Chapters Fluttershy's Cottage: Before the Letter
After the long group hug, everyone returned to their seats and the discussion began anew.
"Now that we got all that out of the way, what should we do about accommodations for Jason? I would say he could stay at my place seeing that there is so many rooms but taking him into town without any forewarning would cause a panic." Twilight thought out loud while tapping her chin with a hoof.
"Plus, it would be better to bring Spike and Starlight Glimmer to meet him before that as well."
Everyone was in agreement to her points.
"I'd invite him over to the farm, but I'd like to have m'ah family meet him before extending such an invitation." AJ added.
Jason brought a hand up to interrupt the train of thought.
Actually, if it's alright with Fluttershy, I wouldn't mind staying here. I like being close to the forest and you can let everyone know about me before I scare anybody.
Fluttershy gazed up at Jason. "I'd be fine with it, but I only have the one bed upstairs. You'd have to sleep on the couch, at least till we figure out a more permanent solution."
Jason shrugged.
I've slept at the bottom of a lake, so a couch is a definite improvement if you asked me.
"He's good with that." Deus ex Pinkamena proclaimed.
"Alright so Jason will stay here till we can let everybody know about him and the situation at hoof." Twilight concluded. "We should probably call it a day here as it's getting late. I'll send Princess Celestia a letter after I get home. Before that though I'd like to take a picture of you, if that's okay?"
That's fine with me. Better than trying to describe what I look like in words. He gestured.
Pinkie reached into her curly mass of mane, pulled a camera and stand out in one yank, then set it up far enough back for a group shot. "Okay everypony, take a seat next to Jason and make a pose."
Fluttershy sat to his left and took a poised pose with a hoof on his forearm.
Twilight took the right and sat up proper with a slight tilt to her head, away from the camera.
AJ sat on the floor, leaned her back on his right leg, then looked from under the brim of her hat toward the camera with a grin.
Rarity stood next to his left leg, placed a hoof to her chest and struck a pose one would expect of the fashionista.
Rainbow hovered over his right shoulder, puffed out her chest with her forehooves crossed and a confident smile on her face.
Jason raised his right hand in a small wave to the camera.
Pinkie set the timer, ran behind the couch, then popped up hooves outstretched with a big smile on her face over Jason's left shoulder, just as the flash went off.
After the flash, an eight by ten picture slid out of the front of the camera. Returning to it in the blink of an eye, Pinkie fiddled a bit and turned around with eight copies of the same picture.
Jason looked a bit confused.
Why eight copies?
Pinkie bounce back over to him. "One for each of us and one to send with Twilight's letter to Celestia." She put one of the copies in his hand, which he held up to look at. Apart from his bad case of red eyes because of the flash, the picture turned out well.
I should really get a picture frame for this as soon as possible. He thought to himself.
"You can use this one." Pinkie had produced (seemingly out of nowhere) a picture frame.
Jason blinked a bit then accepted the gift with a smile.
Thank you, Pinkie.
Opening the back of the frame, he slipped the picture inside.
He then placed his now free hand on the top of her head and rubbed gently. A smell of something sweet like cotton candy met his nose. She Leaned into the rubs and cooed quietly. "Oooh yeah. That's the spot. I can get use to this."
He chuckled silently in his throat.
"Oh right, Rarity." Fluttershy spoke as she got down from the couch. "As I'm sure you can already tell but Jason needs some new clothes."
Rarity's eyes lit up. "Why yes of course. I almost forgot I had brought my tape measure like you asked me to." Pulling out said tape measure she motioned to Jason. "Would you mind taking off your clothes so I can take your measurements, Jason darling."
Jason nodded.
Alright, I don't mind at all.
He removed the book, locket and machete in its sheath, then placed them with the picture on the end table for safe keeping. He then put a hand to his mask and paused.
You may not want to look at this face, just to warn you.
"It's okay. we're all friends here. There's nothing to worry about." Fluttershy could see his worry and moved to reassure him.
Friends.
Jason liked the sound of that as he nodded. The only person in his life he ever considered a friend was his mother. To quote a certain motel owning taxidermy enthusiast, "A boy's best friend is his mother." but it was nice to have added to the list.
He slipped the mask off his face, placed it with the rest of his thing's, then proceeded to remove the rest of his clothes, boots, socks and pants. After taking off the last bit of clothing he turned back to the group.
With a noticeable blush on all their faces, Rarity was the first to clear her throat. "Fluttershy, could you bring in a spare sheet for Jason after I'm done with my measurements, please?"
Fluttershy nodded her head and left, while glancing back briefly.
Rarity placed a pair of red reading glasses on the end of her nose then pulled out said tape measure, pad of paper as well as a pen out of her saddle bag with her magic. After measuring him from head to foot, Rarity wrote down all she needed to get started.
"Would you mind if I took these old clothes for reference?" Rarity asked all business mode.
Fluttershy came back giving Jason the sheet to cover up.
Wrapping the sheet around his midsection, he then recovered his mask and slid it back in place. He Just didn't feel right without it. Like it was his identity.
I don't mind. Should most likely burn them when you're done.
Jason did a once over through the pockets of his shed attire to make sure there was nothing left inside them before giving them to Rarity.
I'd be fine with just work shirts and slacks. Should still keep the coat though so I can keep the book with me at all times. I don't want anything bad to happen.
After Pinkie conveyed what he wanted, Rarity nodded. "Very well. I'll also prepare some dress clothes just in case."
Thank you, Ms. Rarity. If you ever need anything don't be afraid to ask.
With this he smiled slightly as Pinkie finished. He then sat back down on the couch.
"Well." Rarity looked at Pinkie, then Twilight, then back to Jason. She stepped closer to him while removing her glasses. "If it's not a bother. Would you mind?"
Jason could tell what she wanted just by gazing into those hopeful sapphire pools.
Reaching out, he patted her softly on the head with one hand and with the other he began to ever so gently scratch under her chin.
Rarity's eyes closed at the heavenly feeling.
"Oh, that feels just divine. Even better than going to the La-Ti-Da Day Spa." she breathed out dreamily.
Jason patted, petted, rubbed and caressed her, much to Rarity's enjoyment as evident by her soft coos of delight.
During his ministrations however, he unintentionally brushed the base of her horn, causing her eyes to snap open.
"Da-darling. Please be careful around a lady's horn. It's actually rather sensitive, you know." she stammered out, blushing slightly.
Jason moved his hand away while continuing his rubs looking her in the eyes apologetically.
I'm dreadfully sorry about that Ms. Rarity. I hadn't known of such a situation. I will make sure to be much more careful to not repeat this error in the future.
He then turned away, raised an eyebrow and thought to himself.
Why did that seem to come out like I was some sort of British butler just now?
Rarity was able to pick up on the apology even without pinkie to translate.
"It's quite alright. There was no way you could have known. You had only arrived here today, for Celestia's sake. Think nothing of it." Rarity flashed him a demure grin.
Jason sheepishly grin in kind.
After everything had been decided on for the moment, everyone said their goodbyes for the night as they left for home.
Fluttershy climbed the stairs to her bedroom as Jason Bedded down for the night on the couch.
"Goodnight, Jason. I'll see you in the morning."
Jason waved.
Goodnight, Fluttershy.
Jason closed his eyes and was soon unconscious. He was never one who had a hard time going to sleep.
Upon Jason being out like a light, the demon set to work absorbing magic from the nearby Everfree Forest. That wild dark magic that flowed so free seemed to be the best to store up for use later. Jason's abilities had grown steadily stronger but was far from fully being recharged.
(Current status: nine percent)
Canterlot Castle: Present Time
Princess Celestia was stunned like never before upon looking at the enclosed photograph her former student had sent her.
Twilight and her friends were surrounding a figure she had never seen before, who was wearing some sort of mask, tattered worn out clothes, and eyes that were glowing as if fire was blazing in his irises.
"What kind of beast from Tartarus is that! I can almost feel the hatred for all living things from just this picture!"
She gasped in realization.
"What am I doing?! They could be in danger! I need to get over there ri...."
Her Thought process came to a screeching halt.
"Okay. Hold on now. If they were in danger, why would she send a letter and not stress that fact? If it took over their minds to control them, why announce its presence in such a way? Is it confident it can take on Luna and myself that easily?"
She brought the picture closer to examine the other six, looking for anything out of the ordinary.
"They don't seem to be in distress. Their eyes don't seem to be glazed over, hinting mind control. Hmm."
She looked between all of them featured in the image.
"They all seem to have been crying recently but those smile's look genuine."
After a long deliberation, taking up the letter and picture with her magic, Celestia opened the door to the hallway, then headed toward Luna's room to get her point of view. She walked through the corridor still deep in her thoughts.
