It was the next morning, the cool air making the morning pleasant, and Ray wanted to get out of the house. However, there were things to deal with. Breakfast.

The clattering of dishes and the muttering of Granny Smith were all noises he was getting used to. Mac was sitting across from Ray, eating some fritters, as Ray ate a slice of pie, a glass of orange juice, something he had to buy himself, joining his meal. Granny had finished, and Applebloom has downing a glass of apple juice, “May ah be excused?” Applebloom said soon as she finished, setting the glass down.

“Sure hun, go play.” Granny said, slowly getting up, “Kids gots to enjoy there time.” She said, leaving the kitchen… slowly. Aj looked to Ray, “How’d your call go… ah.. ah listened in on ya, didn’t hear ya say nothin’.” she said, looking down as she got out of her seat, “I was being told about some hash I need to go deal with.” Ray said, giving them both a warm smile, “I’m gonna go for a walk, I’ll probably be back in a few hours.” He said, getting up, wiping his face with a rag.

Mac nodded, “Eeyup.” Plain as the day is long. Ray thought to himself. He began walking towards the front door, ready to go do his work. Aj stopped him, “I want you to know I’m sorry.” Ray was confused, “You already apologised, why’re you sorry now?” He asked,

Aj sighed, “I just… I didn’t know if you believed me.” Ray chuckled, “You would have known, if I didn’t believe you.” He said simply, and left it at that, standing and heading out, “I’ll be back later Aj.” He said, and closed the door, not letting her respond.

Tapping his shoe tips on the floor, he sighed, smiling and straightened his new vest. A nice purple color, and it was made of thick silk, making it feel nice. He pat the part over his PMM, “Let’s go friend.” He said, walking down the steps, stopping to pet Scruffy, who was enjoying spending time outside, “Stay safe pal.” He said, smiling.

Ray began walking along the trail, leading to town, taking a look at the morning view. The grass was wet, birds were chirping, Applebloom was walking along side him… Wait… Ray looked down, and saw Applebloom staring up at him, smiling, “Howdy Ray!” She said, trying to keep up with his long strides.

Ray sighed, “Applebloom, I’ve got very important work to do, it involving helping your farm.” He said, smiling at her, stopping in his tracks. Applebloom moved to stand in front of him, “I’d like ta help!” She said, staring at him. Ray found himself in a predicament. She’s only a child… Innocent… Wait… “Applebloom, you want to help me, yes?” He asked, kneeling in front of her. Applebloom nodded excitedly.

Ray grinned, “Do you know a pony named Drake Strongdraw?” He asked, looking around, checking to see if anyone else was around. Applebloom thought for a good moment, “Ah think… He’s the weird stallion that goes into the Everfree to mess with the critters.” She said, looking at him, “Do you know when he goes into the woods?” Ray asked, leaning towards her.

“Why Ray? Is he a friend of yours?” She asked, confused, “Yes, but this is secret, it could save the farm.” He said, smiling, “Applejack likely wouldn’t approve though, but you can help me a lot.” He said, standing, rubbing his face, frazzling his moustache. Applebloom smiled, “I’ll help ya sir.” She said, smiling brightly.

“So, time?” Ray asked, looking at her, “He goes into the Everfree Forest around dark.” She said, “It’s pretty easy to track him. He goes to the river and… Sits there.” She said, “Ah feel kinda bad for him… I could lead you to him tonight!” She said excitedly. Ray nodded, “Of course, but you’ll have to listen to me. Word, for word.” He said, holding up a finger.

She nodded, “I’m gonna go play with Sweetie Belle.” and she was off. Ray felt his arm itch, and looked at his bandages. They were a disgusting brown. I’ll have Fluttershy change them later. He thought to himself, and then sighed, “Guess I’ll go to town.” He said, walking.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Walking was nice, it gave Ray time to think, and it helped his legs. He was thankful, this ‘Equestria’, seemed to set his age back a bit, but he still looked old, not the he was complaining, he wasn’t some old, moldy, prune face. Ray found himself smiling, seeing that bar again, ‘The Boardwalk’. I should get back to Daniel some time… Give him all the apples I collected. He thought to himself.

Ray felt someone bump into him, and he nearly fall over them. Looking down, he could see a white mare, electric blue hair, “Excuse me miss, I seem…” She went around him, walking away, “Well… Bi-” He stopped himself, noticing a family walking nearby.

