Heart is where the home is.
It was a bright and sunny day in Equestria the birds chirping happily an nice steady breeze blowing through the trees and not a cloud in the sky. Oxhorn reflected on this as his small caravan of wagons traveled down the dirt road towards the next destination a small town called Trottoka .
He was an older minotaur from the lands up north but feed up with the tribes constantly fighting and vying for power he left taking the chief's bits he started his traveling gladiatorial contest.He almost laughed at the thought shaking his graying manewhat used to be games of honor in his country was now just a game every pony knows its fake but the cheer just as loud as the minotaurs in the old arena in Labyrinthia.
The ponies absolutely love his shows,cheering the hero's booing the villains they would stomp their hooves and go wild when a pony would go down holding his gut screaming in fame. Oxhorn believed that they lived vicariously thourgh the combatants.
Lighting his pipe and taking a slow drag he noticed a pink and white pegasus flying towards him clearly excited about something.This was Charm Feather her pink fur and white mane made her the perfect arm candy that would escort Razorbeak to the circle helping cheat to get one up on the hero and incite the crowd to boo them making them come back just to see the villain get his revenge
As she came closer he noticed her trademark smile was replaced with a look of concern she quickly flew to Oxhorn his blue eyes meeting her pink ones.
"Ox there's a creature lying in the middle of the road up ahead he looks wounded there a lot of blood."She was clearly upset.
Oxhorn rubbed the beard growing on his muzzle although not completely unheard of it was still rare to hear of someone being attacked in Equestria .He quickly called a halt to the caravan and hoped down walking to the gray and black earth pony pulling the wagon.Rocky Bouldershoulder was a thick and strong pony with a good head for trouble.
"Rocky keep an eye on everything till we come back make sure everyone get some water we'll be back shortly."Oxhorn said trusting the pony to pass along the word and then once everything was in order he grabbed a small medkit and a dagger just in case this thing was hostile.
"Alright Charm lead the way."He motioned for her to show him where she discovered this creature.
After a couple of minutes he came upon this creature Charm spotted and on a rare instance Oxhorn was completely speechless.It was a little over six foot with dark fur on its head and face and big and it looked like he enjoyed to eat too much and drink from the smell of him.He was clad in clothes from the neck to hooves a with tee shirt had blood on the front and blue pants on its legs and some black hoof covering. Oxhorns expert eyes told him this creature once had a decent amount of muscle on him at one point but let his body go.
walking to its head he pulled out a canteen and proceeded to clean the nasty bump on its head then proceeded to wrap the wound. Oxhorn learned a thing or two from his own gladiator days and from the traveling show even though the fights were rigged accidents still happen so you learn some emergency care.
"Looks like a concussion we should take him back to my wagon until we can come across a doctor."He said gently picking up the creature and carrying it towards the caravan with each step he can hear the creature moan then looking down the things head poped up his strange blue eyes meeting Oxhorns.
"Fuck."He muttered his eyes rolling in the back of his head and passing right out.
Oxhorn laughed at this and shook his head he had a feeling that this creature is going to make him some bits once Oxhorn makes him presentable."Ugh this buggers bloody heavy. Charm get a bucket of soapy water and a sponge we need to get him clean and out of these thing they stink I might have to burn my bed after this."
Charm Feather nodded flying towards the others to let them know whats going on and to get the water,a minute later Oxhorn made it to his wagon putting the creature in his bed."If all else this will make one great story."
He felt something wet and cool rubbing on his lower stomach that brought him out of his slumber.keeping his eyes closed he felt the throbbing in his head,he could almost picture a little bird flying circles around his skull occasionally smacking him with the hammer of Thor.
Daring to open his eyes he found he was in what looked like a small room a window to his left it was open letting in a breeze and then he looked down and there was what looked like a miniature horse scrubbing him with a sponge,that's when he did the only sensible thing he could think of he screamed like a little girl and bolted for the door.
He would have made a daring escape if not for the fact that the wagon was high off the ground and he fell flat on his face with a loud groan.Trying to get back on his feet his body not responding as fast as he wanted he only made it to his knees when he noticed he had an audience of about fifteen or twenty minotaurs,griffons and ponies.
He was about to start screaming when he heard a soothing voice coming from behind him."Shh there there it's alright we won't hurt you please calm down we're your friends I promise everything will be alright."
He turned around to see that his bather was slowly walking to him,he could have swore her large pink eyes was glowing.He then notice a small cup in her hoof she sat it down and backed away he looked at it and it seemed to be water reminding him of how parched his throat was,quickly drink the water he then noticed the minotaur approaching.
