Chapters The roar of a 1971 Mustang Mach1 rolling at 195 miles an hour sounds throughout the otherwise silent night as a lone MMA fighter by the name of Ray thundered down the freeway. Ray was on his way back from the bar where he had just won a match against his long time rival by a knockout in the third round. He was wearing his black hoodie and loose grey cargo pants, it was his lucky outfit as he liked to call it. He had took a beating and was still a bit dizzy, the blaring loud dubstep and the empty celebratory bottle of whiskey in the passenger floorboard had not helped him as he lost his sense of coordination for a split second but was able to get the car under a very loose form of control. Ray was piss drunk and was thinking about what kind of dubstep he'd play around with when he got home and how he would mix in a little rap or rock if it sounded good.
The vehicle started to violently veer when the car hit a bump in the road as Ray jerked it back in his drunken stupor the car had flipped and skidded across the asphalt. Ray could feel the twisted metal crush and tear at his legs before his head slammed against the wooden wheel, cracking his skull and breaking the wheel. The Mustang had stopped its roll and had made a space where Ray crawled and fell out of the vehicle bleeding profusely from the gash in his head and his torn up legs. He felt that one of his legs had been torn off from his body and was steadily losing vision and consciousness from the blood loss. Somehow the radio had survived and was nearing the end of the song as Ray's life had flashed before his eyes and then left them as the blood loss and shock took effect.
Suddenly Ray had found himself enveloped in a cold darkness and as his eyes adjusted he could tell there was three lights. One gold and white, One red and black, and one was a mix of colors like a rainbow. Ray knew one was Heaven and the other was Hell but the rainbow door was like a mystery box to him. Being the gambler he is Ray took his chances and jogged lightly to the door. He stopped in front of the door and poked it gently when the tie-dye door sucked in his hand, arm, and eventually his body.
This time a warm darkness overtook him as if he was asleep. As if on instinct Ray opened his eyes and found himself in what seemed to be a Throne room with a bunch of ponies pointing spears at him. Sighing Ray had simply got in his fighting stance and mumbled ''Well....shit''
Author's Note
Look my very first story!!! I don't think I really need to say that I don't own anything but the story because if I did I prolly wouldn't be here but any ways i hope ya like it and feel free to give some constructive criticism because i would like to learn from my mistakes and give better chapters from here on out.
The few spear ponies that Ray was looking at all were slowly advancing on him as he started to feel a bit of adrenaline coursing through his veins. The spear ponies had begun to thrust when a firm yet motherly voice rang out the words "STOP RIGHT THIS INSTANT"
"But It tried to ambush us" said one of the pony creatures
"Does my faithful student Twilight Sparkle teleporting here randomly count as an ambush? If not then you are dismissed." Countered the white mythical pony with a slightly scolding tone.
Ray then asked "What the actual fuck, who are you and where am I and why and ho-"
"I am Princess Celestia and you are in Canterlot, and as for why and how I do not know." Said Celestia cutting him off from spamming her with questions.
"Now it is my turn to ask questions... Who and what are you?" Asked Celestia
"My name is Ray and I'm a human or homo-sapien...Uuhhh I am 22 years old, I live in Louisiana, I have a career in MMA fighting and I am real good at making music but I really don't remember too much more than that or how I even really got here." Said Ray
"Since i'm taking this rather well, what kind of pony things are y'all?" asked Ray
"Me and my dear sister Luna are alicorns and there are three other kinds of ponies that populate the lands of Equestria. The strong earth ponies, the nimble Pegasus ponies, and finally the magical unicorn ponies." Explained Celestia.
Ray was just trying to process the fact that he was in a land full of ponies.
"Excuse us Ray but me and my sister need to discuss something in private." said Celestia as she excused herself and her sister as they were discussing the strange creature they had just met.
"That would be the elements of harmony who had previously turned our former rival Discord into stone, however he is now somewhat reformed, and the elements of harmony are the six ponies that in great times of need are called together to defend Equestria from dire threats such as Discord, Chrysilas, Sombra and Tirek." explained Luna.
"In fact we have already sent for the elements to come here and meet you and it will only be a few hours till they get here so lets just have a little chat." said Celestia
A Few Hours Later
Chatter was heard approaching the doors when all of a sudden a pink blur burst through the door just to be abruptly stopped by a purple aura and a quick apology coming from a lavender unicorn who had introduced herself as Twilight and her friends as Rainbow dash, Applejack, fluttershy, Rarity, and finally the pink missile known as Pinkie Pie. Ray had looked at them with wonder as he heard their names. He then looked at Applejack and offered a handshake which she accepted and tried to squeeze to test his mettle to which he gripped just as tight as her.
"Well you aint no city slicker from what i can tell." said Applejack.
"Well growin up in the south and rigorous training dont really allow me to be one." replied Ray
"I'm a MMA fighter, its what i do for a living and i really enjoy it."
"That makes you 20% cooler in my book but i bet you arent as fast as me." she challenged
"Well of course i aint, ya got wings. He countered to which she shrugged and nodded.
"Thank you dear." she replied
Ray then looked at the one called Fluttershy, and saw that she was rather shy as the name would imply and simply nodded his head in her direction. Pinkie then popped up in his face from seemingly nowhere "OHMYGODYOUMUSTBENEWHEREWESHOULDTOTALLYTHROWYOUAPARTYITCOULDBEAWELCOMEPARTYBUTWEDONTKNOWYOURNAMESOITWOULDHAVETOBEAWELCOMESTRANGERWHOSENAMEWEDONTKNOWANDWECOUL-"
Ray simply put his hand over her mouth and told them all his name and that he didnt remember how he got here. Ray then looked at the pink pony and let his hand down and silently wondered how she didnt need to breathe to say all of that. The last one whose name he came to know as Twilight was studying him and had asked him all kinds of questions to which most of he answered while he didnt quite understand a few.
"Alright girls thats enough let Ray breathe and he does need a home to stay in while he's here for he cant stay here for all the dragon council is coming to visit." stated Celestia.
"Well Octavia did mention that her and Vinyl need a little help with bills and are willing to take a new roommate."
"Then it is settled, you shall stay with Vinyl Scratch and Octavia in return for helping them with financial problems. Let me just notify them of this new 'guest'."
Author's Note
Well this here is my second chapter like the first chapter feel free to give a little construcive criticism
Ray had been escorted to the rather strange house where he would be staying with the two ponies known as Octavia Melody and Vinyl Scratch. Ray could hear a nice mix of dubchestral coming from the house so he knocked and waited until the door opened to reveal a white unicorn pony with with wild blue hair and a sick pair of shades.
"Sup dude you must be the new roommate Celestia told me and Octy about." "Your pretty tall and dont look too bad...Come on in!" said Vinyl
Ray walked in the house to see that it was split in half, one part classical and comfy with a cello while the other half looked like a midnight club with a bunch of speakers and a turntable.
"Same here miss...Octavia I believe?" Asked Ray
"Correct, My name is Octavia Melody and my great friend over there is Vinyl Scratch. I'm sure you've heard that we are in a bit of a financial struggle, and we decided that we could solve this by having another pony to bring in some bits. I have to thank you because your the only pony willing to put up with that bass head blaring dubstep and struggle to listen to my classical artwork."
Walking back to her cello when Vinyl had just told him to get comfy and get some rest because they were going out to celebrate that night. Laying down on the couch Ray slid his hood on and before long had fallen asleep.
Ray had found himself in strange room with just a round table with a flashdrive and a tiny laptop on it and a door with no knob. He walked over to the table and looked at the flash drive titled "SnakeByte" it was white with a blue cobra design. He reached for it and let it sink in his pocket and a clicking sound could be heard behind him as he turned around. The door now had a knob and had creaked open a bit with music and voices coming out. Ray crept toward the door and opened it to reveal himself at a turntable talking to another man with a launchpad. The Dream Ray said "Well Dakota just because we are cousins doesn't mean Imma go easy on ya"
"Whatever Ray just pick a song so we can have our little battle and I can show ya how to really mix it up ya punk."
They had both laughed as Dream Ray took out a flashdrive labeled "SnakeByte" and started to play "First of the year" by Skrillex and the two had both started to take turns remixing. The Dream was slowly starting to fade away.
Ray jerked awake and had startled Vinyl who was currently munching on a hayburger. Ray looked around in a panic before remembering where he was. " shit.... Sorry for jump scaring ya like that Ms. Scratch." Ray apologized
"No problem dude and just call me Vinyl." She replied.
Ray nodded and stood up to feel some things in his pocket. As reached in he felt some things very familiar and pulled out the tiny laptop and flashdrive from the Dream. He then walked over to the turntable and had found a port in the board and had all of it hooked up within minutes as Vinyl watched with curiosity. Once Ray had everything set up he started the tiny laptop up and plugged in the flashdrive. Grinning like a madman Ray looked at Vinyl and said "Watch this shit" threw some headphones on and pulled a skull bandana over his mouth then started playing a song called "Woo Boost" by Rusko with occasional scratches where he wanted them. Vinyl was screaming "WOO" everytime the song did while Octavia was watching with a bemused smile. She then walked over to Ray and motioned for him to stop , and he did which earned a "What the hell dude look" from Vinyl. "Would you happen to have anything with a bit of classical music in it?" Asked Octavia.
"I got something ya might like." answered Ray.
He clicked on a file called "Dance at the moonlight" by Instrumental core and watched as Octavia and Vinyl moved with the beat. As the song finished Vinyl had looked at Ray and said "You just got yourself a pass to get up on stage with me no buts."
"Well if thats the case the only way im going to be in the crowd is if Ray plays something like that again." Octavia stated.
Ray nodded his agreement and started to help pack the equipment.
Later That Night
The trio had just entered the club when Vinyl had ordered a drink for herself and Octavia and left Ray to go to the DJ station. Ray sat down and ordered "Hey barkeep! Give me the strongest thing ya got."
The bartender nodded and slid a bottle of hard apple cider and a shot glass across the bar. Ray caught both with ease and poured himself a hefty shot which he downed like a Russian. "Bartender, This is weak as hell are ya sure this is as good as it gets?"
The bartender looked around and then dead at Ray as he took out a key and bent down to unlock a giant crate and pulled out a bottle of something that looked like liquid skittles or Celestia's mane in a jar. He slid that bottle over to him and took away the shot glass leaving just Ray and the bottle. Ray nodded his thanks and took a swig which left a taste of melted candy with the warm sensation of alcohol down his throat then thanked the bartender again and went to walk around the club. He had found Octavia sipping on what appeared to be a martini in a quieter part of the club and sat down with her. "Pretty girls don't just sit down at clubs so tell me what's up." He complimented
She blushed a little and smiled "wow you work fast don't you and nothing's wrong it's just that I would rather listen to classical or that stuff from earlier you showed me, and speaking of that shouldn't you be on stage?" She replied
He shook his head "I'm gonna wait till midnight then get her to introduce me she has it all set up and I only showed her how once."
"That's Vinyl for you but while we are here how are you going to make income?" asked Octavia
"I was gonna look around for something tomorrow." he answered.
Vinyl walked in and had looked at the two and said in a bit of a slurred tone "Heey you two what are you two hotties doin?
Ray and Octavia looked at each other then back at Vinyl "Uuuhh nothin much just talkin." Ray said.
Vinyl took a moment to clear her head and told Ray that it was time for him to come up on stage with her to which Octavia had said that she would be up front. Ray followed Vinyl to a hallway with some stairs and a giant curtain which had the unmistakable sound of a crowd behind it Vinyl had stopped and asked "Whats your stage name dude?"
"DJ SnakeBit3." Ray said remebering the flashdrive.
"Okay wait here till i call ya" she said.
Ray nodded and flipped up his hood and pulled on his skull mouth bandana. He did his breathing practices from his MMA training and loosened up then took another drink of his alcoholic skittle juice when he heard Vinyl say "What's up party ponies? Alright you know me as the one and only DJ-PON3!"
The crowd went fucking crazy before settling enough for Vinyl to continue with "But! I have a special guest who is gonna make an appearance tonight, and his name is DJ-SNAKEBIT3!"
Ray jogged through the curtains and went to stand beside Vinyl where he selected his song titled "Metallic Reflection" by Instrumental core and paused for a moment to look at the anxious and slightly drunk crowd. He then let his song play and walked out to the middle of the stage as the build up finally let the bass drop and at the exact moment it did Ray started doing a robotic dubstep dance as the crowd was losing their drunken minds and even Vinyl became mesmerized by the dance. As the song came to and end So did Ray's dance and once it was done the entire crowd had gone completely silent but the silence was interrupted when the whole crowd had erupted into a massive cheer of approval for the new guest.
Ray had walked back to the turntable and had selected his next song while the shell-shocked Vinyl was just staring at him with her signature shades above her eyes and mouth agape. The song was titled "Dubchestral" by Instrumental core which was how Ray had intended to keep his agreement to Octavia.
The night was finally coming to a close and Ray had played through about four more songs and three more bottles of the alcoholic skittle juice and had only a moderate buzz while Vinyl and Octavia were plastered. He had also made a sweet tip for putting on a great performance. He had loaded all the equipment into their cases and bags and started to walk home with the two when Vinyl said "Ray when you were dancing i had noticed that you have a reeeally nice flank."
"I will for once agree with her Ray you really do." agreed Octavia
Vinyl then reached over and gave Ray's ass a slap while Octavia laughed her ass off. Ray chuckled a bit while the two mares had decided to share him and both put a hoof on either side of his ass while Ray wondered what they were planning but decided to just roll with it.
Author's Note
Alright got my third chapter out finally. if ya like it let me know by hittin the thumbs up and a comment why ya did if ya didnt then just tell me why and what i could do to make it better or what you'd like to see in the future. and if your just reading it because your waiting for another chapter to come out in another story then oh well you got to kill time and i got another view
Ray Runs and Gets Examined
Ray Runs and Gets Examined
Ray had woke up just as the sun was coming up to find himself naked inbetween two mares. He quietly slid down the bed and found his pants and the rest of his clothes, and had slid them on as quiet as he could. He walked into the kitchen and wrote down a note stating that he was going for a run and would be back before long. Ray had walked out the house and slowly shut the door behind him then looked around and started to do a light run. Ray had been heading south and eventually made his way to a giant apple orchard and could hear the slamming sounds. He had looked to his left and saw that orange pony from the other day, he had remembered her name was Applejack. He had leaned over the rail and Applejack had noticed his presence and trotted over. "Howdy partner, what brings you out to these here parts?" she asked.
"Nothin much ive just been doin some runnin to keep in shape." he replied.
She had tossed him an apple and said "Here this ones on the house but thats just because your new here."
"Thank ya very much. I'd had better get goin, im gonna run for about fifteen more minutes or so." Ray said.
Applejack tipped her hat and went back to bucking and Ray had kept running. Ray ran for the remainder of his time around the town mapping it in his head before he found his way back to the place he was staying. He walked in to find Octavia up sipping a cup of coffee while a classical track was playing. Octavia noticed he had walked in and said "Good morning Ray, I see you've gotten up early, i've made some coffee and your more than welcome to have a cup."
Ray nodded and made himself a cup and sat down in front of her and asked "Well... Did ya have fun last night?"
Octavia blushed "Well the club was a total blast, in fact thats probably the first time i've really enjoyed going to one of Vinyl's performances and actually liked the music. I'm really glad that you played that dubchestral as you called it, and also i could'nt walk for the first five minutes i was up." said a blushing and grinning Octavia.
A sudden thud was heard through the house followed by a loud "DAMMIT I CAN'T FEEL MY LEGS!"
Octavia raised an eyebrow at Ray who was slightly grinning, all while Vinyl walked shakily to the table and sat down by Octavia. "Holy shit last night was bucking awesome! Not only did i get a sick new partner for special shows, but i also got my brains bucked out! That's what i call a night!" exclaimed Vinyl
A realization had just came upon Octavia as she had realized Ray had only been here for a day and a half when she asked him "Ray you've seemed to take to this rather well for the rather short time you've been here... Why is that?
Ray sat and wondered about this for a moment and began to answer when a knock at the door had interrupted his statement. Ray had excused himself and answered the door to find Twilight waiting to give him his examination. He moved to the side and waved her in as she asked for him to go to a quiet room and sit down and that she would be there momentarily. He sat down and looked out the door as she was asking Vinyl and Octavia questions. Then the two looked at each other, nodded and moved in closer to Twilight and whispered something in her ear. Twilight went red as hell and nodded looking a bit embarrased then started to walk to the room as Vinyl laughed hysterically. Vinyl had shut the door behind Twilight as she sat down in front of the man. She had started to open her mouth when Ray cut in and asked "They told you I fucked them both last night didn't they?"
Twilight nodded while blushing cherry red and had to almost force out her next words "They also said that you weren't as big as a stallion yet you didn't stop for about an hour and they mentioned that you could use those things on your hoof for plenty of uses." she explained.
Ray nodded and held up his hands then flexed his fingers, "They help me grab anything I might need and are very dexterous. Like you said they do have PLENTY of uses." he confirmed.
"Well then ..umm...are there any special attributes or abilities that you possess that could help you or harm others?" asked Twilight.
"I can fight really well and I have unspecialized teeth which means i'm an omnivore." He replied
"Wait so you eat meat?" she asked now slightly trembling.
Ray nodded and flashed his pearly canines with a faint grin "Don't worry though, I ain't gonna eat none of ya but I will need meat in my diet or I wont be at full strength." he explained.
"I can see if Celestia will send you a package of some once a month or so." Twilight said.
Ray nodded his agreement "I'm gonna need new clothes real soon, do ya know anybody I could talk to?" he asked.
"Just talk to Rarity at her boutique and she should be able to set you up. If you don't mind I must get back to the library and check on Spike." she said.
Twilight had just walked out the door when Ray looked at the two mares and shook his head. Vinyl had said with a smile "Hey we only said that you wrecked us hard enough we couldn't stand "
Ray had frozen up at the word wrecked. He felt pain explode in his skull, body and legs. Much to Vinyl's and Octavia's shock fainted and nearly fell on top of Octavia.
Ray found himself back in the strange room with the table and had noticed that there were two new items on the table. He went and picked up a piece of paper that was faded but had his name on it it read "Ray Issac Patrick passed away on the 15th of September 2016 due to a car crash while driving under the influence. Severe lacerations on chest, head, stomach, arms and legs. Left leg pincered off by part of the car caving in. Skull partially crushed from impact with steering wheel. Bled out trying to crawl from wreckage."
Ray was shocked from what he read and felt another sear of pain through his head and dropped the paper. The pain had finally faded and Ray looked at the other object. It was a bottle of whiskey. He picked it up and stared at the reason why he had wrecked. He knew it was for special occasions and events. Ray seen that it was full and took a small sip and could feel the fire like sensation run through his throat. He seen that it was refilling itself. Ray's head flared up in pain again and he found himself in a octagon just to turn around to a fist slamming into his face. Darkness took him once again.
Author's Note
I do not have any schedule im following or will follow because i dont wanna have to say any BS excuses of how life is blocking me from doing so. Thanks for reading this if ya like it then hit the button if not then hit that button. constructive criticism is appreciated.
Ray's Revelation (or at least one of them)
Ray's Revelation (or at least one of them)
Ray shot up in a unfamiliar bed and looked around to find that he was in somekind of hospital and was breathing heavily. He noticed that a white horse with a red cross on it's flank had started a quick trot over towards him and put a calming hand on his chest as a way to get him to lay back down. "Sir my name is Nurse Redheart and I need you to calm down and tell me anything you remember." She said with a firm caring tone.
"I died, I was dead and buried and somehow i'm here." he said with a shocked tone.
Ray felt a slight bit of pain shoot through his head and closed his eyes just to open them and see his body mangled, legs torn with one missing, hands limp, arm broken and blood running down his head. Ray blinked again to see that he was still in the hospital totally fine and unharmed with the headache fleeting from him. He looked around the room and saw his clothes laying in a folded pile with a bottle of whiskey sitting on top of it. It was at that moment he realized he was naked and was only covered by a rather thin blanket which wasn't even really big enough to cover his waist and legs. He looked back to Nurse Redheart and saw that she had stuck her head out the door and was calling for somepony. A few moments later Twilight Sparkle trotted into the room and asked for Ray to elaborate on what he meant by his death to which he described the dream and what he saw. Twilight was speechless and was debating on something when Nurse Redheart said "Your vital signs seem to be okay but we need to do a physical examination just to be sure so get up and let me get this done with because im pretty sure neither of us like this."
Ray looked down in a mixture of embarrassment and pride and slid off the table and heard Twilight quietly gasp while the nurse prodded and examined him. Twilight started furiously scribbling notes when the nurse started asking him questions about how this or that part of him worked. Ray felt a bit of a tingly sensation when Nurse Redheart had grabbed his member and pulled it then cupped his scrotum. The two mares watched in wonder as his member grew and hardened to which the nurse simply raised an eyebrow. "Excited are we?" asked Nurse Redheart.
