. Only thing that kept me here for so long was them." I pointed at my pony friends, making them slighly blush, even if still shocked. "But right now, when i have a possibility to die in any minute, i'm going to come back to my world." Everyone were looking at me like they saw a ghost, even Celestia. It didnt lasted too long though, as Celestia smirked and asked me a really important question.
"And how do you plan on doing it?" Fuck. She's right. In original plan, Discord was supoused to bring me back on earth after killing Celestia, but since now i'm working 'kinda' alone, i dont have anybody to send me back. An idea of me staying here forever... I could feel my eyes slighly watering.
"I... i dont know... I dont know if i'm able to even come back anymore..." I could feel a tear going throu my check, but i tried to hide it somehow. I think others noticed that, since their shock turned into concern. Celestia's smirk dissapeared, and now she had a serious face.
"Alright Jack, let's make a deal then. I will send you back to your world, but first you will help us fight with this mystery creature that's possessing animals. Is that fine with you?" Like i have a choice.
"Deal."
"Great. Now, about your training... I do believe you wont want that anyway?"
"Actualy... i might need that. When do we start?"
"Right now." Wait, what? I could see Shinning Armor coming from outside of castle.
"Prepare yourself, human . Your training wont be about doing exacly what i say, i will just learn you how to control your body in fight and you will discover everything you will need by your own. Are you ready to go?"
"Go? Where?"
"We're going to a special training room, only for elite guards.. Walls here are magical, and cant break, so you wont need to worry about crashing this place, not like you could anyway..." The last part he mumbled. Fuck you, even if you're right. "You will need to fight against all kind of enemies we have avaible to let you train with. From animals to even griffons or changelings, so dont expect it to be easy."
"Eh, i think i'll go for it..." What's the worst that could happen? I'll probably know that later, since night is coming already. At this moment i saw Luna coming here.
"Greetings, my little ponies, and... Jack! Jack, you're alive! So this spell worked!"
"Yes, sister, it did worked, and i'm just as happy as you are, but tell me, do you feel better already?" Huh?
"Yes, i'm fine. This revive spell we casted on you was really powerfull, so after casting it at you, Jack, i was really exhausted. It took us three days to charge it, but i do believe you know that already."
"Yes, i do. So, what do we do now?"
"Oh, Twilight and her friends are coming home, and you are staying here."
"Please princess, can he come with us? I'm sure he can train at Ponyville just like he could here!" Oh damn, Rarity actualy care about me. I wonder if it have something to do with a fact everyone thought that i'm dead.
"I'm sorry, but-" Shinning wanted to say something, but Celestia cut him in halfway.
"Excuse me, captain, but i do believe i have an idea. How about we will teleport your training room to ponyville?"
"That... that would work... but what about other guards?"
"I think it wont be a problem for them." She winked at our group, a smile at her face. Everyone shared her smile... everyone except me. I'm forced into a training to be able to beat a crap out of some mystery weirdo. Yes, indeed a reason to be happy about. But oh well, it's still better to be in a village i've been living so far than to move to a half destroyed city.
"Thank you, Celestia. So, i do believe we might go now?" Fuck off Twilight, i'm not calling her princess, she even asked me to not do so.
"Yes, i wont hold you for too long. You can use a chariot to get back to Ponyville, since train station is destroyed..." Her gaze saddened at mention of that.
After a while a chariot took us to Ponyville. Celestia told us that she will teleport room at the place Shinning Armor will show, since he's coming with us as well. He's going to live in Twilight home as well, and every day he's going to train me for at least two hours, after my work of course. When we came back to Ponyville, everyone took a last happy look at me before they walked to their homes. Me, Twilight, Shinning and Spike went to Library. Shinning took a room next to mine, and Spike helped him to pack out. After that, he went outside, probably to look for a safe place to teleport training room. Damn, she's going to teleport a whole room. Magic is great. Anyway, it was middle of the night, so i went straight to bed.
Next day came up rather... interesting. When i opened my eyes, i could see Twilight next to me, with nurse Redheart, talking with eachother.
"...Couldnt wake him up since we came back! It's been a week already!"
"...uhh... What is going on?" Their eyes went to me immediately. Redheart didnt seemed so surprised, but Twilight was looking like she saw a ghost.
"JACK!" A quick hug, some tears and one nurse less later i've get my explanations.
"Well Jack, basicaly you were sleeping for almost a week. When i entered your room, you were lying at the bed, shaking really hard. I've tried to wake you up, but nothing happend! Everyone tried!"
"Uh huh, i see.... Something happend meanwhile?"
"A group of scouts reported that castle from Everfree forest is the same old destroyed princesses castle, it looks like... someone rebuilt it. And, what more, it's mostly rebuilt of... some kind of dark crystals. I think i know already who did that, but i'll keep it for me untill we will find out truth. Also, attacks of animals suddenly stopped. You have no idea how we worried about you, Jack..."
"Dont, i'm fine. Anyway, what's the time?"
"It's eight o'clock in the morning. I think others will be happy when they see you're fine!" She said happily. I shruged and stood up, which actualy was harder than i thought. I needed Twilight to lift me up with magic and put me on the floor, since i couldnt feel my legs. When i was finally standing, i felt somehow strange... stronger i could say, but it is like you were sleeping while exercising like crazy and after that you woke up suddenly stronger. Which also includes fact that my whole body sores.
When i walked downstairs, i could see Twilight friends looking at me, some of them shocked and some of them happy. But mostly happy. As i heard from Twilight, training room have been teleported close to the Ponyville park, so i went straight there after i was done talking with everyone. When i was in front of park, i could see already this room at some kind of a field. It was rather huge, even bigger than town hall. From outside it was all white, without windows, with a single wooden door. When i came in front of it, i could hear some strange noises inside. Eh, fuck it. I opened the door and steped inside.
Inside this room was at least in size of whole Canterlot castle.
Whole place was white inside as well as outside. At the sides of room i could see some kind of a cages with wild creatures in it, they even had a timberwolf or whatever they were called. At the middle of it there was a huge training arena, Shinning Armor standing at the middle of it with a smirk at his face. Except that this whole room was empty. Rather strange, i dont even know where does light comes from. As i went farther into room, Shinning walked toward me.
"Ah, good to know you finaly woke up, Jack. This place is a training room, whole thing is powered by magic, making it at least ten times bigger than it is outside and making it inderstructible. Additonaly, unicorns have increased power in here, so they can create whatever they need to their training. At first place, i will teach you your own fighting stance, so nobody will be able to surprise you."
"I... Kinda know already a fighting stance..." Man, this whole thing is just weird.
"Oh, really? Very well, get into a fighting position and block my attacks. I will go easy on you, dont worry."
I took a typical boxer guard and waited for him. Is really a boxer guard a proper thing to fight against a pony? Before i could anserw that, Shinning made a quick dash behind me, kicked me in back of my knee which made me to fall on the ground, and then he pin me to the floor. Whole thing took him about eight seconds or so. I just lost a fight with a pony. Human race shall be ashamed forever.
"Do you see now what i meant?" He asked as he helped me get up.
"Yeah yeah, i see. I will need to change my guard against a pony, whatever."
"I wish it would be just that simple. I will teach you how to guard against every kind of creature you will ever be able to found on this planet." Wait, what?
"Why should i learn that? I will just get rid of that someone from Everfree and then i'm coming back on earth."
"And this 'someone' controls almost all creatures from the Everfree forest. Are you sure you want to discover on your own what kind of creatures lives there without a training before?"
"I... eh, you have a point. Are you sure you can train a human? I'm rather different from a ponies, as you could notice so far." He smirked at that.
"Oh, please Jack. I've been training every living inteligent race in fighting so far. At least thousand of ponies, another thousand of crystal ponies, at least hundred of griffins and some diamond dogs. I was even training once a changeling." *Whistle*
"You were training a changeling? Wasnt their race, like, enemies of ponies?" I could see his gaze saddened
"They werent before... but then their queen betrayed our land and the war broke out. It's been a hard time for everyone, a lot of families had to move out from Equestria... Luckily, we won this war and drived out changelings from our land. The day this changeling ended his training was two days before war broke out, but he didnt joined it. It looks like not all changelings are betraying scums..." The last part he said throu clenched teeth, but he quickly recovered back to his normal mood. "Anyway, point is that i will train you how to be able to fight against every kind of creature, from animals to even ponies if there will be such need."
We've been training for at least a week, since i somehow was learning every kind of guard really quickly. At some point i was able to beat Shinning Armor flank. And then, a training against changelings came...
"Alright Jack, changelings are very sneaky and agile bastards. Their main weapon is changing their shapes to whatever they want, but there are few ways to distinguish a changeling from others. First one, their blood will be green, no matter what shape they have. Second one, whenever they change their shape to a creature they never been before, they will have a problem to control this form, and in that case their skin will be slighly greenish when they're out on sun. And third, most important one, changelings are very sensitive about light. They can survive at sun, but if they will found themself near some kind of a light source, it mostly ends with epilepsy attack for them. Alright, in this training will help my old student, i think i told you about him once. Come out, Solseek!"
I could see a changeling dude coming out of dark corners - I have no idea why in a fully lighed is a dark corner - and approached us with a smirk on his face. He was all black with a bug-like wings and a visible fangs. His eyes doesnt have pupils, but i somehow was able to tell whenever he looked at me.
"Commander Solseek, at your service. So, you want to train him how to fight against changelings? I have to say, i never saw something like him before, but are you sure he can handle me?"
"I hope so Solseek, but go easy on him, just in case." Ouh. My pride.
"Alrigh then, captain." He turned to face me. "So, what's your name?"
"I'm Jack."
"Jack who?"
"...Jack." Dont push your luck, dude.
"...Alright then Jack, are you ready?"
I took a better position, and tried style against ponies, mixed a little bit with style against crystal ponies. Since changelings are almost the same as them, i do believe this will work. "I'm ready."
I totaly didnt expected that a changeling will kick my ass so hard that i will end in hospital for a three days.
I've been trying my luck against Solseek for at least two weeks. Meanwhile Canterlot was fixed, more researching was made about everfree castle and it came out that Discord is linked somehow with anyone who's living there. Researches says that this castle is mostly made by dark magic, but at least 10% of magic used in making this castle was a chaos magic. But that aside, after a two weeks i finaly found a way how to counter his style of fighting, and was actualy to hit him. In that moment, my fighting styles training was done.
"Alright Jack, you're ready for everything that will happen to you. Your last part of training will test your strength, dexterity and mind. Which test you want to do first?" Hmmmm... This reminds me of something back on earth...
"I want strength test first."
"Alright, this is the simplest one." He created a small metalic box, a small black rubber circle at the one of it's walls. Whole box was a little bit bigger than my head, nothing special. "I want you to hit this black spot on this box."
"I hope it's not just a reason for me to hit a metal with my bare fist as hard as i can to make you laugh." He looked at me, confused.
"Why would i do that? That's stupid. C'mon, hit it." I hit. At least half of my arm went into this thing as i hit it. Shinning's eyes went wide.
"How did you do that?"
"Did what?"
"Your strenght is at least at level of really strong earth pony!"
"...That's good?"
