Chapter 2: Getting a job and Going to a party

The following morning Jay woke up and looked around. He swore when he realized that everything that happened the day before was definitely real. He ran a hand through his forelock grumbling under his breath. He tried to sit up and felt a stinging in his back. He winced and lay back down. Nurse Redheart walked in and he blinked realizing that she was indeed a mare like he thought yesterday. She was average height, a little under five and a half feet. She had a white coat with pink hair and a pink tail. Her hair went down her neck forming a mane and she said “Hello there. I’m glad you’re awake.” He raised an eyebrow noticing she was in a nurse’s uniform with the little cap and everything, with a bright red cross on both cap and shirt.

He stared at her and said “Hello miss. I have a question, how did I get here, and how badly was I hurt?” The mare blinked surprised, knowing he’d been awake yesterday to talk to Rainbow, but the fact he couldn’t remember anything was worrying. After all he had a head wound but it didn’t result in any trauma other than scarring of his facial tissue, or so they’d assumed.

She replied “My name is Nurse Redheart, and to answer your question you were brought in yesterday by Ponyville’s very own Rainbow Dash. As for how badly you were hurt, you had four slash marks across your face filled with a strange poison that it took magic to heal, scratches all over your back, and a hole in your side.” Jay mouthed each wound to himself then touched his side feeling how tender it was before running a finger down his face feeling the scar tissue with fur surrounding it.

He blinked wondering why his face felt so fuzzy when he wasn’t letting his animal sides out, then shook his head and said “When can I get out of here?” The nurse thought about this for a while trying to find the best way to tell him he shouldn’t leave for at least a week. She worried he’d have a relapse from the poison since they weren’t sure they’d gotten all of it. If he didn’t have a relapse from that there were the wounds on his back which were healing at a remarkable rate, but it wasn’t as if the wounds were gone already.

Nurse Redheart thought about it a while then said “We’d like to keep you over the weekend; however no one paid for your stay so we can’t technically hold you here.” Jay winced at hearing he had to pay, and then Redheart stared at him and asked “Can you pay for this?” He shook his head. She sighed and said “I guess we’ll work out a way for you to pay back the hospital.” He nodded slightly and coughed a bit of blood into his hand then looked questioningly at Redheart.

She looked back and he said “I can get out of here despite that, right?” She nodded and he got up then unwound the bandages from his body and his tail flicked as his horn glowed and brought his clothing to him. He was competent in levitation, but that was only because he had used levitation magic before. He’d had to use it to set up traps for demons, as well as get objects off himself after being thrown through walls. Honestly it was surprising no one knew about him with how much collateral he’d had to dish out for damages caused over the years. He usually had cash on him, but his wallet was empty because he honestly thought this would be his last battle with demons.
Sadly that proved to not be the case and as such he didn’t even have normal money to try and pay with. He stretched and asked “What’s the currency of Equestria?” Nurse Redheart raised an eyebrow and he explained “I’m not from Equestria. I’m from a land far away and we don’t really communicate with outsiders.”

Redheart nodded and said “Understandable. We use gold coins called bits for currency.” Jay nodded and got dressed then stretched out again flexing his back’s muscles and feeling the freshly healed skin pull. He winced at the feeling and sighed then glanced at himself in a mirror held up by Redheart and saw that his back was indeed healed but it was scared over, white hair having grown into the black leaving him with the marks of scratches in his back and shoulders.

He smiled at Redheart and said “Thank you for all your help ma’am. I know that having to treat someone who can’t pay is never fun. Especially when their wounds were as severe as mine probably were.” Redheart just smiled happy he was so polite and genuinely seemed to be planning on paying for his treatment eventually. It was understandable for him to have no money when he just got in town. Especially if he was passing through the Everfree, as she was thinking this Jay got up and started for the door then said “Thanks again. I may be seeing you a lot nurse Redheart; then again I may only see you when I need to pay you.” She smiled and waved farewell as he walked out.
Jay walked down the street of ponyville, pulling his ruined duster tighter around him, and looked around taking in the bright happy faces. So different from how everyone had been after the demon’s had first attacked earth openly. He sighed remembering his old home and ran a hand through his mane, pulling up the hood of his duster, which was more a cloak than a regular duster.