"I'm sure this Jason was what my nightmare was about, but I still don't understand what it meant. Was it a warning about what it will do? Was it a sign of things to come? He hasn't done anything right now; however, he could be just biding his time." she muttered to herself as she sauntered down the hall.
Sighing and shaking her head in worry, she came to a halt in front of Luna's bedroom door. Knocking a few times, she called out.
"Luna, do you have a moment? I really need your opinion on something."
The bedroom door opened, revealing her sister in her full nightly glory.
"Sister? 'Tis quite late for you to be awake is it not? Whatever could be the matter?"
Celestia floated the letter over to her so she could read it. She perused the letters contents with a cocked brow. When her gaze fell to the photograph, Luna's eyes grew to the point the full moon looked small.
"Oh, my star's and constellation's! What in blue blazes is that?! What is it doing with our friends?!"
"Luna. Luna! Calm down. If they were in any danger, they wouldn't just send a letter with a picture like that. Just breathe and calm yourself."
Following her sister's instructions, she breathed in and out slowly. After a few minutes Luna looked back to Celestia.
"Alright, we have calmed ourselves. Now my sister, you seemed to have come to talk, so please do come in." She moved aside to give Tia entrance to her domicile with a gesture of her foreleg.
Crossing the threshold, she walked over to Luna's bed and sat down. She then tapped the spot next to her.
"Now as I said, if there was a problem there would have been more to the letter. Also, if worse came to worse, Twilight would have escaped with her friends and regrouped with us. But instead, we got this. I'm sure she knows what she is doing but I still can't help but worry. Plus, there was that nightmare I had last night. This can't just be coincidence."
Luna stepped closer while thinking on these facts and sat next to her sister.
"Indeed, but we can't just jump to conclusions either. We should meet him as soon as possible. The question is, should we go to him or have him brought here?"
After a long pause of soul searching, they made their decision.
Fluttershy's Cottage: Just Before Dawn
The sun was just about to crest the peeks of the far-off mountains when a loud rapid knocking cause Fluttershy to jump out of bed in surprise with an "EEP!".
After a few seconds to realize where the banging was coming from, she groggily descended the stairs to answer her front door, that was being beaten like a bongo owned by Desi Ar'neighs.
Opening the door, what stood before her was a panicked Princess Twilight Sparkle.
"Twilight? Why are you here this early in the morning? What's wrong?"
"Fluttershy! I just got a letter back from the Princesses! They want to meet with Jason, TODAY! We have to get him ready as soon as possible! Where is he?!" Twilight's gaze shot all over the living room in search of him.
Fluttershy pointed a hoof. "He should be on the couch."
True to her word, laying on the sofa was a still sleeping Jason.
At this sight though she tilted her head in confusion. "How did he sleep through all that noise just now?"
Twilight rushed over to him and began to shake him rather ruffly. "Jason! You have to get up right now! We have to get you presentable A Q A P!"
"What?" Fluttershy asked confused.
Twilight turned to her lost friend. "AS QUICK AS POSSIBLE!"
Looking back to Jason, to her surprise he hadn't stirred in the slightest. The only movement he did was the rising and falling of his chest as he breathed.
Twilight shook him even more violently. "Jason! Wake up! What's wrong with you!"
Even with the violent shaking done to his person, he just snoozed away.
Before Twilight could move up the 'wakey wakey' plan, Fluttershy interjected. "Um, could you let me give it a try?"
Huffing and panting, Twilight backed away then gave a wave of her hoof that implied 'be my guest'.
Fluttershy gave a slight bow of her head as she passed saying, "Excuse me."
She drew close to the sleeping Jason's ear, then whispered the barely audible words in a slight sing songy voice. "Jason. It's time to wake up now."
As soon as those words escaped her muzzle, Jason's Eye's shot open and he sat up. He then Shifted his body, so he was now sitting on the couch, looking to both the ponies.
Good morning, Fluttershy. Good morning, Twilight. He greeted them with a friendly smile, much to the surprise of Twilight.
Fluttershy returned his grin with her own. "Good morning to you too, Jason."
"But why did?... How'd you? What?!"
Fluttershy just looked at her and shrugged. "A little kindness goes a long way, you know." She stated in a matter-of-factly tone.
Jason tilted his head as Twilight face hoofed. By the way, why is Twilight here this early in the morning?
Carousel Boutique
Rarity had just pulled an all nighter to finish the new clothes for Jason. The idea of making outfits for the new visitor to this world, as well as the 'down payment' he had already given her helped to spur Rarity into completing the order.
With a wipe of her brow and sigh of a job well done, she basked in the satisfying afterglow of bringing these new designs into the world.
She took this moment to drink a cup of tea to relax and reward herself for a job well done.
Then a bright flash of purple light came from the showroom that caused her to almost spit out her drink in shock. Almost. This tea was a foreign blend the was her favorite, so she quickly swallowed her mouthful.
After dabbing the sides of her mouth with a napkin, she was just able to put the drink in question down when Twilight called out.
"Rarity! We have a clothing emergency! Code royal blue! This is NOT a drill! "
Springing from her seat, she galloped as fast as her little hooves could carry her.
Bursting into said showroom, then sliding to a stop, her eyes took stock of the situation.
A panicked Twilight, Fluttershy trying to brush out her mane and Jason clad in a bed sheet like a makeshift toga is what greeted her.
"Code royal blue? Then the Princesses wish for a meeting today? I'm guessing it's to meet Jason. It's a good thing I finished his new attire then."
Turning back the way she came, Rarity sprinted back to the work room, retrieved the completed garments and returned just as quickly.
"Jason, I'd like you to try these on, okay?"
Separating the more formal attire from the everyday ware that was requested with her magic, she floated the outfit over to him.
He placed the two thing's he brought with him (the book and locket) on an empty table.
Taking the ensemble in hand, he nodded.
Alright.
Moving a hand to untuck the sheet, Rarity cut him off.
"B-before you disrobe, please step behind the curtain over there. That is the changing room used to keep your private business, 'private'. just pull the curtain closed behind you."
Jason tilted his head in wonder of why it mattered but moved to comply.
After he had closed the curtain behind him the remaining three began to discuss the next steps they will be taking.
"Okay, now we just have to get the others and tell them the situation. I'll go to Sweet Apple Acres to retrieve AJ as well as Rainbow Dash from her house. Fluttershy could you go get Pinkie Pie?"
"Get me for what?" Pinkie spoke and appeared seemingly from the ether.
The three recoiled at the shock for a moment and immediately after went back to normal.
"Okay, well. Fluttershy fill her in on what's going on. I'll be back in a few minutes with Apple Jack and Rainbow Dash in tow."
With a flash of magic Twilight was gone again. Fluttershy filled the pink party pony in on the details.
Upon the end of the explanation Pinkie (who had been grinning the whole time) nodded. "That sounds good. I'm sure they just want to get to know him, and make sure he's no threat."
Fluttershy posed a question. "Do you think things are going to be okay? I know that he hasn't done anything, and I can tell he has no intention to hurt anypony but...." She glanced to the curtain in worry. "Do you think they will be able to see it to?"
Rarity placed a hoof around her friend in reassurance. "All we can do is hope he can show them he means no harm, like he did with us."
At this Jason pulled open the curtain and stepped out.
Still clad in his mask, he wore a grey suit jacket and dress pants, a mint green dress shirt, a hunter green tie that hung loose around his neck and black socks.
I don't know how to tie a tie. Never had to wear one before.
He looked a bit embarrassed at the admittance.
With a chuckle, Rarity quickly tied it for him.
"It's alright. A lot of colts don't really know how to do this."
She also brought over a pair of black dress shoes for him to put on which he does.
With this the outfit was complete.
After he clicked his heels together, he put his arms out in a 'Ta da' fashion.
How does it look?
The three mares clapped there hooves together in praise.
"Oh, you look just wonderful." Fluttershy then turned to Rarity. "You made another masterpiece."
With a modest blush, Rarity slightly waved it off. "You flatter me too much. I just got a bolt of inspiration and just had to make it real."
With another flash of magic, Twilight, a bewildered Apple Jack and sleepy-eyed Rainbow Dash had appeared.
"Alright, we're all together. Now we just have to wait for the chariot to come and pick us up. They don't want to cause a panic so the chariot will take us to the main courtyard, then we'll head into the throne room."
While the six talked, he picked up the book, stowed it away inside his coat then put the locket in his left breast pocket for safe keeping.
Suddenly Jason's attention was pulled to the presents of three small forms nearing the shop from outside. They seem to be smaller than the ponies around him, trying to sneak up slowly as to not attract attention.
Sadly, for them, Jason was a hide and seek master because of his abilities.
Waving a hand to catch Fluttershy's eye for a moment, he used his hands to explain what he noticed.
"There are three little ponies outside nearing the window?" Fluttershy cocked an eyebrow while asking.
Indeed.
AJ Snorted then headed to the window indicated. "Ah could give ya three guesses on who they were but ya'll only need one."