"That's more than good! Earth ponies are the strongest ponies knowed, and a earth pony that's whole life is about exercising might be even stronger than princess Luna or princess Cadance! Right now you're strong enough to knock me out with a single hit... Wait a second... you were going easy all this time?"
"Well... Maybe a little bit..." At this moment i discovered a move called 'Facehoof'. "Alright, so apparently i'm really strong, that's good. What now?"
"This reminds me of something... Twilight told me your body is really sensitive... I think i know already why you're so strong. Do you remember how we thought you were dead and princesses tried to revive you?"
"Yeah, what about that?"
"Since your body is sensitive to magic, that revive spell had probably some additionaly effects to you. So far i can say it made you stronger, but we will need to make rest ot tests to say anything else." And so we did. Dexterity test was about to hold an egg on my nose... for 2 hours... while running... on one leg... I dropped this egg before i could make my first step, so instead of that Shinning created a small jungle and i had to leave it only by moving at the top of trees. It wasnt that hard, and i made it in ten minutes. Mind test was just a few questions. First one was this famous question 'what is this thing that at the beggining of it's life stands on four, in late life stands on two and at the end of it's life stands on three', but changed to pony version. Next questions wasnt any better than this one, so i anserwed all of them.
"Alright Jack, it looks like only your strenght increased. I would say that your inteligence as well, but i dont know how smart you were before. With that, your training is done." Fuck yeah, one step closer to leave this land.
Tommorow me, Twilight and rest of our group left to officialy explore whole castle. I felt really excited at that point. I have already plans of what to do with my ilfe once i will come back. This whole experience helped me a lot. I felt so happy that... What is that strange feeling i have? As we were in front of the Everfree forest, everyone's eyes were on me, a happy looks on their faces.
"....What?"
"You feel it, dont you?" Rarity asked with a smirk.
"Feel what?"
"Magic of music of course! I love singing, mostly when these are really happy songs about how happy i am and-"
"Magic of music? What is that?" Thanks god that shut her up.
"Magic of music is whenever your feelings are so high that you cant control them anymore, and then a magic of music lets you control yourself by singing about what you feel!" Twilight happily explained it. God damn it, i hate singing.
"Ehh... do i have to?"
"Yup!" Anserwed Applejack. Alright, fuck it, this feeling is really annoying. I made a few steps and tried to start singing, when suddenly a music started. It sounded like... guitar? Hell yeah, that's what i like. I took a deep breath and began.
♬ My revenge will be sweet and sour ♬
♬ As i approach you in your last hour ♬
♬ Your mercy begging will do no good ♬
♬ I will reveal what's under your hood ♬
Oh man, i already like it. Looks at the faces of ponies - priceless. I slowly started moving into forest, ponies following me, terrified.
♬ Beware you scum, cause this Jack is big ♬
♬ I gonna slice you like an ugly pig ♬
♬ Your screams and howls will give me joy ♬
♬ From now you shall become my toy ♬
I think Fluttershy peed herself. I feel really bad scaring them like that, but i still have this god forsaken feeling, though i can feel it slowly dissapearing. We were already near this castle, as guitar get for a moment more power.
♬ Your fortress wont protect you from my wrath! ♬
♬ For this moment i have left my path! ♬
♬ Your body will soon end in my hearth! ♬
♬ Which will allow me to come back at earth! ♬
I was already in front of the massive wooden doors of the castle. Ponies didnt even dare to look at me on our way here, and now i think i can see them slowly backing away from me. Music was slowly dying, as my feeling almost totaly dissapeared. With a smirk at my face, i grabbed a door handle.
♬ Here i am, with my crew ♬
♬ I have come for you ♬
Music died as i opened the door. I tried to step inside, but i could feel something poke back of my leg. When i looked behind me, i saw Fluttershy with tears in her eyes, looking at me.
"Maybe you shouldnt go in..."
Chapter 7 - Lost Hopes
"What do you mean Fluttershy?" I was quite confused at that. I know i've scared these ponies, but i didnt expected them to act like that. All of them looked at me with concern in their eyes. Fluttershy looked away for a second, before turned her gaze back to me.
"...You need help." She quickly said, looking away after that.
"What? C'mon girls, it was just a song! I dont plan on doing any of these things!" Even if that sounded awesome, it was just insane.
"No darling, it doesnt work like that." Rarity said. "Magic of music makes you to sing about what you feel, it's something from inside of your soul. You cant lie in that song, all you say is always what you think... This is why we think you need a help, Jack." Well, i just fucked myself up.
"Rarity, this must wait. We're here on a mission, after that you can torture me." I'm sure they would all wrap me in a hug in that moment if not the fact that i'm in a doorstep.
"I'm afraid Jack is right, but dont think we're done here. After that, we will need to talk about that. Also, from now i'll keep an eye on you. Dont take this wrong Jack, but your song... gave us a few suspicions." Crap.
"Eh, whatever. Shall we go?" They all nodded as we walked in. We entered a huge hall, clearly empty inside, except from a huge dark crystal chandelier. At the middle of room were waiting for us Shinning Armor and Solseek.
"Alright, i can see you're here already. My friend, Solseek, decided to help us with that mission. I do believe you know Solseek already Jack?" At the mention of him i could feel my body ache.
"Yes, i remember Solseek." I could see him smirk at my expression. Asshole.
"Shinning Armor, you're working with... changelings?" Rarity seemed very disgusted by that, just like everyone else except - obviously - Pinkie Pie, though she still seemed to tense up a little bit at his sight.
"This 'changeling' here is one of my best students, miss Rarity. Meet Solseek - A commander, a friend of mine and a changeling that saved my life." I was a little bit surprised at that, but ponies jaws were on the floor.
"So, he saved your life?" Twilight asked, clearly interested.
"Yes, but that's a long story. I do believe we have a quest to accomplish." Solseek said, and with that we went on.
We've moved throu a lot of richly decorated halls, most of them looked like carved out of dark crystal. There were a few times where we could notice some of shards moving, but we didnt payed attention to that. After a while we were standing at the top of one of towers, where should be the owner of it. In front of us were a huge massive door leading into the last chamber. Shinning tried to push door, but it opened itself, and we walked in. Whole place looked like a throne room from Canterlot, but - of course - carved in dark crystal, which also obviously makes it a lot darker. When we entered, door closed behind us and an evil laugh began. Suddenly some kind of a dark chains entwine us. Me, around my wrists and ankles, and ponies at their hooves and - in case of Twilight, Shinning and Rarity - also at their hornes. Fluttershy, Solseek and Rainbow Dash wings were pined to them with the same kind of chains. After a while filled with dark laugh, owner of this castle came from a dark corner behind us. He was a grey pony with black mane and tail. He was wearing some kind of an armor at his chest and hooves, a black helmet with additionaly some kind of a crown on it and at his back i could see something what reminds me of a red king robe from middle ages. His eyes were red, and a purple fog was coming from them, he also had canines and a horn... well, what have left of it. It looks like something had to break it at the base of it. He as looking at us with rather angry gaze, but i think he didnt even noticed me standing there. He was glaring all the time at the ponies, including Shinnig Armor.
"Finally! After a long time i shall have my revenge!" He said as he move forward us, a victorious grin on his face.
"Your plan is over, Sombra! We're here to stop you!" Shinning yelled. They know eachother... Eh, i feel unnecessary.
"It's King Sombra for you, scum! And from this day, i will officialy become a king of Equestria! After Celestia have send her strongest part of defence straight into my trap, nothing will stop me from turning lifes of ponies in this land into a true disaster!" And yet again, evil laugh. A little bit cocky, are we?
"Oooh, bring it on, Sombra!" Rainbow Dash yelled as she tried to charge at him, only to be stoped by more of chains.
"Fool! Nobody can stop me now! My power is back, and it's stronger than before! But dont worry, i've planned to have some fun with you first. Sadly, i cant see this dragon here, i would kill him instantly." Everyone's gaze get more hatred at that point, and i was just standing there, confused as hell.
"So, we're supoused to get him and, i dont know, tie him up or something, or just kill?" I asked, as everyone looked at me like i wasnt supoused to be there at all.
"Oh, i didnt noticed you have a new pet, Twilight, though he is rather big... Is that an ape?" Alright, you asked for it. I tried to walk to him, only to be pinned to ground by more chains.
"Jack!" Ponies yelled as they watched me. These chains were tight around me. I couldnt move, and it was actualy quite painfull. I could only move my head at that point, so i looked up at Sombra, who was in front of me, a smirk on his face.
"What is that, ape? C'mon, hit me. Attack me. I'm waiting." I tried to move anyhow, but i couldnt. His smile only deepened as he kicked me in stomach. And again. And again. And about ten more times. I think i was about to spit my guts when Applejack yelled.
"Leave him alone, ya monster!" He looked in her way with rather unpleased expression.
"What did you called me?" He said as he approached her. "You called me monster?" He was now face to face with her.
"Ah did." At that point she get a rather strong smack in her face.
"Repeat."
"Ah did." Another smack.
"Repeat"
"Ah did!" This time it was a punch, strong enough to send her on the ground, bleeding.
"A dirty peasant like you isnt supoused to live. But dont worry, i'll take care of this soon. I'll end with all of you." I could see him smirk again.
"Let the game begin." And with that, i could see his horn suddenly grow back. It looks like it was burned, more red it gets with farther it gets. After it grew back, a dark fog started to flow from it's tip, slowly filling room. Once it reached our group, everyone instantly were asleep, me as well.
I've woke up at the middle of an arena, like from the ancient greece. I could see all of ponies and a changeling here as well, all of them looking dizzy. At the top of the audience - who were an ilusion of some kind of a black and grey ponies - was sitting Sombra, looking at us with an evil grin.
"In this place you shall fight against one of the most dangerous creatures this land ever knowed! If you will survive, i will send you to a new place, and each one will be harder than the last one! Bring creatures!" And with that, gates placed around arena opened.
After a while we could hear a snarling coming out of these gates. Everyone went at the middle of the arena and were looking around if something is coming.
"Twilight, what is going on?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I have two ideas of what is happening now. First one, Sombra moved us here while we were asleep, but that's unlikely. This place doesnt exist in our world, not that anyone have heard of. Second possibility is... that this is a dream. Sombra is controling us in a dream he created... If that's true, we're more than in trouble."
"What do you mean Twilight, dear?" Rarity was confused just like everyone... Of course except Pinkie, who was -
"Where is Pinke Pie?" Applejack asked. Now that i look around, i cant see her anywhere.
"I dont know... Oh Celestia, i hope she's fine." Fluttershy was looking like she's about to faint, mostly because of snarling that now turned into a roars.
"Dont worry girls, as i said before, this is a dream. He cant kill us in a dream... though whenever we're killed in a dream that is under control of someone else, it mostly ends with a lot of pain in reality..." We could see already shadows of these beasts that were coming here. I could see something grab my leg, and when i looked behing me, i saw Fluttershy hugging me with closed eyes. That is the most adorable thing i've ever seen in my life!
"Dont worry everypony, whatever comes at us, we're prepared for it." Solseek said and Shinning nodded. I stepped forward with them and watched first monsters approaching us. It was a whole army of timberwolfes coming at us, and behind them another army of manticores.
"Fluttershy, please tell me ya can tell them to leave us alone..." Applejack said, looking at approaching army of animals with disbelieve.