He got on his feet not sure if he could outrun the bull man when he felt something bump his side,looking down he say the pink pegasus at his side taking her hoof she gently placed it on his thigh."It will be alright we won't hurt you I promise."She said her soothing voice seeming to calm him down a little.
The minotaur making eye contact slowly spoke making sure not to make any threatening gestures."Good to see you're awake name's Oxhorn and you already met Charm Feather,we wasn't sure you was going to wake up you've been out for over a day.Now if you don't mind who and what are you?"
"K-kyle and I'm a human.He replied through clenched teeth trying to control his fear.
Oxhorn didn't reply he pulled out his pipe and lit it blowing out a thick cloud of smoke his eyes scanning the human closely."Never heard of your people before I take it your not from around here."
Kyle looked around to all the ponies,griffons and minotaurs milling around."I'm not even sure where here is but no I don't think so where i'm from your a myth and ponies don't talk."Running a shaking hand through his messy hair he gave a soft laugh feeling his sanity slipping away.
"Aww those poor ponies.No offence but your home sounds dull." Charm Feather chimed in giving Kyle a friendly poke in the thigh.
Oxhorn felt for Kyle,he understood what its like to be a stranger in a strange land placed his claw on the human's shoulder giving it a reassuring squeeze."Come on lad we're here for you.Do you remember how you got that bump on your noggin there?"
Kyle gently placing a hand lump on top of his forehead,wincing a little.He closed his eyes to think about what happened."I just got off work and I went to the local bar to have a few drinks,and after the third one a strange man in a flashy suit approached me he started chatting at first the usual,weather sports my job and the whole time he was buying my drinks so I didn't mind as the night went on he kept asking me if I believed in destiny and that's when I decided to leave as I was walking out,he somehow ended up in front of me and...and he hit me with a bat."
"Explains the knot on your head,I'm surprised you woke up as soon as you did thought for sure you was in a coma."Oxhorn said admiring the humans resilience."so what are you going to do now that you're up?"
Kyle was stunned not even sure how to responded he didn't have the slightest idea where he could go.if he was even save to roam around this land."What are my options here I know nothing about your....land."Not yet wanting to admit he was an alien yet if for nothing else for his own sanity.
"Well you could always go to Princess Celestia and she if she cant find you away home and although iI don't always agree with her policies but she's a fair and just ruler and unless you pose a threat to her ponies she will treat you fairly."
For some reason every fiber in his being screamed at him not to do that.It shocked him he had no reason to distrust her but yet like some primal instinct told him to stay as far away as possible."I don't think I want to do that yet is there anything else I could do?"Kyle asked.
Oxhorn smiled hoping he would say that."Well son you could always join my misfit band of performers but let me set some ground rules before you agree."Seeing Kyle nod he began."First what I say goes you can complain and whine all you want as long as you follow orders.Two For now whenever we go into towns to do a show I want you to stay hidden.I'm going to unveil you I want to unveil you at the right time to make the most bits as possible and three I'm going to melt that fat on you like butter so here a fair warning you can hit the road anytime you want but i will make you look like you belong in my show.You'll earn a few bits but not much since all you'll be doing is some packing up and maybe some cleaning but you will be feed and kept safe on the road.so what do you say you in?"
Kyle thought about this for a minute and seeing no other options he agreed at least till something better along he agreed much to Charm Feathers delight.
"Good now lets get you starte-"Oxhorn began but was stopped by the loud rumble in Kyle's stomach much to the human embarrassment."How about we get you something to eat first'Oxhorn said laughing.
Kyle was about to agree when he felt a draft on his twig and berries and realized he was naked and when a hippogriff walked by and gave him a wink, he quickly covered his shame and asked."Where's my clothes?"
"I'll get them.'Charm Feather said rushing to the wagon to retrieve his clothing and as quick as she left she came back with most of his belongings."I'm sorry but we couldn't save your top it was just covered in blood and to be frank we didn't like the sight of it so we throw it away.'
Kyle quickly threw on his boxers,shoes,socks and pants and then remembered his cellphone wallet and keys he always carried."Did I have anything else on me?"He asked although he was sure these ponies wouldn't steal his phone and he doubted he would it even have a signal but he wanted the pictures and music on it.
"No that's everything are you missing something hon?"She asked
He just shook his head and with a sigh he replied."Nothing Important.Lets go ahead and eat."His stomach refusing to be ignored any longer.
"Right this way you're a little late for lunch but I'm sure Silver can throw something together for you."Charm Feather said motioning for Kyle to follow her.