In a fluid motion AJ threw open the window, reached out, then grabbed whoever they were to their surprise as evident by the *yelp* that was emitted, and pulled them inside.
The three small ponies (one with yellow fur red mane, one with orange fur dark pink mane, one with white fur pink and purple mane) hung from her foreleg, wide eyed in surprise.
"Dang it Apple Bloom, Ah told you ta stay at home an help granny smith till Ah got back. Why are ya here?"
Apple Bloom wiggled free from the hold with her cohorts and turned to her sister. "Ya were just about to tell me about this 'Jason' then Twilight showed up and grabbed ya then *poofed* away before it was get'en good. Did ya really think Ah would just stay home after that?"
AJ narrowed her eyes at the filly. "Ya need ta start minden yer elders little Missy."
With a sigh, AJ relaxed her look. "But it's not like this is an everyday occurrence so Ah'll let it slide, this time."
Looking to Jason AJ introduced the new pones. " Jason, this is m'ah Little sis Apple Bloom and her friends Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle."
Turning to look in the direction AJ was speaking; they only saw his shins. Stepping back slowly and tilting their heads up their eyes grew larger the farther they looked. Finally, his masked face met their vision.
He tilted his head while looking over the CMC.
Thinking it would be best to try a meet them more at eye level, as to not be too scary, he slowly crouched down till he was on his knees, the whole time the three fillies gaze never left his. Softening his stare with a grin, he raised a hand and wiggled his fingers in a greeting.
Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were frozen in place unable to move a muscle.
Apple bloom however was the first to make any sort of movement. Taking a few steps forward, she outstretched a hoof to touch his hand.
Jason made no move to stop her and just let her come closer.
Closing her eyes, she held her breath and made a small prayer, then pressed her hoof into his palm.
Feeling the heat of his flesh under her hoof, she snuck a peek at his face and only saw his gaze grow warmer.
He nodded his head and closed his eyes in a grin.
Apple Bloom let her breath escape her lungs in a sigh of relief.
"It's alright girls. He's not going to hurt us." She stated while looking over her shoulder to the others. Glancing back, she questioned. "Right?"
Jason lowered his hand, keeping her hoof in place till it rested in his palm. He ran his thumb over her tiny hoof gently and bowed slightly.
The remaining two CMC looked at each other than bolted to Apple Bloom's side to join in looking him over.
"Wow, you sure are big. You might be even Bigger than Princess Celestia." Sweetie Belle said awestruck.
"He doesn't have any fur at all, or mane for that matter. Interesting." Scootaloo noted to herself.
The small fillies studied him from top to bottom, asking a few questions now and then to which Jason answered the best he could with hand gestures as well as Pinkie Pie's and Fluttershy's help explaining.
This went on till the hour struck when the chariot was set to arrive.
"Alright girl's, it's time for us to head to the castle. You should go back to your club house and wait for our return, n'est-ce pas?" Rarity spoke with a pleasant smile.
Sweetie Belle spun on her hooves to her elder sister. "Can't we come with you? We want to spend more time getting to know Jason." She pleaded with her with big wet teary eyes.
Rarity averted her gaze as to try and avoid falling into the trap. "Sweetie Please. This is a serious matter. we can't just bring you three along."
She then could feel the pleading gaze of the other two peering up at her in the same manner.
Cracks in her defenses began to surface. The rest of the older ponies looked away as to not cave as well.
She stamped her hoof down as to rally her fortitude. "No, and that is final young ladies!"
"That's right!" The other five added still not daring to peek.
As the CMC were about to give up, reinforcements had made its self-known by a tap on their withers.
When the six didn't hear the 'sigh of surrender' they chanced a quick glance as to see what the cause could be.
This, unfortunately, would be a fatal mistake on the element bearer's part.
What Greeted them was the CMC, Still giving the puppy dog eyes, being held in a lose hug against Jason's chest. Their heads were resting in between their hooves as if peering over a boxes edge. The 'piece de resistance' however was Jason also with big teary eyes that seemed to beg, 'Pwease'? in a childlike way that nobody could fight.
All six of them caved in with a "Daww~."
At this, the CMC and Jason had the same thought. Got'em.
Chapter 3 Royal Appointment
Carousel Boutique
After the crushing defeat in a battle of wills, Twilight cleared her throat.
"Alright you four, put away the water works. You three can come with us, but while we are there, you need to be on your best behavior. Alright?"
The CMC nodded in tandem with agreement. "Yes!"
When the six turned their attention away for a moment, Jason stretched out a hand toward the three fellow conspirators for a congratulatory 'high five' which they bumped with a hoof in glee. They just as quickly went back to normal before they could get caught.
letting go of Apple bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo from the encirclement of his arms, Jason then gave a brief pat on the head to each of them.
"The chariot should be coming to the back of the shop soon, and it should be big enough for all of us to fit on. Just be sure to hold on tight when we take flight, understood?" Twilight continued.
The four bobbed their head in affirmation. "Okay!" the three spoke in unison as Jason gave a thumbs up.
"By the way Jason." Rarity stepped forward then placed a hoof on Sweetie Belle. "Sweetie here is my baby sister. I'm glad you two seem to be hitting it off."
He looked between the sisters, while placing a finger to his chin and tilted his head.
Hmm. You know, I can kind of see it. He thought while nodding.
The two giggled at the sight of his consideration.
He then looked at Scootaloo then Rainbow Dash, while simultaneously pointed a finger between the two with a questioning gaze.
They could understand without any translation.
"Well, we might not be related by blood." Rainbow drew closer to the little orange pegasus and nuzzled the side of her face. "But I do consider her like a little sis."
Scootaloo returned the nuzzling with a beaming smile.
He closed his eyes a nodded to the warm fuzzies he felt welling in his chest.
Suddenly, Jason could feel the presents of something flying toward the shop. Four pegasi pulling something.
Must be our ride to where these Princesses are.
unsealing his vision, he gestured to the door then used his hand like a plane coming in for a landing.
Rainbow could tell what he was indicating. "Looks like our ride is here. We should make our way to the back and prepare for take-off."
Moving the small herd to the back, they met the royal guard ponies, talked to them for a bit to let them rest, then everyone climbed aboard and took off for the castle.
Jason decided it was best for him to be seated in the chariot, as to keep himself as hidden as possible.
Here's hoping everything goes well.
As they soared through the sky, he noticed that his new smol compatriots were shaking from the cold.
Being as high as they were, plus the wind chill it was understandable.
Crossing his legs, he opened his arms in an invitation to the CMC to huddle close for warmth.
They didn't need to be asked twice. Carefully climbing into his lap, they nestled up close to his chest while Jason wrapped his arms around them to envelop the chilled fillies with his radiating heat.
Soon the trembling slowed, then ceased.
Glancing down he could see the three of them succumb to the warmth, beginning to bob their heads and their eye lids become heavy by the second. After about a minute or so they had nodded off for a nap.
At the sight of this, there came a soft, "Aww." from the surrounding mares.
Hmm. If nothing else, I'll just enjoy the moments I've gotten to experienced so far.
Canterlot Castle
The chariot made an approach that gradually came down to terra firma inside the castle courtyard.
The slight jostling of the landing roused the napping fillies, who in turn rubbed their eyes to chase away the sleepiness.
After they stretched out and moved from his lap, they joined their guardians in disembarking the vehicle.
Climbing to his feet, he adjusted his coat, then stepped off the chariot to join the others.
Taking a moment to look at his surroundings, Jason's gaze followed the high walls that were on all sides, then up the main building to its tallest spire.
Wow. This reminds me of that time I was in that open square in that city. No Bright lights like last time but just as pretty.
He only took a quick glance around at Times Square when in pursuit of those two people back then, but he could remember small snippets of it.
As soon as the little group was together a royal guard approached, then spoke in a firm clear tone.
"Princess Twilight sparkle and company." His eyes floated over the nine ponies, then up to Jason (his gaze resting a few seconds longer on him then the others) then continued. "Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are waiting for you in the throne room. Please follow me."
Turning to a massive pair of double doors, the guard marched off to lead the way.
The mane six, CMC and Jason fell in step and followed the soldier.
Posted guards on either side of the door opened them right at the moment they came near, held the till Jason past, then closed them right after they entered.
The small troop made their way through a tall corridor that had pillars lining both sides of the hall.
In front of every other column was a stoic, stock still guard. The only thing that would have clued the passersby that they were not in fact statues would have been the movement of their eyes.
At least, till Jason came into their field of view. Quite a lot of them had their eyes widen, then followed his massive form as he passed by. A few even turned their head from sheer awe.
After walking a fair distance on a red carpet, as well as passing some very important looking stained-glass windows, they came to another set of doors.
Before the guards could move to open the doors, Fluttershy spoke up. "Wa-wait a moment please."