Ray shrugged his shoulders "Are we done here or are you about to do somethin thats probably illegal."
"Tempting but no, well everything checks out so your cleared for exit." said the nurse.
"I'm going home then, thank y'all." Ray said.
He then grabbed his clothes and threw them on not caring if the two mares watched, they did just examine him after all.
Ray had been alternating between diamond push-ups, sit-ups, and jumping jacks for the last hour since he got home while Octavia stared in awe while Vinyl cheered him on throwing bits at him everynow and then. This all started when Ray found a flyer advertising fighting at the arena which was maybe a block or two from the club they had went to and jogged home. The flyer also said winner takes home 150 bits and may have a chance for sponsorship. Vinyl then found him shirtless doing his push-ups and seen his muscles all sweaty. Ray stopped his routine and got a glass of water much to Vinyls dismay when Octavia walked over to him and poked his pectoral to find that it was rock hard. "How in the name of Celestia did you get like this?" asked Octavia.
"I've been working out for a long time to be in the right condition to fight like I do." he replied.
"Why do you fight then?" she asked.
"Because it's one of the most thrilling experiences i've ever had, to have the perfect timing and aim to land a roundhouse on my opponents head for a knockout is plain ectasy to me. It's simply amazing to sum it up." he explained.
"But what if you lose?" asked Vinyl.
"I get up, dust myself off and get ready for the next fight. Now i'm gonna go to that clothing store I had seen earlier to get some good shorts and gloves, I'll see y'all soon.
With that Ray headed out with a fast jog leaving the two just standing in the living room. Octavia looked at Vinyl who had a very sultry grin and asked "What are you grinning for Vinyl?"
Vinyl simply stated " I came."
Ray had just arrived at the boutique and walked in when he saw one of the six from when he arrived in this world looking down at a dress.
"Hello my name is Rarity and welcome to my bou-oh hello Ray I didnt see that it was you. Did you come just looking to chat or did you want me to make you something to wear?" she said.
"I do need something made but i'm game if ya wanna talk about somethin" he replied
"Excellent so what do you need made darling?" she asked.
"Could ya get me some black shorts that pass my knees a little bit, is kinda tight but stretchy around the waist, is real loose for flexibility, and is really lightweight.Also i'm gonna need some gloves that are lightweight and have some hard but breathable and flexible material." he explained.
"Why certainly dear i just need to take your measurements. If you would just take off those worn and dull things that your wearing I'll get to work." she replied
Ray rose an eyebrow at her remark of his cargo pants and how they were dull and worn out. He then slid them off and stood up straight as Rarity got her materials out and ready. Rarity then had to get get a stepping stool to measure his full height of 6'3 and draw his hands then had to bend down to measure a leg lenth of 3'5. "Well darling you are certainly the biggest stallion i've had to measure since Big Macintosh needed that tuxedo, and i must say you are in excellent shape if i do say so myself. If I may ask why do you need these?"
"I need proper equipment if im going to fight in the arena tomorrow night. Speaking of which i can sponsor you if ya want." he said.
"What's sponsoring?" she asked.
"It's where I wear the logo of your company on my equipment so it will bring you customers and expand your brand but in return you supply me equipment for discounted or no price." he explained.
"That sounds fair I would like that." she said.
Ray offered his hand to make a deal and Rarity shook it. "Alright then these should be done by tomorrow, pleasure doing buisness with you darling." Rarity said.
With that Ray headed home to help Octavia and Vinyl with their music and went to bed with the two.
"Goodnight y'all" said Ray
The two mares simply snored in response, and Ray shut his eyes
Author's Note
Here's the next chapter hoped ya liked it. If ya did tell me why in the comments and hit the like button or if ya didn't also tell me why in the comments and hit whatever button ya want . Constructive criticism is appreciated. I will post again before too long. Again there will be no schedule. And with that I thank you for just reading this, Goodnight everybody
Ray had woken up very early in the morning and left a note of where the fight was and at what time it was and that they needed to bring his laptop and flashdrive. It also had some instructions of what to do with the two items. He then jogged to Rarity's boutique in the darkness to see her work. Ray had just stepped in the door and sat down when Rarity walked in the room to find him. Rarity put her hoof to her lips and silently beckoned to him to follow her into the next room where laying neatly in a folded pile was his gear. He picked up his shorts and seen that they were a satin black color with gunmetal grey trim and royal purple letters spelling out "Rarity's Boutique" with her cutiemark beside it. Ray then picked the black gloves up and put both on they weren't as light as he would like but it wasn't anything he hasn't dealt with before. He then looked at his palm and saw that there was Rarity's triple diamond mark was stitched in and chuckled at the creativity. "So how are they darling?" asked Rarity.
"They're great for a first time thing, a little heavy but that won't really affect me." he replied.
"Great, you'll simply have to show me better ways to make these, they are a nice change from what i'm used to making all the time." she said.
Ray then stretched his arms out and accidentally knocked down a lamp which sent a loud thump all through the house. The two then heard somepony coming down the hallway and was headed toward them. A young filly had walked into the room rubbing her eyes to look up and stare at Ray who just stared back and casually waved. "Sweetie Belle that's no way to act around guests now apologize." Rarity said.
"I'm sorry, it's just that your so...big. I think you might be bigger than Princess Celestia." Sweetie said.
"I am bigger than her not by much, but that's what fighting and working out will do to ya." Ray replied.
"I don't think even Rainbow Dash works out as much as you. Are you going to participate in the fight?" she asked.
"Ya mean skittles, and yes I am come on and bring ya friends if ya want I wouldn't mind a few more fans." he said.
With that Sweetie took off to her sleeping friends house to wake them and ready them for the event. Ray changed back into his lucky set of clothes and gave the equipment to Rarity. "Will you hold these for me until the match is about to start?" he asked.
"Sure dear just meet me outside your locker room." she replied.
Ray nodded his thanks and headed for that bakery known as Sugarcube Corner.
Ray had just opened the door to have a familiar pink missile slam into his chest and pin him against said door by somehow hanging onto his hoodie. "OHMYGOSHIT'SYOUITOTALLYFORGOTTOTHROWYOUAWELCOMETOPONYVILLEPARTY!" said Pinkie
Ray calmly pried Pinkie off him and set her down so he could walk over to take a booth seat by the window while Pinkie followed. "Do you know where I can order?" he asked.
Pinkie was now standing beside him with a menu and a rather wide smile. He stared and slowly slid the menu out of the mare's hooves and looked at the long list then smiled when he spied his favorite childhood treat. He looked up at Pinkie and pointed at the menu with a small smile. "Okie dokie lokie" she replied.
Ray watched her turn into a giggling cruise missile that was headed for the kitchen to look up and see two familiar ponies walk into the bakery breathing heavily. Applejack nudged Rainbow Dash's attention over to him and headed over to his booth to sit down. The two slid into the booth on the opposite side of him and Applejack said "Howdy." with a southern drawl.
"What's up?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"Nothin much, just gonna eat a little treat here and go compete in that fight." he replied.
Rainbow Dash was all in his face with an excited ''CAN WE COME?"
Ray leaned back while Applejack pulled Rainbow Dash down by her tail with a quick apology when Pinkie had came back with his treat. She slid a tray of cherry cheesecake onto the table and watched a Ray cut himself and the three mares a slice of it. Ray took a bite and just set his fork down and hug Pinkie who was more than happy to hug back. Ray then let go of the party pony to answer Rainbows question with "Yeah y'all can come to the fight, just bring Twilight and Fluttershy."
They had all talked for another hour before the three mares went to find their other two friends and Ray started walking toward the arena.
Ray was waiting in front of the locker room when Rarity had walked in with his gear. Ray took the gear and said "Thanks Rarity for making this for me, without it I would be at a real disadvantage with whoever i'm fighting tonight."
"No problem darling, now go and promote my store and make some MONEY!" Rarity said.
Ray had a blank face and arms crossed. "I was just kidding darling, now go impress all your soon to be fans."
Ray nodded with a smile and went into the locker room to change his clothes while Rarity went to take her seat. Ray then heard the announcer voice come on to say "Mares and gentlecolts welcome to The Asylum! We have to fighters here tonight in the red corner weighing in at 473 pounds...MIGHTY STRIKE THE MINOTAUR!!!"
With that a minotaur with red fur entered the octagon and pounded his chest and said with a very stuck-up and goofy voice "Where is dis teeny hoomen who thinks he can beat my sooper strung muzzles?"
The entire crowd roared with approval of his horrible trash talk when the announcer came back on with " And in the grey corner weighing in at 226 pounds...RAY ISSAC PATRICK!!!"
As soon as his name was announced "Till I Collapse" by Eminem started playing and a little more than a quarter of the crowd was cheering when Ray entered the ring. Ray looked over to see the Mane six, the CMC, and a few others cheering and clapping for him. The announcer came on again to say "There will be 5 two minute rounds there will be a winner based on either knockout, tap-out, or judge vote. A pony with a sign with the number one on it walked into the ring then exited as a bell was heard. Ray charged Mighty Strike just to sidestep at the last moment as the minotaur threw a fist giving Ray an opening that he didn't waste by striking Mighty in the jaw which caused the minotaur to hold his jaw completely exposing himself to attack. Ray sent two jabs into his stomach then sent an uppercut to Mighty's lower jaw which sent him reeling. Not wanting the giant to recover Ray spartan kicked him in the chest slamming Mighty into the cage wall. Ray then superman punched Mighty dead in the nose and watched as the minotaur's eyes teared up. Ray knew he wasn't going to be able to knockout the thick skulled beast but he would at least make him learn to never call him teeny ever again. Mighty had finally recovered from the human's assault and tried to slam both fists down to smash the man who was embarrassing him in front of everybody. Ray jumped back from the fists and leaped onto Mighty and started pounding the sides of his head then leaned backward to lay him down on his back. Ray maneuvered to Mighty's side and locked him in an arm-bar then applied more pressure as the minotaur strained to fight through the pain. Ray lifted his leg to slam it down into Mighty's gut knocking the wind out of Mighty who tapped out. Ray let go of his opponent's arm and looked out to an awe-struck crowd and yelled out "R.I.P!, R.I.P!, R.I.P!"
The silent crowd slowly started to chant with him while steadily rising in volume while Ray walked over to Mighty and offered his hand. Mighty looked at his hand and took it to be pulled up by the human who shook his hand "Good fight, you might wanna work on ya speed though" Ray said.
Mighty nodded his head and made a commitment to work harder and get better. Ray heard the announcer say "Winner by submission in the first round in the first 47 seconds and new Ponyville champion, RAY ISSAC PATRIIIICK!!!"
Author's Note
well that one took a while to pop out didn't it nevertheless I hope you enjoyed this chapter and if ya did you know what to do. Didn't like something about the story just tell me what in the comments and i'll try to fix it in the future. Did like somethin?, well just tell me and i'll make it happen again. constructive criticism is appreciated. Good Night everybody!
Ray walked into the cool night air and took in a deep calming breath. The night was silent as the crowd had already left the building that the fight had taken place in. Ray flipped his hood up and sat down on a bench and enjoyed the moon and stars when he heard a crack sound out through the night. "So you also enjoy the night?" asked a cloaked pony who took a seat next to him.
"Yeah I even prefer it over the day, It's nice to have some quiet time every now and then ya know?" he replied.
"Indeed. My sister is quite the opposite. It disturbs me how so few ponies enjoy my night as we do." the pony said.
Ray stopped for a second and looked closer at the cloaked pony who took her hood off to reveal Princess Luna smiling at him. Ray immediately went stood up to bow to which she put a hoof on his chest to hold him down and said "Please, just call me Luna i'm tired of all the formalities."
"Yes Ma'am" Ray said nervously.
Ray stared at her for a second and noticed that her mane was flowing and had little dots that looked like stars twinkling. Ray stood up from the bench and stretched out and turned and offered his hand out to Luna. Luna took his hand and stood up and the two began to walk back towards Vinyl and Octavia's house while Luna pointed out constellations and Ray compared some to the ones on his home planet. They had found about 16 before a barely audible growl was heard from the woods next to them. Ray stopped dead in his tracks and shot a hand out to stop Luna when a wooden wolf jumped out of a bush aimed for Luna's neck. Ray caught the wolf and slammed it on the ground winding it. Ray stomped it's neck snapping a few of the branches and grabbed it's tail swinging it into a rock still holding onto it. When the wolf tried to weakly snap at Ray he spartan kicked the side of it's muzzle which ripped the animal's head off it's neck. Luna had frozen up and watched Ray brutalize the would-be assailant in pure shock. Ray watched the timber-wolf crumble into twigs and branches then turned back around to Luna and brushed himself off. "Ray, how did you catch that wolf so easily in the air without magic?" Luna asked.
"All my life I have only went in debt once. It was either pay up or give some entertainment and I chose to entertain. I didn't think having to fight for my life in an arena full of dogs and other people was very entertaining." Ray said with a cold voice.
"What happened to the other ones like you?" asked Luna.
"The deal was last one alive would have his debt dropped and could walk free." Ray said.
Luna looked at Ray with a stunned face and watched him keep walking for him to stop and look at her.Luna sped up to him and they continued their walk.
Ray and Luna were walking up to the dark house he was staying at and talking about whatever crossed their minds. Ray opened the door and walked in the darkness and turned on the light to hear "SUPRISE!!!"
Ray looked around the room and seen Vinyl and Octavia standing in front of the crowd that had everyone from the Cutie Mark Crusaders to Princess Celestia and even the Mane 6. Vinyl and Octavia had started to walk towards him when a familiar pink party missile floored him and proceeded to scream "HAPPYWELCOMETOPONYVILLEANDFIRSTFIGHTVICTORYPARTY!!!"
Ray watched Pinkie get encased in a purple aura then picked himself up with a scowl. Everypony just watched in silence as Ray slowly started to grin annd yelled out "LET'S PARTY!!!"
Everypony cheered and Ray grabbed Vinyl and headed towards the turntable. Ray opened his laptop and started off with "Let's get it Started" by The Black Eyed Peas and watched as the crowd started to jump around and dance. Ray walked over to a table full of drinks that was being attended to by the bartender from the club and watched as a few ponies grabbed that same weak stuff from the bar. Ray took out his bottle of whiskey and poured himself a glass when Applejack walked up to him. "Howdy, might fine party ya got goin here. What are you drinking in that glass is my cider too strong for ya" she taunted.
Ray simply responded by pouring two shots and put 5 bits on the table. Applejack nodded and put up 5 bits then grabbed a shot. Ray downed his with ease and watched Applejack down hers with a face of suprise then wipe her face with her hoof. "What in the hay do ya call that?" asked Applejack
"Whiskey." he answered.
Ray filled the shot glasses with a grin and then the two went 6 more rounds and had attracted a crowd around them. Ray had a calm face and was just now getting a nice buzz while Applejack looked like she was about to be sick. Ray stood up and pushed the pile of bits toward Applejack and started to walked away with a smile before she hurt herself. Ray was walking around when Sweetie Belle and two other fillies had walked up to him. "Hey mister we saw your fight earlier" said a little filly with a big bow on her mane.
"Yeah it was sooo cool." said another one that was peach colored
"Girls, this is Ray, Ray these two are Applebloom and Scootaloo." said Sweetie Belle.
"Thank y'all and nice to meet ya.' Ray said.
"How are you able to do all that cool fight stuff?" asked Scootaloo.
"I exercise and train and all that good stuff." Ray answered.
"Do you think that we could do that stuff with you one day?" asked Applebloom.
Ray nodded while the CMC got together in a group huddle and whispered to each other. Ray wandered off when he heard them yell out something about cutie mark something or whatever. Ray was wondering around when he spotted Fluttershy in a quiet corner by herself and walked towards her. The mare had spotted him walking towards her and hid behind her mane. Ray grabbed a glass of apple cider and handed it to Fluttershy who slowly grabbed it and took small sips and started to bob her head to the music with a small smile.Ray leaned against athe wall and asked "What's up?"
"Nothing it's just that I don't really like huge crowds and the noise." she replied.
"I know the feeling, just loosen up a bit and go with the flow. How do you think I haven't gone insane yet?'
"Why would you go insane?" she asked.
Ray looked at the mare with an amused face and replied with "I was ripped from my world to a land full of ponies while having insane headaches that give me fun little tidbits of info that are helping me remember who i was. The last one gave me a cool little piece of info stating that i'm dead or was dead for that matter. Sooo yeah i'm just gonna roll with it and be happy with what I got now. "But i've got a place to stay and two nice girl- err, mares to love sooo yeah i got that goin for me.
"Well I guess I can move a little more but before you go can i ask two things? asked Fluttershy.
With that Fluttershy stood on the tips of her hooves and whispered into a hunched over Ray's ear. Ray nodded then stood up straight and walked over to the laptop and turned on "Here" by Alessia Cara then walked back to Fluttershy and grabbed her hand and walked to the dance floor. Ray had dragged near the center of the crowd and stopped to look at Fluttershy. She was hiding beneath her hair shaking when the lyrics started and had started to tap her hooves and sway to the beat. Ray watched as Fluttershy slowly got more confident and was eventually dancing with others. Ray walked off smiling when Rainbow dash flew over next to him and circled around his head a few times. Ray just raised an eyebrow, stopped and waited for her to say something. "I saw how you helped Flutters open up a little bit over there" nodding towards the dancing mare. "Thanks for that by the way." She said.
Ray just shrugged and put up a fist which Dash bumped with her hoof. "Anytime skittles, anytime." Ray said.
Ray was walking over to Princess Celestia when a scream was heard through-out the house. Ray took off at a dead sprint and was barreling through ponies and slammed through the door to see a huge ass dog dragging off a lavender pony with a yellow mane. Ray was hauling ass when he finally caught up to the dog who turned around in time to watch a fist go through his stomach and grab his intestines. Ray pulled out as much as he could then ran behind the dog and used the innards to strangle the dog. The dog managed to grab Ray and ripped him off his back and chomped down on his shoulder and neck. The dog went to bite his head of when Ray free an arm and punched the dog's eye until it burst in the socket. The dog dropped his catch and fell over to bleed out. Ray was also bleeding profusely and lost to the darkness when a gold aura wrapped over him.
Ray woke up back in the room.
Author's Note
I'm sorry for not updatin in a while and i hope you enjoyed this chapter. All the songs in the story you can look up unless stated otherwise. I also own none of these songs...unfortunatly. Leave a like if ya liked it and if ya didn't like then tell me what's wrong so i can fix it. Yeah there are errors in there somewhere i'll let y'all look for em if ya want.
Ray looked around the dark room and seen 3 objects on the table. Ray walked over and saw a chrome .44 Magnum revolver with an extended barrel, a custom chrome handled cavalry saber inside of a scabbard and finally a gas mask. Ray picked up the three items and examined them and focused on the revolver. The grip was wooden with a coiled cobra poised to strike engraved in both sides. He flicked the cylinder out and seen six A-P rounds then spun and flicked it back into place, pulled the hammer back and fired off all six bullets. Ray flicked out the cylinder and ejected the casings and watched as 6 new bullets took their place out of no where. "Fuckin magic, can't tell if this is good or bad."
Ray heard sounds coming from a new door in the room and walked over to open the door. Ray seen the heavily storming swamp and knew he was in an all too familiar nightmare. He looked around and saw a large body of water with a worn down and rotted out pier. On the end of the pier was somebody with a mini-gun and an EOD suit. Ray knew what was coming and watched the water behind the literal juggernaut. The water was churning when Ray's past self burst out of the water and thrust a cavalry saber through the back of the giant's knee cap and received a heavy back hand for his troubles which laid him out. Ray looked up to see a giant boot stomp on his chest to pin him and hear a very big gun that was aiming at him starting to spin up. He slapped the weapon out of his face and watched a spray of bullets kick up spurts of water then drew his revolver and unloaded into the mask of the big fucker. The behemoth stumbled back and fell down on his chest. Ray stood and pulled his saber out of the jug head's leg and seen that the fucker was still alive and trying to crawl toward a grenade. Ray ripped the giant's shredded mask off and stomped his head into the ground twice before he walked over and picked up the grenade. He pulled the pin and stuffed it in the juggernaut's suit and kicked him into the water then watched a nice sized fountain of water come out the swamp. Ray walked onto dry ground when he started to hear attack dogs closing in on him and put on his gas mask then dropped his last canister of mustard gas. Ray wiped his saber off and reloaded his revolver and got ready The vision slowly started to fade out leaving present Ray hearing the fading sounds of barking, yelling and gunshots.
Ray slowly started to wake up in a white room and sat up just to see Nurse Redheart push him back down gently and started to change a few bandages on his neck and shoulder. Nurse Redheart asked "We found some new things on your bed earlier today and don't know what two of them are, care to explain?"
Ray reached over and grabbed the three things that saved him so many times in that damn hellhole. He pulled his saber out of it's scabbard and examined the weapon then ran a finger down the nearly razor sharp blade just to curse when he cut himself. A doctor came in and announced that we had guests coming in. Ray nodded and said "Bring em in."