Silver Whisk was a bulky earth pony with silver fur and mane with a black strip in both his mane and tail and a silver whisk in a mixing bowl for a cutie mark.He has been with Oxhorn since the beginning feeding his band of performers and occasionally participating in shows.
He was now looking at the large creature before him the tall bipedal thing was out of shape and its flat face was too round and it seemed to be growing an extra chin,whatever Oxhorn saw in this thing Silver couldn't tell but then again he wasn't being paid to think.
"Here you go." Silver said sliding the food tray towards Kyle."After this you eat on time or you don't eat which would probably do you some good."
Kyle looked down on the tray and all was on it was what looked like brown water."Whats this water I need real food."He spoke he stomach growling agreeing with him.
"That's all your getting for now."A Oxhorn said walking up behind him placing a hand on Kyle's shoulder."Right now your in pitiful shape lad but I see potential in you so it falls on me to bring it out remember you can always hit the road and take your chances somewhere else."
Kyle grumbling under his breath put the bowl to his lips and downed the broth in a couple gulps."So whats next big guy,push ups jumping jacks or do you want me to pick you some flower's?"Kyle said sarcastically.
Oxhorn pretended not to hear as he motioned for the ponies to hitch up and get ready to move on out."No seeing how you just got up I thought I'd take it easy on you so get ready to move we leave in five minutes."
Kyle watched the ponies and griffons hitch themselves to the wagons pulling a couple of minotaurs pulling the largest wagon.They moved efficiently and quickly in less the ten minutes they was moving along setting a brisk pace Oxhorn looked at Kyle and laughed."Do try to keep up boy we got a lot of ground to cover."With that said he start jogging along with the caravan.
The night Kyle arrived in Equsetria another visitor arrived miles away in the small town of Ponyville In the tree library of Twilight Sparkle student of the Princess of the sun Celestia.
The purple unicorn was just finishing her breakfast getting ready for the day.She used her magic to put the dish's in the sink as Her dragon assistant Spike entered the room.
"Spike we're running late we have a lot of things to do today."She said pulling out a long list.her schedule for that day and began to read it out loud."First we have to head to bookworms to pick up that novel on advance shield spell,Second we need to go to Quills and Sofas and get a year supply of quills.Third we stop at Sugarcube Corner to order some cupcakes for next weeks get together with the cutiemark crusaders.Forth we need to meet Fluttershy at her cottage to see when she can give Owlowiscious a checkup. Fifth we'll meet Rainbow dash at the Cafe for lunc-"She stoped feeling the fur on the back of her neck standing up.Then all of a sudden her kitchen table was surrounded by a red glow so bright it temporarily blinded both her and Spike.
Finally when the light died down there on her table was a small creature a laying on its back.It had no fur except on the top of its head,long red curls covered its face.Twilight walked around it carefully inspecting it,noting its pale pink skin,claws like Spike's but more rounded and five digits instead of four.Strange hoofs on its lower appendages and was definitely female.
"It looks like a diamond dog.'Spike whispered afraid to wake it up."What should we do Twilight?"
"I think it's a foal Spike and it doesn't have enough fur to be a diamond dog the closest thing I've seen like it was a chimpanzee."She said getting closer to the creature when it suddenly sat up wrapping its arms around Twilight's neck.
'Mommy?"She cried burying her face in Twilight's neck sobbing matting the fur.
"Spike you better take a letter."Twilight said wrapping a hoof around the little foal patting her back.
Heart is where the home is.
Chapter 2: Nightmares and showtime
The next few weeks was pure hell for Kyle,Oxhorn would wake him up before breakfast and make him exercise.Push ups squats and anything else the minotaur could think of.After the workout he had breakfast which consisted of oatmeal and an apple or some other fruit then he helped pack up and then he would jog beside the wagon.
After a couple weeks just when he thought he was getting used to jogging Oxhorn added a new twist making Charm Feather ride on his back much to her delight.She would blow in his ears or tell him dirty jokes or about her life and family.
Although he complained he did enjoy it,it would leave him to tired to think about his past and that suited him just fine and on the days of their performance he would hide in the cabin of Oxhorn's personal cabin doing what the minotaur called required reading.
Books on the various species of Equis and battle strategies,and about battle magic which he found the most interesting considering his shock when discovering magic existed.Seeing a unicorn levitate a bunch of supplies and just break every law of physics he knew.