"Umm... I think i c-can try..." She said as she came next to me. Animals stoped and one of timberwolfes came forward.
"...E-excuse me... could you please not a-attack my friends?" I think if this wolf would talk, he would say 'Are you fucking kidding me?' "...please?" He literaly rolled his eyes as he turned around and howled. Rest of animals made their noises as well and started to walk away. Holy shit, it worked! I've looked at Sombra, who was actualy looking rather happy at that point.
"What are you going to do now, Sombra? Wake us up so we can kick your flank in a true fight!" Rainbow Dash yelled, which made Sombra to laugh.
"Naive ponies! You think this will be so easy? It looks like you know already it's a dream, i do believe Twilight Sparkle discovered that, but let me tell you something. This isnt just a normal kind of a control over a created dream. This is something above the level of a casual magic!" His horn glowed again as suddenly all animals turned back at us and charged, a purple fog coming from their eyes. Twilight was looking at least horrified now. I could hear her mumble.
"A control over a dream dont allow you to control living creatures in it, from ponies to mindless animals..." After that she spoke loude. "But that would mean -"
"You're right, Sparkle. In this dream you can die, and you will die in reality as well!" He evilly laughed as horde of animals were charging at us.
"Jack! Combat stance!" Shinning yelled as he and Solseek get into their stances.
I could see the same timberwolf as Fluttershy was talking to charge straigth at me. So, my first enemy will be a Timberwolf. It's time for a results of my training. As the closest timberwolf jumped at me, i made a quick dash at left, grabbed his head and cracked his non-existing neck with one, swift move. Timberwolfes limbs are connected together by a thin line of magic, which is connected straight to it's brain. Breaking that line means a quick death for a wolf, and that lines it's really easy to break. Next three wolfes i've killed in the same way untill a huge wave of animals jumped straight at our group. I couldnt see anything throu a fight, but i know i've been killing everything that get in my arms, except ponies and Solseek. After a while i've get to fight against a Manticore. Manticores are strong, but really they have weak orientation and are quite slow. Additionaly, while their body is really tough, their front legs are weak and easy to break. I've grabbed a piece of wood that was probably before a leg of one of timberwolfes - Now it feels like holding a lollipop! Man, being strong is awesome - and dashed right in front of this manticore, avoiding every possible hit from it. When i was next to it, i made a swing and hit with my piece of wood it's leg, breaking it in half. I did the same with the second one and backed away. It falled on it's face, and quickly get a powerfull hit from me right in it's skull, almost smashing it into a bloody mess. At this moment i could feel something attacking me from behind. I feel on the ground and rolled away, looking in the eyes of an angry timberwolf. I tried to back away, but it quickly bite my arm and tried to lacerate it. I grabbed it's head with my second arm and broke it neck, making it die instantly. It's limbs collapsed around as i stood at the ground again. I had a huge bite mark at my arm and some scratches at my back. At this point something surprised me - There wasnt any animals around me anymore. Now that i looked around, there wasnt actualy any animals at all anymore. When i turned around, i could see ponies and Solseek in some kind of a barrier. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were looking exhausted, but they werent hurt. Shinning was the one who made this barrier, and he was looking like he's about to faint, if not Twilight helping him at his side, also looking quite exhausted. Fluttershy was actualy wounded, she had a small scratch at her back, but Rarity was helping her with that. Pinkie was still nowhere to be found, and whole barrier was surrounded by a dead bodies of animals, a lot of them looked burned. If she even was somewhere around, she probably ended like these animals. When i approached ponies, they all gasped.
"Jack! What happend to you!?" Twilight cried as Shinning opened barrier to let me in.
"What do you mean? It's not that bad as i expected."
"What are you talking about, darling? Look at yourself!" So i did.
I was covered in bruises and scratches. I had at least five bite marks all around me, my t-shirt was teared apart, and my chest was quite badly bleeding. When did i get all these? Now when we were after a fight, i could actualy feel that my whole body hurt like a bitch, and i was barely walking. Rainbow Dash quickly flied next to me so i could support myself on her while walking. Everyone were messy after a fight, and had at least a few bruises, some scratches and all that stuff on themself. Everyone were looking at me as i slowly approached to them, only to trip over something in halfway and fall on the ground. I couldnt stand up, i was watching how everyone walked to me and tried to help me while Sombra said loudly.
"Very well, it's time for a next challenge!"
At this moment the same purple fog surrounded us as we doze off again.
I've slowly opened my eyes only to quickly shut them again due to a cold wind hitting them. I could feel warm something at my back, but in front of me i could clearly feel a really cold wind blowing. ...Am i lying on a snow? I carefully opened my eyes and saw that i'm in some kind of a forest, in a middle of winter. When i looked at my back, i saw... Pinke Pie? I flinched in surprise, which woke her up.
"*Yawn* ...Oh hey Jack! You know, i had a really strange dream! I've been watching my friends and you fighting against animals on an arena, and at the other side i could see this meanie Sombra! I tried to sneak on him, but suddenly i went to sleep. Do you have any idea where are we? Since i - Ohmygosh Jack you're wounded!" No shit Sherlock.
"Pinkie, this wasnt a dream, we were really fighting. I mean, this was a dream, but... Eh, it's complicated. Point is that even if that's a dream, everything is real." She looked confused.
"So, if that's a dream... i can create everything i want?" She happily asked.
"Of course you - Wait, actualy... i dont know."
"Well, it's sure cold here! I could use a blanket!" And of course by that a blanket appeared, as Pinkie happily covered herself with it.
"It works! Alright, i want my wounds to be gone, new warm clothes and something which will help me to get that scum Sombra!" Aaaaand nothing happend.
"C'mon Jack, you need to focus! Look at me! I want... a cupcake!" And a cupkace showed up, as she happily ate it. I tried to focus, but nothing happend.
"Alright Pinkie, i think it doesnt work for me. Can you create something that will help us get to the others?" She thought for a while, then created a sled. "Seriously?"
"C'mon Jack, we need to find the others!"
"Ehh... Can you fix my wounds? I think i'm not able to move." She looked at me for a second, and after a second all my wounds were gone.
Alright, thanks Pinkie." I said as i stood up.
And with that we went. Sled was somehow moving on it's own, so i do believe we were going in the right direction. After a while we could see others moving throu snowdrifts. When they saw us coming, they were stunned.
"Jack? Pinke Pie?!" Twilight asked, shocked. They looked like they had a hard time.
"Yup. Do you have any idea what are you doing here?" I asked as Pinkie went to do... things Pinkie Pie does when she's not listening.
"Sombra said we're supoused to survive a day at this snow. It's not a problem for Fluttershy or Rainbow Dash since they're pegazus, and Applejack is rather tough, but... me and Rarity have some problems. Sombra stole our magic for that challenge, so we cant cast any spells."
"Ah, that's no problem! Why dont you just create a blanket for yourself like the one i have?" Pinkie happily said as she bringed her blanket from her sled. Everyone were quite confused at that.
"I was about to ask darling, where did you happen to get a sled? And this blanket?" Rarity asked, and was retarded by 'are you nutz?' gaze from Pinkie.
"I just created it, of course! You know, we're in a dream, we can create everything!"
"No, Pinkie, it doesnt work like that. When someone controls a dream, others arent able to take control over any aspect of it. 'Where my own realm exists, your power is meaningless', as Starswirl the Bearded said." A pony philosopher perhaps?
"Yeah? Then how can i do that?" She said as she created eight blankets, each one with a cutie mark of seven ponies and a green one.
"How is that possible?" Solseek asked, looking at his blanket.
"I have no idea... Pinkie, you've broke one of the main rules of dreamology!" Dreamology?
"Dont be silly Twilight! I just created blankets!"
"But... I... Aghhh, nevermind! Can you create something to help us get out of this dream?" Pinkie thought for a second before she smiled, i think i could hear 'ding' somewhere in the background.
After a while her sled became at least three times bigger, big enough to keep us all in it. Pinkie nodded at it as we all get in. After a second sled went on itself, moving somewhere throu the forest. After half an hour of the ride we could see some kind of a wooden hut with a chimney. Seems legit. We all left Pinkie sled and went inside, where we saw Sombra sitting on a wooden chair next to the chimney and drinking hot cocoa. When he saw us, he spit out cocoa and looked at us shocked.
"H-how did you... What are you doing here?!"
"This is end, Sombra. Wake us up right now." Shinning Armor demanded as he stepped forward.
"Back off, fool! It's not over yet! I dont even want to know how did you find me, but next place you will get into will be-" That was all he could say before i dashed to him and grabbed his throat, lifting him up for at least half of meter.
"Game is over." I said with a grin as i kept strangling him, watching him suffer.
"Y-you cant... My master... After he revived m-me... I wont..." That was all he could say before he died in my hands. I throwed his body with fury at the chimney, watching it burn. When i turned around, i saw ponies and a changeling looking at me with shocked expression.
"What? He pissed me off." I think i could see Fluttershy back away a little bit at that.
"Jack..." Twilight said, but before she could say anything else, we suddenly woke up back at the castle, with a still burning body of Sombra in front of us. A smell was rather unpleasant, so we quickly left this room, and after that this castle. I've headed straight into ponyville, still thinking about what happend, but then realisation hit me.
"I did it... I'm going home..." Twilight looked at me rather surprised, but after a while i could see a concern at her face.
"Was it really worth, Jack? Worth risking your life for it? You could always stay here, with us." I looked at her like she was dumb, which made her to look away.
"Tell Spike to send a message that my quest is done, and that i expect my teleport back to home as soon as it's possible." She didnt said anything, though she was rather sad at that.
Rest of our trip was in silence. I've walked in library and to my room to pack myself up. After half an hour, i was ready, and Twilight came in at the same time as i closed my last valise. Where did i get valises at first place? She said that Celestia wants me to come to Canterlot castle, where she will send me back to home. I happily ran straight at the train station, bought a ticket to canterlot and before i noticed i was already standing in front of castle. I throwed a bag of bits behind me - I wont need them back at earth after all - and walked in. I went straight into a throne room, since i remember already how to get there. When i walked in, i could see already some kind of a white circle at the middle of room, Celestia and Luna next to it.
"I do believe you're ready. I only hope you had a good time in Equestria." Celestia said, a sad smile at her face. I looked at her with rather unhappy gaze.
"I've died almost three times, i was forced into a fight with some kind of a cocky dude who almost killed me as well, and i'm really happy to leave this place." Celestia's gaze saddened even more, but Luna's gaze didnt changed at all. She was looking... dissapointed?
"Perhaps you will visit us once if you will be able to..." Celestia said as her small smile came back at her face.
After a while a small teleport slowly appeared at the middle of the chamber. It was slowly growing, and after ten minutes it was at least 2 meters high and 1 meter wide. I could feel my grin getting even more wide as i slowly entered teleport. Everything went instantly bright as i could feel some kind of energy surrounding me. I felt like traveling throu void, i could see some kind of an energy orbs levitating around me, all in other colors. After a while, i could feel some kind of a pinch at my shoulder as suddenly everything stoped. I was throwed away from this portal, back into a throne room. I looked around shocked, and noticed that Luna and Celestia were shocked as well. I tried at least three more times, each time same thing happend.