Turning to face Jason, she made a motion for him to kneel down, which he complied.
Taking his hand in her hoof, she patted it reassuringly. "Everything is going to be alright. Just be open and honest like you were with us and I'm sure the Princesses will see what we see. Alright?"
Jason could feel a tremble in the small hoof holding his hand and could see her vision become misty ever so slightly.
She was far more worried for her new friend then she was letting on but was trying to stay strong in spite of that.
Placing his other hand on her hoof, he looked into her teal orbs, then gave a small nod.
I swear. I will not hide anything from them just like I did for you.
He gently squeezed her hoof to which she gave a small smile at his own reassurance.
Letting go while standing back up, he glanced over to the others who were waiting. After thinking momentarily, he made a few motions to the three young fillies and their chaperones.
You might want to keep them from watching when my memory is shown though. Just a reminder.
The guardians knew what he was meaning and nodded in understanding.
Rolling his shoulder, a bit, taking a breath, exhaling, then fixing his gaze to the door guards, he gave them the go ahead to proceed.
Opening the door wide, the group went forth (at least for Jason) into the unknown,
Upon entering the throne room, Jason was greeted by guards lining the red carpet leading up to a small set of ramps that rose to a pair of larger thrones, set side by side.
Behind them were large stained-glass windows. One depicted a crescent moon, while the other had a sun in all its glory.
Sitting in their respective thrones were the dual crowned heads of state.
To his left was an alicorn that was much taller than the mares who were accompanying him. Her coat was dark blue in color. Her mane, which was blue with a translucent blue boarder, seemed to be constantly moving as if it was not of this world and in an ethereal wind.
To his right, an even taller alicorn with a white coat that seemed to have a very light touch of pink on the fringes of her form. Her mane was moving like its partners but was striped with pink, purple, aqua blue and green.
He moved along the red carpet behind his new friends till they reached the base of the first ramp.
Upon stopping, the mares bowed to the duo.
"Princess Celestia. Princess Luna. I would like to introduce to you, Jason, the human."
Not sure what to do, Jason placed a hand over his chest and bent at the waist in a bow.
He remembered seeing a movie on TV with someone going in front of a king and bowing like this.
Back in the good days.
His eyes took on a bit of a sadness at that thought.
"Very good. Jason, please step forward." Luna beckoned to him with a head tilt.
Straitening back up, he strode forth and up the first ramp then came to a stop at the platform just before the co-rulers.
"Could you state your full name please?" Celestia asked in a motherly tone.
Jason looked her in the eyes with an apologetic gaze.
Fluttershy then came to his aid. "I'm sorry but he can't speak. At least he hasn't since we met him."
The others agreed to her statement.
"Ah, I see. Well, I know of a spell that may be of use." Celestia spoke while lighting up her horn.
A warm golden glow enveloped Jason for a few seconds then disappeared.
"This spell will only work while you are here so do not worry. Now then, can you tell us your full name please?"
Unsure of how he would do just that, he gave it a try.
"My name is Jason Voorhees."
To his and everybody else's surprise, an audible deep rumbling voice could be heard that did not come from his lips.
"Wait, What? Is that no longer just in my head? Hmm. Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. How many bears can Bear Grylls Grill if Bear Grylls did grill bears? Huh, neat."
Cutting off his train of thought, Luna asked him another question.
"Now then, would you give us your permission to look through your memories to ascertain your current situation?"
Looking over to her, he nodded his head and thought, "Yes you may. I do not wish to hide anything that I have done. good, bad or indifferent. Just be warned, it's not for the faint of heart or squeamish."
"Understood. Now you may feel slightly odd for a while. Please put up with it." Luna spoke as she rose from her seat.
"That's alright. Twilight used something like this before. It wasn't that bad." He knelt down to make it easier for her to do what she needed.
"That may be, but this spell will be more intrusive for a deeper dive into your psyche. Nothing will be damaged, but it will feel weird. My apologies."
"It's fine. I've been through worse as you are about to witness. Pay it no mind."
After that final confirmation as well as reaching the same platform, he came to rest on, Luna's horn glowed in a blue aura.
Being this close to the Princess of the night allowed Jason to see the sparkles of light in her mane that looked like the starry skies he spent many a night gazing into. He had always enjoyed the night over the day because he could only see the beauty and wonder of the cosmos at that time.
"Beautiful." This thought crossed his mind as he closed his eyes and lowered his head. Forgetting his thoughts could currently be heard.
Unbeknownst to him, a small blush graced her muzzle at being called beautiful.
She touched her horn to his head then produced a large orb of light that drifted up toward the ceiling.
Everyone in the room's eyes gazed upon the floating orb as images began to appear on its surface.
Playing through like a movie from beginning to end, his memories were shown in full.
Including one Jason couldn't remember how it happened of him going on a late-night talk show with Arsenio Hall.
"That was weird."
Then there was when he had a weigh in at Las Vagas with a striped sweater wearing burn victim.
"I have led a very bizarre life." Jason thought as the images faded, when the show had come to an end.
Before he opened his eyes, he felt something drip on his leg. Opening his eyes, he looked to see a wet spot on his pant leg just above his knee. A second soon joined it, then another.
Raising his head, he gazed into a new set of teal eyes that did not belong to Fluttershy.
This time, the look in them was not of empathy but of understanding. As if looking at a kindred spirit.
Stepping forward, she placed a forehoof on his shoulder, then nodded.
He reached up, then with his thumbs, wiped the tears away gently as to not be too rough.
Getting the meaning at his gesture she smiled softly while allowing him to continue. After cleaning her face, she turned and walked back up to join her sister.
Celestia, on the other hand, had a face that shown her shocked state. All the scenes of him brutally killing all those he came across without even a hint of hesitation. Their screams of pain in their last moments still rang in her ears.
Looking back to Jason, her face became stern. "From what I have just seen, I know what must be done."
Before she could proceed in her course of action, Luna Interjected. "Sister! Hold on just a moment!"
"Hold on?! Why do you ask me to hold on?! Did we not see the same thing of what he has done?! All those lives snuffed out by his hands! Do we want this to happen in our lands as well?!" Celestia countered, flashing a glare at her younger sibling.
Luna's steely gaze peered back into her eyes unflinching. "Indeed, we did see the same thing, but saw different things apparently. What he did, as wrong and inexcusable as it was, had a reason behind it. Now that he has arrive in these lands, his original purpose is gone."
She pointed a hoof at Jason. "The shattered psyche of his mind, that could have never been repaired by any normal means, has become whole and calm. He could be considered cured of his madness now. He has shown no inkling to harm any of the group that had accompanied him today, which he could have at any time."
She brought her hoof down to the floor with a clack. "I am not saying we should trust him blindly, but we can't just cast him out either. He was alone in the darkness of grief and anger for years. Now that he has come to a place where he can come into the light seeking salvation, should we really spurn him back to that black quagmire?"
Celestia's stern look only grew as her eyes narrowed. "Why should we take the risk? Sure, he hasn't done anything as of yet. But he could do many horrible things to the citizens. He poses too much of a threat. How can we take that chance?"
Luna's eyes softened as she never looked away from her sister's fiery gaze. "Because you gave me that same chance once before."
At this, Celestia's face lost all her ire in an instant.
Luna drew close to Celestia, Tears forming once again. "He was exactly the same as I. The Feelings of misunderstanding because of being different. Being isolated from your own kind because of it. The resentment and anger boiling just under the surface, only to explode after a long time of buildup. Tell me sister, who am I describing?"
Tears fell not just from her eyes, but Celestia's as well. "The only difference is that I was sent away before I could hurt anypony. He was not so lucky. I could have caused just as much mayhem, if not more if you had not stopped me. This thought keeps me up some days, more then you know."
She turned to look at Jason who was watching the scene before him.
"We are two sides of the same coin. We just have to show him a better way. Help him feel not isolation but acceptance. These mares have already saw fit to do just that already."
She then raised her vision to said mares who all nodded.
"The road to recovery may be a long one but he is already off to a good start. We just need to believe in our friends."
Coming back to the elder princess, she spoke in a quivering voice. "Sister, please give him the chance to show the good that he can accomplish. Please?"
Luna's watery eyes pleaded up to her elder sister.
Celestia looked into those eyes for a moment, then to Jason who brought his head to the floor while on all fours in a Dogeza pose. Then to Twilight and her friends who also seemed to be begging with their eyes, and finally to the CMC who had tears blurring their vision out of fear for what may happen to their new friend.
With a shake of the head and a reluctant sigh, she conceded. "Very well, I will give him the chance you all seek."
Before anyone could exclaim in delight though, Celestia added. "But only under a probationary period to start with. He will be under the supervision of one of the element bearers at all times. There will also be a weekly report sent to one of us on his progress."
She looked to the six then raised a brow. "Understood?"