With that having happened, Ray decided to go to Twilight’s library, thinking he might be able to find books on history of wars, or weapons… Maybe some adventure too. While walking he would take looks around, and notice ponies smiling at him, waving and such; he’d wave back of course, giving smiles. It was nice to not be hated.

After a bit, Ray finally got to the library, Twilight had let him know it was a tree, and he was impressed, considering the tree wasn’t dead, but she’d probably used magic. Magic, what a BS way of doing things. He found himself thinking, shaking his head as he knocked on the door.

The little dragon things opened the door. Spike. He remember, “Good morning, is Twilight in?” Ray asked, smiling. Spike only glared at him, moving aside to let him in, “I can see you don’t like me.” Ray said, smiling warmly, “But I think we could be good friends.” He said, heading in.

Twilight was sitting on her couch, reading a book, a pile of them beside her. Ray snuck over, and began reading over her shoulder. And now, you’re on to step four, seduction. Wait… Oh dear. Ray felt himself blush and stood up, took a few steps back, and coughed, “What’re you reading Twilight?” He asked, giving a smile, with a hint of curiosity. Twilight jumped, floundered, then fell onto the floor with a dull thud, “Ow…” She said, slowly getting up, looking at him.

“Nothing Ray, you scared me half to death.” Twilight said, groaning. Ray felt slightly bad, but it was kind of funny, Ray walked over, going to help her pick up the books, only to be stopped when she lifted them in her telekinesis, quickly putting them away, “I don’t need help, Ray.” Twilight suddenly snapped.

Ray stared at her, “Excuse me?” Twilight looked up at him, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sound like that, I’m just tired and…” Ray waved a hand, not caring, “It’s fine Twilight, I wanted to know if you have any books on History, Wars, and other things.” He asked simply.

Twilight looked at him, puzzled, “Why would you need that?” She asked him, trotting around the room, looking about the shelves. Ray smiled, “I want to learn about Equestria.” He answered quickly and simply. Twilight nodded, “That’s fine, I’ll get some for you.” She paused for a moment, thinking, “I also want you to know, Princess Celestia and her sister are coming to meet you.” She said, pulling out a few books.

Ray suddenly felt uncomfortable, “Why would they want to… I mean…” Only human here, of course they’d want to meet me. He thought, then smiled, “I’m sorry, I just don’t think I’m fit to see royality.” Ray said, looking abashed. Twilight scoffed, “Princess loves all her subjects, no matter who or what they are.” She said, smiling warmly. Joy.

Twilight trotted over, levitating the books, a decent stack of them, “Here you go, Wars and History of Equestria.” She said, smiling. Ray thought for a moment about it, “I would like to know, when are the Princesses going to get here?” He asked, to which Twilight grinned, “Tomorrow morning, they’re busy today, but they’ve freed up tomorrow to meet you.” Ray felt his heart sink, “That’s nice… Thank you Twilight.” He said, leaving her in the library.

Ray sighed, noticing it was almost midday, from where the sun was in the sky. He decided to head back to the farm, that was until he noticed Big Mac at his apple stall, and so he went to him, “Good day Mac.” He said, smiling. Mac smiled back, “Howdy Ray.” He said, his deep voice a comfort, “I’ve got some books, and I was wondering if you could bring them back to the farm when you were done?” Ray asked, holding up the books.

Big Mac nodded, “Jus’ leave ‘em beside the stall.” He said, and Ray did so, stretching, “I’m going to the Boardwalk for a while.” He let Mac know, “Join me if you can.” Ray invited, to which Mac nodded, grinning, “Would if ah could now.” He said, the both of them chuckling.

Ray walked back the way he came from, coming into town, and looked around, smiling, the warmth of the sun was refreshing on his skin, though he noticed his arm was feeling like hell. He knew he’d need more herbs from Fluttershy, even more reason to visit her, but that could wait. He wanted a drink.

Walking along the road, he eventually saw the Boardwalk sign, and smiled. Upon walking over, he noticed a board on the door, ‘Live show, the Showing of Ruby. NO children allowed.’ Ray stared at the sign. Sound interesting… But I’ll pass. He thought walking past the door, deciding he’d just go to Fluttershy’s house.