Ponies saw him walking down the street with a dark aura about him and quickly ran to hide from the strange stallion. He blinked and wondered what was up with everyone, after all it’s not like he had his sword out and was shouting about killing. He’d learned not to do that the hard way a few years back when he got into it with a demon and the entire town thought him a mass murdering psycho. He shook his head and muttered “Hope they aren’t scared of me without any reason.” Then he noticed a figure lying on a cloud ahead of him.
He blinked and stared trying to figure out how someone could lay on a cloud of all things. Weren’t they just water and air molecules combined together? He walked up and used grabbed a crate then stood on top of it to look over the side of the cloud. He raised an eyebrow and said “Huh so she really does have wings. Maybe that’s why the cloud doesn’t just go poof.” The person on the cloud rolled over and stretched out her rainbow colored mane and tail fluttering around her.

She mumbled in her sleep then slowly opened her eyes before letting out a squeal she would swear was a cough. She fell off the cloud and just caught herself above hitting the ground and said “What you, a grim reaper or something?” He raised an eyebrow and lowered his hood revealing his face and dispelling the dark aura. Rainbow blinked and said “What the hay, aren’t you that Jay guy I saved? What’s the big idea disturbing a pony when she’s napping?”

He shrugged and said “I wanted to be sure I saw someone sleeping on a cloud. Also wondered why the heck everyone was so afraid of me.” Rainbow thought about how to explain it to him. After all most ponies were fun loving, kind, etc. However there were exceptions and those exceptions usually guided the herd when something new came out. It didn’t help that with his torn clothes and his cloak pulled up he’d looked like something from nightmare night.

She shook her head to clear it and said “You had a dark aura with your hood up. It was almost like a dark entity was hovering in place. The moment you removed the hood it disappeared though. It’s what scared everypony in town. How do you do that?”
Jay blinked and said “Dark Aura?” Rainbow nodded and he said “Shoot, it’s a part of my cloak’s abilities. I thought the magic woven into it would vanish with the damage done and all, but it appears that just because the cloak is damaged the spells cast on it aren’t gone. Guess I’ll just keep my hood down from now on until I can find a good tailor or seamstress who knows how to add magic to clothing and make it respond to the wearers will.”

Rainbow blinked and said “You knew a tailor like that?” He nodded and she said “No wonder you take magic in strides. Your town must have been full of unicorns then.” He started to shake his head no then quickly nodded realizing that magic here belonged mostly to unicorns unless it was in handling plants and animals or pertained to one’s cutie mark. How did he know that, he’d overheard the nurses talking about special talents and cutie marks when he was half asleep and just took it for a fact. Rainbow stared at him and said “You ok, Jay?”

Jay nodded and said “Yeah, I just need to find a place I can work. Seeing as my old trade was writing I don’t know if I could just do that without having a side job to keep me funded until my books sell.” Rainbow studied him not figuring him for the egghead type and started to voice as much when they both heard a loud gasp. Rainbow slowly turned to see Pinkie Pie, standing there staring at Jay. Jay followed her eyes and said “Hello I’m…” only for her to jump into the air and vanish in a cloud of pink dust.

Rainbow pulled his face toward hers and said “That was Pinkie Pie. She’s probably going to throw you a big surprise party now that she knows you’re in town, or just a welcoming party. You can never tell with that mare.” Jay nodded and sighed then started to walk away only for Rainbow to fly in front of him and ask “Where the hay you going?”
He raised an eyebrow and said “Since I have to worry about a party later, I’m going into the forest to hunt down the bugger that gave me the scars on my face. Then I’m going to kick his ass, beat his little doggies, and finally come back to town with his head on a platter for a hopefully pretty high priced, bounty.”