"No... No, No! " What is happening?! Why i cant get throu? I took my shirt off and tried to look at my shoulder. Mark of Discord was glowing brightly, under it i could see a smile of Discord - could recognize it from a fang.
"W-what is that?" I asked myself quietly.
"It seems a mark of Discord dont allow you to leave this realm. In other way, you cant leave Equestria." Luna said as she and Celestia closed portal. I've been watching my last hope of coming home fade away, without any idea of what is happening around me. After a moment i could feel something on my back. When i looked behind me, i saw Celestia looking at me with a concern, her wing at my back.
"I'm really sorry Jack, but we cant do anything. Discord sealed you in this world, and only his defeat will help you." I could feel my eyes watering at this moment. I tried to hold crying, but i after few more seconds i failed. Tears ran down my checks as i sobbed. Celestia hugged, but i didnt cared now. After half an hour, i suddenly stoped crying. Even more, i could feel a smirk slowly forming on my face as Celestia looked at me, surprised. As i was now smiling, with some tears still on my check, i mumbled quietly.
"My revenge will be sweet and sour, as i approach you in your last hour..." I think Celestia heard that, cause she was now even more shocked than before. After a while, she shocked her head.
"I'm not bringing you into any trouble anymore, Jack. I want you to recover, to get better, psychicaly and mentaly. A lot of bad things happend to you, but i do believe we can help you. You will keep living with Twilight and her friends, but from now she will keep an eye for you and help you whenever she will see you need it. And dont even try to argue about that, i already send Twilight a letter about that, and from what she told me, she was thinking about it as well. If you want, you can stay in castle for the rest of this day, tommorow you're going back to Ponyville." She said as she came back to Luna, who was still looking at me with disappointed look. What does she wants from me?
"I... I think i will stay here for today..."
"Very well." Celestia called a guard that showed me my room. I sat on a bed and looked around room, thinking about everything.
My old life is ruined, but a new one is showing up.
Jack left our throne room as i sighed. Discord have ruined his life so bad, i wish i could help him more than that. I looked at Luna who was giving me rather unpleasant look.
"Thou do not feel it, sister?" She asked me as she walked back to her throne.
"Yes, i do. A dark energy is forming around him, same as you had before you turned into Nightmare Moon. Aura of pure hatred... This is why i want to help him. I want to prevent from what might come without doing something i might regret."
"You understand that thou plan is very dangerous? If that wont work, Ponyville will be in danger."
"I know my sister... I know..."
Chapter 8 - Party Pooper
"C'mon Jack, we cant help you if you will hide something from us. Tell us everything !" Twilight demanded as rest of her friends surrounded me.
After i came back from Canterlot, Twilight instantly get me into her 'promised conversation'. She wants me to tell her about what happend before i arrived here, what do i feel about it and all that stuff... of course i'm avoiding talking about that. Why? To make it harder for them. Yes, i know, i'm a dick, but it's also because i dont want to talk about this. I want just to keep it for my own, i dont see a sense in telling everyone about how i feel, and it also... kinda hurt to think about it.
"Alright Jack, in that case i will have to do it in a hard way." Hard way? I could see her horn glow. Lie detector? "Alright. So we know so far Discord bringed you to this land to help you have your revenge. From what you told me, something bad happend to your family, but you never mentioned what. What happend?" I didnt said anything. Lie detecting spell wont work if i wont say anything. I think she didnt expected that. Twilight was looking at me with a smirk for about a minute before her smile turned into a angry grimace.
"Aghhh, say something!" I smiled at that. After few more seconds she sighed as her horn stopped glowing. "How are you doing it?" She asked with rather defeated voice.
"Doing what?"
"How can you sense when i'm using spells on you?"
"What do you mean? Your horn glowes whenever you use magic." Her ears perked up at that and her eyes went straigt at me.
"My horn what? You can see unicorns using magic?"
"Yeah, i thought everyone can." She shook her head.
"Almost nobody can see or sense who's using magic. Only unicorns can sense who's using it, but they cant really see it." She looked really confused. "I wonder if we can test it somehow..."
"Oh, i do believe we can, darling." Rarity said as she came closer to us. She wishpered something to Twilight ear, and she nodded.
"Alright Jack, tell us which one of us is holding this book?" Twilight asked as she lifted with her magic a book. I can gues it was her, since only her horn was glowing, also from the fact book was glowing purple.
"Twilight." They nodded to themself and aura around book changed to white, Twilight horn stoped glowing and Rarity's does. "Now who?"
"Rarity." They nodded to themself once again. Book didnt changed color, but Twilight horn started glowing as well. "Now?"
"Rarity." They smiled at that.
"Alright, last test. Who is holding book... now?" Suddenly an amazingly bright light hit my eyes, which made me to instantly shut them and scream in pain. I fell on the ground, rubbing my eyes. What happend? It was like someone throwed a flashbang. I couldnt open my eyes for at least five minutes, and when i did, i saw Twilight and others looking at me with concern.
"Jack, are ya alright? Twilight, what did ya do to him?" Applejack asked, a confused look on her face.
"I didnt do anything, me and Rarity just holded this book with magic at the same time, i didnt expected that to happen!" Twilight cried as she helped me to stand up. I looked at her with lifeless eyes for about few minutes, without blinking, before i asked:
"Can you do something to my eyes to make them resistant to light?"
"Well, i can, but i have to warn that this might hurt"
"..."
Thankfully, after ten minutes of terror, everyone already forget about this whole conversation about helping me and blah blah blah... So i went outside, to catch a breath and look around Ponyville. Since i've throwed away my bits, i cant really buy anything, so after a while of wandering around, i came to Sweet Apple Acress. Whole place looked quite empty, so i went to Applejack house. When i was in front of it, i gently knocked on the door. After a while, Big Mac came.
"Hey Big Mac, anything to do today?"
"Nnnope."
"Ummm... Why?"
"Apple Bloom is sick, so me and Applejack have ta take care of her."
"Alright, i will see you later then."
"Yyyup."
After that i went to Sugar Cube Corner. If i good remember, Pinkie proposed me a job here once, i'll have to talk with her about it. When i entered it, Pinkie Pie instantly rushed towards me with a grin on her face.
"Heya Jack! What are you doing here? You came here for a job because Applejack and Big Mac have to take care of sick Apple Bloom so they dont have a work for you?"
"Hey Pin - Wait, how did you know that?"
"I guessed!" She happily said with even wider grin. I never payed closer attention to her, but she's sure fucking weird. Note to myself - Avoid contact with Pinke Pie even more. Well, not now, but later.
"So... What can i do?"
"Oh, dont worry about it! Just wait here for a second, i need to prepare some things!" And with that she trotted to what i guessed would be a kitchen. After a while and a lot of weird noises - I'm sure i heard a fucking chainsaw in her kitchen - she came back, looking rather exhausted. "Alrighty Jack, you can come!"
I have to say, from noises i saw i expected a mess here, but everything was perfectly clean. Floor was sparkling, dishes were sparkling, now that i look closer, even Pinkie Pie is sparkling. She was... cleaning? She smiled at my reaction and walked toward a cupboard.
"Okey Jack, i will show you how to bake cupcakes! I'll pay you ten bits for every plate of cupcakes you will bake, but that later."
And so we went. She showed me how to bake a cupcakes, then i made a few tests, she said it's looking fine - I'm not really a baker, but these wasnt that bad for my first try - and a few next hours went on, me making plates of cupcakes whenever someone ordered, and Pinkie working with other stuff around. At the end, she came to me with rather... strange kind of a smile, forced i would say. She had some kind of a black sack at her back.
"Alright Jack, i've counted twelve plates of cupcakes, which will be one hundred and twenty bits. Have a nice day!" She said as she gave me a sack of money she had somewhere behind that big black sack, and went to the kitchen.
I was about to leave, but then a sudden realization came to me. When i came to Big Mac, it was six in the morning. I was working with Pinkie Pie for a few hours, which would mean it's about ten-eleven in the morning. There's no way my work would end now. Is she hiding something from me? I decided to follow her. Apparently she went to the basement, since door leading to it was opened. Without thinking about how stupid idea is to walk around someone else house, i went in. Walking down the stairs, i could hear some strange noises, like fire cracking. At the end of the staircase i saw a wooden door. I slowly opened it, and saw something i totaly didnt expected.
"Pinkie! What are you doing?!"
"Jack! Ohmygosh you're back! I.... It's not what it looks like, i swear!"
"Dont even lie to me! I see what is that about, but dont worry. You wont see me again." I could see her colors suddenly fade to grey, her mane and tail get straight and her 'fake' smile dissapeared.
"I see... Ok, Jack. I'm sorry." And with that, i left. I cant believe she burned all the cupcakes i baked! I know these arent perfect, but c'mon, it was my hard work! And she just burned them like some rubbish! And... Why do i care? I got money anyway.
After that accident i went back to library, to leave bits i get. I gues i will need to talk with Pinke about what happend... but that later. When i entered, i saw that Twilight is pretty worried about something.
"Hey Twilight, what's up?"
"Tell me Jack, have you been somewhere near Sugar Cube Corner lately?"
"Yeah, why do you ask?"
"Do you have any idea what happend to Pinke Pie? She's... different. Last time when she was like that she thought we dont want to be her friends anymore. I'm really worried." Oh uh. How does she know that? It's been ten minutes damn it!
"Well, you see, she kinda pissed me off, so i... uhh... yelled at her. But i dont think that would be a -"
"You did WHAT?!" I jumped at that. Ponies can be sure loud when they want to be.
"Oh c'mon Twilight, i will talk with her, i'm sure it will be over soon."
"You better wish so! We have to hurry before her magic of friendship ran out!"
"Hahaha, good one Twilight. Magic of friendship, haha." I said it as ironically as i could. When i first arrived, at the hospital, she told me about all this stuff about how friendship is powerfull in this land, but c'mon, Magic of friendship?
"Jack, this is serious! Pinke Pie is really - Oh... Right, you have no idea how magic of friendship works."
"...So that's a real thing?"
"Yes! Let me explain you. As i told you once, this land is fueled with friendship, and it contains a power like magic. For ponies, Magic of Friendship is really imporant. Imagine your health as a fire. When you're healthy, your fire is big. Ponies have two fires, one fire is their health, and second fire is their Magic of Friendship. While health fire grows bigger if you stay fit, exercise and eat healthy, your friendship fire is growing whenever you're talking with other ponies, care about them or even when you're seeing ponies you like. And just like health fire is getting smaller if you're ill, you dont care about your body or when you're wounded, a friendship fire gets smaller if a pony dont have a contact with somepony else. If your friendship fire is about to die, it starts to feed on your health fire, regenerating itself but slowly killing you instead. Mostly, having at least one friend prevents your friendship fire from dying, but it works differently for each pony. Some ponies dont need a friends at all, and their friendship fire will never die. Some ponies need to be with others all the time, or their fire will die out within few minutes, and Pinkie Pie is such a pony. She have a lot of friends, but anything wrong can reverse growing of her friendship fire, and her fire is dying really fast. So, if Pinkie Pie will ran out of Magic of Friendship, she will be getting worse and worse, untill..." Shen went silent at that point. Wow. Shit get complicated. Though one thing makes me wonder.