They in unison nodded. "Yes, Princess."
Luna pulled her sister into a hug. "Thank you, Tia. Thank you."
Returning the embrace, a small smile crossed her muzzle. "It's hard to turn you down when you ask me like that."
Glancing back to Jason, her worry over her dream was still present in her mind. I just hope this doesn't come back to bite us.
After that, Jason was asked a few more questions like where he would be staying and so on. Till there was no more pressing matters that had to be brought to light.
"This will conclude our meeting. We shall send a declaration out of your presents in Ponyville and about your benign nature as not to frighten the masses. Do not betray the trust we have shown today." Celestia closed the discussion.
Jason nodded. "I promise, I will be on my best behavior while in the care of everyone here. You have my word."
Turning to face his new friends he added. "I do not wish to lose this peace that I never thought I could ever acquire again."
At this, the accompanying ponies grinned.
"Very good. You all may return before it gets too late. Take care." Luna inclined her head in fair well.
With this Jason rose, then bowed once again to the two Princesses."It was a pleasure meeting you both and I look forward to the next time."
After straitening back up, he turned on his heels and walked down to join the others.
"Alright, we should head back to the chariot and go home." Twilight cheerfully spoke.
Jason, at the thought of the shivering fillies, posed a different solution. "Actually, if it's alright with you, I could just use my morph ability to get us back."
Everypony turned to look at him.
"ya'll can use magic, Jason?" Apple bloom looked up to him quizzically.
Rubbing the back of his neck, he grinned sheepishly. "Well, I'm not really sure if it's magic but it's one of my abilities. I Can warp to any point I have been to before. Not sure if it works the same here but my gut tells me it should be okay.
Crouching down, then sitting cross legged once more he gestured them closer. "Just grab a hold on to me and don't let go."
The CMC were first to climb into his lap while the others, unsure if this will work, rapped their fore-hooves around his arms. Jason opened his hands to hold Fluttershy's and Rarity's hooves respectively.
"Everything will be okay, I promise." He reassured all of them.
Looking over his shoulder he gave the Princesses a wink. "Till the next time we meet."
With that the little group disappeared in a poof of mist.
The Princesses were dumbstruck at the sudden disappearance.
"Till next time." Luna absentmindedly responded in a whisper.
Carousel Boutique: Shortly After
The group in its entirety appeared in the middle of the boutique, much to the surprise of said group. After looking around for a while, they recognized where they were.
The Three fillies were first to speak. "That. Was. Amazing!" They spoke as one while leaving his lap, then turning back to Jason.
"You mean you can just do that to anyplace you been to once? That's so incredible." Sweetie Belle beamed excitedly at the prospect.
Jason smiled and gestured. Yes, but I can't do it in rapid succession. There is a cool down period before I am able to use it again.
Just as Celestia said, the spell no longer worked now that they were no longer in her presence.
"Do you have any other cool abilities?" Scootaloo asked full of anticipation.
Jason nodded in confirmation.
The CMC squealed in delight.
"Like what?" They spoke in unison once more.
Before Jason could answer Twilight cut in. "Wait, wait, wait. You have other abilities like that?"
Jason nodded once more.
Twilight took in a deep breath and exhaled it slowly. "Okay. Tomorrow, we are going to introduce you to Mayor Mare and then the citizens of Ponyville. After that, we are going to run a few tests on you and your abilities. Rarity, do you think you can make some work out attire for him by then?"
Rarity Nodded. "Yes. I don't believe it should be too difficult to do a simple Jersey and shorts. Just let me get a bit of rest and it shall be done by tomorrow, no problem."
"Alright we will meet back here about midday. sound good?" Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Okay let's call it a day for now then. See you all tomorrow." Twilight moved to the door, and everyone followed.
Jason rose to his feet then retrieved the clothes Rarity had made for him and returned to Fluttershy.
Getting to one knee, he held his hand out to her.
Ready to go back? he asked with his eyes.
She placed her hoof in his hand as she answered. "Yes."
With that they disappeared once more.
Fluttershy's Cottage
Reappearing inside Fluttershy's home, Jason smiled at the mare as she regained her bearings.
After she could see she was in fact back inside her home she grinned up at him. "That's a pretty nifty trick you have there. Plus, it's not as blinding as when Twilight does it."
Jason gave her hoof a tender squeeze before letting go.
He then gestured to the clothes he was wearing then the clothes in his arms.
I'm going to change clothes, then I'll help you around here till it's time for bed. Okay?
Jason got up while pulling the tie around his neck loose. Moving over to the couch he placed the new attire down then pulled out the locket and book from their resting places. Putting them on the end table he began to disrobe.
At this point Fluttershy stammered out. "O-o-okay. I'll meet you out back when your done dressing." She then rushed out the door to start tending to her animals.
Looking back to where she had rushed out, he just shrugged then finished changing. After putting on the new jacket he put the locket and book back into their home's.
The rest of the day was met with nothing eventful happening. Just feeding, brushing and petting all the different animals.
Soon enough though, night was upon them.
Making sure the animals were tucked in for the night, they went back inside to turn in themselves. Fluttershy had a bite to eat, took care of her dishes with Jason's help then moved to go ups stairs.
"Goodnight Jason. See you in the morning." Fluttershy sleepily spoke as she ascended the stairs.
Good night. Jason bedded down for the night on the couch and waved.
Once Fluttershy was up in her bed, Jason took a moment to look out the window to the night sky.
The starry night that he could see was even more stunning than any he had ever witnessed in his life.
Drifting off to sleep the last thing that crossed his mind was the same thought he had while looking at Luna's Hair.
Beautiful.
Once he was asleep, the demon went to its work of absorbing the nearby dark magic. this time however it was intrigued by the spell Princess Celestia had used before.
Time to add to its host's abilities.
The next morning, Fluttershy rose to the shining sun's warmth. Groggily moving to the edge of the bed she slid to the floor then slowly step down the stairs.
Once she reached the bottom she turned and drew close to the sleeping Jason's ear. "Jason, it's time to get up now." She cooed in a soft whisper.
Just as before his eyes opened and he sat up.
Backing up a few steps, she smiled up to him while wiping her eyes. "Good morning, Jason." She said in a tired yawn.
What she didn't expect was a reply.
"Good morning, Fluttershy."
Her eyes shot open at hearing that same deep rumbling voice that came from no mouth. The same voice she heard at the castle.
Looking up to Jason, she saw him tilting his head.
"What's the matter?" He questioned with a puzzled look.
(Current Status: fifteen percent)
Fluttershy's Cottage
Fluttershy could barely believe what was happening at this moment. The silent Jason just spoke for the first time outside of the castle.
Sure, said voice didn't come from his mouth but it's still surprising.
"Jason, I can hear your thoughts. Just like when we were back at the castle. This is astounding. How did this happen?"
Jason raised an eyebrow. "Really? But I don't hear it from outside of my own head like last time. That's a tad odd."
This time it was Fluttershy's turn to tilt her head. "Then how am I hearing your voice?"
Resting his chin in the crook of his thumb and index finger, Jason pondered. "Maybe it's more that my thoughts that I'm wanting to be heard, can be heard. Like a psionic ability."
"Like telepathy? does that mean you can read my mind?" Fluttershy gasped at this thought.
Jason stared at Fluttershy as her thoughts ran a mile a minute.
"Doesn't seem like it. I can only hear what you are saying out loud."
Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, that scared me a bit. Not that there is anything I wouldn't want you to know, but I would rather be able to tell you about them in time. You told us everything about yourself of your own free will and I would like to be able to do the same."
Jason smiled to comfort her unease. "Even I wouldn't want to pry into someone else's mind. Your private thoughts should be just that, private. So, no worries."
Fluttershy met his smile with one of her own. "Okay. Well then. Let's get ready for the day, shall we?"
Getting up from the couch Jason nodded. "Yes. Let's."
The morning went on without a hitch.
Being able to hear Jason's thought's made things a lot smoother and the two got in a good rhythm.
They finished the work that would normally take Fluttershy hours to do in little over half an hour.
Food was properly portioned out to the menagerie and the animals were happily eating their breakfast.
There was quite a bit of time before the meet up, so Fluttershy decided to have a cup of tea to relax.
Jason sat back on the couch to wait for Fluttershy's return from the kitchen. As he waited, he felt a tiny tap on his boot.
Looking down, he saw Angel looking up to him with an expectant look on his tiny face.
"Ah. Are you wanting to have me pet you again little one?"
Angel, a tad surprised at hearing his thoughts, nodded vigorously.
"Alright then."
Bending down, he placed the back of his hand to the floor, allowed Angel to clamber into his palm, then lifted the bunny to his lap.
Putting his knees together, he brought his hand near and let Angel make himself comfortable.
Angel laid himself in the valley of Jason's legs on his back, tummy in the air.