Rainbow stared at him and said “Yeahhhhhno. You are going to come with me to Rarity’s boutique.” At this she shivered before continuing “And either get your clothes patched up or get some new clothes. If not then I guess you’re going to at least have to talk to Mayor Mare.” He sighed realizing she wasn’t going to just let him go do something that would probably get him killed before taking in the sight of the determined mare. As he’d seen yesterday she was about five and a half feet tall if not taller, had a purplish rose color to them, and her coat was cyan with a darker blue on the edges. She was wearing a jean jacket, a t shirt with a lightning bolt on the stomach, and black boy shorts. She stretched out and Jay noticed her bust was rather average in size. He shook his head to clear it and looked Rainbow in the eye.

She raised an eyebrow and he said “Lead on to Mayor Mare’s then. I might as well get myself signed as a resident of ponyville because there is no way for me to go home.” He left off saying yet, or that there was no point anyway because nothing was waiting for him, but hey you can’t always reveal all your secrets, especially when you’re from another world. Rainbow blinked surprised then grinned realizing she wouldn’t have to deal with Rarity complaining about her mane just yet and led the reluctant stallion to town hall.

Jay walked along behind Rainbow staring at her tail and heard that voice he used to suppress all the time whispering in the back of his mind “You always said you had a thing for tails, well all the girls here have tails.” He shook his head to clear it of such thoughts as they passed the library and he made note of its location. Maybe it would have more on Equestria and its inhabitants.

Rainbow finally stopped at Town Hall and said “Mayor Mare’s right inside. Go talk to her about getting a citizenship, then we could decide what to do next, since I seem to have to keep you in line.” Jay smirked a quick remark on the tip of his tongue but he just let it slide. He walked in and walked up to a desk behind which sat a mare who couldn’t be over thirty. She had a larger chest than rainbow, an off colored tan coat; blue eyes that were behind a pair of glasses placed upon her muzzle, and had a grey mane and tail. She had on a business suit that hugged her curves and a pair of stockings that covered her legs and went up under her skirt.

Jay smiled politely and said “Hello there, I’m looking for Mayor Mare. Do you happen to know where I could possibly find her?”
The mare smiled and said “Yes, I’m her. My actual name is silver scroll, but you can call me mayor if you prefer.”
Jay nodded in thanks and said “I’d like to sign up for citizenship in ponyville, as well as enquire who runs the library.” She blinked surprised anyone would enquire about the library.

After a few seconds she said “The library is currently open for use, but we don’t have a librarian. Of course a strong stallion like you would probably prefer the construction trade, or blacksmithing, or even joining the solar guard. I mean you look like a stud of action rather than one who would like to sit around signing book orders all day.”

Jay laughed and said “You’re right about that, however I was just wondering because I was thinking of using the library to learn more about Equestria, you see I’m from deep in the Everfree and honestly it’s been a bit of a hassle to find a place to stay or anything. If you know anyone who’s hiring I’d really appreciate you letting me know who they are and seeing if I could work for them at least till I can buy a house and pay my medical bills.”

His words surprised the mayor. She was used to out of towners just using the hospital and running if they couldn’t pay. Not that Nurse Redheart complained since she got a stipend from Princess Celestia, but it was rare to see someone who may be very young saying they had debts they wanted to pay off. It was obvious he had no medical knowledge or he’d have asked to work at the hospital. She thought about it then said “Steel heart, the local blacksmith needs some help. I believe he said his son snips just can’t do things the way he needs them done.”

Jay smiled and nodded in thanks then said “I think I’ll be back to apply for citizenship if I get the job, if that’s ok miss Silver Scroll.” Silver Scroll was surprised, it was rare for anyone to call her anything other than Mayor Mare, and she’d gotten used to it. This young man was full of surprises. Maybe it’d be a good thing to have him become part of the town.

She smiled and said “I’ll be waiting Mister…?”