"...Magic of Friendship... is working only for ponies, right?" Please say yes please say yes please say yes!
"No, it's actualy working for every creature living in Equestria, except Diamond Dogs and Dragons. Somehow Diamond Dogs are immune to all kind of magic, just like Dragons."
"...And that would work for me as well?" Please say no please say no please say no!
"Well... actualy, i have no idea. We would need to check it, but right now we need to save Pinkie!" And with that she trotted outside and to Sugar Cube Corner, me following her.
When we entered it, i couldnt believe it's the same Sugar Cube Corner as i've been at least twenty minutes ago. Everything get darker shades, there was no customers, blinds on windows were obscured, overally everything seemed dark. Pinkie Pie was sitting behind a cashbox with bored look, not even blinking. She was still all gray, and her mane and tail straight instead of a fluffy. When she noticed me, her ears perked up and her gaze softened a little bit.
"...Jack? What are you doing here? I thought you said you will never again come here..."
"Pinke, i'm sorry. I didnt wanted to yell at you, i was just surprised."
"But... but i burned your cupcakes! You've been working hard on them, and i just burned them."
"C'mon Pinkie, it's just a cupcakes. I know i'm not the best baker in the world, so i fully understand you."
"It's not that you cant bake, Jack! It's just that... you forgot to use a sugar... in every plate..." I knew i was forgeting something!
"Then you had even a bigger reason to burn them! I just want to ask, what did you sold customers instead?"
"Oh, i just had prepared some plates already, in case like that..." She looked away at that point.
"Pinkie, look at me." She slowly moved her gaze to me, and when she was fully looking at me, i gave her a really tight hug. She was surprised at that, but she didnt resisted. "Pinkie, that was the right thing to do, and i would've never blame you for that if you would have told me in first place. A true friend will forgive everything, Pinkie. Everything. Remember that, and never let your smile dissapear, this is something everyone needs to see everyday, it gives them energy to face a new day." Her colors came back to pink, but her mane and tail didnt changed back yet, i could hear her crying actualy.
"I...I...T-thank you, Jack..." She backed away, showing her grin, a little bit ruined by tears running throu her checks. "I always want to make my friends smile!" At that point her mane and tail got poofy again. Well, that went easy.
"I'm glad you're fine Pinkie, i was really worried." Twilight sighed as she approached Pinkie and gave her a hug as well.
"Of course i'm fine, Twilight! Jack, how about you will help me with something else?" I raised an eyebrow, but after a second i nodded with a smile. I'm probably making a mistake, but whatever.
"That's great! Soon Twilight brother will have a birthday, so i planned for him a party!"
"Ah, you're right! Shinning's birthday will be in next week! But Pinkie, Shinning Armor is living in Canterlot, how do you plan to do it?"
"That's where Jack will help! When everything will be ready, you will call Shinning Armor that Jack will need his-*mumble* " At this point Twilight was holding a hoof in Pinke mouth, successfully shutting her up.
"Pinkie, we talked about this! Not a single word about... you know what!" She said as she looked at me with really bad innocent smile.
"What is all that about?" I slightly narrowed my eyes. I dont like when someone's hiding a secret from me.
"Oh, it's nothing Jack, just-" Twilight stoped as suddenly Pinkie throwed her hoof way.
"Twilight is supoused to call Shinning Armor if you will get mad and attack everypony and-" And yet again, a hoof on her mouth.
"...Oh, really? That is interesting. I'm really glad everone trust me."
"Please Jack, it's not like that! We trust you, it's just... an order."
"From who?" Twilight sighed deeply.
"From Princess Celestia and Princess Luna."
"Oh? I see. Anyway, Pinkie, so what about your plan?" I feel like if i would continue this conversation, someone would get hurt.
"So, Twilight will call Shinning Armor to come here and 'help put you down'. When he will arrive, you will let him notice you, and then when he will chase you up to Sugar Cube Corner, where a party will be already prepared!"\
"So... You want me to be a live bait?"
"Yup!" Twilight facehooved at that, and i looked at her with rather bemused gaze. "Oh c'mon Jack, i'm sure it will work!"
"Why dont you just call him without giving any reasons?"
"Nah, that wouldnt work silly! He's a guard captain! He cant leave a city he protects just like that!"
"I'm afraid she's right. As a guard captian, my brother can leave only when it's necessary." Twilight added.
"Alright... I gues i will help with your plan Pinkie, but on one condition."
"What is it?" She happily asked, a wide grin on her face already.
"If something will go wrong, you will go in and stop everything before things were got out of hand."
"Out of hand?" They both asked, looking confused.
"...Out of control."
"Ah, i see. Alright Jack, deal!"
"Cool. Twilight, are you in?" She sighed at that.
"Do i really have a choice?" Pinkie shook her head, her grin getting even wider.
"That's great! I will prepare everything for a party! I will tell you once everything is done Twilight so you can call your brother!" She happily said as she trotted somewhere upstairs. I slowly looked at Twilight.
"Am i fucked?"
"I wouldnt say it like that, but yes, it was rather bad decision." Fuck.
Next days were rather calm. Apple Bloom got better rather quickly, so i could work once again at the Sweet Apple Orchard. Free time i was spending at the library reading books i havent read yet, or walking outside. Anyway, i was most of times avoiding any kind of 'you need help' conversations, so in other way - I was avoiding meeting Twilight and rest of them in group, i was avoiding staying alone with one of them at the closed room, and there was even a situation when they were chasing me, thankfully i ran away. Anyway, finaly a party day came. I was already outside, on my way to Sugar Cube Corner. When i entered, everything was already prepared, and guests were slowly coming in. As soon as Pinkie noticed me, she trotted to me with a grin on her face.
"Alright, Jack! I've told Twilight already to call for Shinning Armor, so i think he should be there soon!"
"You know Pinkie, i wonder if we wont get in trouble for that."
"Of course not silly! What's the worst that could happen?" Ah, yes, the cursed sentence. Who knows that kind of bad stuff will it bring this time?
"...Anyway, where should i meet with him?"
"At the library, he will be there within twenty minutes! I think you should hurry!"
...Library? Like, Twilight library? Library that is about five hundred meters away from here? It shouldnt be a problem, but i dont really know how fast Shinning Armor is... Not even mentioning that nobody predicted the fact that he can just teleport himself to me or otherwise... Whatever, too late for it now. I thought for a second before i went to library, a little bit worried about what might happen. When i approached it, i saw something i didnt expected. There was at least fifty guards flying above Ponyville. Well, i'm fucked. As soon as i came into view, all of them charged right at me. At the next second i was already running away, without even caring where i am going. If i'm going to stay alive after this, i'm going to kill Pinkie. I think i've been running for at least ten minutes before i get into some kind of a forest. Soon after entering it, i couldnt hear anyone coming anymore. Panting, i looked behind and saw that nobody is chasing me anymore, i could see from somewhere away.
"Sir! Why we're not chasing him anymore?"
"He just suicided. I'm not letting any of my people to die on this mission, we're done here."
"Yes, sir!" And with that, i couldnt hear them anymore.
I slowly looked around myself. Trees. A lot of trees. I was in some kind of a dark forest, without any idea of where i am. At the moment i entered it, i had a feeling like something is watching me, even after guards stoped. Is that perhaps... an Everfree forest? Ponies were talking about it a lot, mostly about not going there not matter what. Well, going back into Ponyville for a while will be a suicide, so i gues i will have to stay here...
I've been walking around this forest for about an hour, still having this feel like something is ready to jump at me in any second. Farther i go into forest, everything get darker with each second. Man, soon i wont see anything. I think it's time to head back to Ponyville. I turned around and started walking. Everything was getting brighter... before everything suddenly get almost pure dark. I had a problem to see my hands in this dark, and i could hear some wishpers around me. Yep. I think i just peed myself. I think i could hear something approach me from all directions, panting deeply. I was sweating and shaking in fear, ready for anything that will happen. In the dark i could see already some kind of a glowing red eyes... yep, coming from everywhere. If i have to gues, it's about few meters away from me at this point. Well, i gues that's all about my life in Eque-
"JACK!" Suddenly a strange kind of white glowing orb flew over here, showing everything around me. There... there was nothing. Just some trees and nothing else. After a while Twilight came after this ball, her horn glowing. Well, i gues it's her.
"Oh my god, Jack, you're alive! Everyone were worried, how did you end up here? All i could see was an huge group of guards flying away from direction of Everfree forest! I've explained everything to Shinning Armor already, we had this party, but then suddenly one of guards came to Sugar Cube Corner and reported that you've dissapeared in the Everfree... You've been here for 3 hours?" 3 hours? It's been a little bit longer than i expected.
"I'm fine Twilight, but please let's get out of here, i'll ask your questions later." She nodded as we went, i think i was still shaking, but i didnt cared as long as i was about to leave this place.
When we left forest, we went straight to Sugar Cube Corner. Surpisingly, Pinkie Pie wasnt there, so we just decided to stay here and have fun before she will arrive. Shinning Armor was there, so i decided to have a little conversation with him. As it came out, his guards reported that i was already dead, so this party kinda died for a while, but then Twilight said she can sense my presence, which means i was still alive, so ponies get back in good mood. Wow, i had no idea that other ponies than Twilight and her friends actualy care about me. Party ended at the evening, and when i was about to leave, suddenly Pinkie Pie stoped me at the doorstep.
"Jack? Ohmygosh, i've been looking for you everywhere! When i saw that group of guards chasing you, i was totaly shocked! I tried to stop them, but they didnt listened to me! And then-"
"Pinkie, i'm fine."
"Sigh I'm sorry Jack, i shouldnt force you into that... And i broke my promise. I was supoused to stop that if something went wrong, and it went even worse... I'm sorry..." Her smile dissapeared as she turned her gaze away.
"Pinkie Pie, you're wrong. I wasnt forced into that, i did that because i wanted to help you. And second thing, you shouldnt blame yourself for the fact you couldnt stop a group of guards trying to put me down. Nobody could." She looked back at me.
"So... You're not mad?"
"I'm not mad. How would i be mad on one of my friends?" Her smile came back at that, as i gave my own little smile. Before i could do anything, she quickly hugged me.
"Thank you Jack for everything you did for me, i really appreciate your help!" She said while hugging me tightly.
"It's nothing, Pinkie. I do believe i will need to get back to library now." She backed away, wide grin on her face.
"Yup, i gues you should! See ya tommorow!"
"See you tommorow." And with that, she came back into Sugar Cube Corner as i went into direction of Twilight home.
When i entered it, Twilight perked out from kitchen. After she saw me, a smile appeard at her face. I know that smile of hers. She's planning something. I slowly went farther into room, trying to ignore Twilight and get straight to my room. I think she realized what i'm trying to do, since she spoke when i was in front of her already.
"So, Jack, i'm glad you're back! Tell me, do you happen to remember our little conversation about magic of friendship in creatures living in Equestria?" She smiled, still peerking out of kitchen.
"Uhmm... No." Bullshit, i just dont feel like doing anything for today anymore, i just want to have this day after me. She looked confused for a second, but her smile came back after a second.
"Well, i do remember! C'mon, stay here, i need to get something before we can start!" She happily said as she went back to kitchen. Now's the chance!" I havent even made two steps before she quickly came back, levitating 2 leaves - one red and one blue. What is it, Matrix?