Vinyl and Octavia hurriedly walked into the room and hugged Ray from both sides of the bed. "Ray are you that excited to see me?" Vinyl asked.
"No that's my revolver" deadpanned Ray.
"Suuure it is. If that's what your callin it now. " she teased.
Ray showed her the .44 and spun it on his finger stopping it when the barrel was pointing in the air. Vinyl went silent and it was Octavia's turn to laugh now. "You have quite an audience waiting to speak with you so we'll just finish our talk later." said Octavia who was still chuckling a bit.
Vinyl and Octavia leaned across the bed and kissed both his cheeks goodbye before turning around and leaving the room. The next two ponies to walk in were unknown to Ray. One was a grey mare with a blond mane and the other was the little filly he saved. The mare ran towards him and hugged his neck whispering "thank you" as fast as possible while tearing up. The mare let go and wiped her eyes when Ray noticed her eyes were looking all over the place. "My name is Derpy Hooves and I can't thank you enough for saving my Dinky, all I have on me is this muffin, please take it." she said sniffling.
Derpy hugged Ray again then grabbed her little filly and with a tearful smile waved bye to Ray. Ray could hear Dinky say "Bye" as they walked away.
Ray looked over to Nurse Redheart and saw that she was sniffling and dabbing her eyes with a cloth. Ray simply rose his eyebrows and smiled a bit before asking "Am I cleared to walk around and get dressed?"
"Y-yeah, you just can't leave the hospital until tomorrow." she sniffled.
Ray nodded and slid off the bed to grab his stuff. Ray threw on his "lucky" outfit and holstered his pistol, saber then hung his gas-mask on a belt loop. "That was a badass muffin." he sais sitting down.
Nurse Redheart laughed a bit then watched as the next guests had came walking in. The mane six had gathered around the bed Ray was sitting on and took turns asking questions. "Why didn't you go get a guard and just wait for them to apprehend that diamond dog" asked Twilight
"It woulda got away if I hesitated" Ray answered.
"Your neck looks horrendous, no offense though darling." said Rarity
"Oh really? I didn't notice." he deadpanned.
"Does it still hurt?" asked Fluttershy.
Ray just shrugged and shook his head no. "That was mighty brave of you sugarcube." said Applejack.
"Thank you" Ray said.
"It was also mighty stupid." Applejack finished.
Ray shut his mouth and rolled his eyes. "I don't think i've ever took this much damage even from my worst crash." said Rainbow who was staring vacantly at his neck and shoulder wounds.
Ray laughed and said "I've taken worse than this in that damn swamp."
Pinkie's hair was down and straight and was looking more somber every second she looked at his injuries. Ray gave her a one armed hug and received a face and mouthful of insta-poofed hair that tasted of cotton-candy. "You said you were in a swamp? Like with alligators? I have a pet alligator named Gummy."
Ray pointed at her and grinned "That's cool as hell."
"Come on girls let's give Ray a few minutes of privacy before he deals with his final guests." said Twilight.
With that the mane six waved to Ray and walked out the room leaving him and Nurse Redheart to talk once more. "What was you talking about earlier when you mentioned a swamp?" asked the nurse.
"Why should I tell you?" asked Ray.
"Medical confidentiality." she answered
"OK it's your nightmare.....I'm a gambler, and in all my years of gambling i've only went into debt that I couldn't repay once. I was offered a chance to get out of debt without paying anything. All I had to do was provide some entertainment and I would be a free man. Entertainment meaning: fighting for my life in a swamp filled with shit that would love to kill me. Deal was the winner goes free, there was 7 others with the same goal as me: survive. I will never forget the sounds and experiences I had in that swamp, not the BRRRRRRTTT of that giant's mini-gun, not the sound of that stalker's Barrett 50. cal ripping through my only friend's skull, and not the fear in that man-trapper's eyes when I left him to the hounds in his own bear trap. I will learn from the past because I don't want to repeat it. I will never forget but I won't let it hold me down and define who I am now." explained Ray who just now noticed the two wide-eyed princesses standing across the room.
Ray and Redheart started to bow but was stopped when Celestia raised her hoof. "That's what you were talking about on the way to the party wasn't it?" asked Luna.
Ray nodded and started to hand them the three tools he used to get out of the swamp. "Ray this is a beautiful weapon" said Celestia when she took the cavalry saber.
Ray watched the two go over the saber like it was show and tell day at school talking among themselves about the quality of the blade and handle. Ray handed them the .44 revolver and saw the confusion on their faces. "It's a custom .44 magnum revolver. It has an extended barrel and custom hand grips. It fires .44 magnum armor piercing rounds capable of punching through some tough stuff." Ray explained.
"What is this thing do then?" asked Luna who was now holding the gas mask.
"It has protected me from poisonous fumes that were designed to kill off living things. It's helped me when I used those same fumes to kill those who wished to do the same to me." Ray said.
"What did these fumes do and what were they called?" asked Celestia.
"Mustard gas, it would cause blisters on the skin and in the airways." he explained.
"Why would your kind do this to each other?" asked Luna.
Ray shrugged and and took his equipment back then said " I doubt y'all came here to talk about this so what did y'all come here for?"
"We wanted to thank you for saving little Dinky and offer you this." said Celestia holding out a medal with her magic.
Ray knelt and watched as the medal levitated onto his neck. Ray looked at the medal and read the inscription. "Equestria Medal of Bravery in the Face of Danger."
"Thank you your highnesses." said Ray
"Now we must take our leave, after all we do have our duties to attend to." said Celestia.
Ray waved goodbye to the diarchs as they took their leave then turned to Nurse Redheart.
"I'm gonna get some sleep and you should too" Ray said laying back on the bed.
"Goodnight Miss Redheart." he said.
"Goodnight Ray." she replied.
Author's Note
I know mustard gas takes a while to really work but this is a story and rules can be bent sometimes. I will try to follow reality as much as possible but again a story and a story in a world of talking magical ponies at that. If ya liked it then leave a like and tell me what i'm doin right. If ya didn't like it then tell me what i'm doing wrong. Thanks for reading . Constructive criticism is appreciated. Flames are cool too, disregarded but appreciated. ANOTHER THING if ya like scary stories be sure to go check out St. Henry the pig's stories
Ray walked out of the hospital and stretched his entire body making sure to pop his neck in the loudest possible fashion. Nurse Redheart cringed at the sound and wondered how that wasn't hurting the human. "Alright so why do you have to escort me back to my house?" asked Ray.
"It's just hospital policy." Redheart answered.
Ray shrugged and started walking again then came up with a game plan for the day. "Hey since you are more than likely gonna see me in that hospital again real soon lemme at least give you some sort of thank you." Ray said starting to jog.
Redheart ran after him and seen him holding the door open to Sugarcube corner. "Come on, my treat." said Ray.
The nurse sighed and walked into the store and immediately ducked as a pink blur passed over her and slammed into Ray hugging him. Ray caught her like she was a football that was blasted into his gut. "Hey Pinkie." a winded Ray barely wheezed out.
"Are you okay?" asked Redheart who was sitting down at a table.
Ray nodded and hugged Pinkie back then hobbled over to the table and sat down. Ray slid Redheart a menu and just laid back and and looked out the window, watching the some-what busy town. Redheart had just ordered a vanilla milkshake when a minotaur and pony both wearing suits, shades and holding briefcases had walked in the store. They had both walked down to where he was sitting when the minotuar lowered his shades and asked. "Are you Ray Isaac Patrick?"
Ray nodded and was about to say something when the suited pony set down a small briefcase and said "This is the prize money that you've won from the last fight." He said opening the case that was filled with bits.
The pony took out a few more papers and slid them over to the human. "These are a few sponsorship offers from all over the map, it will be up to you which ones to accept and decline." said the pony. "They can open up new things but be careful who you do buisness with." The pony stood up and waited for his partner.
The minotaur took no time in replacing the suited pony's place. "Your rather impressive victory against one of our own has sparked the interest in the public and even in the royal families." "We would be delighted if you could come compete in the next tournament. You have two days to reply, when you do just blow into this." The minotaur handed him a small pipe with four holes in it. With that the two left and disappeared with a small crowd. Ray looked over to see a confused Redheart. "Look Ray i've had a great time but I need to get back to work. Thank you Ray." Redheart smiled and hugged Ray.
"Goodbye Ray." she said.
"Later Ms. Redheart." he said.
"Hey Pinkie can I get a coffee to go?" he asked.
Pinkie popped up out of thin air with a medium coffee and a smile that could blind somebody. Ray took the to-go cup and took a small sip. "How did you know how many sugars and cream to put in?" he asked.
Pinkie just pointed to her head and said "Pinkie Sense."
Ray could just feel the air thicken and something inside him screamed to just not question it. Ray took three bits and gave them to Pinkie then started to walk out of the sweet shop with a wave to Pinkie.
Ray walked inside the house that he was staying in and called Vinyl and Octavia into the room. "Whats up Ray". Vinyl asked with a sad smile. Octavia walked in the room holding documents and was mumbling worriedly. "Octy, what's wrong why do ya look like Vinyl with a hangover?" he asked.
"These bills, they are threatening to repo everything. we're going to lose everything we own." she said her voice cracking. "We won't have a home and we'll starve". said Octavia in full tears.
Ray looked around then dropped the briefcase of bits on the floor and crouched to open it opened it allowing the two mares to see the contents. Octavia slowly walked over and picked up the case and counted the bits. Octavia then dropped the case and ran over to hug Ray as hard as she could crying tears of joy. Ray hugged her and watched as Vinyl just stood there shocked. "Ray where did you get all this?" Vinyl asked.
"It's from the fight I won and I got great news, I got another fight coming up. All I gotta do is accept and get prepared for it." he said.
Vinyl smiled then joined Octavia in hugging Ray. "This will cover our debt and most of the bills. we'll be set for a few months." Octavia said.
"I'm just doing my part to help out don't worry about it." he said. Ray walked out the house and blew into the pipe for a few seconds before he got an idea.
Octavia and Vinyl let go of Ray who walked back inside and over to the fridge and pulled out his bottle of special occasion whiskey. He filled three glasses and passed two to the mares. "Is this the same stuff you and Applejack had that contest in?". asked Vinyl.
Vinyl let another louder victory screech in which Ray and Octavia joined. Ray poured another round of shots while Vinyl threw on some dubstep. Octavia made some snacks and the three had a small party between themselves.
Author's Note
What's up everybody! long time no see right? well yeah that's gonna happen a bit unfortunately. While i'm not giving up on this story, there will definitly be times where i wont post new chapters for a while at a time. this chapter was supposed to be posted a week ago but I ditched the old idea and had to rewrite it.
Ray, Vinyl and Octavia were walking through town to the gym when Rainbow Dash and Applejack raced by them stopping near the Carousel Boutique. Ray waved the two down and walked over to them then said "What have y'all been doin?"
"We've just been racing to prove that i'm the fastest even on the ground." Rainbow said blowing her hoof like it was a smoking gun.
"That there was a tie and you know it Dash!" argued Applejack.
Ray smiled and an idea come to his mind "Hey y'all two wanna come to the gym with us?"
"Yeah you may be the fastest but there just ain't no way you're the strongest." Applejack said grinning.
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah!"
"OH YEAH!?"
"YEAH!"
Ray sighed and walked in the Carousel Boutique's doorframe and yelled "HEY RARITY,YA WANNA COME TO THE GYM WITH US?"
Ray heard a yelp and a loud thud and a few minor crashes when Rarity came into the room wearing purple sweatbands "Sure darling i'll come and participate. After all I hear muscles are the new black."
Ray nodded and the group started walking toward Sugarcube Corner. Ray walked into the store holding up Rainbow dash as a shield when Fluttershy walked out the kitchen and waved to the group. Sighing in relief, Ray let a slightly annoyed Rainbow Dash go and walked over to Fluttershy who retreated behind her hair. Sighing Ray bent down and asked "Ya wanna go to the gym with us?"
Fluttershy nodded and then said "Yeah I have a membership there and was supposed to go tomorrow but, oh well."
Ray grinned then stood up to see the group staring at him and something right behind him. "What I got something on my fa-" Ray shut up when he heard a very muffled giggle then slowly turned around yelled out when a pink pony fell on top of him. "HEYA FRIEND CAN I COME TO THE GYM TOO PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE CAN I CAN I CAN I?!?!?!" yelled Pinkie right into his ear.
Ray, who was still shell shocked weakly held up a thumb and crawled to his feet and out the bakery. Ray was leading the group to the treehouse/library and was thinking to himself "Why am I taking all of this so well? Is it because everyday life isn't hell, is it because everyone is rather accepting?, is it because I can get real good Cherry Cheesecake real cheap?, or maybe because I think that if I can't adapt and move on then i'm as good as dead anyway? Probably all of these reasons lol. I wonder what might happen if i was to prank Rainbow Dash or Pinkie....Probably not a good idea...oh well, fuck it imma do it anyway." SLAM! Ray shook his head after meeting the door head-on when Vinyl, Pinkie and Rainbow started laughing and Fluttershy asked "Are you okay?"
Ray nodded and looked up to see Twilight standing in the doorway. "Where are you girls going? she asked.
"Gym, ya wanna come with us?" asked Ray.
"Sure just a minute." She said turning around.
"Spike! I'm going to the gym, when you get done you can go play with snips and snails!" she yelled.
"Alright let's go" said Ray.
Ray and company walked in the gym and waited at the desk for the receptionist. Pinkie was slightly bouncing when she saw the little service bell. "ding....ding ding....dingdingdingdingdingdingding" "PINKIE!....at least let me add a beat."said Ray.
Ray thumped his hand on the table "thump thump..now pinkie." "ding" "thump thump ding, thump thump ding, thump thump ding." Ray started singing. "Buddy your a boy make a big nois-" Ray started when "STOP!" was yelled by a mare that appeared behind the desk.
Fluttershy handed her a slip of paper and the mare gave the go ahead. The group walked into the gym and Vinyl and Octavia set up the laptop and flash-drive and started playing "We Will Rock You" by Queen. Ray listened hard and grinned when he heard the receptionist mare groan. Ray watched the eight pick their stations. Rainbow dash got on a treadmill and set it pretty fast while Fluttershy got on one and set it at a brisk jog. Applejack was using a leg press and Pinkie was somehow doing sit ups. Rarity found out how to work the camera and started taking pictures of herself curling a somewhat heavy weight and Twilight was trying to pick which energy bar she wanted based off the nutrition labels. Octavia was stretching and Vinyl was doing squats. Ray took off his hoodie and was wearing a black polyester muscle shirt. Ray walked over to a pull-up bar and was about to start when "Enter Sandman" by Metallica started playing. Ray grinned and started doing dead arm pull-ups and singing the lyrics. Ray done three sets of fifteen when he stopped and got on a treadmill alongside Dash and Fluttershy. Rainbow looked over at Ray then turned up her speed and smiled. Ray rolled his eyes then set his to it's top speed which Dash yelled in anger followed suite. The two were running in a dead sprint when Ray tripped and was slung off to which sent Dash into a laughing fit falling, and subsequently getting slung off right into Ray. Ray stood up and dusted himself off before going to a crash mat and starting his diamond push-ups. Ray was hitting number thirty when Vinyl jumped on top of him and was soon followed by Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. The three were yelling at him to keep going when Octavia and Applejack joined in. Ray was straining and his arms were shaking when Twilight and Rarity piled on. There was now a small mountain of ponies of Ray who was shaking hard enough to feel the vibrations in the floor. Fluttershy looked uncertain before a very red faced Ray nodded and she climbed on top of the mass of ponies. Ray was able to shake his way back into the up position before his arms failed him and he slammed into the floor. The ponies all stepped off of a panting Ray who shakily stood back up and shook his arms. "Alright then imma take a small break and then we can get back to it". Ray said.
Ray sat down and grabbed the laptop and saw that the camera was still on. Ray clicked on the gallery and saw 130 new photos were added. All of them were of Rarity in different athletic poses with different exercise equipment. Ray rolled his eyes and yelled "WORKOUT SQUAD PICTURE!".
Ray held the laptop with one hand in the air at an angle and waited for the group to get in the picture. Once everybody was in the picture Ray clicked the button and they all heard the click. Ray set the computer down and changed the song to "Sail" by Awolnation and went to work on a punch bag.
Ray and the group had left the gym a few hours ago and were now at Rarity's boutique making sure Ray's gloves were more suited to his taste. The fight had brought more business to her store and she was able to get even better materials. Ray voiced his ideas on what could be changed in the gloves and shorts when Fluttershy walked up to him and whispered something. Ray bent down "Could ya please repeat that Ms. Shy?" he asked.
"Is there anyway you could help bring in more ponies to adopt animals from my shelter?" she asked.
Ray nodded and said "Yeah, but i'm gonna need you to help me in return. Ya see, I don't have a doc to patch me up when get knocked around a few times, are ya up for it?"
Fluttershy nodded and hugged Ray who was surprised for a moment before hugging back. Ray let go then stood up and walked over toward Rarity and said "Can you add Fluttershy's mark to the design somehow? It looks like i'm sponsoring her animal shelter now."
Rarity smiled and said "Of course darling, it's lovely to see that your helping her find homes for the animals. I'll have you a new set of shorts and gloves before too long."
Ray and the rest of the group except for Rarity exited the shop "Hey Ray, Princess Celestia said that you have some things that she would like further reports on." Twilight said.
"Is there anywhere with enough empty space with objects that won't be missed?." he asked.
"Hey we can go to mah farm, i've gotta lotta bad apples that we don't need." answered Applejack.
Ray nodded and the group headed toward the farm. As they were walking Twilight looked at Ray and asked "What was the Princess talking about when she mentioned those things you have?"
Ray slid the gas mask on then with his right hand whipped his pistol out of its holster and spun it on his finger before stopping it then aiming it at nothing. He took the saber out its scabbard and spinning it around and slicing the air ending the display with a spinning slice. Ray put all the weapons away and kept walking toward Sweet Apple Acres. "If ya wanna see what they can do then come on." he said.
"Alright, just set those apples side by side but with a little distance in between them." Ray instructed.
Applejack did as she was told and ran back behind the line Ray had drawn with the rest of the group. Ray took his revolver and looked at it as memories flooded his mind for a moment. "Ya might wanna cover ya ears for this."
Ray holstered his gun and got in his QuickDraw stance. The air was deathly silent until a raven cawed and quicker than most eyes could process Ray drew his weapon. Three of the apples exploded into little chunks sending bits of apples and their shredded peels everywhere. Ray threw three apples in the air and shot them making it look somewhat like fireworks that rained bits down on him. Ray flicked the gun over and let the casings fall to the ground letting the magic reload his gun a second later. Ray spun the cylinder and flicked it back into the revolver. Ray holstered the .44 and walked back to the group. Fluttershy was hiding in her hair while Twilight was scribbling things in a notebook. The rest of the group were speechless when Twilight stopped and leaned over to Applejack then whispered in her ear. Applejack picked up an apple from a tree and slung it at Ray who was fiddling with his hood. Ray saw the apple in the corner of his eye and drew his saber swinging it in an upwards arc which cut the apple in two. He caught one of the slices and took a bite out of it with a small smile then wiped and put away his blade. Ray flashed a grin and said "Happiness is a warm gun."
Author's Note
Wow. I was supposed to be done with this a while back. Oh well it's here now aint it? Tell me what ya liked and leave a thumbs up if I did good if not then give constructive criticism. Or you know start a riot in the comments. Whatever works right? GOODNIGHT
Ray rumbles
Ray, Vinyl, Octavia and the mane six were on their way to the Minotaur kingdom's stadium via train. Ray was answering questions about his old world that ranged from the tech to the fashion. "So your kind was able to fly without wings by building machines?" Asked Twilight.
Ray nodded then looked at Pinkie who asked "What kind of parties did your kind have?"
Ray laughed and said "We had parties as small as a kids birthday and parties big enough to make the ground shake when enough music and alcohol were involved."
Pinkie sat in wonder and listened to Ray's next question that came from Applejack "Did y'all have farms or did that fancy technology make it all for ya?"
Ray thought for a moment then said "Well we do have some very big ranches and farms sometimes we combine the farms and tech to get either more of a wanted crop or to make it healthier or even be able to have it resist weather and pests."
Applejack nodded in thought while Twilight was scribbling down notes on a notepad that came outta nowhere. Ray turned on It's Been Awhile by Staind, flipped his hood on and went to sleep on the train. Ray was woken up a few hours later when Fluttershy gently shook him awake and quietly asked him " Sorry for waking you but you won't get hurt too bad out there will you? I'm not sure how much I can help you with you being from a different world."
"Don't worry, when the round ends i'll guide you through it. Just pay attention to what I say and where he hits me the most. Another thing, cuts are priority when it comes to fighting. If he cuts me and he hits that cut it can really open up and do some damage." Ray answered.
Ray looked outside and seen that they had arrived at the city and grabbed his equipment and headed toward the stadium.