Jay smiled and said “Jay, Jay Wolf. Thanks for the help Mayor. Maybe my guide will be able to lead me to Steel Heart’s smithy.” She nodded and waved farewell as he walked out and the door shut behind him then sighed and thought “If only he were older. He’ll certainly make a fine catch when he’s an adult though. Colts like that are very rare around these parts, especially with the five to one mare to stud ratio.”
Rainbow looked at Jay when he walked out and said “Get your citizenship?” Jay shook his head and she asked “Why the heck not?”

He smiled slightly at the look on Rainbow’s face and said “Because miss Dash, I want to get a job before I become a citizen. So if you can lead me to Steel Heart’s smithy it’d be greatly appreciated.”

Rainbow sighed and said “Sure I can take you there, but afterward you’re on your own. I need to go home and prepare for Pinkie’s Party. Hopefully whoever you meet up with after this can lead you to sugar cube corner, if not just whistle loudly, if you can, and I’ll lead you there.” He walked alongside Rainbow to the smithy and just glanced at her occasionally, noticing she was doing the same to him.

Though she was mainly looking at the scars on his back, which were white furred rather than black like the rest of his coat, she was also looking at his face trying to figure out if he was in pain or not. His face didn’t give it away so she wasn’t sure. He glanced at her and asked “Something wrong?”

Rainbow shook her head and Jay shrugged then the two heard the hound of hammers on metal. He grinned slightly liking the sound already, and remembering forging his own sword. Rainbow saw the look on his face and thought it made him look more attractive, despite the scars on his face. He had a rugged look to him. They walked into the smithy and Jay said loudly “Excuse me, Name’s Jay. Silver Scroll told me you were looking for help.”

Steel Heart looked up from his work and put it into a cooling barrel then said “Who told you I needed help?”

Jay replied “The mayor her name is Silver Scroll.”

Steel Heart nodded in acceptance then said “Alright, you have forging experience?” He nodded and Steel Heart said “Alright I’ll give you a test. Make me a chisel. Shouldn’t be too hard, if I like your work I’ll hire you and pay you for the day, if I don’t you’ll have to find work somewhere else. Deal?”

Jay nodded and said “Deal.” He walked over to the forge and pulled on an apron over his chest not noticing Rainbow stare at his back now that he’d taken off his Duster and shirt revealing just how ripped he was. He picked up a two pound hammer then swung it a few times getting used to the weight. He picked up a bar of iron and used tongs to push it deep into the coals warming it up to the point it was ready to be pounded on.

He started slowing flattening the bar then folding the metal upon itself making it stronger and getting rid of the defects in it before shaping it. Rainbow and Steel Heart watched impressed, Rainbow more impressed with the movement of the stallion’s shoulders, while Stele Heart was focused on his technique. He nodded to himself the longer he watched Jay work the more he liked what he saw.

Eventually, after about an hour, Jay finished. He had taken so long because he wanted to perfect the chisel to the best of his ability. Jay handed the now cooled chisel to Steel Heart who tested it. He nodded after a few tests then said “You’re hired. You have good technique and a strong grip. I’ll pay you for the rest of the day whether you work or not, and then you can start tomorrow. However we’re closing up early to go to one of Pinkie Pie’s party with the family. It starts at six.”

Jay smiled and said “Thanks. I think for today I’ll just take my pay and head over to the hospital then go to the library a while.” He took off the apron and put on his shirt and cloak/duster, causing Rainbow to let out a soft sigh she hoped no one heard then watched as Steel Heart threw him a small bag of bits. He counted the bits and whistled appreciatively when he realized it contained a solid twenty for half an hour’s work then headed out with Rainbow promising to be in early tomorrow.

The two headed back toward town hall chatting along the way and finally Rainbow asked “So why are you so interested in Equestria, you’re not a spy are you?”

Jay snorted and said “Hardly, I just want to know about the land I’ll be living in from now on. I also want to learn more about Ponyville, after all this is where I plan to make my home base.”