"Alright, i need you to sit on the floor, i will take care of rest!" I heavily sighed, but did as she said. She put a red leaf by my left and a blue one by my right. She looked at it for a second, before she yelled.
"Spike! Can you please come here for a second? I need you for something!" After a few seconds, Spike came quickly downstairs, looking quite worried.
"Ummm... If you want to ask about this broken window that someone covered with a wallpaper, then i have no idea who would do that!" I rolled my eyes as Twilight facehooved. Have someone told him that he cant lie yet?
"We will talk about this later Spike, can you set these leaves on fire?"
He looked at the leaves by my sides for a second before she set them on fire, first the red one and second the blue one. Red leaf had obviously red flame, but somehow it was really big. I was actualy worried that this would actualy burn me. Blue leaf had... Green flame? It was rather small, not even covering whole leaf. Twilight looked rather confused at that as well.
"That's strange... If you had a magic of friendship in you, this flame would be blue... But green? I've never seen something like that before! That's amazing! I will need to search about what green flame means!" I think i could see a spark in her eyes.
"Twilight, can i go now?" She looked at me, looking a little bit ashamed.
"Ah... Of course, you can go... Spike, i will need your help in my researches, if that's not a problem of course!" He sighed, but after a second he nodded his head. "Thank you Spike, i really appreciate it." She smiled as they both went in the second room, leaving me alone in the hall. Alright, mister bed, i'm coming.
I was sitting at my throne, talking with Luna by my side when suddenly a guard came in, looking quite worried.
"Princess, i have a report about what happend in Ponyville." My sister looked rather interested at that.
"Speak then, please." I calmy said, expecting the worst. When i first heard about Jack getting out of control, i was really worried. I dont want anyone to be hurt, but if i will need to... put him down, i will do it. For Equestria.
"Apparently this call was false, from what ponies from Ponyville said. Captain Shinning Armor is avoiding talking about this, he only said that Jack is innocent and alive. Captain was missing for most of day, he came back an hour ago. Last time when we saw human was when he ran into Everfree forest, trying to escape. We dont have any information about what happend after that." I couldnt believe what i heard. This is rather complicated... Jack went into Everfree forest, but Shinning Armor said he's still alive. We got a call about him getting out of control and hurting other ponies, but yet again captain said he's innocent... I think i will need to talk with our captain about this.
"That's all? Nothing happend meanwhile what would stop captain?" Luna asked, looking rather confused.
"Well, that's all i'm informed about. From what i remember, there was a party organized by a pony named Pinkamena Diane Pie, but i dont think captain would stay here." Luna raised an eyebrow, but after a second she shook her head.
"Alright, thank you guard, you may leave now." He bowed and left our throne room. I looked at Luna, who was thinking deeply about something.
"Are you worried about something, dear sister?" I asked with calm voice. She looked at me, looking rather worried.
"Sister... I have been spying on Jack as you asked me, and from what i saw, it was all planned to make Shinning Armor came at his birthday party."
"Ah, that is right, our captain have a birthday today... I think i should get something for him in that ocasion." My sister looked at me, looking rather confused, but after a while shook her head and continued.
"But it's not the thing that is worrying me. Apparently Twilight Sparkle was testing Jack, to check if magic of friendship is in him... But instead of that magic, she found his corruption." I was rather shocked at that.
"She did the leaf test?" Luna nodded. "How big was the fire?"
"Rather small, and i can sense his corruption get smaller from the last time i checked." I smiled at that.
"I'm glad to know that his friends are helping him, without even knowing it." Luna nodded, giving her own smile.
"Well, i supouse thou should go to bed now, it's nearly midnight." I looked throu the window, and it was indeed late already. Now that she mentioned it, i felt really tired.
"I do believe you're right sister. Good luck."
"Farewell, Tia. Let the dreams never let you down." I nodded and went to my bedroom. I've put my head on a soft pillow, but i couldnt sleep for a longer while, i still had one thought in my head.
I think i will need to visit Ponyville soon.
Chapter 9 - Family Buisness
Chapter 9 - Family Buisness
Winter was already coming, so i was on my way to Rarity shop, i had to ask her to make for me warm clothes, perhaps a jacket would be good. When i entered her shop, she was behind her desk, working on some kind of a dress, i dont really know for who that would be. Her ears perked out as bell jiggled when i entered, but she was still not moving her gaze from a dress.
"Hello darling, how can i help you?"
"Hey Rarity, can i ask you something?" She finaly looked at me and smiled.
"Oh, hello Jack. What is it?"
"I will need a set of warm clothes, something i would wear throu winter. Do you think you can do it?"
"Of course yes, darling! I will just need to have this little one done and i will get straight to your request!" She happily said as she continuted her work. I was about to leave when suddenly i heard trotting behind me.
"Heya Jack!" I looked behind and saw Sweetie Belle, looking at me with wide grin.
"Oh, hey little one."
"Jack, can i ask you something?" I could see Rarity ears perk up again. It's not nice to eavesdrop.
"Sure, go on."
"Well, me and my friends were thinking about ways to get our cutie marks... Lately we've been trying cutie mark stalkers, but then we heard it's illegal."
"Wait a second, you were stalking somebody? Who?"
"You!" I looked at her in disbelieve.
"...You were stalking me? How long?"
"Soon before Apple Bloom got sick. It wasnt really hard since you've been only walking around Ponyville or working at the Sweet Apple Acres or-"
"So what do you need from me?" Something tells me if i wouldnt change that topic, something would broke in me and someone would get hurt.
"Ah, right! So since Apple Bloom got better, we wanted to become a cutie mark Crusaders doctors, but we couldnt find anypony sick or willing to let us help him... So i wanted to ask if you have any ilness that we could take care of!" She happily said. You three just want to kill me, dont you?
"Well, i have to dissapoint you, right now i'm fine." Rarity sighed in relief at that, and Sweetie Belle looked rather sad at that.
"Ouh, i see... Well, what are you planning for now?" Hmmm, that's a good question...
"Hmmm... I dont have anything planned for now..." It would be better if i would just pretend to lost my voice at that point. Sweetie Belle grinned at that.
"Great! You can help us! Hold on, i will get Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, let's meet in front of town hall!" Before i could say anything, she trotted outside. I sighed and looked at Rarity, who only shook her head and get back to her work. Eh, what cant kill me will make me stronger.
I lazily left Carousel Boutique and went first to library. When i entered, Twilight wasn't anywhere, and Spike was busy cleaning bookcases. I went to my room and picked some of bits i stored. Sweet Apple Acres is paying quite a lot, even if they seem to be poor. I've never had a problem with money so far, and even i was giving away some bits to others if they didnt had. With a sack of twenty bits with me, i went straight to Town Hall. When i arrived, cutie mark crusaders were already waiting for me.
"Ah, there ya are Jack! What did took ya so long?" Apple Bloom asked, looking rather bored.
"Nothing important. So, what have you planned?" They looked at eachother before they screamed at the same time.
"CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS STUNTPONIES! YAY!" ...They mean stuntmans?
"Are you serious? This is rather dangerous." They looked at me like i'm dumb.
"Of course it's dangerous, duhh!" Scootaloo said, rolling her eyes. "This is why we want to do this!"
"Stuntponies are doing the action part instead of actors, so they are in the most important parts of the movie! Not even mentioning all the fun they have from doing it! I was a little bit worried if we will be safe, but Scootaloo explained me that other ponies wont allow anything bad happen to us!" Sweetie Belle happily said, i could see Scootaloo shaking her head behind her. These kids... have no idea what they are talking about. Perhaps it would be fun watching how they are killing themself... But as long as i'm still sane, i'll need to keep them safe.
"Alright kids, let's do this whole stuntman thing, but on one condition."
"What is it?" They asked at the same time.
"First, we're going to watch a typical stuntman work, then i'll let you decide if you're sure you want to try that." If these ponies will see how fucked up stuntman work is, maybe they will give up.
"Alright, but where will you find a stuntpony?" Scootaloo asked, which caused me to smile darkly.
"Let's visit Rainbow Dash..."
Twenty Minutes Later
"Wait, once again, what do you want me to do?"
"I want you to show us some of your cool tricks!" From what i saw, she doing her tricks is pretty much what stuntmans are doing. I only hope she wont hurt herself too much. Or at all.
"Alright then folks, step aside and watch me in action!" Crusaders nodded, looking rather confused. Rainbow Dash slowly walked away as Scootaloo approached me.
"So, i dont want to say it's not cool to see Rainbow Dash and all that stuff, but why she?"
"Trust me, her tricks is pretty much what stuntmans are doing." They all nodded, still looking unsure. We've been watching Rainbow Dash preparing to her trick.
As soon as she took to the sky, she was already fast enough to get at the level of clouds within five seconds. She started to circle around, gaining speed all the time while doing that. After a second, a cloud started to create, getting slowly bigger and bigger. After a while, Rainbow Dash suddenly bolted to the right, flying far away from the cloud. Few seconds later, she flew straight at the cloud. I didnt really knowed what she tried to do by that, but she suddenly went throu that cloud and bolted straight at the ground, like a falling meteor. Ouh, that had to hurt. If she's still alive, that's it." I quickly ran to her, crusaders next to me. I could see Rainbow Dash's head protrudes over the crater she made when we approached her.
"Rainbow Dash, are you ok?" Scootaloo quickly asked as she trotter to her first.
"I...I t-think so..." She tried to stand up, only to collaps again with rather loud scream of pain. Now that i can look closer...I'm almost sure her leg shouldnt bend in that way.
"Alright Dashie, dont move." I said as i slowly approached her closer.
"What are you- Wait, did you called Dashie?" ...I did? I slowly reached and carefully picked her up, making myself sure i didnt touched her bad leg. She yelped at that, but stayed still.
"Are you ok? Nothing that would hurt you on our way?"
"Way to where?"
"To hospital, of course." She looked rather worried at that.
"Oh no, nonononono! Not to the hospital! I hate that place!"
"Rainbow Dash, please. Look at your leg."
"My.... What?" Crusaders looked rather confused at that as well.
"...At your hoof." I was already holding her in my hands. She looked down at her bad hoof and gasped.
"Oh sweet Celestia, that's terrible!"
"See? I told you. Now, onwards to hospital." I'm almost sure she wanted to tell me to fuck off, but after a few seconds of thinking she slowly nodded. After that, i slowly lifted her to hospital, crusaders behind me all the time.
When we entered, all nurses instantly looked at us. When they saw Rainbow Dash, all of them trotted quickly to me to take a look at her. Two of them nodded to themself and asked me to bring her to room 202. After a while i get to this room and put Rainbow Dash slowly on a bed. She looked at me with begging eyes, which i tried to ignore. I'm really bad at ingoring things like that, so that wasnt a surprise when i failed.
"What do you need Dashie?" She was silent for a moment before she said weakly.
"...Thank you. Can you stay here for a while?"
"Well, i think-"
"Of course we will!" Suddenly Scootaloo said, quickly apporaching Rainbow Dash's bed. Soon after that rest of crusaders joined her.
"*Sigh* Well, i gues i dont have a choice then." Rainbow Dash smiled, i could see crusaders happily nod to eachother.