Ray was in the locker room making a beat on the bench with his hands when he heard the door open revealing a Minotaur that was about his height. This was the shortest Minotaur that Ray had ever seen when he noticed that said Minotaur was holding out his hoof. Ray reached out and shook his hoof when the Minotaur said "Name's Big Tiny Nice to meet'cha mate."
Ray nodded his head and stood up to say "Ray, Ray Patrick."
"Look there's something I figured I should tell you before we start the match tonight since the announcer won't. Tonight you're fighting in the Minotaur League and we do things a bit different than most leagues. In this League you fight until a knockout, submission or an opponent is too torn to hell to continue due to broken bones or grievous injuries. The ref don't come out until one of those has happened. That being said, just because I thought it fair to warn you you shouldn't expect me to go any softer on you than the other Minotaurs." Said Big Tiny as he turned to leave.
Ray put on his gear and stretched before walking out to the arena.
"HELLO ALL MINOTAUR AND PONYKIND!!! WELCOME TO THE SLAUGHTERHOUSE!!! TONIGHT WE HAVE TWO COMPETITORS BATTLING IT OUT FOR THE TITLE OF CHAMPION OF KING MINOS!!! NOW LET'S GIVE OUR KING A ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR SETTING UP SUCH A SPECTACLE!!!"
A giant Minotaur that was decked out in gold chains and had a tribal Mohawk stood up and flexed then waved to the crowd that was cheering as loud as possible to sit back down a moment later. Ray had tuned out the announcer for a bit and looking into the crowd which was mostly comprised of Minotaurs and a few ponies. Ray looked around and eventually spotted his group waving to him and cheering except for Fluttershy who was on his side of the cage with a stool and med-kit. "AND IN THE GOLD CORNER WE HAVE REIGNING CHAMPION BIIIIIG TIIIINY!!!!
The crowd went wild to say the least. Ray started loosening his self up when he heard the announcer say "AND IN THE RUST CORNER WE HAVE NEWCOMER RAAY ISSAAAC PAATRIIICCK!!!
Ray could hear a few pieces of the crowd start chanting R.I.P. as he cracked his neck and knuckles. He went to his start position and heard the final announcement "Fighters when the bell rings you will start, now the crowd paid good money to see this so don't die too quick heheh."
The man and the Minotaur touched gloves and got in position.
DING! DING!
The two fighters circled each other for a moment before Big Tiny stepped in for a quick jab which Ray ducked under and came up with an uppercut that made the Minotaur's teeth clack. Big Tiny recovered almost instantly and caught Ray's arm when he stepped in for a follow up. He yanked Ray in close and slammed two left hooks into the human's jaw before Ray parried the third and shot a gloved fist into his opponent's snout. Ray reversed the arm hold and barely managed to sling the bull over his shoulder laying him on his back. Ray fell onto Big Tiny with a nasty elbow to his temple and started to go to work on his face when the bull head butted him off. They were both now on their feet and hooves and both went in for a punch that forced their gloved knuckles and hooves to meet and travel downwards sending a shock wave through the floor. Ray faked an upper left hook and slammed his right leg into B.T. ribs as hard as possible. He could see the skin and fur ripple from the blow sending sweat on the floor but he could also feel that he just cracked a rip or two. Ray got greedy and went for a reverse roundhouse kick to the face when the Minotaur caught his leg and used Ray's own momentum to slam the human into the cage. Ray immediately saw a flash of black and white and laid there for a moment as Big Tiny went over to finish the match. Ray kicked up into the bull's forehead to get some room and stand up then moved in for his retaliatory attack when the bell rang.
Ray sat down in a daze when Fluttershy hurried over and went to work on his face. "Your face is really cut up Ray you need to end this." she said rubbing the cuts with alcohol swabs.
"Fluttershy, I got this i'll be fine just patch me up here and here." Ray said with a dazed slur.
"Ray, please don't get too hurt." she said resuming her work
Ding!
Ray nodded at Fluttershy and stood up to get back into position then wiped a small mix of sweat and blood off his brow.
Ding! Ding!
Ray had charged in and spartan kicked Big Tiny in the chest making him stumble. Ray threw two blows to his gut before his arm was caught and Big Tiny slammed him back first into the cage again. Big Tiny put Ray in a head-lock and pummeled him until the human jerked up and landed an elbow in his gut. Big Tiny threw himself at his opponent and went for a right hay-maker. Ray put his guard up just in time to stop it and throw him off balance. Big Tiny grabbed the man's shoulder and gut shot him a few times flooring him. Ray put up his guard again and tried to catch his breath as the Minotaur stood over him and dropped bombs on him from all angles. In a desperate attempt at fighting back Ray kicked up as hard as possible and nailed the back of Big Tiny's head. Ray slid back and stood up to get back in position. Big Tiny looked at his opponent and nodded in respect at his will and fortitude. Ray nodded back and motioned for Big Tiny to bring it. The Minotaur grinned and stepped up to fire off two quick jabs that Ray took with a smile. Big T leaned back to avoid a jab meant for his nose and slung a right hook that Ray parried and gut shot him. They both stepped in and threw savage right hooks that caught each other in the jaws.
Ding!
The two fighters went and sat down in their corners. Fluttershy hurried in front of Ray and started swabbing cuts and icing bruises when she said "You need to end this now Ray, you're getting really hurt. Please stop this."
"We're just getting started though heheh." he said with a bloody grin.
"Ray please stop this. I don't want you getting hurt anymore okay?" she said.
"Fine." Ray answered.
"Hey Big T ya need to finish this poser. He makin you look bad. He not as strong as yous and you knows it. Take this punk down and show em what for." said Barney.
"This guy here ain't no poser mate. He gotta lot of heart and he 's aiming to show it." said Big Tiny.
Ding!
Both fighters were bruised and bloodied up when they took their spots.
Ding! Ding!
Ray ran in to swing when he was stopped by a kick to the ribs. Big Tiny went for another kick when Ray caught his hoof and lifted it up to kick his exposed hamstring. Ray dropped his foot and landed a fist in the Minotaur's solar plexus effectively winding him. The already tired fighter dropped to his knees and tried to breathe. Big Tiny knew he was in serious trouble if he didn't get up quick. He got up on one hoof using his arms for support and finally was able to stand up when he looked up to see Ray jump off the cage wall. Ray had just showtime kicked Big Tiny and was about to start bombing him when he saw the fighter go down. The ref came out swing his hooves signaling for everyone to stop. The fight was over, Ray won. He looked up and the crowd and seen that they were silent until Pinkie yelled out "R.I.P!"
Ray looked around the familiar room, it was a dimly lit, haze gray all over and had cobwebs populated the corners. Ray took in a breath of stale humid air and saw a door that was badly burned. Ray jogged over and tried to open it to no avail. He looked around again and seen the table had two new items on it. He already knew what one was even in the dim room and the distance he was from it. It was his Mustard Gas belt. In a fit of rage at the memories of what happened in that swamp, he screamed then took a canister out of a loop and slung it across the room, forming a familiar yellow cloud of death. Ray turned and saw a new can had taken it's place in the loop. He turned to the second object and seen that another grim reminder from his past had shown up. He picked up a burned and worn out combat axe. It was his cousin's and it had a black tribal wolf design going up the handle and to the blade.
Ray heard screams and smelled smoke coming through the burned door and rushed over to it. It still wouldn't budge and Ray used the only thing he could and started hacking through the door with the axe. Ray finally had hacked enough of the door down and shoulder charged into a burning room and got low to make his way through. He crouch ran through a hallway and came into a room where his past self was pinned down by a burning pillar and was starting to be overcome by the smoke and heat. Ray watched his past self struggle and start to give up when somebody charged into the room and try to lift the pillar off him. Ray was watching his cousin Dakota, desperately try to save him. When Dakota realized he couldn't lift it he took out his combat axe and started chopping the burnt ends spraying embers and ash everywhere. Ray ran over and tried to help but the axe phased through the pillar. Dakota was finally able to chop enough weight off the pillar to lift it up momentarily so past Ray could roll out from under it. Dakota helped him up and went to run out with him when a burning propane tank exploded spraying him in flames and shrapnel. Past Ray had picked him up and carried him to the front door to be met with a pile of burning beams blocking it. Past Ray set Dakota down and took the axe. He cleared them out and dropped the combat axe then tried to grab Dakota when Dakota kicked him out the burning house. Past Ray tried to sprint back in when a huge pile of burning beams and boards fell on Dakota and sent out a heat wave and flames which singed Past Ray's beard. Ray heard both his past self and Dakota screaming as the vision faded out.
Ray jolted awake from his nightmare and seen Princess Luna looking at him in horror. He looked at her and put a finger to his lips and felt something cold on his leg. He reached down and grabbed the burnt handle and lifted up the constant reminder of the sacrifice made by his cousin, his friend. Ray got out of the bed and checked out his surroundings. He was in some kind of hospital room. Princess Luna saw his confusion and said " We are in the medical train car on our way back to Ponyville and you've been having some very disturbing nightmares."
"How much did you see?" Ray asked.
"All of it." she replied
Ray sighed heavily and held out the combat axe to her. She delicately took it and restored it to it's bright and shiny form making it gleam in the sunlight. She handed it back to him and he ran his finger down the blade. It was almost razor sharp. Ray hugged Luna and said "Thank you."
Letting go of her Ray stood up to full height and twirled the axe around him and threw it in the air to get in a battle stance and let it drop in his hand. "How do you know how to keep your stance and the moves to do these things without being military?" Luna asked.
"My brothers, sisters,cousins and the rest of our family loved to fight and we would practice with our bare fists and dull or padded weapons. Eventually as we got older we moved onto more complicated moves and took off the pads and sharpened our blades. I still have a mean scratch from where this almost impaled me, I got out of the way just in time." he said.
Ray lifted up his shirt and pointed to his side where a nice scar was. Ray smiled for a moment before realizing he now had a belt of nightmares on. He quickly told the princess what these did and and asked if she would take these for safe-keeping until he needed them. She nodded and teleported them out of sight. The train's whistle blew to signal that they were about to stop.
Ray regrouped with the others outside of the station when Pinkie said "Let's party!"
Ray shrugged as the others debated where they would hold it when Applejack volunteered her place. The group headed off towards Applejack's farm once more with Vinyl and Octavia on Ray's shoulders and Pinkie on his neck, joyfully looking at the town through Ray's height perspective. They had arrived and started setting up for the party when a big red pony with a giant yoke came and looked at Ray for moment before nodding and walking off. Ray just stared when Applejack said "That's just Big Mac. He don't talk much." Ray nodded in understanding and picked Pinkie up to help her hang streamers. Big Mac went to move tables into the bar and Ray went over to help. Ray had just helped Mac move the last table when they heard shouts from outside. He ran outside to see what was happening and seen four diamond dogs. One had Vinyl and Octavia by their throats, one was shoving Applejack and Rarity around, one was was holding Rainbow and Pinkie down, and the last had cornered Twilight and Fluttershy. Ray yelled out in a rage for their attention and they immediately turned to him and one pointed then said "We lost everythin we had on da fight tween yous and dah bull guy! Now ders only you and dah fos of us."
Big Mac strolled over next to Ray and looked at the dogs before saying "nnnope."
The dogs all laughed as Ray cracked his knuckles and Big Mac dropped his yoke. As soon as the yoke hit the ground Ray had superman punched one in the throat and head-locked him. Ray spun him around and Mac bucked him in the gut. Ray then used the dog as a meat shield to block one of the dogs punches. Big Mac kicked the last dog in the shins letting out a nasty crack snapping it in the wrong direction. Ray kneed the meat shield in the back and German-suplexed him. Ray caught the third dogs fist and hammer-locked and broke his arm. The dog yelped and tried to grab the useless arm when Ray spartan kicked him in the stomach. Big Mac bucked the last dog in the chest both flooring and winding him. Ray pinned him and slammed an elbow into his temple and knocked him out. Ray grabbed Big Mac's yoke and handed it to him and offered his hand. The two shook hands and hooves and grabbed the dogs to carry them off to town and drop them off. By the time the two got back they had seen that the rest of the decorations were set up. Ray went over to the mane six and asked them if they was alright to which they all gave a yes and hugged him. He tried to ask Vinyl and Octavia the same thing but they just hugged him and kissed his cheeks. Ray smiled and started some music when he felt a little tap on his leg. He turned around and seen Applebloom was there. He bent down to see what she wanted when she hugged him and said "Thanks for savin mah sis mister."
Ray hugged her back and said "no problem."
Applebloom went quiet for a moment before asking "Could you show us how to do those fight moves?"
"Maybe. How bout this, if you can pin me one time i'll teach you and your three friends. I'll even make it fair and stay on my knees." said Ray
Applebloom nodded and immediately turned and bucked Ray in the chest. Ray fell on his back and rolled to get up again when the filly latched on to him and jerked him to the side. Ray's face hit the dirt and Applebloom put two hooves on his head and neck. Ray tapped the ground and got up chuckling and walked over to Applejack and pointed at the smiling filly. "She's got a lotta heart ya know, that and she's strong. I'll only teach her if your cool with it but it'd be a shame to see all that go to waste."
The filly was looking at Applejack with puppy eyes and her hooves in a begging position.
Applejack looked at her for a moment before sighing and saying"Fine, just don't go tellin her ta practice on tha other younggins."
Ray laughed at the idea and looked at Applebloom and saying "How bout this weekend?"
The filly stamped the ground and squealed in happiness before she ran off giggling. A few ponies started to show up at the barn for the party. Ray looked around and seen that the sun was starting to go down letting a warm summer wind blow across the farmland. Ray walked into the farm and danced with Vinyl and Octavia behind the turntable and laptop before Ray seen Big Mac sitting down at a table by himself. Ray got his bottle of Whiskey and poured two shots then sat down beside Mac. Ray handed him the glass and he toasted it. "Thanks for the help earlier, it woulda went real bad real fast if ya hadn't ." he said.
"Mac downed the shot and chuckled to himself before saying "Eeyup."
Ray and Mac sat in silence when some mare walked by and caught Big Mac's eye. Mac looked at Ray and watched Ray walk over to the mare and talk to her for a minute. Ray brought the mare over to the table and set down two shot glasses and his bottle of whiskey before giving him a thumbs-up and walking off. Mac looked at Cheerilee and smiled and poured them both a shot and started talking.
Ray walked around the barn and seen Pinkie in a pink and blue hoodie with matching boxing gloves jumping rope and humming the Rocky theme. Ray stared for a moment and decided to just nope the hell out. Ray found Rarity and Applejack dancing and decided to show the two a certain dance that he thought might be funny. Ray signaled Vinyl which track to play and got in a stance bobbing his head to the beat as it came in. Ray broke out in dance the moment he heard the lyrics and seen Pinkie was now right beside him doing the same dance. How Pinkie knew how to do Gangnam Style by Psy was beyond him but eventually Ray, Vinyl, Octavia, and the mane six were dancing it in a line. Ray was suprised even more when he seen Cheerilee drag Big Mac out and got him to do the dance with her.
The rest of the night went smoothly and eventually the party ended with Ray somewhat drunk and everyone else hammered. Ray slept on a table with Vinyl and Octavia on top of him and everyone else just found a spot and faded out.
Author's Note
Just to be clear Ray is not a self insert and he may look like whatever you want him to. I just gave him some clothes and a personality. Constructive criticism is appreciated. Like it? Then hit the thumb that points up. Didn't like it? then tell me so i can fix it. Wanna drop flames? go for it, trolls are funny and I'll either laugh or just won't care. Thank You and Goodnight.
Ray woke up and looked around to see a few ponies scattered around the barn. He looked down to see Vinyl and Octavia drooling on top of him and gently slid them off. Ray got up to stretch and walked around picking up a little trash here and there. Ray stepped out of the barn and shielded his eyes for a few moments to let them adjust. He seen Applebloom on a hill trying to recreate his techniques. Ray smiled and jogged over to teach her properly. He had just crept behind her and put his hand on her shoulder when she screamed and shot her legs into his gut. Ray immediately doubled over and dropped gasping for air while Applebloom ran over and tried to help. "OH MY CELESTIA ARE YOU OKAY?!?!"
Ray caught his breath before he looked at her for a moment and laughed before saying "Naw it's all good...man you got a mean kick. Now help me up."
Applebloom stuck out a hoof and hoisted Ray up to his feet. Ray nodded and showed her the correct position and the basic moves. Once Applebloom had that down Ray showed her basic grapples and throws. By the time Ray and Applebloom were done they were covered in dirt and had gathered a small audience of the Mane six, Vinyl, Octavia, Big Mac ,Cheerilee and the suited pony and minotaur , who were all clapping after Applebloom had successfully wheelbarrow suplexed Ray. Ray got up and shook Applebloom's hoof congratulating her. Ray walked over to be hugged from both sides by Vinyl and Octavia. He was casually talking to Applejack about Applebloom's talent when the suit wearing pony and minotaur tapped on his shoulder. Ray looked at them and excused himself before walking off with them. "Congrats on the victory, here is the prize money and two special sponsorship requests and tournament invites from the Crystal and Griffon Kingdoms themselves." said the suited pony.
"Great job on the victory in the Minotaur Kingdom. You have a small prize that King Minos has bestowed upon you for beating his champion." Said the suited minotaur as he pulled out a small chest.
He opened the small chest and pulled out a gold chain with a golden cracked cow skull pendant. "It's one of the king's own. He wears the necklaces as a sign of his victories, both in war and peace. He's only had to give away one before and that was to the former champion Big Tiny. Now back to business, the Griffon Kingdom fight will be one on one and opponents will have weapons. All weapon damage has been enchanted to only damage and disable not kill. The Crystal Kingdom is you taking part of three rounds with a special round at the end. Each round the number of opponents will increase. Few have made it to the third round and none have triumphed to even participate in the special round." Said the minotaur.
Ray nodded and shook their hooves as they started to depart. Ray went over to the group and hugged Vinyl and Octavia hard before excusing themselves to leave. Ray and the two mares started to leave before Twilight ran over and gave them an invite to a celebration hosted by Blueblood tomorrow evening in Canterlot. Ray nodded and continued walking along with Vinyl and Octavia talking about the party last night. Ray was sitting on the couch holding Octavia close as they watched Vinyl try to play one of her back up cellos. He laughed as Octavia tried to give her pointers in vain. The two watched in glee as Vinyl got increasingly irritated at not being able to play in the slightest bit. Eventually Vinyl took Octavia's place in Ray's lap as the two watched her fiddle with the turntable. Octavia finally figured out how to make the record start and flinched when she found out how to scratch much to Vinyl's amusement. The night had went rather calmly after this as the three went to sleep.
Ray opened his eyes in a dark plane with a white circle of light in the middle when he heard steps in the shadows. "Hello Ray" said Princess Luna as she stepped out of the darkness and into the circle of light.
Ray took a small bow and looked up to see her giving him a now serious face. 'We need to talk about your past. You are only hurting yourself by locking it away and i'm here to ask you if you would allow us to go through them." she asked.
Ray frowned and looked down at his feet for a moment before looking up and saying "Only if I go with you to explain my actions."
Luna nodded and offered Ray her hand. Ray felt his world shake and watched as it's shades of darkness melted and formed a new colorful scene. Ray and Luna were standing inside a rundown shack staring at past Ray whose hands were in a pair of handcuffs rigged to unlock in the next few moments. "What is happening Ray?" Luna asked.
"Before coming here we had been drugged or simply knocked the hell out and dragged here. Those cuffs won't unlock until all other competitors regain consciousness and the door leading out of here is locked until everyone has geared up."
Luna nodded as past Ray woke up and looked around in confusion before the cuffs unlocked. Past Ray looked around the house and saw a chest that he quickly opened. Past Ray took out the exact equipment he chose for the shit fest that he was going to take part of. His load-out was a custom cavalry saber and custom .44 revolver, along with a gas mask and Mustard gas. Luna and Ray watched as the door swung open revealing a dark swamp and could hear an announcer crackle through the air saying "Time to pay your debts, either with your blood or theirs. Best of luck to you bastards and don't try to survive too long will you? The hunt begins....NOW!"
Dogs could be heard barking and rain, thunder and lightning started to pound and light up the night. Past Ray immediately left the house and drew his revolver. Ray looked at Luna for a moment and asked "Are you sure you want to see what is about to happen?"
"I'm positive" she replied.