"Earth ponies are the strongest of all ponies but their agility is lacking so always move around and aim for their barrel.Pegasus are both fast and agile and use quick strikes and diving maneuvers so aim for the wings and the have a small spot between their wings on the small of the back when hit just right will lock their wings in place for a moment.Unicorns require a lot of concentration so movement is the key and a strong enough blow to the temple around the horn will incapacitate them for a minute or two."Kyle read trying to absorb all the information.
As he placed the book down he listen to the sounds coming from outside,the cheers or boos the sounds of hoofs stomping on the crowed after what he assumed was a good performance by the so called gladiator.Smiling he remembered Oxhorn and Charm Feather telling him about how the show works,it was like pro wrestling in his world only with weapons.
Kyle watched the group practice one evening when the caravan stopped for the night and had to admit he was impressed.Steel Claw, Oxhorn's blacksmith explained about how most of the weapons were collapsible and how he and his sister Steel Hoof modified the armor with heavy pads letting the performers have a safe place for harder hits.
He also proceeded to explain the art of turn a sword at the last second to hit with the flat of the blade.He also pointed out the gloves the minotaurs and griffons wear to keep their sharp claws from doing ant serious damage to anyone they are performing with."It's a fine line we walk making the battles look real with no serious damage to the fighters it takes practice and repetition."He said between him hammering out dents in some armor.
"That's only part of it ."Oxhorn spoke walking up to the blacksmith with more armor to be repaired for the upcoming show."One of the hardest things to do is hook the crowd,to get them emotionally invested in you,either cheered or boo it takes talent to get the audience behind you."
With that said he ordered Kyle to help prepare the evenings meal and and get plenty of rest, they was starting early and was going to push hard to make the next town on time.
That night as everyone was bedding down, Kyle was looking at the night sky.The full moon and the stars really stood out here,it was truly a beautiful sight and Kyle had a feeling if he lived a thousand years this image of the night sky would still be one of the most beautiful sights he'll ever see.
Charm Feather was just settling down herself looked over at Kyle and smiled.Ever since he decided to join Oxhorns group she took it on herself to look after him,like the little brother she never had."Luna makes a beautiful night doesn't she."Charm said breaking the silence.
Kyle nodded still a little freaked out that a princess can control the moon."Yeah there's to much light pollution where I lived to fully enjoy the night."Then after a moment he added."Lets hope your mistress of dreams will keep me from having another nightmare."
Charm Feather gave him a sympathetic smile and knew that for the first week he was here he would wake up terrified,drenched in sweat unable to remember why he was scared."If it gets to bad hon you could always crawl in bed with me."She said giving him a wink.
Kyle laughed used to her flirting nature and just shook his head.You just want to sleep on my belly because its so soft."
She just smiled looking at the big human,well not as big as he was before after four weeks of Oxhorn training he was slimming down,already he had to take a cord and wrap it around his waist to keep his pants up and without a shirt on his upper body it was changing to a nice bronze.She was starting to see what Oxhorn saw when he first encountered Kyle the faint lines of muscle hiding under the fat.
"I won't be able to for much longer if Oxhorn has anything to say about it and then you shall be of no use to me."She said with a chuckle.
"Good night Charm."He said with a smile,settling himself in for the night.
Kyle was surrounded in a blackness so thick he could have cut it,he started to panic fear raising in his chest he thought his heart was going to burst but the worst was the silence,not a sound only his heart beat fast and irregular,Then a silver light filled the area and to his horror he could see,
all around him was the bodies of his friends There laid Razor beak his throat slit,Oxhon laid out, his head broken,Silver Whisk chopped up in little pieces and many more .That's when he heard the sound,it was as if he was in a buffet and everyone was eating at once.For some unexplained reason he headed towards the sound and that's when he saw it.
There lay Charm Feather surrounded by what looked like mutant unicorns around her,eating her flesh,her guts lying about.He felt sick in his stomach he tried to look away but he couldn't turn away and that's when all the unicorns turned to look directly at him their black fur stained in blood the broken horns on the tops of their heads pointing at him like accusing fingers.
Then all of a sudden Charm Feather's eyes opened meeting Kyle's green ones,she said a single word."Why"
He woke up covered in sweat and to his shame piss,it seemed so real he quickly checked to make sure Char was alright.Breathing a sigh of relief,he striped down and went to clean his pants and blanket to the stream to clean up the mess he made of himself."It seemed so real."He thought.
Looking up he noticed that there was a few hours left till dawn, he knew he wouldn't be able to sleep anytime soon.