"I'm really happy that everypony wants to stay with me, but i will need to... talk about something with Jack. Personaly." Crusaders smiles fades as they slowly left the room, looking back from time to time. When girls left, i looked back at Rainbow Dash, who looked rather worried.
"Listen Jack... I dont know how long i will need to stay here, so i have a question to you... Can you take care of Scootaloo meanwhile?" I was rather surprised at that. She's right though. Scootaloo parents are dead, and Rainbow Dash was taking care of her so far, and now that she's in a hospital, someone else need to take care of her, at least for a while. Though...
"Why me? I could ask Fluttershy to take care of her if you want."
"Jack, Fluttershy is at the Fillydelpha, remember?" Damn, she's right again.
"Well, then maybe Rarity?"
"Rarity need to take care of her own sister, and additionaly she have a lot of work."
"Applejack?"
"Busy."
"Twilight?"
"Taking care of Spike and you already."
"Pinke Pie?"
"...Jack, do you even think what you're saying?" I groaned in annoyance.
"But why me?"
"Why not you?"
"Because..." I sighed deeply at that point. "...Because she reminds me of my daughter." Rainbow Dash gaze softened at that.
"Ouh... I see... But please Jack, just untill i'll recover! Can you do this?" I clenched my teeth in anger. I wanted to forget about my old life, and that surely wont be a step forward to that.
"Well... Let's see first how long you will stay here." She nodded slowly her head. I walked outside of room and almost tripped over Scootaloo who was right in front of the door.
"So? Can we come in?" Scootaloo quickly asked. I sighed and nodded. They happily came back in as i tried to look for a doctor that was supoused to come.
I was walking around corridors untill i bumped into a familiar looking stalion. He looked quite confused at what happend, but he quickly recovered. I'm sure he wanted to yell at me, but when he turned around and noticed me, a smile appeared at his face.
"Ah, mister Jack! Something happend?"
"Oh, good morning doctor Husgrad. I'm looking for someone who's supoused to take care of a new patient, Rainbow Dash."
"Oh, i do believe it's me. I was just on my way to her, so i gues we can walk together." I nodded and off we went.
"What do you think doctor? How long she will stay here?"
"Well, i cant say anything now, first i need to take a look at her." A moment later we went into Rainbow Dash room. When she saw us come in, her ears perked up. Doctor Husgard quickly approached her and took a look at her hoof.
"Well, miss Dash, from what i see you had a really bad time." He let out a light chuckle before his face hardened. "I can see a closed fracture, internal bleeding and high blood pressure. I'll need to take care of that internal bleeding at first place, high blood pressure will be easy to take care off. It seems you will need to stay here for at least a month." Everyone's gazes were locked on him, jaws on the floor... Mine as well. He could state all this just by looking at the wound?
"I see..." I looked at Rainbow Dash who was looking at me with puppy eyes. I dont know if she told Scootaloo about i was supoused to take care of her, but she was looking at me with puppy eyes as well. I cant believe i'm actualy doing it.
"Alright Rainbow Dash, i will do it." If not the fact she have a broken leg, she would shot off her bed and crush me in a hug.
"Thank you Big J!"
"No problem Dashie." She slightly blushed, but tried to hide that. Doctor watched us in interest, but yet again his face hardened.
"Alright, i do believe i need to get miss Dash to the surgery room. It will take a while, so i gues you can come back tommorow, mister Jack. I will find a way to contact with you if something will go wrong." I nodded and left the room, walking towards the exit of the hospital, crusaders following me all the time, looking rather sad. When we left, Applebloom poked me in leg.
"What do you need?"
"Well... Ah dont want to be a stuntman anymore..." Other two girls nodded in agreement.
"Well, that's very good. Anyway, i'll be heading home now, cya girls later."
I was about to go when i remembered that i'm supoused to take care of Scootaloo, which means i'll need to take her with me. I turned around and saw that Applebloom and Sweetie Belle left already, and only Scootaloo was standing in front of a hospital and looking at the front door, a look of uncertainty on her face. I slowly approached her and put my hand on her head, which made her to flinch. Well, Rainbow Dash didnt really told me to keep it as secret, so i gues the easiest way is to explain her what happends now.
"Well, Scootaloo... Rainbow Dash kinda asked me to take care of you while she is... unable to watch over you." She narrowed her eyes at that.
"What are you talking about Jack? I can take care of my own! I dont need somepony to 'take care of me', i dont need a babysitter!" Why do i have a feeling like i could expect it?
"Well, then where are you going to stay?" I think i catched her off guard with that question, since she looked at me with rather worried expression.
"Well... I... I'm... *sigh* ...I gues i can stay with you..." She looked away, trying to hide her blush. Oh god, it was cute as fuck! I nodded to her and went to the library, Scootaloo walking next to me, looking down. When we arrived, Twilight wasnt there. I looked around and saw Spike lying at the sofa and reading.
"Hey Spike, where's Twilight?" When he heard me he quickly perked up, looking rather worried.
"You didnt heard? Rainbow Dash got hurt herself really badly! Twilight and rest went to check on her. Where have you been?"
"I bringed Rainbow Dash to hospital."
"Ouh..." He looked rather ashamed at that.
"Anyway... Scootaloo will live here for a while, and i'll need to talk with Twilight about that." Spike's gaze locked on Scootaloo now. I think he knows all that stuff about Scootaloo parents death, since he slowly nodded after a while and get back to his book. I shruged and went upstairs, Scootaloo following me all the time in silence. Room next to mine is free since Shinning Armor isnt living here anymore, so i went there. There was a single bed and some kinds of closets. I let Scootaloo walk in as well.
"Well, how do you like it?"
"It's... Fine." She looked around for a second before her gaze turned back to me. "Jack... How do you feel about me?" I blinked in surprise.
"...W-what do you mean?"
"Everypony pity me for the fact my parents are dead...Only Applebloom and Sweetie Belle are trying to forget about this... I just want ponies to stop acting like i'm the poorest thing in whole Equestria!"
"Scootaloo, you lost your parents. It must be really hard for you, but i understand that you need a time for yourself, away from pity of other people."
"How can you understand that?" I clenched my teeth at that. She really said it, did she?
"How can i know it? My loving wife, my little dauther, my home... Everything died in front of my eyes. I've lost everything, which also includes a possibility to fix it. Right now i'm starting a new life, and i want to forget about everything that ever happend to me..." I could feel my eyes watering at that point. "...And you're not helping right now." Scootaloo was looking at me in disbelieve.
"But... You never said anything... Why you didnt talked with someone about it?"
"I did, and it only made it worse." Right now tears were flowing down my cheeks. "Or should i say, i was forced to. I dont want to talk about it, i just want to forget i ever lived on earth."
"So this is how you adopted yourself so quickly... I-i'm sorry Jack." We were sitting in a hug for about few more seconds before Twilight came in. When she saw us, she froze in place, her gaze locked at us.
"Jack... Why is... You... And Scootaloo... Why?" I slowly stood up from and looked at her with serious face, still having some tears at my cheeks.
"Twilight, Scootaloo will be living in library for a next month. I hope it wont be a problem." Scootaloo recovered as well at this point, as she joined me at my side. Twilight looked between us two before she sighed deeply.
"I do believe i understand why. Alright Scootaloo, you can stay here."
"Thank you Twilight!" Scootaloo yelled as she trotted to hug her. She was rather surprised at that, but after a moment she smiled.
"You're welcome... Though, i will need to talk with Jack about something... Jack, may you follow me?" Oh uh. I did something wrong and spanking is waiting for me. We walked out as Scootaloo stayed in her new room, walked down stairs and to the main hall, where Spike was already sleeping at the sofa. Twilight turned around and looked deep in my eyes.
"Jack, i think you and Scootaloo have a lot in common... Really a lot..."
"What do you mean?"
"Do you know when her parents died?"
"I have no idea. Why do you ask?"
"Her parents died a few months ago."
"...I still dont know why do you tell me that." Twilight looked rather sad at this point.
"Jack... I made some researches about when exacly you arrived. From everything i know... You arrived in Equestria at the same moment when her parents died." I was really shocked at that.
"But... How did they died?"
"Heart attack. They both had a heart attack at the same time, and they both died. There was a suspicion that they were somehow poisoned, but nobody could find anything that would prove this argument. They just died, and nopony could understand why. Do you know now what i'm thinking about?" Realization was like something smashed my head with a sledgehammer.
"They died... Because of me?"
"Not quite, they died because of that teleport... To use a magic that breaks any laws of psychics, you need to make a sacrifice. More powerfull spell is, bigger sacrifice will it take. Most of times, unicorns are using their bodies as a sacrifice - In other way, making such spells only exhaust them. Creating a really powerfull spell that breaks a laws of psychics sometimes can even kill you, so only powerfull unicorns are taking risk of exercising such spells. The biggest power unicorn have, smaller sacrifice is needed... But to create a portal that is connecting two other universes with themself... Discord, who was at this time probably really weak wouldnt create a teleport just like that... So... I think he sacrificed Scootaloo parents..." I couldnt believe in what i hear. I could hear ringing in my head, everything was spinning around me. Discord, you dick! Destroying my life wasnt enough for you, was it? I fell on the sofa, which woke up Spike with a loud 'Yelp'.
"Jack, are you feeling alright?" Twilight asked as Spike looked at me, rather confused.
"...I'm... I'm fine..." I slowly stood up, everything around me getting back to normal.
"Dude, that was weird." Spike said as he slowly walked to kitchen.
"...I think it would be the best for you if you will get some sleep. It's getting late now." I looked at the clock. It's midnight. I do believe she's right.
"Alright then, good night Twilight."
"Good night Jack." With that i walked back to Scootaloo room. When i walked in, she was sitting on her bed, looking throu the window.
"Hey Scootaloo, if you need something before you go to sleep, you can ask now." She quickly looked at me, her ears perked up.
"Oh, Jack. I... I dont need anything..."
"Alright then, good night." I was about to leave when suddenly Scootaloo said.
"Wait!" I turned around and saw that she was trying to hide a small blush. "Can i... Can i call you 'daddy'?" She instantly looked away, her blush deepened.
"I... What?"
"Nevermind!" She yelled as she turned around quickly.
"...Yes." She looked back at me, disbelieve on her face.
"...What?"
"You can call me 'daddy'."
"...Thanks... Daddy." I smiled and walked away. I slowly entered my room and get on the bed.
This night i couldnt sleep. All the time i was trying to stop tears coming out of my eyes, but my every try was a failure.
I slowly walked out of my room, tired as hell. After that, i instantly went to the bathroom to take care of myself. After half an hour, i came downstairs to the kitchen. Twilight, Scootaloo and Spike were eating already breakfast, so i quietly joined them. Soon after i sat down, Twilight looked up at me.
"Oh, good morning Jack. Hungry?"
"Yeah, i do believe i am. I dont think you would have actualy a steak?"
"Steak? What is it?" Scootaloo asked, looking rather confused. I think Twilight knew actualy what is that, since she looked at me in terror.
"Now that i think of it, i never asked about what's in your diet... But you're not going to...?" I couldnt help but smile at that.
"Of course no Twilight, you must be kidding me." She sighed in relief, which made Scootaloo even more confused about what is happening.