Ray sighed and hung his head in shame knowing what was to come. The scene faded and came back into focus as Past Ray was searching a dead body when he heard SHICK-SHICK from behind. He immediately threw himself backwards into the would-be assailant knocking them both to the ground and got up drawing his saber and putting it to the man's neck. "WHOA STOP PLEASE STOP PLEASE!" yelled the man putting his hands up. Past Ray eventually let up and helped the man to his feet then carefully backed away from him before running off. Ray watched quietly with a look of regret glued to his face. Luna took notice and gave Ray a small hug before turning back to the scene. Past Ray had found a small net hanging off of what seemed to be a rotten pier and went to check it out. Luna watched in awe as Ray knocked the juggernaut's weapon out of his face right as bullets ripped through the air, sending splinters and water everywhere. She watched as Past Ray poured ammo into the giants mask then execute him with his own grenade, kicking him into the murky water just in time for the explosive to go off. Ray looked up and smiled for the first time in the dream to Luna's surprise. She quickly asked him what was about to happen when he just pointed at Past Ray. He had slid on the gas mask and pulled out two canisters of his Mustard gas, sending out a cloud of death. Luna watched in horror as black figures ran into the cloud barking and yelping when they were met with cold steel and hot lead. Once the gas cleared Ray started to grin madly when one of the last dogs had managed to bring his past self down and prepare to end him. The dog went for a lethal pounce when a dark figure's hand grabbed the dogs neck mid-air and slammed the dog on the ground next to Past Ray. The only sound after that was SHICK-SHICK...BOOM! The dog's head exploded and the figure helped Ray up to his feet before sliding the pump back on a custom crimson and black SPAS-12. "Cody" he said.
"Ray" he replied.
Past Ray looked at Cody and seen he was black and was wearing camouflage cargo pants, combat boots and a black shirt with a flaming eight ball on the back. Ray had also seen the two black and chrome kukris on his hips that had engravings of pit-bulls. Past Ray and Cody looked at each other for a second with their hands on their blades ready to unsheathe and do work when they both laughed and shook hands. Ray had started chuckling to himself and went silent as the scene faded once more and focused on a small muddy field where a dead body laid in the middle. Past Ray and Cody were covered in blood and mud from the past two days. The two had took down two more competitors and two had been killed by others. There were just two others between them as they had agreed to just fight with blades in a duel for a final survivor. Ray had been balling his fists up for a moment now when Luna asked "What's the matter Ray?"
Ray just said one word that she wasn't able to completely catch. Past Ray and Cody had checked out the body to find just a smile carved into the face. Past Ray bent down to double check the body and Cody stood to keep watch. "Could you please repeat that Ray?" she asked.
"SNIPER!!!" Ray yelled in a fury as Past Ray turned to leave with Cody when he saw a flash from a tree.
Cody's grey matter exploded as a .50 cal ripped through his head throwing him down. Both Ray and Past Ray screamed in blind rage as Past Ray charged in a zig-zag pattern, dodging fire that whizzed past his face and body. Past Ray had reached the tree and used his momentum to run up just enough of the tree to grab the sniper's leg. he ripped the sniper out of the tree and used him as a landing pad breaking some of the sniper's ribs. He stepped off Cody's killer and drew his saber then slashed multiple times in a frenzy before calming down. "I was.. just... trying to.. survive." croaked the heavily bleeding sniper.
"Funny...so was Cody." was all Past Ray said before stomping down on the sniper's head twice, killing him with a sick crunch on the second stomp.
Ray was quiet as the dream faded and focused once more while Luna looked over to him in shock. This time it showed Past Ray slowly walking after something. The two spectators looked ahead of Past Ray at a man who running and screaming from him. Past Ray pulled out a black and chrome kukri and slung it at the fleeing man, nailing his calf muscle. The man dropped screaming when Past Ray pulled out a kukri identical to the first and got on top of the man then started to slowly skin his back. Once Past Ray had taken all the skin off the man's back he dragged him on his back to one of many bear traps set to capture Past Ray. He dropped his feet into one of the traps and handed the man a can of Mustard gas then said "Blood loss or gas, your choice...Oh and try not to survive too long."
Past Ray went and found Cody's body then carried him to the middle of the swamp where a helicopter awaited to chopper him out. He won. The vision went dark and it left Luna and Ray sitting there in the dark. Luna listened to the absolute silence until she heard sniffling coming from Ray. She hugged him and put him into a good dream before returning to her physical state as she had much to think about and discuss with her sister.
Author's Note
I had to rewrite this three times then forgot about for while before coming back to an almost done chapter. My Bad. Thanks for reading through this and if ya think it deserves it then leave a like. THANK YOU AND GOODNIGHT!
Ray had started to tear up in the memory of the monster that he became. He knew he left that man to die a slow painful death either by blood loss, gas or dogs. He wished that he could go back and finish him as soon as he used Cody's kukri to bring him down. He felt a strange yet familiar mix of seething anger and utter depression wash over him until he felt a calming embrace. He looked up to see Luna hugging him and his vision started to waver as he was being sent to another dream. Ray looked around to see that he was back in the room and by himself. Looking around he seen two blades sticking out of the table. He went over and pulled out Cody's bloody dual black and chrome kukris. He wiped off the blades and spun them in his hands to get a feel for them once more. Satisfied he attached their sheathes to his belt and put them away for the time being. As soon as he clicked the button locking the blades in, he watched as the dark room changed into a muddy field. Ray had looked down to see a red and black SPAS-12 in his hands and kukris on his sides. Ray was looking at the world through the eyes of Cody and knew what was about to happen. He looked down to his right and seen Past Ray searching a corpse of some poor fucker who didn't make it. Ray wanted to scream yet kept his silence as he seen Past Ray look up for a second at the treeline. Ray watched as Cody looked over to Past Ray who opened his mouth then felt a small vibe of panic tell him to move. He watched through Cody as he started to kneel down before feeling the worst migraine he's ever felt tear through his head. Ray barely felt Cody's body hit the ground through the pain in his head before the vision cut out.
Ray woke up screaming and jumped out of bed. He stopped and took a few deep breathes before he looked around. The door opened and Octavia poked her head in asking if he was okay. Ray nodded and walked out of the room and in the kitchen with Octavia hugging him. He sat down in front of Vinyl and Octavia in silence. The two looked at him with worried faces before Octavia grabbed him a cup of coffee. "You were kinda all over the place last night man. You was fine until you started laughing then you screamed out the word sniper. A few minutes after that you started cursing and yelling. Then you started crying and finally you looked like you were in pain and was screaming. We slept in shifts to make sure you were okay." explained Vinyl and Octavia. Ray looked down at the table and started to say something before a knock was heard at the door. Ray held up a finger and went to open the door. Outside the Mane six were waiting for him. Twilight came forward and said "Earlier this morning I received a letter from the Princesses saying that we were needed ASAP. Please grab all of your equipment and tell Vinyl and Octavia to come out here."
Ray rose a tired eyebrow and said "Well good morning to you as well Ms. Sparkle."
He sighed before walking back and telling the two mares to go outside. He walked into the room and grabbed his revolver, saber, combat axe and gas mask and turned to see two kukris embedded in the door. Smiling he grabbed them and sheathed them before walking out the door. "So why is it that we three have to go?" asked Octavia.
"Yeah we were doing something important." said Vinyl.
Ray sighed having a pretty good idea of what was going to be discussed at the castle. He looked down at Pinkie who came up to him with straight hair and sad face. "What's wrong Ray, why are you looking so sad? You look like you lost somepony important to you." she asked.
Ray flinched at her words before saying "You'll see, all of you will see at the castle."
The carriage arrived and Ray helped all the girls inside before getting inside and slamming the door. The ride went by without a word.
Ray stepped out of the carriage and took a deep breath before turning to help the girls out. He looked around to see Princess Celestia heading over their way and gave a small bow. "Let's get this over with." he said coldly. Princess Celestia rose an eyebrow before nodding and waving the group on. The ten of them had been walking for about three minutes when Twilight asked "So what did you need to talk to us about Princess Celestia?"
"Please Twilight just call me Celestia. Now to answer your question we must go in this room." said Celestia. The group hesitated before walking into the abyss. Once inside Celestia cast a few security spells and tapped the ground once. an illumination spell was cast revealing Princess Luna. "Ray Issac Patrick. My sister and I have reached a conclusion. While we wish for you to not be chained up like a monster, you must be supervised. You may live just as you were before this but if you seriously harm our little ponies outside of a tournament we will take action. Do you accept these terms?" asked Celestia.
Ray let out a small growl before saying "Fine."
"Please put your equipment in this display case so we may begin the demonstration." said Luna.
Ray gently put all of his equipment in the case and noticed the Mustard gas was already inside. He then rejoined the group and looked to the ground as Luna said "We will now start the demonstration. Keep in mind these are Ray's memories and are very personal to him. Do not I repeat DO NOT tell anyone what you see here." said Celestia. Ray looked on as his memories were played out in front of them. He watched as Dakota saved him from the fire and left his combat axe as a reminder of his sacrifice. He watched as he spared Cody, killed the juggernut, gassed the dogs and Cody return the favor. He watched the two search the body and seen his past self try to warn Cody of the sniper in vain. He heard gasps from the others in the group when he eviscerated the sniper's chest and stomp his skull. He could feel a few horrified stares on him as he left the last competitor in his own trap to die. When the video ended Ray fell to his knees in shame and guilt. Octavia and Vinyl shot toward him and hugged him while whispering sweet nothings in his ear. After a while he picked himself up and grabbed his saber and passed it around telling the group what he's done with it. He did this with every piece of equipment before he looked at the group, a single tear rolling down his cheek. Ray bowed to the princesses and left to wait in the carriage.
"Why did he do that Princess?" asked Twilight.
"He was in serious debt and had no way to pay it. He was told if he took part in a game he would be cleared of it. He wasn't told of what had to be done until it was time to do the deed." said Luna.
"Why doesn't he act crazy if he's been through all of that?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"When we was at the party he told me he tries not to dwell on his past or he'll be consumed by it." said Fluttershy.
"Vinyl, Octavia I trust you will keep watch over him and make sure he doesn't hurt anypony?" asked Celestia.
The two mares nodded and Celestia smiled before sending them all back to the carriage.
Ray helped them all back inside before jumping in himself. Ray rose an eyebrow when he saw they weren't going the way they came. "Where we goin?" asked Ray to nobody in particular.
"To get ready for Blueblood's party." said Twilight.
Vinyl and Octavia both hugged him and held on trying to keep him calm to which he noticed and hugged them back. "Are you okay Mister Ray?" asked Fluttershy.
Ray looked at her with a sad smile and nodded before Twilight gasped and said "Ray, I should tell you something about Blueblood before you see him. He is pretty full of himself and may not take well to you."
Ray drew a kukri, smiled and said "Good."
Ray put away the kukri and laughed at how shocked Twilight looked. "Relax Twi, I'm sure as long as he doesn't do anything he'll regret we should have a great time." he said.
Rainbow Dash looked at Ray and said with a confused face "Why did the princesses allow you to keep your weapons. I mean no offense but, you kinda murdered a few dudes."
"Hmmph..murdered...I survived and I took down anyone who got in the way of that. So tell me Skittles, what you would do if Fluttershy's face got blown off by some ass." he said with a calm yet deep voice.
Fluttershy flinched and looked wide-eyed toward Rainbow who was at a loss for words. "Alright that's enough thinking of that. You didn't deserve to be put on the spot like that and i'm sorry. As for why they let me keep them, I don't know." he apologized.
"Well then... We are about to arrive at our first stop, The Canterlot Carousel. Ray I've took the liberty in sending her your measurements and preferences. Your tuxedo should be ready as soon as we arrive." said Rarity.
Ray nodded and stretched out before leaning back and looking out the window. He watched the city pass under him and heard the rest of the group chatter about whatever. After a few minutes of boredom the carriage set down and Ray helped everypony out. A mare came running out and met with Rarity in friendly hug before greeting the group and stopping to look up at Ray. Ray looked down to stick out a hand and wait for her to shake before she said "Sweet sashes your bigger than I first thought. The name is Sassy Saddles, pleasure to meet you." She said shaking his hand.
"Ray" he replied with a deep raspy voice grinning.
Sassy Saddles looked up in fear before Ray laughed and held open the door for her and the group. Closing the door behind him, he turned to see a few dresses and a tuxedo hanging from a rack. "Alright everypony go get dressed and i'll see you in a few." said Sassy. Ray dropped his weapon belt, grabbed the suit and then walked into one of the many dressing rooms. He was surprised to see that it came with a fancy belt with a King Cobra embroidered sheathe for his saber. Upon walking out he seen that he was the first out and looked over to see Sassy looking at his equipment. "Careful they're sharp" he said as he leaned against a wall.
"What are they?" she asked.
"Things that have saved my life and in turn, took others." he said with a sad smile.
Sassy's face of wonder quickly turned into one of shock as what he said sank in. She dropped the weapons and looked up to Ray in fear as he sighed and told her his story sans the entirety of what happened in the swamp. As he finished the story he grapped his equipment as the others started coming out in their dresses. Ray smiled as Vinyl and Octavia walked out in their dresses and listened to the compliments that he received. He smiled as he bowed and kissed their hooves saying "Miladies".
Rarity hugged Sassy once more thanking her for the dresses and Ray held the door then helped them into the carriage. Once inside the carriage took off once more Ray asked "Where now?"
"We are now on our way to the party." said Twilight.
Before long the sun had set and the group had arrived at their destination. Ray helped them down and bent down as Rarity fussed over his tie before saying "You look simply marvelous darling."
Ray nodded his thanks and adjusted his saber in it's new belt holster before following her in. His eyes opened wide when he seen the large room full of tables, chairs, chandeliers, and a grand stage tying it all together. He saw a few ponies with platters carrying various cheeses, drinks and snacks. Ray smiled when he felt two hooves grab his hands from both side and walk him toward a table that was closer to the stage than the rest. It was roped off and had a sign stating that it was the V.I.P. table. Ray sat down with his group and saw there were still five chairs unseated. Ray looked around and smiled when he heard a warping sound behind him. He seen Princesses Luna and Celestia and three others. Celestia seen his confused face and quickly said "Ray this is Princess Cadance, her husband Shining Armor and their filly Flurry Heart."
Ray nodded his head to the two and shook their hooves with a smile. Ray leaned back in his seat when he heard "Hello mares and gentle-coats everywhere. It is I the most beloved, PRINCE BLUEBLOOD! I have decided to host this party in honor of my dearest aunties. Now I heard that we have a new guest that has thankfully decided to join in tonight. Now I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you myself and would love if you could come on up." said Blueblood.
Ray sighed and walked on stage to shake his hoof when he heard, "What abomination of an ape are you? You look hideous in that poorly made suit and I demand to see the real Ray of Patrick this instant!" exclaimed Blueblood.
Ray frowned and took a deep breath to regain his composure and said, "Look dumbass I am-" "SLAP!"
He felt the side of his face sting and heard the crowd giggle a bit and Blueblood say, "Enough of this you imbecilic ape. I demand to see Ray this very instant."
Ray rubbed his hands together steadily heating them up before slapping Blueblood hard enough to knock him out. The crowd gasped as Ray grabbed some wine off of a caterer pony's back and poured it on hiss head. When he finally regained consciousness Blueblood drew his jeweled sword with a look of malice and said, "I challenge you to a duel. Right here, right now. When I best you I shall show mercy and you may leave quietly in shame."
Ray rolled his eyes and unsheathed his saber then waited for Blueblood to move. He tried to lunge when Ray dropped his saber, caught Blueblood's sword and yanked it from him. He promptly broke the fragile sword over his knee then grabbed his saber and pointed it at Blueblood's neck. "Too bad... that was actually a very beautiful estoc ya know." he said before Blueblood turned and ran bawling his eyes out.
Ray stepped down from the stage and signaled the band to start playing as he grabbed Vinyl and Octavia from their seats. Ray grinned as he was reprimanded by Octavia and congratulated by Vinyl while dancing.
"So we'll see you at the fight next week?" asked Shining.
"Yeah, i'll be there." he said with a smile.
"Are you going to stay for dinner too Ray?" asked Cadance.
"Definitely." he said with a small grin.
Ray was happy as he helped the girls back into the carriage before he looked back at the builiding to see Celestia and Luna looking at him with amused faces.
Ray takes a stroll
Ray woke to sunlight shining in his eyes and sat up to look around. He was sitting next to Vinyl who had a note on her head reading "Don't wake me. Got sweet gig real L8 2night. Gonna get wasted and show all da scrubs how 2 party hard. I love you Octy and Ray. l8r c u 2morrow."
Ray simply rose an eyebrow at the wording of the letter and slid out of bed. He quickly threw some clothes and his saber on before looking at the clock and seeing it was still very early. He booped Vinyl's nose and laughed to himself when her tongue stuck out. Ray walked to the kitchen and poured himself a cup of coffee when he heard humming from the bathroom. He made another cup and sneaked inside listening to Octavia hum in the shower. The knob squeaked as the water was shut off and the curtains were pulled back. Octavia gasped and tried to cover up when Ray said "Good-morning sunshine bear, want some coffee?"
Once she had finally regained her breath she finally was able to ask 'Why in the name of Celestia are you here?"
"That was a nice song you were humming. You don't sing do you?"
She looked at him unamused before taking a towel and drying off. Once she was dry she put on her bow-tie and took the extra cup of coffee Ray had brought. "I'm scheduled for a concert today and i'm afraid it's against band policy to bring an extra. So what will you be doing today?" she asked.
Ray shrugged his shoulders as the two sipped their coffee. "Do I need to do dishes or what?" He asked.
Octavia nearly did a spit take as she waved her hooves in an extremely panicked fashion before she finally choked out, "NO! That's Vinyl's duty and she even customized the dishwasher for it. If you do, then wait for me to leave. I wish to not have hearing loss at such a young age."
The two heard a knock on the door "That's my cue. I'd better get going. "I love you and i'll see you two later." she said kissing Ray's cheek before leaving out the door. Ray cracked his neck and loaded the dishwasher before noticing something. "Why does the dishwasher have an aux cord outlet?" he said to himself. Ray shrugged before switching the washer on and jumped as dubstep screamed at him and shook the house. Ray fumbled to stop the cycle and barely managed to flip the switch. Cursing to himself, Ray picked up anything that fell off any shelves or walls then left the house with his laptop, saber and revolver in their holster and sheathe.
Ray decided with it being still dark out that the only ponies up right now would be Applejack and her family. He arrived on their doorstep and knocked to be answered by a half asleep Applebloom. "Oh hello Mr. Ray, weird seein ya here right about now. come on in." she said with a yawn. "Who is it Applebloom?" said a feminine voice as he walked in.
"Oh it's you, well what in tarnation are ya doin up this early?" said Applejack.
Ray shrugged with a smile and looked around before he finally said "Y'all need any help?"
"Sure it'd be awful kind of ya tah help put the baskets on tha wagon when they're all filled."
Ray nodded and waited outside for the rest of them to head out. Once they had reached the trees and started bucking, Ray lifted the baskets with just enough difficulty to make him work for it. Ray looked at Mac who lifted them with ease and carry them without any trouble at all. He sneered at Mac who looked at him with a grin and said "Eeyup."
The trio walked back from the orchard and got some water as the sun had finally set in. "Well i'd better get going. I hate to leave y'all but imma see if anybody.. or well anypony else needs help." said Ray.
"Well we're mighty happy that ya decided to help out as much as ya did. Come on back anytime ya hear?" said Applejack to which Big Mac just nodded in agreement.
Ray headed off and seen a trail leading to a cottage in front of the woods. He walked up to it and knocked a few times before the door opened. Ray was in shock when he seen a bear wearing a black top hat and bow tie was the one who had greeted him. Ray looked at the bear in fear before stammering out, "Freddy?"
"No, that's Harry he just likes to dress up." said a familiar meek voice. Fluttershy grabbed Harry's paw and motioned for Ray to come inside. Ray looked at the interior and seen that despite animals nearly everywhere, this was a very well kept house. Fluttershy asked "Would you like some tea Ray?"
"Ya got sweet tea?" he asked in return.
Fluttershy tilted her head in confusion before Ray found the kitchen and showed her how to make sweet tea. Once done Ray sipped his in delight and motioned for her to try it. After taking a few sips she smiled and said with a quiet laugh, "We can't let Pinkie know about this."
Ray laughed and before long had decided he should head out when his eye spied something across the room. It was a fox with an eye patch, some gold teeth and a hook for one of it's front paws. The two beings stared at each other in a heated silence when he seen a hoof wave in front of him. "Umm... Oh yeah, yeah I'll see if we can get together again for tea sometime."
Ray walked into town and was trying to figure out why and how the tree Twilight lived in was still alive, yet completely hollow. He finally came to the conclusion that magic would inevitably be the answer when he heard something yell something about a duck. He was then slammed into a wall leaving him with some pretty intense whiplash. Ray could barely get to his feet and had to let the ring leave his ears before doing anything else. "Heh my bad dude. Are you ok? I'm still not quite used to spinning that many times doing my triple loop... Hey... Ray!..... RAY!" Rainbow Dash shouted.