However, he could hear the great howls of ponies from within, and he felt curiosity tugging on him. Fluttershy wanted to talk, I can come back later with Mac. He thought to himself, and pushed on, heading for the trail.

Ray soon found himself on the trail, humming quietly as he walked, noticing a great deal of animals around. She really does enjoy nature. He thought to himself, smiling as he watched some of the birds.

Ray walked over a small bridge, leading to her house. Ray had to say, it was a nice looking place, the way it blinded in… It also looked like a giant mushroom, so points there.

Ray walked on up to the door, and knocked twice, “Fluttershy? It’s me Ray, I-” As soon as he said his name, the door opened, revealing a smiling Fluttershy, “Ray!” Oh it’s so good to see you. How’s your arm?” She asked, letting him in. Ray stepped inside, ducking to avoid hitting his head, “I mean, it’s still attached, so it could be worse.” He joked, managing to get a light laugh from Fluttershy, “Well, I’ll see about changing that bandage, and then we can relax and drink tea!” She said excitedly.

Ray smiled, “Of course.” He said, looking around. He liked Fluttershy for the fact she lived modestly, nothing much, just enough for herself and her pets. He sat on her couch, letting her take his arm, “This is filthy, you should have been sooner.” She scolded, causing him to laugh, “You’re the one who said to come now.” He pointed out, getting her to look away, sighing.

They sat in silence for a bit, Fluttershy having removed his bandage, revealing the the slowly healing wound. Some of it was still open, and blood would slowly seep out, causing Fluttershy to shudder and turn a slight shade green. She quickly went about cleaning it, then wrapped it back up, smiling up at Ray when she finished, “Thank you Fluttershy.” For not billing me like the hospital would.

“Of course Ray! I’m happy to help a friend.” She said, smiling warmly. Ray nodded, hearing a tea kettle whistle, to which Fluttershy jumped, startled, then flew off into the kitchen, leaving Ray there.

He looked around, clasping his hand together, slouching over, resting his elbows on his knees. Maybe I should shave. He thought, then chuckled. No… That would be silly. He thought, noticing Angel, who was Fluttershy’s not-so-angel pet bunny. They stared at each other for a moment, a small staring contest taking place. Fluttershy looked at the both of them ,”Am I interrupting?”

Ray leaned back, looking over at Fluttershy, “Of course not, the tea smells nice.” He said as Fluttershy brought it over on a plate. Two cups, and a kettle, and he meant it, it did smell good. He took his cup, and tasted it. Ray smiled, taking bigger sips, “This is good Fluttershy, you could sell this.” He said innocently, “I mean, I would buy it.” He added.

Fluttershy blushed, “Oh stop, you’re only saying that. Rarity says it could be better.” She said, looked down, taking light sips of the tea. Ray was puzzled, “Isn’t she your friend?” He asked, curious. She nodded, “Yes, but she can be rude sometimes… I talk nicely about her dresses… Why can’t she be nice about my tea?” Fluttershy asked him, looking up at him, her big eyes sparkling.

Ray scooted away slightly, and sighed, “I don’t know, but I could help you sell it. I know some ponies around Ponyville would love it.” He said, pouring himself more of the tea.

Fluttershy’s eyes widened, “You actually mean it? Ponies would like my tea?” She asked, smiling at the thought. Ray nodded, drinking tea before he spoke, it was really helping his throat, “Of course, some people where I’m from, would call tea the ‘Nectar for the Gods’.” He said, looking posh as he pointed a finger into the air, getting a giggle from Fluttershy.

Fluttershy looked at him, the looked away, “Could you tell me about the religion where you're from?” She asked suddenly, seeming worried about asking, “Of course, but what brought the curiosity on Fluttershy?” Ray asked, honestly wondering, taking another sip,

“Well, my friends believe that Celestia and her sister Luna are both gods… But that seems to… I don’t know, easy?” She said, looking up at him. Ray chuckled. Same everywhere. He pat her head, chuckling, “I believe in Christianity, the religion in which with pray to our God, and ask forgiveness for what we’ve done.” He said, beginning to explain. Fluttershy smiled, “That doesn’t sound too bad.”

Ray sighed, “I’ll explain more later, why don’t we meet up tomo-” He remembered the Princesses were coming, “At the Farm, we can talk about it more then.” He said, smiling. She nodded, taking his cup and went to the kitchen. Ray looked at a clock, noticing they’d spent a large amount of time there apparently, it was almost time to meet Applebloom.