"Well Jack, i'm sorry but you wont be able to find any kind of meat in Equestria. The only way to get it is to import it from Griffin kingdom... Though, i think you can always ask princess Celestia about it... But she really doesnt like an idea of meat in Equestria, so i dont know if that will work... You can always try." Scootaloo's ears perked up whenever Twilight said 'meat'. When Twilight was done, she slowly turned her gaze to me.
"You mean... You're eating... meat ?"
"Yeah."
"Like... other living animals?"
"Yeah." She looked like she was about to throw up. "Anyway, i think i'll indeed need to try." Twilight nodded to me and got back to eating. I looked down at what i have. Pancakes. Again. Well, at least these arent made of flowers.
After breakfast, i went to the Sweet Apple Acres, like always to get my part of work done. Scootaloo went somewhere outside, probably to her friends. It was sunday, so she had a break from school. Soon after i was done with my work, i went to Rarity, to get my set of clothes, which i hope she made already. I slowly opened the door to the Carousel Boutique, which caused bell to quietly ring. Rarity was behind her desk, working on something which seemed to be my jacket. She didnt heard the bell, so she kept woring untill i approached her.
"Hello Rarity, i do believe it's going to be my jacket?" She quickly perked up, surprised at my sudden arrive.
"Oh, hello Jack. Yes, it will be. I just need few more things done and you will be able to take it. Why dont you wait here untill i'll get this done?"
"Well, sure." I sit at the chair somewhere in the corner of the room. It's been about five minutes before suddenly Sweetie Belle and Applebloom rushed in, looking really worried.
"Jack! Oh sweet Celestia, Jack!" They instantly trotted to me.
"Wow, calm down girls! What is happening?"
"It's Scootaloo! She walked in the Everfree forest!" Rarity gasped at that.
"What?! Why didnt you stoped her?!"
"We tried, but she didnt listened! We... had a little arguing, and it ended with her trying to prove she's brave enough to get into this forest and to come back after an hour... She went in before we realized what is she doing! You got to save her Jack!" Sweetie Belle cried. I instantly dashed out of Boutique and ran straight into Everfree forest, without even thinking about one thing - I'll probably get lost as well.
After twenty minutes or so i was sitting in the middle of the forest, with no idea what to do now. I'm the worst hero in the world. Not that i ever was a one. I stood up and began walking again. Nobody actualy knew, but i wrote a small list about what to not do in Everfree forest after my first travel in here. From this day i keep it with me all the time. I picked it up from my pocket and looked at it once again.
Survive in the Everfree Forest: What to do
1. Avoid any dark places.
Dont eat anything coming from this place.
Walk in direction where trees are getting smaller. You will find a zebra called Zecora living near.
4. Do not die.
I'm still working on that list, but i really didnt wanted to check anything on my own in this forest. I kept walking in one direction, watching every little thing around me and making sure that area around me isnt getting darker. After a while, i could hear heavy panting somewhere in front of me. I'm screwed. I tried to turn left, but suddenly everything get darker. Nope. I tried to turn right. Same. I looked behind me. Path was now somehow blocked by a bunch of trees and bushes. When did that happend I sighed and walked forward. There was a small clearing with some bushes around it. Are these a berries? Like, normal berries? At the middle of this clearing was sitting Scootaloo, looking rather exhausted. She was turned around, panting heavily. I slowly approached her from behind.
"...A little exhausted, are we?" She jumped at that, making me chuckle a little bit.
"Jack!? You scared me!"
"Yeah, i know. What are you doing here?"
"I want to show my stupid friends that i'm not a little kid!"
"Scootaloo, going into place like that isnt a way to prove anything. C'mon, let's get out of here."
"...That's the problem. We cant."
"Wait, what? What do you mean?"
"Look around..." I looked around the clearing. Nothing special, i would say. Some bushes, some... Wait... Now i see what she means. Bushes and trees at the edges blocked any way out. Same with the path i came from. I walked to the path where i came from and tried to move any of these bushes. Suddenly a spikes grew out of them, cutting my hands. Ow! That surely wont work. I slowly walked back at the middle of the clearing, not taking away my gaze from the bushes that cut me. She's right. We're trapped.
"...Scootaloo, you're a pegasus, right?"
"Yeah, why do you ask?"
"Do you think you could fly to the village and tell ponies about where i am?"
"...No. I cant fly." I slowly turned my gaze to her.
"...You cant fly?"
"No, my wings are too small to carry me..." C'mon Jack, think!
"...Do you know how to get to Zecora from here?"
"Well, yeah, i think i do." I could feel a smirk forming on my face.
"...And how much do you weigh?" She looked rather worried.
"Not much..." She took a step back at this point. "...Jack, what are you planning?"
"Alright Scootaloo, i need you to promise me few things."
"...W-what things?" Another step back. I smiled and started to walk towards her.
"At first place, i want you to talk with Sweetie Belle and Applebloom, i'm sure they will want to apologize to you."
"...Alright."
"Second thing - You will tell someone that i'm here."
"...O-okay..."
"And the last thing." I slowly picked her up and held in front of my face. "Be safe." And with that, i threw her at one of the trees, at the branch. She held it in fear and looked at me in disbelieve.
"Are you kidding me?!" She yelled at me.
"Can you get on the ground?" She kept gazing at me for a few seconds before she slowly began to climb down. After few seconds she was already out of my sight. "Alright Scootaloo, i want you to find Zecora and bring her here. It's important that-" Suddenly everything began to get darker around me. Oh uh.
"Jack? Is everything alright?" I could hear Scootaloo say from somewhere behind bushes. So, this is my end?
"...Scootaloo?"
"Yeah?"
"...Get to the Ponyville. Do not turn back no matter what you will hear." I couldnt see edges of the clearing anymore at this point.
"Jack? What is happening?"
"Just, please... Do as i said, and... Be safe..." Darkness fully surrounded me at this point. I couldnt hear Scootaloo anymore, and i could see the same red eyes as before around me. This time, without any whispers or anything like that. They just appeared around me and seemed to froze in one place. After a moment, i could hear a really dark, muffled voice.
"Th̶o̧u̢ ̴įs th̢e c͢hoos͟e̴n͝ òn̛e. ̷Tho͟u sh̵al̡l ̀liv̷e ͜ęterna͝ly͠ w͟i͏t͟h̴ ͜u̷s̢.́." I didnt really had much time to say anything, instantly after that i fainted.
After some time i woke up back at the clearing, but this time it wasnt dark anymore and Scootaloo was next to me.
"Jack! Are you alright!? Say something!"
"I...i...W-what is happening?" She instantly hugged me.
"Oh thanks Celestia, you're alright!" Suddenly a new, unfamiliar to me voice spoke from somewhere behind me.
"I'm glad that your friend is alright, but i think you should stay in my home for tonight." I slowly stood up and saw a zebra standing at the edge of the clearing, at one of the opened now paths.
"If i have to gues, you're Zecora?" She nodded once.
"When Scootaloo showed up in my sight, i knew something was not right. The ghosts you have seen are called 'The shadows of Evelin'. Their arrival brings most of times doom, but you're actualy fine, i assume."
"Yeah... I think so..." She nodded once and walked somewhere into forest, me and Scootaloo quickly followed her.
This night i spend in Zecora's house. I dont really like the idea of staying in this forest any longer, but staying with someone who knows this place... and rhymes in every sentence makes it somewhat more acceptable. After that, i went with Scootaloo back to the Ponyville. When we were leaving already Everfree forest, Scootaloo poked me in leg.
"...Jack?"
"Yeah?"
"...Thank you... Daddy..." It felt like someone sqeezed my heart.
"...No problem... Daughter..." She suddenly blushed and turned her gaze away. I think i blushed a little bit as well, but i ignored that.
Finally back into Library, i heard that Rainbow Dash actualy get already fine and can now take care of Scootaloo. 'She have to stay in hospital for a month' My ass, doctor. Next time i will see you, i'll make you eat your coat. It was still rather early, so i went outside, to walk around like i always do. I have one hour before Applejack will get to work, so i sat on the bench on the park and relaxed for a bit. And then... I noticed this in the sky...
"Sister, are you sure you want to do this?"
"Yes, i want to do this. This is for the best." I slowly entered my chariot, Luna getting in as well.
"Then i'm coming with you... I really dont trust Jack yet." I couldnt help but smile.
"I'm glad you're actualy learning modern language..." She blushed at that and turned her gaze away. "...But i'm sure Jack wont do anything with it that he would regret."
"But Tia... *Sigh* I gues you're right..." I looked back at the strange piece of metal i found lately in front of the castle. This thing... Is probably the most dangerous thing i've ever seen... And it came out of some kind of a strange portal that suddenly arrived in front of my castle... I dont understand mechanics in it, but when one of unicorns pulled this little lever... I still have a hole in one of the throne room walls, and it happend so quickly that nobody even saw that! I'm almost sure it's from Jack's world, but Luna really dont like the idea of giving such thing to him... I still wonder if i'm doing right...
"Are we ready to go?" Suddenly Luna asked, which caused me to flinch a little bit.
"...Yes, i do believe we can go now." Luna nodded to nightguards who carried our chariot into the air. It was late night, almost morning already, but dayguards were still asleep. At the middle of our flight me and my sister actualy had to take care of the sun and moon, so when we could see already Ponyville, it was officialy morning already. After a few seconds, something catched my eye.
"Another... Teleport?" Luna asked as she saw that as well.
"We can only hope nothing bad will come out of it this time." I nodded once to my sister.
"Nightguards, carry us to this place where teleport is visible!" They changed their direction to what seemed to be a Ponyville park. Who knows what this time will it bring...
Sudden end - New beginning
Moonrise made his way into a dark, weird-smelling room, and looked down at the bed, specificaly at the sleeping human on it. With a swift, quick move, he punched him into the gut, waking him up instantly.
"OW! What was THAT for?"
"Dude, get up! You got a fanfic to end!"
"Oh shut up, i don't feel like writting..." Another punch had already gotten him on his legs.
"Dude, if i'll puke because of you, you will be the one cleaning that up!"
"Start. Writting. Fanfic! You don't want it to end like the 'Revenge of the Jack' did?"
"Ugh, it was just a test story! I wanted to try myself out!"
"But it wasn't that bad, if you could only change some things..."
"...Things like what?"
"Like, i dunno, change the reason why the guy ends up in Equestria, change his personality."
"Personality?"
"Yeah, i gues... you could make him a typical asshole, you know, a total douchebag, heart of ice and all this kind of stuff."
"This... doesn't actualy sound that bad. And let's say that he was doing some kind of a hard labor, so he's actualy somewhat strong, to not end up as a weak dork to be pushed around."
"So you want to make him overpowered?"
"Not really overpowered, he will never get anywhere near Applejack, but... how about magic?"
"Magic? For human?"
"Yeah, like... the magic of music."
"Like this thing that makes you sing whenever you feel excited or sad?"
"...Something of this kind, but what about that... he can somehow control it?"
"Well for sure he won't enter Equestria and cause a war by singing."
"Of course not, duhh. I... I'll think of something."
"So, are you actualy about to rewrite it?"
"...Let me end the first one, alright?"
"If you will ever end it."
"Oh shut up, you asshole."
Coming soon