After Angel had come to rest, Jason began to rub the small forms exposed chest, belly and under his chin.
After a few moments, a contented purr was emitted from the smol bunny as Jason continued his ministrations.
"Oh. would you look at that." Fluttershy spoke as she came back to the sitting room. "He seem's to really trust you."
Jason turned his attention to her as she sat in the nearby chair but still continued his gentle pets. "What do you mean?"
With a sip of her tea, she explained. "With some animals, presenting one's stomach means that they are comfortable around you and trust you. Bunnies are particularly skittish creatures, so presenting their belly like this normally takes a long time in trust building. It's only been little over a day since he's met you, so this is quite unexpected."
Bringing his vision back to the tiny bunny whose eyes were closed in bliss, he let the thought run through his mind.
"He, trusts me?"
Fluttershy smiled over her cup. "If his body language is any indication, yes."
A tiny smile crossed his face from underneath the mask. The only indication of it to the outside world was his eyes growing into a soft stare.
"I trust you too as well." She added.
Looking to Fluttershy in the periphery of his vision he questioned. "Why's that? It's not like we have been together any longer than Angel here."
She nodded to his words. "True, but there is another thing animals are very good at. They are able to judge a pony's character without bias. If you were truly a threat, they would have let me know a long time ago."
"Ah, I see. Though those birds did fly off when I first got here."
Fluttershy giggled and shrugged "Well, birds are much more hardwired for flight in the moment of surprise so pay it no mind. They did the same thing when Twilight made her self-known when we first met."
"True." He nodded to her point of fact.
The time passed quickly till it was the moment for the meet up.
"Looks like we should get in gear and move out." Fluttershy stated as she got up from her seat to bring her teacup into the kitchen.
Jason looked down at the sleeping Angel on his lap and sighed. "Sorry little one but I'm going to have to move you out of your comfy bed."
With the utmost gentility, he lifted Angel up and placed him onto a pillow.
The tiny bunny only slightly protested in his sleep but was pacified with a few rubs to the top of his head.
straightening himself out he patted himself down to make sure he had everything was in its proper place.
After feeling the locket and book he turned to the kitchen doorway.
Fluttershy returned after placing the teacup in the sink, then walked up to Jason.
"Ready to get going?" Fluttershy asked with a smile.
Jason met her smile with one of his own as indicated by his eyes closing slightly as he grinned.
"Indeed, I am. We are just going back to Ms. Rarity's place of business to meet up with everyone first, yes?" Getting down to one knee he extended a hand to her.
"Yes." She answered with a nod while placing her hoof in his grasp.
Carousel Boutique
Rarity's morning had been a little busy today thanks to the soon to be town hall meeting that was set up to introduce Jason to the town folks.
Making sure that the requested workout clothes had been finished, having a bite to eat and doing a bit of cleaning up took most of her time.
With a huff and wipe of her brow her task's had finished.
"Now then. I should take a quick shower to freshen up before anypony arrives."
Just as she turned to leave the room, she felt the addition of two more presences appear seemingly out of nowhere.
Looking back into the main showroom, she witnessed Jason knelt down holding Fluttershy's hoof.
In her opinion, if the lighting and scenery were just right, she would swear it could have been a scene from one of her romance novels.
After releasing Fluttershy, Jason stood up then turned to the proprietor of the establishment.
"Good afternoon, Rarity. We might be a little early, but I hope were not interrupting anything." Fluttershy said to Rarity while the latter was still off in her own little world of fanciful romantic thoughts.
With a shake of the head and clearing of her throat Rarity was back from la la land.
"It's quite alright. I was just going to clean up before everyone arrived, but it appears I was too late in that regard." she chuckled to herself.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Should we leave for a while to let you shower then come back later?"
"No, no it's fine. I'll Just be a minute so just stay here. It won't take me that long at all." Rarity smiled and stepped to depart the room.
"Is there anything you would like me to help with till you finish, Ms. Rarity?"
This made Rarity spin around in an instant, eyes wide in surprise.
Looking up to Jason she stammered out, "Di-di-did you just speak?"
Fluttershy grinned to her friend, "Well in a way, he's able to project his thoughts into our minds so we can understand him. It gave me quite the start this morning as well."
"Really? That's astounding." Rarity marveled at the idea. "To answer your question, no. I've pretty much taken care of everything I needed to before you came."
Turning back, she headed toward the washroom again.
"Just wait in here and greet the others when they get here, Alright?" She smiled back to the two as she passed through the doorway.
"I'll be back faster you can say 'shear silk stockings'."
With that, the unicorn seamstress was out of sight, leaving Jason and Fluttershy alone once more.
After a moment or two, the pair went over to a small sofa that rested against one of the walls, then sat side by side.
Upon being seated, Jason absentmindedly rested a hand on Fluttershy's withers near the base of her neck, then began to rub gently.
Fluttershy stiffened slightly at the sudden touch but just as quickly relaxed as he kneaded the muscles under her skin.
She closed her eyes and sighed contentedly while Jason looked about the room.
He didn't really notice before when he was here but there were a lot of different fancy looking clothes on pony shaped mannequins.
"I see why you came to Rarity when you brought up new clothes. These outfits look incredibly well done."
Through half lidded eyes, she turned and looked up to Jason.
"Rarity has been running this boutique for many years. She has been recognized by many of the top tear fashion designers as well as celebrities."
"hmm, I see."
That's when Jason felt the approach of three beings.
Two ponies and something that seemed to be bipedal.
"Someone is coming here now and they're not alone. One is walking upright as well." Jason let Fluttershy know of the situation.
In a dreamy voice she responded. "Uh hmmm, it might be twilight with spike."
Slowly getting up from her seat (reluctantly), she walked over to the door and opened it to Twilight (hoof raised to knock) Spike and Starlight Glimmer, who were surprised to the door opening so suddenly.
Fluttershy smiled and greeted the stunned group. "Hello Twilight, Spike and Starlight."
After the greeting she moved out of the doorway to allow them entrance.
"Jason and I arrived not too long ago. Rarity is taking a quick shower but should be back soon. Come in."
Blinking for a second or two, Twilight finally responded. "Oh, I see. That saves me some trouble then."
Taking the invitation to proceed inside, Twilight turned to the two that had accompanied her. "Come on, I'll introduce you to him."
Stepping inside with little hesitation, Twilight did a quick scan around the room till her eyes fell to Jason who was still seated on the sofa.
"Good afternoon, Jason. I would like to introduce to you my number one assistant/little brother Spike, and my first student Starlight Glimmer."
Both Spike and Starlight's eyes went wide, and mouths went slack once they met his gaze.
"Starlight, Spike, this is Jason Voorhees."
Jason raised a hand in a wave.
Starlight leaned toward Twilight and spoke out of the side of her mouth in a hushed tone. "Does he not talk?"
Twilight replied in kind. "Unfortunately, no. He can make his thoughts known via gestures and writing but not speech sadly."
Jason grinned slightly seeing as he could clearly hear them. Fluttershy gave a look to him then shared a mischievous smirk.
"Well actually, I'm able to do a little more than that now."
The three of them looked as though they were about to leap out of their skin.
"Wa-wa-what?! You can talk now? How is this possible?" Twilight questioned with a wild look in her eyes.
Fluttershy Giggled into a hoof as Jason's smile tripled in size.
"It's not quite talking in the normal sense but I'm able to let my thoughts be heard by those I wish to speak to. It's a new ability so I don't know everything about it but it's convenient, right?"
Spike and Starlight, who had both been on edge the whole time, relaxed a great deal once the warm tone of his voice washed over them.
Taking this friendly atmosphere as a chance, Spike stepped forward, cleared his throat then held a handout to the curious Jason.
"Hey there Jason. As Twilight just said, my name is Spike. Nice to meet you."
Jason reached out, then grasped the small dragon's hand with his thumb and forefingers.
Gingerly he gave Spike's tiny hand a shake.
Nice to meet you as well, Spike." Jason greeted him with a smile gracing his masked features.
As he let go of the handshake, Jason then looked the purple and green dragon over. "You're quite a bit different from the ponies I've met so far."
Spike chuckled a little to himself. "That's because I'm not a pony. I'm a dragon."
Jason nodded in recognition of the word. "Ah, I see. That would explain it. My mother would read me stories about dragons when I was young. First time meeting one though."
"There were dragons in your world too?" Spike questioned excitedly.
"There are some lizard's the bare the name but none of the fire breathing type."
"Oh. That's weird." Spike spoke a little dejectedly.
Starlight then Joined in on the introductions.
"I'm Starlight Glimmer. You can just call me Starlight. Pleasure to meet you." She lifted a hoof, which he took and shook in greeting.
"Nice to meet you to, Starlight. Twilight has told me a few things about you but it's nice to be able to put a face to the name"
Her face stiffened a bit as her ears slowly lowered. "Only good things I hope."