He stood, dusting himself off as Fluttershy came back into the room, “It was nice to spend time with you Ray.” She said warmly, smiling at him. Ray smiled back, waving as he left.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ray was sitting in a bush, checking his PMM for any sign of weather or problems. Deeming that it was find, and began counting his bullets. Two clips, thirteen each including one in the chamber. One full clip, the other only has eleven including one chambered. His thoughts were cut off by the bushes rustling beside him, and he turned quickly, ready to shoot, pressing the barrel against Applebloom’s forehead.

Silence. Ray stared at her, and she stared back.

Slowly, Ray pulled the gun away from her head, and put into his vest. She looked ready to die on the spot, “R- Ray… W… Why did… You pulled that out on me?” Applebloom asked, shaking. Ray hugged her, “I’m very sorry Applebloom, I… You scared me…” He said, not able to believe he nearly blew a child’s head off.

Applebloom was shaking, scared, “Ah… Ah thought you was gonna hurt me…” She said, nearly in tears. Ray sighed, rubbing her head, “I’m sorry… I’ll get you some Ice Cream after we’re done if you want.” He bribed, smiling. Applebloom sniffled, rubbing her muzzle, nodding slowly, “Alright…” She said, looking out of the bushes.

Ray sighed. Jesus Christ… He thought to himself, his heart pounding. Applebloom yanked her head back into the bush, “He’s comin’.” She said, and they waited. Ray could hear his hoof steps, and waited for them to go by. Once he couldn’t hear them, he got out with Applebloom, and saw Drake trotting into the woods, a bow on his back and quiver on his side.

Applebloom began to follow, Ray close behind. He could see Drake, and was eager to get this over with and go relax with Big Mac.

Eventually, Drake took a turn, heading somewhere other than the river, and Ray quickened his pace, not wanting to lose him. Applebloom scampered after him, trying to keep up. Looking down the way Drake went, and Ray saw him. Drake was standing, staring right at Ray, aiming an arrow at him. Ray reached into his vest, eyes widening his lunged forward, Drake loosing the arrow, which went just over Ray’s head.

Pulling out his PMM, ray aimed quickly, and fired. Birds scattered, the shot echoing loudly. Drake fell to the ground, the bullet having gone through his neck. Applebloom ran out, “He tried to kill you!” She yelled, surprised, then went to look at Drake, but Ray stopped her, watching Drake convulse, trying to stop the bleeding, but eventually stopped moving.

Ray looked Applebloom in the eyes, “He attacked me, you understand that?” Applebloom nodded, “Uh-huh, he tried to kill ya with an arrow.” She said, and Ray nodded, shaken by the close dance with death. Ray picked up Applebloom, putting his PMM into his vest, and cast one more glance at Drake’s corpse, “We have to report this. And here is what we’ll say. ‘We went fishing, and got attacked by him.’ Alright?” Applebloom nodded, but was confused.

Ray began quickly walking back to the trail, Applebloom shaking in his grasp. He was thankful she had been there now, because she was a witness to his self-defence.

Once they’d gotten to the farm, Ray called the local militia, which was like Ponyville’s police force, and reported the attack, and they’d send someone to retrieve the body and take the Witness’s report. Ray was happy, and the call back the phone that had called him the night before.

“Yes?” The garbled voice asked, “It’s done.” He said simply, and hung up.

When Ray looked up, Aj was staring at him, “Who was that?” She asked, a look he couldn’t figure out in her eyes, “Flam, I had to drop some stuff off in town for him.” He said quickly, and stood, “I’m gonna go relax with Big Mac.” He said, walking past her, “Now wait one moment, why ya hangin’ around Applebloom?” She asked, upset, “You know what this put her through? She’s scared you almost died.” She continued, growing angry.

Ray sighed, “I’m sorry Aj… I’ll talk to her when I get back.” He promised, smiling as he walked out.

“Come on Mac.” Ray said, walking past him. Mac had been sitting on the stairs, waiting for them to get finished, “Eeyup.” He said, grinning as he began following.

Time to see who this Ruby is. He thought to himself.

Author's Note

I had fun writing this, and it wasn't stressful, surprisingly. I enjoyed getting some Fluttershy and Ray bonding in there, I hope you all feel the same.

Remember to let me know about mistakes.

Good day.