Ray eventually got the urge to vomit everywhere out of his body before looking up at a swirling world and a rainbow colored mass yelling at him. As his mind slowly started to clear he finally understood what she was saying and just gave her a thumbs up. Rainbow Dash grabbed Ray and carried helped walk him to Twilight's house. Once inside Ray sat down and while a purple mass and a rainbow blur ran around and yelled a few things at each other. Eventually the two stopped and the purple blob scanned him with a strange beam. Sighing in relief it sent the mass of crushed skittles off for something. It came back with some water and a pill then handed both to Ray. He took a sip before dropping the pill in and chugging the water. Ray's headache started to clear up instantly allowing the world to stop spinning and the two blobs to form into Twilight and Rainbow Dash. "Ray are you hurt? Is there any other injuries that need attendance?" asked Twilight.
"It feels like I tried to headbutt a train." Ray said as he reached up to feel his head.
He pulled his hand down and seen that it was bloody and he was in a car. His vision was tinted red with the blood in his eyes and, looking down he saw that his leg was gone. He quickly shook his head bringing him back to reality where two mares were waving their hooves in his face asking if he was okay. Ray rubbed his temples and stood up slowly when Rainbow said, "Sorry for eh..heheh...you know..almost killing ya."
"I wouldn't worry about it...It's not the first or last time I'll take a hit like that." He said shaking his head.
"Ray...Are you sure you're okay? She easily hit with enough force to crush a pony skull." said a worried Twilight.
Ray gave a thumbs up before saying, "Yeah, I'm good. I should probably get going...Thanks for the medicine Twilight, the headaches almost gone." he said.
"Wait just a minute Ray. I have a question for you...Do you have any scars from your time in that swamp?" asked Twilight.
Ray was silent for a moment before he said, "When you gave me that examination you never asked me to take off my hoodie. When I was in the hospital, nobody took my clothes off for some reason. I always kept my muscle shirt on during the fights and the reason why is this."
Ray slowly took off his hoodie and muscle shirt exposing scars, bruises and bite marks over his body. There was even a small patch of burned skin on his stomach. "Most of these are from the dogs and a few are from this one bastard who managed to get the drop on me and Cody with a knife. He got me good...just not good enough. This burned skin is from the burning beam on top of me in the burning house and the bruises are new...Probably from the fight with Big Tiny. You all know where this bite on my neck and shoulder came from."
"Ray... Do Vinyl and Octavia know about these? asked Rainbow Dash.
"I asked them to not say anything about it." he quietly said.
"Oh.....Are you gonna be alright?"
Ray nodded and looked outside to see it the sun in the sky shining brightly. He sighed and said his goodbyes before taking his leave. Once outside Ray wandered around the town aimlessly thinking about his past and eventually found a bench to sit down on. He sat and wallowed in his own thoughts until another pony sat down next to him and opened something. He looked over and seen a mint green pony had pulled out a lyre and started playing a tune that was calm which helped him relax and focus on what he wanted to accomplish here. When he decided he could do anything he wanted he sat contently in the fact he could make his own way. Ray listened for a while before dropping a rather large handful of bits in the case and walking off without a word.
The sun had started to set and Ray found himself slap-boxing Sweetie Belle in Rarity's boutique. Ray was amused as he would gently slap the filly's hooves away before they could land on his face. An agitated Sweetie eventually faked a left hoof and pimp slapped him with her right. Ray looked shocked at the little pony who was now wearing a smug grin as he rubbed his cheek. Sweetie put her hooves back up and said, "Round two?"
Ray put his hands up in a defeated fashion and and chuckled to himself as she adopted a ridiculous victory pose much to his amusement. Rarity watched on with pride in Sweetie's victory across the room as she finished her latest project. Rarity stitched the last few seams and smiled as she reviewed her latest work of art. The outfit was perfect for Ray and his lifestyle. She had even paired with Rainbow Dash to make sure the fabric was athletic, but with a sense of class only she could bring. Ray was sure to love the light grey mesh spandex shirt with royal blue mesh knit trim. She even made matching wind pants to complete the look. She quickly folded them and levitated them to Ray as he was now playing a form of footsie death-match with Sweetie Belle. Rarity cleared her throat before Ray looked up and walked into the dressing room with the outfit. When he came out wearing the outfit, he stretched his arms and neck then said "I like it. I like it a lot actually. "
"Thank you darling you're too kind. It was a nice change compared to the usual dresses and formal wear i'm used to, and I'm glad you asked me to go outside of my comfort zone. I have to admit Rainbow Dash does know her athletic wear...I guess it's because she knows karate." she said as she admired her work.
"Really now? I didn't know she knew how to fight... I'll see what she can do sometime later. Oh, and thanks again for these Ms. Rarity." He said.
He dropped a handful of bits on the counter and started to walk out before he heard, "Oh and Ray dear, all of us girls can put up a fight in our own way". she said blowing on her hoof with a smirk.
"I'll keep that in mind." he said as he shut the door.
Ray stepped out into a cool night breeze and took a deep breath to fill his lungs. He looked up to see the moon was full and illuminating the otherwise dark night. Once he had taken in his surroundings he headed back to his house and stared at the door. Taking a deep breath he walked inside the dark house and to the bathroom. As he stripped Ray took another look at his sword before setting it under his towel. Ray turned on the water and stepped inside before quickly washing himself in mare shampoo whose label said it was guaranteed to make him smell of french vanilla. The label also said it would attract the stallion of his dreams. Ray laughed at the bottle's label before going quiet and retreating into his mind for a while. He remembered the bet he lost and was unable to pay off. He also remembered every second of what happened in the swamp. Ray's head quickly snapped up to the sound of the front door creaking open. Ray quickly dried off and put on his boxers before taking his saber out it's sheathe. Turning the light off he quietly opened the door and got behind the intruder before putting the blade to their throat. The intruder simply giggled and nearly fell before Ray caught them. Turning the intruder around he saw Vinyl in a drunken mess wearing a black hoodie. He simply face-palmed and led her to bed where Octavia was laying under the covers. Ray dropped his saber and laid down next to the two mares then drifted off once more into his dreams.
Ray opened his eyes to see he was once again in the room.
Ray knew the room would have something in store for him. He sighed before looking around the depressing room to see a familiar face. Ray took a small bow and said "Princess Luna.. You are here... Why?"
"I'd like to know more about you. It's gotten too easy to stop the nightmares of ponies and your dreams are a refreshing change." she replied.
"Just how in the hell are my dreams refreshing? he asked throwing his hands up.
Luna simply laughed at his exasperation and walked next to a door that had a pair of kukris and a skull engraved into it and emanated the faint sound of church bells. Ray looked to Luna and the two nodded before he opened the door.
Ray and Luna found themselves in a graveyard during a funeral procession in the rain. The two onlookers watched as the group carrying the casket had stopped in front of a hole. The two watched as a few people said a few words when Past Ray took the stand. Ray didn't have to be in the dream to remember exactly what he said. "I may have not known him that well or long, but the man in that casket is my family. We hardly knew each other, yet we had each other's backs. We suffered, cried, fought and bled together...I regret not being able to save him. I regret that we made the choices that landed us here. I do not regret knowing him. Goodbye Cody.....I'll see ya soon." said Past Ray before he made his way off the stage and to his car.
Ray sat in silence as he watched Cody's casket lower into the ground and laughed to himself. "Ray...Why are you laughing at such a time?" asked Luna.
"Nothing, just thinking about some stuff." he replied.
"Tell me." Luna said.
"Fuck fine... If I died and came here...Did Cody get the same choice or did he get another world. He might've went to heaven or hell or some weird meta shit. I mean like, fuckin what happened with him? I'm sorry Luna it's just a lot to think about and it's fucking crazy. I hope he got something cool, like being president and beatin the shit outta things with a dick bat. Heheheh." Ray explained.
Luna looked at Ray and almost said something before she decided against it and shook her head in silence instead. Ray went silent once again as Past Ray was about to be confronted by an old lady dressed in black. Past Ray turned to see a dark skinned lady dressed in black tapping his back. "Ma'am may I help you?" was all he managed to say before the lady hugged him and started to cry into his shoulder. "Thank you for saying those kind words about my dear son... He told me he might not come back... I have something for you please follow me." sniffled out the old lady as she walked to her car.
Past Ray sighed before following her and helping her open her trunk. "Cody was always a bit of a loner and your the closest thing he had to a friend wherever y'all were. Please take this and let him live on in your memories. I wouldn't know how to maintain it and I've never liked him having it. I'm sorry for taking up your time but I just wanted to thank you for keeping my poor boy some company. I don't know the details about what happened and I'd rather keep it that way, but can I ask you something?" she said
"Uhh, yes ma'am?" he answered uneasily.
"Was it quick?" she asked with a tortured look.
"Yes ma'am, he didn't even feel it." Ray quickly said.
The lady sighed before she handed him a black case, which he took and cracked it open before taking a deep sigh. He hugged the lady and nodded his thanks then walked to his car.
The dream flickered and became fuzzy as Luna and Ray found themselves back in the grey room. Ray walked towards the table which had a black case laying on top of it then smiled as he undid the clasps and opened it up. Luna watched as he pulled out a crimson and black Spas-12. With a sad smile Ray chambered a shell and took a deep breath before saying, "Luna, please cover your ears."
Ray switched to the gas operated mode and pulled the trigger as fast as he could. Luna watched as Ray was being slowly forced backwards while loud bangs rattled the room. After a few more bangs Ray stopped and took another deep breath before laughing in utter joy. He looked over the gun again before seeing a flaming eight ball on the top of the barrel. Ray ran his finger over it and heard a small click from within. He quickly hip fired twice and nearly dropped the gun when he realized how Cody planned to win the battle in the swamp. He was going to burn the place to the fucking ground. "Ray, what in the name of myself and Celestia was that?" asked an amazed Luna.
Ray simply smiled and said, "Dragon's breath."
Luna simply nodded her head before the room started to waver and go out of focus. "I'll see you soon Ray." was all she said before fading out.
Ray opened his eyes and was immediately curb-stomped by the sun. His eyes eventually adjusted to see Octavia reading a book next to his spot in the bed. He pulled her closer and smiled when she gently smacked his hand. "Morning Octy." he said smiling.
With a small smirk of her own she said "Good morning Ray, I've brought up some coffee for us three."
"Thank you... How was your performance?" he asked.
" It was quite alright, albeit a little boring at times. How was your day yesterday?" she replied.
Ray shrugged and looked to the other side of the bed where Vinyl was laying in a bubbling puddle of drool. He slid out of bed and moved Vinyl to his spot. "You need to get ready to leave for the Crystal Kingdom while I wake Vinyl and help her get ready." Octavia said as she bent a page and closed her book.
"Speaking of which you have four rounds which multiply in difficulty... How do you expect to win?" she asked while trying to shake Vinyl awake.
"Brute force. That, and whatever comes to mind during the fight." Ray said as he put on his outfit and pack.
"So... You don't have a plan?" Octavia said with a deadpan face.
"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face. Mike Tyson said that and it goes far beyond just fighting." Ray explained. Octavia just rose an eyebrow at the statement before sighing and rolling Vinyl off the bed. Ray and Octavia looked down at her to see she was cuddling with Ray's saber.
" Well then...I'm going to grab the other six... Hey do ya think that dragon dude wants to come too? Imma see bout him coming too." Ray said as he walked out the door.
Ray was in the arena's locker room taking deep breaths to calm any nervousness. He was dressed in his custom shorts, gloves and his muscle shirt. Ray traced his scars through his shirt before watching his vision go red with blood before snapping back to normal. He cracked his knuckles and neck as he stretched his whole body and psyched himself up. Ray started to walk out of the locker room before he paused and left his muscle shirt behind to finally reveal his scars. He walked out and seen this place's octagon was easily three times the size of any regular ring. He looked up the see the sun shining brightly and the stands full. He looked through the ponies to find his group and seen a large booth near the top. Looking around one last time, Ray still couldn't find his group. Sighing Ray entered the ring to see only one other challenger at the time.
"WELCOME MARES AND GENTLECOLTS TO THE CRYSTAL COFFIN!!! TODAY WE HAVE A NEW CHALLENGER TRYING TO BEAT OUR VERY BEST IN COMBAT! AND HIS NAME IS JOH- Wait a minute... APOLOGIES, HIS NAME IS RAY ISSAC PATRICK!!! LET"S NOT FORGET TO MENTION OUR AMAZING PRINCE SHINING ARMOR AND OUR BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS CADANCE! yelled an announcer to the screaming fans.
A referee came out and said to Ray "Ya got three rounds back to back and nonstop. If ya manage to beat them all then you get to take a quick break and fight the specialty round. This arena has been enchanted to negate otherwise fatal attacks but still let them cause pain. So you know if ya crack a skull then it's just gonna be a migraine in the morning to them. I mean it's gonna be them versus you so do what you gotta do. Oh yeah and crotch shots are illegal to be on the safe side, because we can let ya crack skulls but not break boys. I'm guessin it's to do with the mare to stallion ratio? I don't know and i'm rambling so just do ya best out there."
The referee signaled the announcer and left the ring as Ray watched a single orange stallion enter the ring.
DING!!!
The stallion charged Ray who simply sidestepped and got into his stance. The stallion charged again as Ray simply tightened his fist. The stallion was just about in range as Ray sent out a fist letting him run into it. The stallion fell on his back sprawled out letting Ray fall on him swinging his fist leading to the ref pushing him off. The ref dragged out the stallion and three bells were heard.
Ray turned around to see three stallions had entered the ring. He watched as two went to his sides and the third came in front of him. Ray spartan kicked the first in the head sending him to the ground and the ref dragging him out. He turned right and was charged from behind. He felt an arm wrap around his neck and squeeze while felt jabs slam into his chest and stomach. Ray started to see black spots cloud his vision before he slammed his head back. He heard a cry of pain and was released allowing him to breathe and catch a pair of hooves. Ray put both hooves in one hand then gut shot the horse putting him on his knees. Ray wasted no time in shooting a knee into his chin then turning around and being caught in a grapple with the third pony. He pulled the pony close before he wrapped both arms around and squeezed. As the pony finally stopped squirming Ray reached up with one hand and grabbed his neck. He quickly choke slammed the pony and tried to take a few deep breaths for the next round. "They're all glass cannons...Can dish it out just can't take it. Holy shit they can dish it out out though." He said holding his stomach. When the referee had drug out the two ponies five bells were heard.
Ray rolled his eyes and got back into stance as five stallions surrounded him in a circle. As soon as he heard movement Ray ducked and shot back an elbow. He quickly came up with a fist and nailed the muzzle of another. Ray felt a hoof nail his cheek and turned to repay the stallion with an uppercut to his chin. Ray's knee was kicked from behind and put him in a kneeling position. Spinning on his knee Ray turned and slammed a fist in the gut of another stallion. Ray tried to get up when he felt two hooves kick his upper back flooring him. The two ponies still standing jump on top of him and flipped him over just for one to be met with a foot in the neck. The other fell on top and put Ray in an arm-bar. As the stallion tried to put pressure on his arm Ray slowly made his way to his feet and curled his arm to look in the pony's eyes. They looked at Ray in fear then surprise as Ray strained to lift higher. When his arm was fully extended the pony struggled to get him to let go to find out Ray had a death grip on him. The next thing the stallion saw was the ground approaching his face and then darkness. Ray rubbed his arm and rolled his shoulder as the first two stallions had gotten back up for more. Ray got in stance and saved as much energy as possible. The two stallions looked at each other and nodded as they charged the human. Ray took a deep breath and planted his feet as he waited for the two to get close. The two stallions smiled as they saw their prey just stand there. A few seconds before contact Ray smiled and rolled his shoulders. He took one last breath and waited until the two were nearly on top of him before grabbing their necks and forcing them down to their knees choking them. When the two stopped struggling Ray slammed their heads together and staggered as the bell rang. Stumbling back to his corner, Fluttershy ran out and walked him out of the huge arena.
When the two made it back to the locker room, Fluttershy opened her med-kit and got to work. "Ray you're hurt pretty bad. I don't think you need to do the special round. It's just not worth hurting yourself to win some prize." said Fluttershy as she gently iced the bruises on his chest.
"I know Shy. You know... Your doing rather well for a pony that's never had to deal with a human before." Ray replied.
Fluttershy blushed a little and said, "Thank you Ray. I never thought i'd be helping fights continue."
The two laughed a little bit as Ray stretched again and got ready for the last round. "I brought some sweet tea for while we wait." she said with a happy smile holding up a glass.
"Oh my god Fluttershy... Do you know you're a fucking angel?" he said taking a glass. As he happily sipped his drink Fluttershy looked at him for a moment before saying, "How are you doing it Ray?"
Ray swallowed the last of his drink before sighing and said, "Your talking about adjusting to this so quick aren't you? Well Fluttershy, I honestly don't know. However I do know this world is a whole lot better than where I was. I guess I don't wanna waste this chance on life. It's kinda like some fucked up story if ya think about it. I mean I died and ended up here, in a world of talking ponies that have magic and fly. I'm not complaining by any means it's just that I don't really know the answer myself and I don't know what to think."
Fluttershy walked over and hugged him before she said, "Thanks for sharing Ray. Now go win this fight." Ray smiled and nodded as he turned to leave for the arena. When he was just about out the door he felt something grab him. He stopped and heard Fluttershy say, "Don't get hurt out there too bad Ray. Even if it means you hurt somepony else... Please"
With that Ray was gently pushed out the locker room and went on his way back to the arena.
Ray walked back in the arena as "Reptile" by Skrillex blasted through the arena. Ray loosened up and did a small robot dance as both the beat from the music and the crowd's stomping hooves shook the ground. Ray could feel his lungs reverberate from the bass as he cracked his neck and knuckles again. "AND FOR OUR SPECIAL ROUND'S FIGHTER! WE HAVE OUR VERY OWN... PRINCE SHINING ARMOOOR!!!"
Ray's eyes widened in surprise at his opponent who calmly entered the ring and waved to the screaming crowd. The prince looked at Ray with a smile as he put on his gloves and walked closer to him. "I have no intention of making this easy on you after what you did to my guards." Shining said grinning.
"Those were your guards? For the record they're all glass cannons and I would seriously advise you look into defense training." Said Ray with a smile.
"Duly noted. Now let's give these ponies a good show!" Replied Shining as he and Ray touched gloves then entered their stances.
DING!!!
Ray slowly moved forward and threw a jab to see his distance. He moved forward then slung a weak kick to Shining's side. Shining's arm instantly blocked and slung two shots in Ray's chest. Ray sent out two left jabs and a right hook to feel his opponent block them all. Shining caught Ray's next fist that was headed for his face and pulled him in for a gut shot. He held onto Ray long enough to knee his gut and grab his throat. "How are you doing that with hooves?" Ray managed to choke out.
Looking up at Ray he shrugged his shoulders before throwing him down head first eliciting a wave of applause from the crowd. Ray quickly recovered and gave a quick thumbs up before spartan kicking Shining's block. When the kick made contact Ray pushed in enough force that Shining hit the wall and opened his guard for a second. Ray grabbed Shining's hooves and forced them apart before sending Shining to the ground with an Uchi mata. When Shining hit the ground the audience let out a collective gasp and a few cheered while the others went silent. Ray quickly pounded on Shining's face and muzzle before being blocked out again by Shining's defense. Shining watched as Ray tried to fake a left and caught his right arm before it could side him. He quickly head-butted Ray who stumbled back in pain. Ray quickly ran back to the downed prince to re-position himself to deliver a heel hook and quickly put the pressure on. Shining clamped his mouth shut as he slammed his leg down. Ray let up and got off before Shining could tap or he could do any real damage. When Shining got back up threw a right hook that Shining blocked and shot Ray back with an uppercut. Ray was hurt and weary from the fight before and knew he needed to finish this quick. Shining knew Ray could deal damage like noponies business, but he was getting tired. He knew he would just outlast Ray with his superior defense and get the special winning prize Cadance promised him if he won. Shaking those thoughts out his head Shining barely deflected a kick aimed at his neck. Ray focused on breathing and then came to a realization. Ray threw an elbow at Shining's guard and smiled when he heard a pained grunt. Ray threw savage elbows at the prince until his elbows and Shining's guard ripped open. The red tinted reflection of the two fighters was visible in the multiple puddles of blood splayed across the floor. With the block down Ray slung a right hook at Shining's chin and was met with a hoof above his eye. Ray pulled himself close and elbowed Shining in the temple sending out another spray of blood on the two and the ground. The two fighters both collapsed and the crowd went berserk as the bell started ringing. Fluttershy and another medic ran into the ring and went to work helping their fighters back up. Once the two were standing back up they heard the announcer yell out, "OH MY CELESTIA DID YOU BUCKING SEE THAT?!?! THAT WAS AN AMAZING DISPLAY OF STRENGTH AND TENACITY FROM BOTH PARTIES! WE HAVE THE JUDGES COMING DOWN FROM THEIR PANEL NOW TO GIVE US THE FINAL DECISION! THEY WILL TELL US WHO WON IN THEIR EYES AND WHY! LET'S DETERMINE A CHAMP NOW SHALL WE!?!?"