He nodded. "Indeed. She said you are a very talented unicorn with a fondness for kites." Jason grinned and gave her hoof a small squeeze before letting go.
"Oh, yes that is true." Starlight breathed a small sigh of relief, unnoticed by those around her.
"I thought it would be best for you to decide what you would like him to know about yourself." Twilight added in.
Starlight, after being released from Jason's grasp, stood next to Twilight. "Thanks for that."
"It's not my place to talk about your past, but just to let you know, he will most likely be able to understand you better then you may think." Twilight advised her student.
Starlight took said advice to heart and nodded. "Alright but not right now. We have other important matters attend to."
After the introductions to the two, Apple Jack arrived followed by Rainbow Dash.
Rarity returned soon after, looking clean and refreshed.
"Now the only one we're waiting for is Pinkie." Twilight stated.
Jason raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" He then pointed a finger to a space just behind the Princess. "Pinkie's right there."
The group turned and to their surprise, just as Jason had said, Pinkie was present in the room.
The one who was most surprised however was Pinkie Pie herself as evident by the exclamation point that appeared over her head.
"You knew when I was here even though I was being super sneaky?"
Jason raised a finger to his temple, then gave it a few taps. "Sense ability, remember. I mostly have been tuning out the other ponies except for the ones that are headed toward me. You move very fast granted but I could still feel you coming. Of course, It's not omnipotent so I can't see everyone all the time, plus it doesn't work so well for anyone inside of buildings. I can tell someone is in there but that's about it."
Twilight closed her eyes then sighed. "We really need to get this over with so I can test those abilities of yours. Now that we're all here, I'll teleport us to Mayor Mare's office. She's expecting us and the town meeting won't take all day, hopefully. Gather up."
The group drew close as requested while Twilight's horn glowed in a purple hew.
Town Hall
Mayor Mare was sitting Behind her desk finishing up a few documents while waiting for Twilight and company to arrive.
She was a bit nervous because, not only did she have to hold an impromptu town meeting to tell those present about the new decree from the Princesses about their new resident, but she 'who hadn't even met him yet' has to assure the masses he is no threat.
Thinking over this monumental task made the middle-aged mare sigh as she turned around in her chair to look out the window.
"This is going to be one very hard sell for sure." She mumbled to herself.
A bright flash of light filled the room and signaled she was no longer alone.
She took a moment to take a breath, let it out slowly, slap a soft warm smile across her face then spun her seat back forward.
"Greetings every pony." Mayor Mare started to speak while she looked over the small group.
She paused however when she saw the very large form of Jason, who was rubbing his eye's because of being slightly blinded from the teleportation.
Her face stiffened for only a second then she continued. "I'm glad to see you all here."
Twilight was the first to answer her. "Thank You, Mayor Mare. This is Jason who I was telling you about earlier."
Mayor Mare got up from her seat then walked around her desk to more properly greet the newcomer.
Jason, who was still visually incapacitated, turned to the approaching Mare.
"Hello Mr. Voorhees. Nice to make your acquaintance." She raised a hoof for a shake.
Though he was unable to see with his physical eyes he could still see in a way.
Taking her hoof in his hand, he gave it a shake. "Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Mayor."
Seeing as Mayor Mare hadn't met Jason before, she wasn't quite as surprised at Jason's ability to speak.
After letting go of her, he blinked rapidly and finally looked at the mayor.
"Now then, I will go out first, read the declaration, tell the town folks about you, then have you come out. Does that sound okay with you?"
Jason nodded. "I'll do whatever you need me to do."
"Great." She beamed up to him while heading to the door. "This way please."
Opening the door, the mayor and the little group head to the front of the building, where the announcement would be taking place.
"Alright, you wait here and come out when I call for you." Mayor Mare opened the front door and stepped out to the waiting civilians.
Looking to the accompanying group, Jason asked. "Do you think there is anything I should say when I'm introduced to the towns people?"
Pinkie chirped. "Ponies. Towns Ponies,"
Fluttershy ignored the pink one's comment and added her own. "Mostly just greet them in a friendly manner. Be yourself. You've already been in front of the Princesses so this should be a breeze."
He nodded at her words. "True."
"Now then, I would like to bring out the being in question. He will be staying with us for a while so let's give a warm, Ponyville welcome to Jason Voorhees. Come on out here."
Jason turned to the door, put a hand to it and gave it a little push.
Stepping through the doorway, the large gathering of ponies gasped in awe to the new being in their midst.
As he walked over to Mayor Mare, Jason scanned over the crowd, looking at the multi-colored ponies as they stared back at him.
Stopping to stand next to Mayor Mare, Jason raised a hand in greeting. "Hello, everyone."
Three mares in the crowd fell to the ground in a faint and Jason could slightly hear one of them say, "The horror, The horror."
He cringed and looked back to the doorway.
Fluttershy shrugged then gestured for him to go on.
Turning back to the crowd he continued. "Um. well, I hope to get to know all of you better during my stay here. Please treat me well." He made a slight bow to the audience.
After straitening back up he looked over the crowd once more.
Everypony just stared at him causing him to become exponentially more awkward.
It was so much worse than meeting the Princesses.
Suddenly, Jason felt someone rocketing toward him at tremendous speed from the sky.
"Look out! I can't stop!" A voice called out as the crowd snapped out of their stupor.
A grey blur fell through the sky like a meteorite strait for Jason.
The crowd parted like the red sea as to not be bowled over by the incoming object.
"Help!" A female voice cried out from the grey mass.
Jason moved forward and outstretched his arms like a wide receiver ready to catch whoever it was in peril.
As they fell into Jason's arms, he began to spin on his heels and toes to try slowing their descent as to not have a sudden hard stop and injure themselves.
After a few spins, Jason slowed to a stop while holding the grey form close to his chest.
"Ow ow ow... Wait? It doesn't hurt?" The meteor wiggled a bit, raised its blond maned head, then looked around.
The small form checked over itself, then looked up to its rescuer.
Jason looked into the golden colored, walleyes of the mare as she smiled up at him.
"Thank you, mister. You saved me. Thank you."
He grinned back down at her. "Your very welcome. Do you feel like everything is alright?"
Jason slowly got down on his knees while holding the mare close as to not jostle her too much.
After coming to rest, he loosened his grip on her so she could test all her limbs at her leisure.
First one of her hind legs then the other, then one of the fore leg's then the other.
She then moved her wings slowly as to make sure nothing was broken.
Lastly, she breathed in slowly to see if any ribs were hurt in the landing.
"It looks like everything is 'A' okay from what I can tell. Thanks."
Raising a hand, Jason patted the mare softly on the head much to the mare's delight. "I'm glad you're alright. that must have been scary. What happened?"
"Oh, I heard there was a town meeting today and was rushing through my mail route to get here at a decent time. All of a sudden, a tail wind caught me off guard and sent me into a tailspin. That's when I came falling out of the sky and you caught me. Thanks again mister."
Jason nodded with a grin. "My name is Jason Voorhees. It's very nice to meet you, Ms.?"
"Ditsy Doo, but you can call me Derpy. It's what my friends call me." Derpy Beamed.
"Ms. Derpy. If you are ever in need of help, be sure to come find me. Okay?"
"Sure."
At this there was a roar of cheers from the on looking crowd.
"Way to go big guy!" A caramel coated stallion called out.
"Wooo! That was awesome!" A mare with a Mint green coat Joined in.
"YEAH!" A very muscular white pegasus yelled and flexed.
Jason got back to his feet and waved to the cheering ponies, causing them to cheer louder.
A stallion with a light brown coat, dark brown mane and green tie climbed up the stairs then ran to Derpy.
"Oh Derpy. I'm so glad you're alright." The stallion pulled her into a hug and nuzzled the side of her face.
"Doctor, please. Ponies are watching." Derpy blushed furiously while reciprocating the hug, burring her face in his neck.
The Doctor turned to Jason with tears in his eyes. "Thank you, so much for saving her."
Jason patted him on the head. "No problem. I'm just glad I could help."
He turned back to the doorway to go inside when he saw his new friends run out to join his side.
In a wave of excitement, Jason was tackled to the ground.
The praise that erupted soon after made Jason grin sheepishly.
After a long period of this he was finally allowed to get up.
"Now then. Where are we going from here Twilight." Jason asked as he brushed himself off.
Twilight perked up. "Right, we are going to head over to the Castle of Friendship so we can run a few tests. Follow me"
Twilight started walking into the crowd which parted allowing her to pass.
The rest follow soon after, while Jason brought up the rear.
As he passed by, many of the ponies patted him on the back in praise.
Soon he was out of the encirclement of ponies and was on his way to Twilight's abode.
Well, let's see what the rest of the day brings. Jason thought to himself.
The Castle of Friendship (aka Twilight's place)
Looking up to the huge castle, Jason was a little taken aback at the sight.