Twilight Sparkle sat by the bed in her room looking at the sleeping girl in her bed,her chest rising and falling in a peaceful sleep for the first time in weeks thanks to Luna's intervention.Rose Heart a name that Applejack came up with due to her hair and the affection the little child would show to other ponies,suffered nightmare's every night since she appeared on Twilight's kitchen table.
It was always the same she would wake up screaming but not knowing why and would not go to sleep until Twilight would read her a story and Spike would promise to guard her sleep.It got bad enough that the princess of the night Luna agreed to see if she could help by entering her dreams.
Although the nightmares stopped, Luna couldn't figure out exactly what their meaning was.It was always just shadows trying to take her from the one she considered her mother,Twilight herself.
Twilight could not figure out why the girl thought of her as her mother but Rose just acted like Twilight always was.At first Twilight thought to send her to Canterlot for study but both her and Princess Celestia thought it might traumatize poor Rose, so in the end they both agreed to let Twilight take care of her until of if her memories return to her,and Twilight had to admit she felt a deep bond with this child now her child.
Without realizing it she leaned forward and kissed her newly adopted daughter on the forehead and tucked her in,She then Headed downstairs to reread the book on how to raise a proper foal.
It has been two months since Kyle arrived to Equestria, Oxhorn had decided to put the human in the show .....sort of.
Kyle looked at himself in the mirror and saw a giant monkey looking back.wool painted a dark covered most of his body only leaving his hands and feet exposed.He was wearing what appeared to be a knit cap with fake ears on the sides and to top it off a red fez and vest.
"Perfect."Oxhorn said inspecting Kyle closely."You look the part just remember to play the part, your a monkey do everything a monkey does except throwing your own waste."
Charm Feather was applying some face paint to Kyle when she spoke up."You'll do fine hon just follow our lead, after all your with the fabulous Charm Feather the beast master and her diamond dog Ruff House.'
The diamond dog in question was wearing padded armor with a white and pink jerkin with Charm Feather's cutie mark on his chest."Just keep your eyes on us it's a great learning experience."Ruff House said.
Oxhorns operation consisted of a three tent,a larger middle tent where the performance is held and two smaller ones with the hero's on one side and the villains on the other.The crowd was cheering and stomping their hoofs waiting for the show to begin.
Charm Feather and Ruff House was the first act they walked out of their tent with the crowd booing them,She lead both Ruff and Kyle on a leash to the middle of the dirt ring and after pampering Ruff House and then cleaned his short sword with a rag making the crowd of ponies hiss and boo at Charms antics.
Then the hero emerged from the other side,a white earth pony with a long blonde mane and matching gold armor named Groundshaker. The earth pony held a sword in his mouth and lifted his head much to the delight of the screaming crowd hoping to see the diamond dog get his flank kicked.
While occasionally acting like an orangutan never took his eyes off the match.Even though it was choreographed,they made it look so real.He was amazed at the fast pace the diamond dog kept and the way Groundshaker used the sword even though it was in his mouth was fascinating.
The highlight of the match was when Charm Feather distracted the judge and Ruff House throw dirt in the earth pony's eyes to score a hard hit to his head causing the crowd to boo and scream at the judge.
Much to the crowds delight Groundshaker was able to make a resounding comeback forcing the blade from the diamond dogs claw,making him tap the ground in signaling his surrender,as the ponies in the crowd stomped their hoofs in approval.
After the match Charm Feather rushed in the ring yelling at the fans calling them brutes then at the judge for being blind and hooked a leash on Ruff House and left to the villains tent.
"Not to bad Ruff I think we hooked the crowd pretty good there,if we keep this up we,ll be moving from opening act in no time.What do you think Kyle?"
"That was awesome you guys I can't wait until the next show.'He said not barely able to contain his excitement .
"That's good."Oxhorn said emerging in the tent."Because starting tomorrow you'll start weapon training,"
That night Rose Heart was starting to have another nightmare although Luna was helping her duties also required her to check on other ponies and could look into Rose's dreams as often as she would like.
It started out the same,she was alone in a forest and shapeless shadows was trying to surround her.Fear was eating away at her she looked for an escape but seeing none she fell to her knees as the shadows crept so close she could see the beady red eyes and the sharp teeth ready to eat her.
Right before the shadows could get to her a golden light lit up the forest and there stood a creature like herself but bigger,clad in golden armor.
He stood over her protecting her from the shadow,when ever one got to close he would cleave it in half with a swipe of his sword.
Then Rose awoke feeling warm and safer then shes felt in a long time."Who was he,why is he like me?"she wondered softly looking at her mother."Maybe mom knows."