The whole crowd went silent as hoof-steps were heard throughout the arena. As soon as the judges came into view the crowd went wild with excitement and cheered for Celestia, Luna and Cadance carrying Flurry Heart stepped in the arena. Celestia waited for a moment to let the crowd simmer down before saying "The three of us shall each tell you our opinions of your preformance and at the end we shall judge a winner. As for me, Ray you showed great tenacity to fight through the first few rounds then this. You have great speed and strength yet defense is certainly lacking in your case. You were simply tiring yourself out trying to break his guard with regular kicks and punches. Shining Armor, you showed off your great defense skill and countering skills to hold off Ray's onslaught."
Luna stepped forward and looked at Shining Armor before Ray and said "Great defense and poor initiative to go on the attack. Ray, You completely exposed yourself and went on the attack just to let up when you could've made him tap from your strange leg hold. I'm a little disappointed compared to what I know you would've done if you hadn't know Prince Armor."
Ray looked at Luna with a raised eyebrow as Cadance stepped forward and said, "Ray, you managed to down most of our special guard. You also managed to bring Shining's excellent guard down with the joints in your arm. Shining, my love I expected a little more aggression from you. You should know of all people that even the toughest shield will eventually break. However, you managed to counter some of Ray's siege and turn them against him."
The three converged and debated over the battle for a moment before turning and letting Cadance step in the middle of the ring. " THE WINNER OF THE SPECIALTY ROUND IS!........RAY ISSAC PATRICK!!!"
Ray walked over to Shining and pulled him to the center of the ring and raised both of their hands and hooves in the air. Seeing this, the crowd went wild with applause. Cadance then came over to Ray and handed him a small heart shaped crystal necklace. Ray bowed for a second and then was led out of the arena by Fluttershy. Shining's head was bowed in defeat when Cadance hugged his neck and kissed his cheek. "Your still my champion honey." she whispered in his ear.
"Thanks Caddy, I love you too." he whispered back returning the nuzzle and kiss.
Author's Note
There's another chapter out for ya. I hope ya enjoyed it, and if ya did feel free to hit that thumb or tell me why. Don't like it? Then tell me what's up and i'll try to fix it. Or not, I mean we all get lazy sometimes. Good Night.
Ray looked up at the huge crystal castle in awe of it's size and magnificence as it glimmered with the setting sun. He quickly looked toward his group and asked Twilight, "Are you sure this is where we're staying. It's freaking awesome!"
Twilight shook her head as the guard ponies looked at her before nodding and opening the entrance to the castle. The group entered the castle and watched as Ray looked in awe at the inside. Ray's wonder was interrupted when he heard a familiar voice say, "Finally! It's about you all made it here!"
He turned to see Shining move to hug his sister and greet his group. When Shining got to him, he simply held up a hoof which Shining bumped with a smile. "Great fight out there earlier today. I have to ask though, where did you learn to fight like that? He asked.
Ray laughed a bit before saying, "Well a lot of it came from me, siblings, cousins and friends all wrestling or sparring. Keep in mind we eventually took the gloves off our hands, the pads off the blunt stuff and the blades got sharper. We learned what to do and what not to do in a fight the hard way. My cousin Dakota and I went at it nearly every time we seen each other and me and that wonderful bastard would both be bruised and bloodied by the time we were done."
"That's one way of doing it I suppose. Have you had any military experience?" Shining asked.
"Just a few friends that had gotten out and showed me a few things, so not really." He replied.
Shining nodded his head in thought before asking, "Think you can show me a thing or two if you have time?"
"I don't see why not... Tomorrow good with you? Hey if ya want we could toughen up your guard, ya feel me?"
Shining smirked and held out his hoof, which Ray took and shook with a slight grin. The two were interrupted when Cadance walked over and said, "Okay you two that's enough bromance as endearing as it may be. It's time to show the guests to their rooms and clean up for dinner."
Ray let out a small laugh and followed the group into the long winding hallways to eventually stop at a door. "Alright Vinyl, Octavia and Ray, this is your room for the next two nights. If you need anything don't hesitate to ring up a maid or butler to assist you. Oh! I will send for a maid to fetch you when dinner is served. With that we bid you a warm welcome to the Crystal Castle!" Cadance and Shining alternated.
Ray opened the door for the two mares to enter and followed closely behind then gasped at the sight of their room. "Holy shit... This place is nice."
"Yes it is definitely the best room I've ever had the pleasure of staying in as a guest. Wouldn't you agree Vinyl?" said Octavia as she unpacked her bags.
"THIS PLACE IS BUCKING AWESOME!!!" Vinyl yelled out as she jumped on the bed and sprawled out her legs.
Ray laughed to himself as he pulled out his laptop and one of Vinyl's speakers. "Whatchya plannin on jammin now Ray?" asked Vinyl with an eager look.
"I don't know...hmm...let's go full flex, shall we?"Ray said with a small grin as he turned on the speaker.
He smiled to himself and started banging his head as the beat to "Ruffneck" by Skrillex came on.
Ray turned the volume up a bit more before grabbing his outfit and heading to the shower. As Ray took a shower, Vinyl turned the volume knob all the way to ten and heard it click. Frowning, she put more force into twisting the knob and smiled when it clicked past ten. Octavia simply pulled a pair of earmuffs and a book out to wait for her turn in the shower. The crystals that made up the walls amplified the sound to the point that Ray's shower water was being affected by the sound-waves. Ray head-banged as soap and water flew around in erratic patterns covering the huge shower in suds and water. The music's pace finally started to come to an end as Ray exited the shower to see Vinyl not three feet from the speaker steadily slinging her mane back and forth in tune with the beats. Octavia rose an eyebrow and smiled when she seen Ray trying to get her attention by yelling. Finally he muted the song which caused Vinyl to pop up with a enraged look and hooves ready to fuck something up. Seeing only Ray in his suit and saber and hearing Octavia laugh quietly she dropped her hooves then shrugged. Ray face-palmed and said, "Your turn for a shower do it quick because Octy still has to go and we spent five minutes trying to get your attention."
Ray watched as Octavia slid of the bed and walked with Vinyl to the bathroom just to turn around and blow him a kiss as she shut the door behind them. Snapping his jaw shut, He looked out the window to see that night had fallen and the crystal city's lights made a miasma of different colors depending on the color of the building. He opened the glass door and stepped out on a small balcony to enjoy the lights. Taking a deep breath Ray was surprised to find that he smelled a faint trace of smoke in the air. He simply brushed it off and continued to admire the view until he heard what sounded like deep laughter from behind. Ray spun around in his stance to come face to face with a black cloud. He cracked his knuckles and watched as two green eyes with red pupils emerged from the darkness. A deep laughing was heard when the eyes leaked a purple smoke and the smoke cloud charged Ray. He quickly blocked just for the cloud to seep through his guard and enter his nose and mouth laughing all the while. Ray felt as if his body was being ripped to shreds from the inside and coughed up a little blood. Ray turned to go back inside and stopped when he seen his reflection. His eyes had the same purple smoke flowing from his eyes and a shroud of smoke surrounded him. Opening his mouth to scream, Ray's body seized up and he fell unconscious.
Ray woke up to Fluttershy's hooves on his forehead and neck. "Oh good, you're awake. Do you remember where you are Ray? How do you feel? Your heart beat is a little fast... Your temperature seems okay." Fluttershy said.
"Yeah...I'm in the Crystal empire, I feel like hell, and how do you know my normal heartbeat and temp?" He asked.
"I got a copy of your medical sheet from Nurse Redheart to help me during your fights...If that's okay with you."
Ray slowly got up and brushed himself off before seeing that the rest of the group was watching from inside the room. "Why is everybody here?" He asked.
"Vinyl and Octavia rushed in our rooms when they found you out here. They were really worried about you, you know?" She said.
"Yeah, I know...Thanks for checking on me Shy." He said as he opened the door and walked in the room.
Ray was tackled by two mares who smothered him in affection. He hugged them back and looked at the rest of the group to see faces of worry turn to relief as he smiled and said "It's all good guys, i'm fine."
He brushed himself off again as knocking on the door was heard. Twilight opened the door and was met by a mare in a maid outfit who said "You have been requested by Princess Cadenza and Prince Shining Armor to attend dinner."
Twilight smiled and motioned for the others to follow her and the maid. As the group filed out the door Vinyl, Octavia and Pinkie hopped on Ray's head and shoulders. Pinkie leaned down and asked, "Ya sure your okay Ray? Hey that rhymed!"
"No King Som- I MEAN RAY! No! Nothing's wrong...Ray." The mare sputtered and hurriedly set down his platter.
Ray looked up and down the table for an explanation and was met with confused and concerned faces from both ends. Shrugging his shoulders he readjusted to his seat and looked over to Flurry who was holding her hooves out to him. Ray leaned over to see what she wanted and was met with hooves grabbing and feeling his face. Flurry Heart giggled and cooed as she poked and prodded his features much to the amusement of Cadance and the rest of the table. Shining smiled brightly before clearing his throat and saying, "Okay then, everypony, let's eat."
"So Ray, what are your thoughts on foals?" asked Cadance.
Ray nearly choked on his food before recovering and saying. "Umm... I don't really have to worry bout that with us being different species and all do I?"
"Well it's certainly possible. I'm not saying it will happen, but here in Equestria it could definitely happen." she explained.
For a moment Ray sat in silence and muttered something under his breath before saying, " Well kids are cool I guess. I guess i'm okay with them but I don't know if I'd be ready to have some. That's more up to them and all...Even so how would I marry them both?"
"Easy, just sign a document stating that you three are a herd. I wouldn't mind hosting the wedding myself actually. I would just need a planner and some free time." Cadance said making Pinkie's eyes widen even more so than usual.
"OOOHH ME, PICK ME ME ME!" Yelled Pinkie waving a hoof in the air.
"Hmmm...I don't know Pinkie do you think you could handle it?" asked a smiling Cadance.
"YES!" squealed Pinkie.
"Wait a minute, no one ever said that this was happening anytime soon!" Ray exclaimed.
With that said the conversation died down for a moment until Cadance said, "One last question Ray.... Do you know the darkness that resides in your heart?"
"I'm sorry, what?" he asked.
"We'll discuss this later Ray" she stated.
The maid ponies came back and collected all the platters of food and leaving with only a few nervous looks at Ray. Once the maids had cleared out Ray's group was excused.
Ray had been lounging on the bed in-between Vinyl and Octavia when knocking was heard. Ray slid down and off the bed and answered the door to find Cadance waiting in the hall. "Please follow me."
Ray nodded and shut the door to see that Cadance had already started walking. "So what's up?" he asked.
"Inside you there is a dark force that seeks to corrupt you. This force is the same that sent this empire into an age of slavery and darkness. His name is...King Sombra. He treated my crystal ponies so horribly that they prefer to have his memory loss spell stay with them. He feeds on negative emotions such as hate, anger, sadness, fear and jealousy. It seems he has taken residence in your mind and body yet seems to not be able to do much. Far as I know he seems to have nearly combined you together without changing your body. This has only happened a few select times in history and no known way to undo it without consent from both parties. Ray, as a career fighter I highly suggest you keep your emotions in check lest you allow Sombra to gain control." she explained.
"So... I basically have a shadow king living in me and he can seriously fuck my shit up if I lose my cool. Is there any good to this.. Like any at all?" he asked.
"Not that I could think of." she said.
Ray nodded his head in acceptance and started to walk away before he was stopped by Cadance saying, "Ray, if he gains control and does something rash... I will defend my empire no matter the cost."
Ray's eyes flickered for a moment and started to smoke purple as he smiled and said, "Hail to the king."
Ray eye's stopped smoking as he turned and walked away back toward his room. Behind him was a princess that had charged her horn enough to create a blast that could be seen from Canterlot. Once Ray had walked back in his room Vinyl asked, " Sooo, what did ya talk about?"
He shrugged his shoulders and jumped on the bed next to Octavia making her bounce a little in the air. Vinyl walked next to the bed and waited before yelling, "DOGPILE!"
Ray felt two bodies jump on him and laugh hysterically while he tried to dig himself out. He slowly managed to push the two off him to find efforts in vain when they dove back on top of him. He shrugged then closed his eyes and steadied his breathing. "Did he really just fall asleep with us on top of him?" asked Vinyl.
"I do believe so." answered Octavia as she slid off the two.
Once they had both gotten off him, Ray grabbed both of them and pinned them to his sides letting them try to wiggle out of his grasp. The two gave up then moved in a more comfy position before kissing Ray on his cheeks and going to sleep. Ray smiled as he slowly let sleep take him.
Ray found himself back int he room to find that it had black crystals growing in some corners of the walls. As he looked around he could see wisps of smoke fly through the air and start to gather in the center of the room. The smoke slowly morphed into the shape a unicorn when a deep laugh filled the room. King Sombra stepped out the smoke and flashed Ray a fanged smile before he said. "You already know who I am and I decided to do a little research on you myself. I took the liberty of looking through some memories and I must say, you should make a fine vessel for my revenge."
"Just how ya gonna do that?" Ray asked.
"I won't you're gonna do it for me. Because eventually you will let your emotions cloud your judgment and when you do, I 'll be there to take control." Sombra stated.
" Why did you have to use somebody instead of doing it yourself?"
"That blasted crystal heart ripped my body to shreds and it's slowly recovering. Until then, you shall work fine with your history of violence." said the king.
"Wait, so since you're part of me does that mean you'll feel pain too?" asked Ray.
When Sombra went silent Ray started to slowly grin and said, "If you're gonna stay here then you're gonna help out or we're both fucked."
"So you are capable of blackmail... I suppose I could use some powers to offer assistance in times of physical or emotional duress. At a cost of course." said the king.
"Oh really now? What is the so called cost?" asked Ray.
"The same price I paid for it of course...It's called dark magic for a reason. It will corrrupt you the more you use it. I used to be weak and blind to the power of it myself, but as time went on I've accepted it and can control it's true power." explained Sombra.
"What? Am I gonna set off smoke alarms everywhere I go?" joked Ray.
"You underestimate the power of the dark side." said Sombra as the dream started to fade out.
Ray woke up with a start and took deep breaths to calm himself down. Once he had caught his breath he heard something faint slowly grow louder and clearer. The sound was that of deep laughter, laughter that only one dark unicorn king could produce. Ray grabbed his skull and grit his teeth until his sides were embraced with a familiar warmth. Turning around he seen Octavia had woken up and was hugging him. The laugh faded into nothing as Ray laid back down and was nuzzled by her. For a moment Octavia could have sworn she seen Ray's eyes flicker and smoke. Dismissing the thought she just held Ray in her embrace.
The sun was shining brightly through the Crystal Empire, allowing beams of color to reflect of the crystal buildings. The city was starting to get into it's busiest hour, with crystal ponies selling their wares in shops or on the street. Ponies came out with bags in all kinds of different crystal inspired designs, that had been filled with wants, and needs. The city was starting to become loud with the talk of happy ponies showing off their new goods and ponies showing how many bits made so far. The castle on the other hand was loud for an entirely different reason. " GRAB SOME REAL ESTATE!!!" yelled Ray at a small group of crystal ponies standing on a large crystal square.
"Ray, how is yelling at my guards and breaking them into nothing going to help them?" asked Shining as he overlooked his personal guard being drilled into bits by the human.
"We break them down and mold them into what the empire needs. This is what my buddies said they had to go through and they are some bad motherfuckas. I'm just seeing how well I can recreate that." said Ray when one of the ponies in the square broke formation and walked toward the two.
"Commander Armor, with all due respect sir this is crazy. I'm about to collapse and the rest of the special guard is to. This training is just way too hard on us." He said as Ray walked off to come back with a pink straw adorned with glitter rainbows.
"Well for today your training is in the hands of Mr. Patrick. So for any concerns on how you're being trained talk to him." said Shining as he sidestepped allowing Ray to step forward.
The guard slowly walked up to Ray and waited for him to say something. Ray turned and shot a grin to Shining as he held out the straw with one hand, then smiled as the guard slowly took it. Tilting his head in confusion the guard asked, "What am I supposed to do with this sir?"
Ray slowly wrapped an arm around the guards neck and moved right next to his ear then whispered, "Well, with this straw i'm gonna need you to... SUCK IT THE FUCK UP! Now get your asses to the showers...NOW DAMMIT!"
He pushed the guard back into the square and yelled a few more obscenities at them to move faster. He heard a deep laughter echo through his skull as he watched the group run ragged and some start to lag behind. "Quite the motivational one aren't you?" said Sombra as he chuckled within Ray's mind.
"Hey Shining come here a second I wanna show you a few moves." said Ray as he moved to the center of the square.
Shining followed close and watched as Ray demonstrated an Uchi mata on a practice dummy. Shining studied Ray's movements and technique thoroughly before attempting one himself. Shining managed to both down the bag and follow up with a slab of magic to crush the downed bag. Ray clapped for a moment then said, "Great job, now it's your turn."
"Well in my time in the guard I've come to specialize in defense and counters. So throw a simple jab and I'll demonstrate." said Shining as he got in his stance.
Ray shrugged and shot a jab at Shining's nose just to have it brushed off to the side and throw him horribly off balance. The next thing Ray knew was that he was in a choke-hold and was rapidly losing oxygen. Shining let go and Ray repeated the prince's action, earning a hoof bump from him. The two took turns demonstrating and practicing and never heard the group of ponies arrive and spectate. When Shining successfully repeated Ray's reverse roundhouse kick the room filled with the sound of a small filly clapping and cheering. The two both looked over to see Flurry Heart standing on Cadance's back and cheering next to the mane six, Vinyl and Octavia. Flurry eventually hopped off Cadance and ran into Shining's arm to give him a hug. She looked back at Ray and held up two hooves in a stance similar to her father's. "Hey Shining, set her down and we'll show her how to box." He said as he got on two knees and put his hands in a loose playful stance.
Setting Flurry down Shining readjusted her stance and showed her how to throw a simple jab. Smiling, she walked over to Ray and threw two small punches to which Ray took with a smile. "Hey Flurry, put some power in your punch girl. Show me that you can protect your dad." Said Ray in a gentle tone to the filly.
Flurry's happy face slowly turned into a look of worry as she turned and looked at her dad. Her head snapped back at Ray in a look of rage as she remembered the fight and got back into stance. In a burst of pink energy Flurry was upon Ray who had just enough time to look at the uppercut that was sent his way. Ray's head snapped back as his body was sent flying in the air. In the corner of his hazy vision Ray could see Pinkie yell out, "TOASTY!"
The next thing Ray felt was the cold hard embrace of the crystal floor before his vision went dark.
"So you got knocked out by a filly." said Sombra with a small grin.
"Fuck you, It felt like I headbutted a train." Ray said with a growl.
"Or like you crashed a car?" asked Sombra.
"Shut the hell up. I have enough of a headache as it is." groaned Ray.
"These ponies simply must get you a membership card for how much you visit the hospital. It's rather sad really. I mean you fight and struggle yet you break so easy. All just to try and pull yourself back together again. So inspiring yet utterly pathetic." explained Sombra.
"i could say the same for you asshole. I failed a hostile takeover of an empire and got blasted to shit, let's do the same thing and expect different results du duh dur! Don't you know that's the definition of insanity?" Ray asked.
“What would you know of taking over an empire?” asked Sombra as he rolled his eyes.
“I don’t know. How about not announcing my presence and allowing them to block me off and have time to fuck all my shit up? You kinda just acted like you would walk in the bitch and they would just give up and say fuck it.” Ray said rubbing his temples.
“ I suppose I was a little hasty in my endeavors. It won’t happen again I assure you.” said Sombra with a small grimace.
“Uh huh, So I take it you’ve looked through most my memories by now?” asked Ray with a sigh.
Sombra grinned for a second before saying, “Yes, in fact I think that me and you, we’re not that different.”
“Just how the fuck is that?” asked Ray with an eyebrow raised.
“Simple really. Somepony took something from you and you ran them down. You then proceeded to crush them underneath your hoof or foot as you call it. In your burning rage you hunted down a nuisance and let him pick out of three slow and painful deaths. I must admit, I was rather impressed. Well then it seems our time here is coming to an end.” explained Sombra.
Ray woke up to see he was in another hospital bed. Looking around to see he was alone he yelled out, “FUCK!”
Author's Note
Yeah it’s a shorter chapter and i’m unusually tardy but hey, what can ya do? Thanks for blowing your time on this little story and comment what’s good or bad and click the thumbs up or down. (preferably thumbs up)
The brilliant orange, purple and pink light shown through the town's sky as the sun had started to set in the distance. The breath taking scene was interrupted by the light squealing of the train's brakes coming to it's designated stop in Ponyville station. The quiet station was lifeless until Ray strode out the passenger car carrying a grey bag. He was followed by eight mares who alternated between stretching and taking deep breaths of fresh air. it had been a long train ride after getting out of the hospital and the group was noticeably fatigued. Looking up at the sky, Ray unzipped the bag and dug around until he finally pulled out his laptop. He carefully positioned the laptop and ran to get the group in a some-what organized pose for a quick picture in the ten seconds given. When the click was heard Ray strode over to the computer and seen that the picture shown his group sporting tired smiles and himself flashing a small grin. The afternoon sky had set a great lighting for the background and complimented the entire scene. Ray smiled at the captured moment before closing the laptop and placing it back in the bag. Ray felt a small tug on his pants leg and looked up to see Octavia and Vinyl motioning for him to follow. Ray looked up to see most of the group had already started heading towards their homes to get some rest. His next fight had been scheduled for the day after tomorrow and he needed to prepare.