Rainbow blinked and said “Ah.” Then flew off knowing Jay was fine by himself. Jay watched her go and shrugged then walked toward Town Hall at a slightly more sedate pace, finding his mind wandering to Rainbow and what kind of person she was. She’d saved his tail from the demons, but that didn’t mean she was a good girl, just meant she didn’t know who was the bad guy between him and the demons.

He sighed and shook his head saying “I’m much too cynical.” He walked into town hall and started filling out the paperwork for citizenship in ponyville. That took him another half hour leaving him three hours before the party, three hours in which he planned on studying as much as he could. He smiled at Silver Scroll and said “Thanks Mayor Silver Scroll. I’ll see you around, and in case you’re wondering I’m actually older than I look.” He turned and headed out the door chuckling to himself at the look on the older mare’s face.

He walked to the library then started browsing the shelves till he found a few books that looked interesting and started reading. He read for hours, and only looked up when someone walked into the library. He blinked when he saw Rainbow Dash. He raised an eyebrow and she said “You realize you’re about to miss your party?” He stared at her and she pointed at a clock on the wall. He followed her finger and swore putting up the books then motioned for her to lead on. Rainbow studied him and said “You don’t seem the type to go to parties often.”

Jay replied “I’m not. However I feel like I owe it to you for saving me to attend. After this I don’t owe you though.” Rainbow snorted and they walked to Sugarcube corner. He stared as they walked up to a giant cupcake and said “I should have known. Nothing has been normal since I got here. So, this is where your friend Pinkie Pie ran off to?” Rainbow nodded and he sighed then said “Let’s get this over with.”

Rainbow and Jay walked in only for everyone to burst out shouting “SURPRISE!” Jay instinctively reached toward his back where he normally kept his sword unobtrusively then lowered his hand. He smiled politely and Pinkie Pie suddenly appeared then said “Hi I’m Pinkie Pie; you must be new here because I know every pony in ponyville and I’ve never seen you before. So I know you’re new. Then when I saw you with Dashie I decided I had to throw you a party. So here we are at your party. Were you surprised, were ya, were ya, were ya?”

Jay nodded and said “Very surprised. I knew someone was throwing me a party but I didn’t think it would involve the whole town. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going to go mingle, you and Rainbow have fun.” He walked off into the crowd while Rainbow stood there joking around with Pinkie Pie. They noticed him conversing with Bon-bon, then with Vinyl, then Octavia though the mare seemed to be unimpressed by the stallion, who seemed cool with that.

The two talked of classical music and then Tavi, as vinyl called her, seemed to really get into it when he said he knew how to play the violin. They talked more but they’d gone too far for Rainbow or Pinkie to overhear them then suddenly someone ran into Jay.
He just laughed and helped them to their feet before dusting them off. He smiled and said “Howdy, name’s Jay, and you are?” The mare that ran into him had gray fur, a blonde mane and tale, a bubble butt, and was cross eyed. He noticed she looked down and rubbed her shoulder then said “Hey no worries, I’m not mad or anything accidents happen, now why don’t you introduce yourself so we can get to know each other?”

She smiled and said “My name’s Ditsy Doo, but everyone calls me Derpy. Please don’t call me that. I don’t really like it but I can’t tell that to anyone because I feel like they deserve it because I’m always causing everyone trouble.”

Jay snorted and said “I’d never call you Derpy. I know what it’s like to mess up a lot and have people mad at you for it. However you just have to slog through it and fix things to the best of your ability. Anyway have fun Ditsy.” She smiled and watched him promising herself she’d do him proud though she did wonder how old he was the scars kind of hid his age making him looker younger than a few studs like big mac, but he was definitely taller than the fillies and colts in the area.

After a few hours the party wound down and Vinyl invited Jay to stay with her and Tavi. Jay accepted and said he’d meet them back at the entrance to Sugarcube Corner in about ten to twenty minutes then vanished toward the hospital.

Author's Note

Well that was interesting. We see people wondering more about Jay and finding out a bit about him. Also yes I realize Steel Heart should know the mayor's name but he was testing Jay. Anyway hope you enjoyed.