Ray held open the door for the two mares to enter the dark house in silence. Flicking on the light, he heard a thump and seen Vinyl face-plant on the couch. "Goodnight Ray" mumbled Octavia as she hugged his leg and shuffled to the bedroom.
He poured himself a small glass of milk and undressed himself to look at his scars. Tracing his finger over one on his leg, he heard a deep voice say, "That one could have been prevented. You should have watched your step chasing him. I didn't know you humans were savage enough to make 'special' bear traps. It almost impresses me."
"Sombra... Now is not the fucking time. Besides, that trapper fuck got what was coming to him." Ray said in a whisper.
"As in, you leaving him to die slowly?" Sombra asked.
"Whatever it took for me to survive." Ray growled.
In the depths of Ray's mind Sombra was clapping and chuckling to himself in joy at the man's words. With a deep sigh, Ray drank another glass of milk before turning around and picking up Vinyl. He softly scratched behind her ears as he silently walked through the house. He made his way to bed and gently laid her down and took a deep breath before laying down next to them. Ray slowly went over what was happening to him in his mind. Why is he in a relationship with Vinyl and Octavia in the first place? All he did was get buzzed and boned them while they were drunk off their asses. There was hardly any reason behind it, yet he loved them. He could only hope they returned the feeling and hope they weren't forced into it. He hoped they didn't have to be with him just because they done it or feel ashamed. Ray slowly started to slip into doubt, regret and fear of his actions. Ray's eyes slowly started to emit purple smoke as he fell further in his feelings until Vinyl snuggled up closer and started to drool on him. Ray tried to gently push her off before she gripped harder and mumbled, "Mine".
He rolled his eyes and wiped the saliva off his chest. He smiled as he watched her chest rise and fall before as he slowly drifted into unconsciousness.
Ray woke to thunder rumbling through the sky and shaking the house. He seen that Octavia had woken up first yet again and Vinyl had a tight grip on his arm. Ray slowly pried her off then turned to look out the window. He was welcomed by an ominous dark grey sky and lightning dancing across the black clouds. Rain came down in heavy drowning sheets as rolling thunder shook the ground. Ray slowly went about his routine of getting dressed as he listened to the deep rumbles of both Vinyl's snores and the inclement weather waiting outside. He just slid his saber in it's scabbard when lightning struck and was immediately followed by thunder that reverberated through his body. Hearing a squeal, Ray turned around to see Vinyl burying herself in the blanket. Ray knelt down and lifted the covers to see a red faced Vinyl staring back at him with a sheepish grin. "Scared of thunder?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.
Vinyl slowly nodded as Ray slid further under the covers and nearly on top of her. She looked up at him in confusion when he asked, "Do you feel forced into this? I'm talkin bout y'all being with me?"
Vinyl let out a small laugh and hugged him close, "I like what we got going on here. Don't worry about it." She said giggling at his worries.
"Only eight in the morning and already partaking in such lewd activities are we?" said Octavia as she entered the room hearing laughter and seeing Ray's top half under the covers.
Ray shot up out the bed and seen that Vinyl was still holding on. "Ha ha, real funny Octy." he said as Vinyl hopped off him with a blush.
Looking down, he seen that Octavia had a small tray with three steaming cups of coffee. Ray took one and sipped the hot black holy water with a smile when he said, "Thanks Octy."
Ray grabbed his laptop and crawled back on the bed before he patted both sides of the bed. Once Vinyl and Octavia had laid he let the home page load up then clicked the videos icon. He scrolled through them and finally settled on one and said, "This is me and Dakota back when he was still alive. He had just gotten into the national guard and we were so happy that we threw a party. That is, if you can call this a party."
Ray clicked the video and watched the scene unfold.
"SO FUCK-FACE JOINED THE GUARD HUH?!?! That's what i'm talkin bout man." Blared Ray's voice through the speaker as he fist-bumped Dakota.
"Yeah man, it's pretty cool ain't it?" said Dakota who was smiling and holding a beer.
"Fuck yeah it's cool, you get free college and lower taxes and shit. I think.. Probably... I don't know, but what I do know is that you are bad-ass and we are gonna get fuuucked up before ya go. Now let's do this shit." said Ray as he set the camera down. The screen went out for a second before cutting back in to a woodland scene. Ray's face filled the screen for a second as he shakily adjusted the computer before he stumbled offscreen. The video shown Dakota as he was holding a metal shield and a steel combat axe with a black tribal wolf design. Dakota started to examine his axe and took another sip of his drink before he heard, "NOW FAIR KNIGHT DAKOTA!!! IN ORDER TO LEAVE YOU MUST DEFEAT ME!!! Said a clearly drunk off his ass Ray.
"YOU LOVE ME!" Dakota's shirt was blackened as he barely managed to roll out the way.
"LET'S GET TOGETHER AND BURN IN HELL!!!" sang Ray as let another stream of flame fly at his cousin.
Ray was basically throwing what he was drinking in his mouth as he tried to keep Dakota at bay. His mask and costume were slowly getting doused in liquid when Ray shot another flame. Barney was on fucking fire. Barney ran in circles trying to grab Dakota as a final way to defeat him when a scream was heard from the costume. Barney went still for a second before a large blade burst through his stomach and cut all the way up to the neck. Ray's hands gripped the sides and ripped open an escape as Dakota grabbed at him. Once the hole was big enough, Ray jumped out the burning suit and ripped off his burning shirt while laughing. "Holeee shit that image is disturbing." Said Dakota as he looked at the burning and mutilated corpse of Barney the dinosaur lying in the woods.
"You're fuckin insane, you know that right? I swear you're gonna be the death of me." said a
"Maybe... But that was fun wasn't it?" said Ray with a small portion of hair singed off as the camera shook and the video ended.
"Ugh, you two are such colts doing that." said Octavia as Ray browsed through the videos.
"You can breath fire!?!?" asked an astonished Vinyl as she looked him in shock.
Ray looked at her for a second before he smiled and said, "Yes, yes I can."
"You know, if you look at it for a while it looks like you dressed up as Spike. Albeit a much more nightmare inducing form of him, but still." Said Octavia as she went over what she just saw in her head.
Ray went silent for a second before letting out a deep laugh at the thought. Ray had clicked on another video and finished his coffee when knocking was heard. He set the computer down and slid out the bed. The rain was still pouring and thunder rumbled after lightning shone through the window. He readjusted his scabbard and said, "I got it. Y'all just watch whatever on there ya want."
Ray walked down the hall and gripped his saber's handle as he neared the door. He opened the door and smiled when he seen Big Mac soaked and waiting outside. Waving him inside, Ray asked, "What's up Mac?"
Big Mac simply pointed a hoof outside and said, "Stuck."
Sticking his head outside, Ray seen Mac's cart full of supplies getting hammered by rain and stuck in a mud puddle. "Well... Fuck. I'll be out there in a minute." said Ray as he walked back to the bedroom.
Sticking his head in the bedroom Ray said, "Hey, I gotta go help Mac get this cart unstuck. I'mma go with him to make sure he gets back alright. I'll be back in a couple hours or so depending on the weather. I'll see ya later, love y'all."
"Okay be safe dear. We love you too." said Octavia since Vinyl was too engaged in what was happening onscreen.
Ray jogged back down the hall and flipped on his hood as he stepped outside into the downpour.
Mac had already hooked himself back up to the cart as Ray got behind the cart. "Pull!", Said Ray as he lifted up and fought for traction in the slick mud. The cart slowly rolled forward before it slid back into the muck. Ray took a deep breath and lifted again as the rain soaked through his clothes. The cart once again slid back into the puddle of mud to the disappointment of the two. Thunder rumbled as Ray backed off and said, "Got anything that might help?"
Mac nodded his head to the loaded down cart and Ray nodded. He moved around a a few sacks of what seemed to be fertilizer and a doll before seeing a few planks of wood. Taking one the planks out, he lined it up with the stuck wheel and set it down in the mud. "Let's try that again Mac!" said Ray as he yelled over the rain and thunder. Ray felt the cart start to lurch forward and strained his legs as he lifted. The cart finally rolled out of the mud with a squelch. Sighing in relief, he walked next to Mac before looking up and saying, "It's only gonna get worse the longer we wait. Let's go."
The two walked in silence, trudging through mud and dodging puddles as the rain hammered them from above. Ray seen that they were approaching the farm when the wind started to really pick up. When the two reached the gate they seen a few limbs had fallen in the path and need to be moved aside to pass. Ray and Mac slowly made their way to the house and reached the porch as lightning struck. Mac undid his harness and stepped up on the porch to quickly stretch his legs. The door opened for the two to see Applebloom waving them inside and said, "Y'all come on in before y'all catch a cold."
The two stepped inside and wiped their feet and hooves as the house's warm interior slowly warmed them up. Ray looked around to see a nice cozy house that smelled of cinnamon. Ray was interrupted when Mac waved a hoof in his face. Mac nodded his head for Ray to follow him in the kitchen to see Applejack and Granny Smith baking. Mac cleared his throat to get their attention to which Applejack said, "Oh hey Mac how was your trip?"
Mac simply gestured over to a soaked Ray who simply smiled and waved. "Oh howdy Ray, I didn't see ya there. How was y'alls trip?" said Applejack as she turned around and opened the oven.
"It was wet. It was cold. It sucked. It was relatively quick though so I got that going for me. Anyway, what y'all makin tonight?" said Ray as he took his soaked hoodie off.
"Heheh. Yeah it's sure looks miserable out there today. But me and Granny here are bakin ah Apple family classic." she said, taking out a tray full of treats.
"We got some cinnamon apple fritters fresh out tha oven. Ya want one? We got plenty to go round." said Applejack setting the tray on the dinner table.
Granny Smith came over and looked at Ray for a moment before saying, "Last time ah saw you, yous was a lot taller and real pale like. Wheres ya fancy suit too? Yous was soo hansome in it."
Ray looked back down at Granny in confusion before Applebloom handed him a towel and led Granny to her seat. Ray dried himself off as best he could and handed the towel to Mac. "Here y'all can bring some down to Vinyl and Octavia down there." said Applejack as she handed him a small plate of fritters. "Thank ya ma'am, I'll be sure to make it up to ya." Said Ray as he checked how wet his hoodie was.
"So how ya think your fights gonna go tomorrow?" She said as she picked up a fritter and bit into it.
"I ain't never fought anything that can fly before so I don't really know. I can only bring melee weapons and i'd rather not be weighed down trying to carry it all." He said as he adjusted his hoodie.
"Go with what ya know, that's all I can say." she said as she checked outside the window.
"The weather pegasi said they have to let the storm get a little wilder later. I hate to say it but, unless ya wanna stay the night... You should probably get gone." she said.
Ray nodded before turning to Mac and shaking his hoof and saying, "All right, I'll see y'all later."
Ray waved one last time before leaving the house and looking up at the sky. The rain had turned into a heavy sprinkle and the sky had turned a lighter gray. With a sigh, Ray took off down the path back home.
Author's Note
The story ain't dead i've just got stuff on my mind and all that mess. Hit a like and follow the story if ya wanna see the rest of the story as it goes on.
After a long flight, Ray, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had finally touched down in the Griffon Kingdom. Ray held open the door for the two pegasi and stretched as he looked around. "This place looks kinda depressing ya know?" Ray said as he looked at the gray skies and vandalized homes.
"Uh yeah, it gets better the closer you are to the castle. Hey, I can see the hotel from here!" Said Rainbow as she bolted to the hotel.
Ray and Fluttershy hurriedly followed the fading rainbow trail to catch up with their friend. Ray caught a few of the griffons eyeing him and the two mares with uneasiness and curiosity. "So what's the plan again Ray?" Rainbow asked when the two caught up.
"We're gonna go in here and drop off our stuff while Fluttershy checks us in. We've already got our room and key. Once that's done we head to the arena and if it goes as I hope it does, then I win another fight. We can do whatever later and we have tomorrow to just relax." explained Ray as he opened the door to the hotel. Once the three were in Fluttershy headed to the receptionist while Rainbow and Ray headed to the elevator. Ray set down his bag and hit the button before he said, "I've always loved going up and down on these things. It's so weird how y'all have them here too."
"You have these on earth too? That's so cool! Do you also have rainbow factories?" asked Rainbow.
"No... What the hell is a rainbow factory?" asked Ray.
"Exactly what it sounds like." replied Rainbow with a smirk.
Ray just rolled his eyes when the door opened on their floor. The two quickly found their room and set down their baggage before heading out again. Ray locked the door and turned around to see two griffons in standing in front of him and Rainbow. "Wassup Rainbow Dash? Ready to watch your friend here get beat to a pulp?" Said the shorter of the two griffons.
Rainbow rolled her eyes with a smile and replied, "As if Gilda, this dude here can beat down anything."
The two shared a quick laugh and hug before Gilda looked at him and said, "My cousin is the one you'll be duking it out with this afternoon. You two play nice in that arena okay?"
Ray flashed a smile before saying, "No promises."
"HA! You might just give Whiplash a run for her money with that attitude." Said Gilda with a smile as she walked down the hall.
"Her?" Ray asked himself as they entered the elevator.
The arena was big to say the least. Ray looked around in wonder at the vast space before realizing he was in a cage. Long thin arches overlapped to form a transparent dome above him. He could see out and look at the huge crowd of griffons placing bets and haggling vendors before the action began. He just wished that Vinyl and Octavia could be here to see it. As he was looking around, Fluttershy came up to him and gently tapped his back. Ray turned around to see she was holding a new pair of combat gloves, his saber, combat axe and kukris. Ray quickly strapped his gear onto him and hugged Fluttershy. " Please be careful Ray." she said as he cracked his neck.
"I'll try my best Flutters." He said as he readjusted his cargo pants and shirt.
A bell was rung and an announcer said, "WELCOME GRIFFONS AND OTHERWISE TO THE BIRDCAGE! TONIGHT WE HAVE A VERY SPECIAL MATCH FOR YOU TO ENJOY! ON THE WEST SIDE WE HAVE OUR ONE AND ONLY CHAMPION HERSELF, WHIPLASH!!!"
White smoke filled the west side's gateway before a griffon burst upwards out of the cloud. The smoke followed her up before she came down and landed, causing a small shock-wave of dust and smoke. The griffon stood tall as the crowd went in a frenzy at the spectacular entrance. Ray looked on in disbelief before turning around to Fluttershy and asking, "What the HELL!?!? Why don't I have smoke and shit! That was fuckin awesome!"
Fluttershy shrugged before turning around and heading toward the medic station. Once the crowd had calmed down a bit the announcer continued by saying, "AND IN THE EAST SIDE WE HAVE CHALLENGERRR RAY ISSAC PATRICK!!!"
Ray sauntered into the crowds view and cracked his neck as "Come to Die" by The Mask, blared through the speakers.
"NO PROJECTILE WEAPONS OF ANY SORT IS ALLOWED DURING THIS FIGHT! WEAPONS WILL NOT BE ENCHANTED TO PROTECT FROM DEATH! IF ONE OPPONENT FALLS AND IS UNABLE TO CONTINUE MEDICAL STAFF WILL BE RUSHED OUT! NOW, LET'S GET READY TO RUMMMMBLE!" yelled the announcer when a bell was heard.
"DING"
Ray had just pulled out his saber when Whiplash rushed him. Before she was in Ray's cutting range she took to the air and hovered far out of reach. Ray unclasped the dual kukris as he waited for her move. Whiplash reached to her thighs and produced two whips before she dived for Ray. He immediately back stepped just to be met with both whips brought down on top of him. The pain shot through Ray's shoulders and back before he was struck twice more in the chest. Ray seen the wind up on what would've been a third lash aimed for his face. He swung in his hand in front of the whip, causing it to wrap around his hand and sting through the glove. With a pained grunt, Ray snatched the whip out of the grasp of the griffon and cut it in half. Whiplash screamed in fury as she lashed at him in a frenzy. With each hit, Ray hissed in pain as the whip struck his body. Whiplash leapt in the air and swung at Ray's face again, only for it to wrap around his sword. Ray quickly gripped his saber with both hands and wrenched the whip down. Whiplash hadn't expected him to yank down and was brought to the ground. She shrieked as he quickly ran upon her and stomped her chest. Ray grinned when he heard a crack and shot a punch into her beak. He swiped left and right with his saber before being met with a wing in his jaw. The crowd was cheering on the bloody spectacle and with every hit came a cry for more. The two were caught in a brawl on the ground and blood was starting to fly. Ray went for another gut shot when her wing managed to push him back enough for her to recover. Whiplash instantly took back to the sky and Ray laughed quietly to himself. Whiplash clicked a small button on the handle of her whip. Hidden blades revealed themselves on the sides of the lasher, while Ray grabbed the combat axe. The whip was swung and Ray guarded his body with his saber and axe. The whip had wrapped around his legs, letting the blades dig in and lacerate. Whiplash flew higher and jerked the whip up with her. Ray was still caught and was brought high into the air. Whiplash shot back down to the ground and wrenched the whip down as she landed. Ray was slammed into the ground at break neck speed. He tried to reach for his saber that had fell just of of his reach on the ground as darkness started to overtake him. "Come on weakling. Let me give you a helping hoof." Said Sombra to him in his mind.
Ray coughed up some blood as he struggled to get back on his feet, before falling again and asking, "How?"
"Simple really... No pain, no gain. I need you to hate her. I need you to think of every moment you have ever been scared, jealous or mad. I need you to hurt." Explained Sombra.
"Okay." Said Ray in pain as he looked at the lashes in his chest.
Ray looked at Whiplash bowing to the crowd as he took his kukris and slowly impaled himself. "More." Sombra said as Rays eyes started to flicker and smoke.
Ray screamed in a mixture of pain and rage as he drug the kukris down his chest. Blood flowed down Ray's body in crimson rivers as he started laughing. Ray stood back up with a smile and turned around to reveal purple smoke coming from his eyes. Ray noticed the crowd had gone silent at the masochistic display then took off his shirt for all to see his body adorned with blood and scars. In an unnaturally deep tone Ray was laughing at the crowd's shocked faces. He bent down to pick up his saber then looked toward Whiplash and said, "BRING IT!"
When Whiplash took to the sky once more, Ray had already readied the kukris. He slung the blades at the griffon and impaled both her wings. As she was falling, Ray grabbed his combat axe and walked toward her. He laughed louder as he grew closer to her struggling form. Once Whiplash hit the ground Ray threw the axe into her left wing, pinning her wing into the ground. Standing over her, Ray kicked her beak and stomped her head once before stabbing his saber into the ground through her right wing. Ray grabbed her throat and picked her up off the ground. He smiled when he seen the blades held firm and rip open her wings even more. He flashed a grin when she looked into his eyes to find only rage and smoke waiting for her. He turned her around and German suplexed her into the ground with a crack. He had immediately recovered and scrambled on top of her as smoke poured off his body. Grabbing her head, he smashed it down into the ground a few times before punting her in the beak. Ray looked on as Whiplash struggled to stand up and get some breathing room. When she had finally gotten back on her feet, she had swung her lasher in a vain attempt to keep him back. Ray grabbed the bladed whip mid-strike and snatched it from her. He grinned as he wrapped it around his arm and fist then looked to her. He threw his axe in front of her feet and slowly walked towards her. Whiplash fumbled for the weapon and trembled in fear when she looked up to see him not a foot away. She quickly swung the axe down on top of him and was horrified to see he simply looked at the weapon embedded in his collar. He cracked his neck again then slammed his bladed arm into her body. He felt something poke him before he turned around and seen four griffons holding tubes. He was hit three more times before he looked to see darts were starting to bunch up on his chest. His vision started to get blurry and Ray's anger was starting to fade into nothing as more darts impaled him. Ray quickly rushed the group before Fluttershy burst through the group and locked eyes with him. He was trapped in her gaze and the darts had done their job as he slowly succumbed to the tranquilizers. In one last burst of fury, Ray managed to break out of her stun lock and advanced on the griffons. He kicked the first one's leg in backwards before back handing the next with his bladed arm. The third griffon moved in and was met with a bladed fist in the throat. Ray sluggishly unwound the whip around his arm before lashing the fourth griffon. The whip had wound around his neck and Ray slowly drug his bleeding body in close before stomping his head. Fluttershy was paralyzed in fear of what was happening and who was doing it. She hid behind her mane before Ray had managed to snap the last griffon guard's neck by stabbing both kukris in it's head and twisting. Ray turned around and seen the shocked faces of the crowd before falling out in a pool of crimson.