It seemed to be a mixture of building, tree and some sort of strong looking crystals.
Jason had never seen anything like this before and was at a bit of a loss.
He even stopped and just stared at the castle for a while, just to try and wrap his mind around it.
A voice however cut into his train of thought.
One that was in no way a bother.
"It's quite awe-inspiring isn't it, Jason?" Fluttershy spoke in a warm tone of voice. "I was rather surprised the first time I saw it too."
He glanced down to her as she had a look of remembrance on her face.
"It was a very long day, to say the least." Fluttershy looked up to him with a weak smile.
That smile caused Jason's chest to tighten up ever so slightly.
Bending down somewhat, Jason rested a hand on Fluttershy's withers giving them a gentle caress. "Are you okay?"
Fluttershy placed a hoof on his forearm then smiled a much brighter smile. "Yes, I'm fine."
Jason gazed down upon her for a while, feeling there was something more, but he didn't want to press the issue.
He patted her a few times and peered into her eye's. "Alright, just know I'm here if you need to talk."
Her smile turned to one of appreciation. "Thank You."
After a nod and a few more pets, Jason righted himself then rejoined the others with Fluttershy at his side.
As they rejoined the group, Rarity floated the workout clothes that she had prepared for him with her magic.
"Please change into those and we'll get started." Twilight instructed as she brought a clipboard close to herself.
Jason placed a hand to the first few buttons of his shirt and undone them when Twilight stopped him.
"Wait!" Twilight cleared her throat and blushed slightly. "Spike, could you show Jason to an empty room so he can change, please?"
Spike gave a small salute and said, "Right." before he then turned to Jason with a "This way please." to lead the way into the castle.
As the two depart from the group and enter the crystalline castle, Jason looked over his shoulder to the remaining 7 mares.
They smiled warmly while waving them off.
After the pair had disappeared, the ones who were left behind let out a collective sigh of relief.
"Phew. I don't know why, but when he takes off his clothes, it seems lewder than the average stallion, who are almost always naked." Twilight breathed heavily while also fanning herself with a wing.
Rarity agreed with her friends comment and added in with her own. "Plus, those muscles. I'd bet he could carry two or three of us on his back without any trouble."
Starlight asked a more pressing question. "Why did it seem like he had no qualms of stripping down right here out in the open, in front of us."
Fluttershy leaned in and answered loud enough for every one present. "I think that it's because it was only ever Jason and his mother, so he doesn't know the 'normal' social graces."
The group had an epiphany at her statement, to which they responded with a collective "Ahh...".
"That makes a lot of sense. We should gently guide him through those kinds of things as time goes on." Rarity stated to the agreement of the others.
As the mare's talks had concluded, Spike exited his home with Jason in tow.
Jason carried the shed, folded attire in his arms, bringing them to Fluttershy.
"Would you mind watching over these for me. The book is inside the pile, and I don't want it to be too far from me."
"I'd be glad to." She said as she turned to let him place the garments on her back. She balanced them atop her back using her wings.
After relinquishing the items to his yellow benefactor, he cupped the side of her face in his palm, and gently caressed her cheek with his thumb. "Thank you."
This gesture caused her to blush and lean into the touch. "No problem."
A few more gentle rubs, then Jason turned to Twilight and clasped his hands together. "Alright, where do we start. You said you wanted to run a few tests, yes?"
Twilight nodded to his question. "Indeed. Now then, we had already seen your 'Morph' ability and you have told us a little about your 'Sense' ability. Are there any other abilities you haven't shown us yet?"
Crossing his arms over his chest, resting his elbow in the palm of his left hand, the knuckle of his right hand resting on his chin, he tilted his head in thought. "Well, apart from the new one, there is my 'Shift' and 'Regeneration' abilities. Other than that, I'm a lot stronger than most other people I have met and much sturdier as well."
"What is this 'Shift' ability ya mentioned?" Applejack asked one of many questions on everyponies mind.
"It's like 'Morph' but instead of moving from one place to another in an instant, it moves my cognition at a high rate of speed. It's kind of hard to just explain in words."
"So, it makes you go faster?" Rainbow Dash asked intrigued.
"Correct."
"Well then, let's start with a hundred-meter run. Once normally, then once using shift." Twilight suggested.
Using her magic, she measured out then marked a hundred meters with a start and finish line.
"Now, stand over there and when I say go, run as fast as you can to the other line."
"Alright. Just be forewarned, I haven't run since I died for the second time. That was a very long time ago so I may be a bit rusty." Jason spoke while stretching and walking to the starting line.
"Noted." Twilight said while actually writing that down. She then moved to the finish line with every pony else, then gave Spike a stopwatch.
Jason, after reaching his position, turned toward the finish line shaking out his limbs and cracking his neck. He hopped in place for a moment then got in a readied stance.
"Okay. Ready-!"
Jason leaned forward while bringing a leg behind him, readying for the push off.
"Set-!"
His muscles tensed as he ground his toes into the dirt, lifting is arms up, preparing to run.
"GO!"
Jason Launched himself forward and pumped his arms and legs as fast as he could in a sprint.
The surroundings were a complete blur as he ran.
Soon however, the finish line was just a step away.
As soon as he passed the line, he put on the breaks.
Spike also pressed the button to stop the timer.
Turning to the on lookers, who were in a stunned surprise state at his rate of speed, he asked.
"Well?" Jason cocked an eyebrow.
Spike, snapping back into reality, looked to the stopwatch.
His eyes widen upon seeing the time.
He then turned the watch so twilight could also see it, who's eyes widen in kind.
"Nine point five eight seconds...." She whispered and wrote down while not even looking at the clipboard.
The others like wise share a look of surprise.
"Is that good?"
"Well, Let's just say you move faster than I thought you would." Twilight answered.
"I see."
Rainbow Dash was shaking as she stood next to everypony else, then leaped into the air. "That was so cool. Hey Twilight, mind if I have a go at this? Just to see how fast I can go?"
Twilight was about to speak, when Jason spoke first.
"I don't mind. It could be fun."
"Yes!" Rainbow Dash cheered as she went to the starting line.
She shook herself loose to get ready to run.
Twilight sighed, then called out. "Alright, Ready!"
Rainbow Dash hunkered down slightly and spread her wings.
"Set!"
She raised her flank in the air, swishing her tail excitedly.
"GO!"
A flash of Rainbow colors crossed the finish line in what seemed like an instant.
Spike hit the stopper and looked at the time.
"Zero point three seven seconds!"
"Wooo! Ah yeah! I think I beat my old time with that one!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
Jason clapped his hands in amazement. "That was outstandingly done. Nice job." He was genuinely amazed by her rate of speed.
Rainbow bowed at the praise. "Thank you."
"Okay Jason. Now let's time you, while you use your 'Shift' ability." Twilight said while looking over her notes.
He moved back to the starting line and readied himself once more.
"Ready!"
He steeled himself.
"Set!"
Jason closed his eyes and prepared to activate 'Shift'.
"GO!"
Upon activating 'Shift', time seemed to come to a standstill.
Jason's cognition rocketed forward to the finish line.
As he passed, He notice the only one who seemed to be following his movement with their eyes was Pinkie Pie.
Everypony else almost seemed like they were frozen in place.
After crossing the finish line, Jason deactivated 'Shift' and stopped.
Pinkie pressed the stopper on the watch this time, much to Spikes surprise.
"Pinkie, what are you doing? How are we supposed to time him if you..."
That's when he saw that Jason was no longer at the starting line, along with everypony present.
They then turned as one to the finish line, only to see Jason standing there.
One by one, their jaws fell open.
Spike then looked at the time.
"Eighty-eight point three four.... Milliseconds...."
If their jaws could fall any further, they would have hit the ground.
Rainbow Dash was dumbstruck at the utterance of his time.
Twilight wrote down the time, then worked on the math. Her eyes went wide, then spoke. "Jason, mathematically speaking, you just moved at speeds up to Mach three point three."
Jason nodded to her statement in thought. "Hmm. I definitely seemed to be moving faster than normal. it was quite odd."
Rainbow Dash then cut into the conversation. "Did you, perhaps, use 'Morph' instead of 'Shift' cause even I couldn't keep track."
Jason shook his head. "No, it was most definitely 'Shift'. Just ask Pinkie Pie. She was watching me the whole time."
Everypony turned to Pinkie as she nodded with a big smile on her face. "Yeppers. He was moving super-duper fast, but I kept my eyes on him the whole time. I promise."
Rainbow sighed and looked to the ground. "Well, if Pinkie says so. Sorry I doubted you,"
Jason turned to the Rainbow maned flyer and shrugged. "I'm Just as surprised as you. Like I said, this never happened before now."
She nodded, not looking up.
"At least you can fly. Always wanted to when I was younger. I'm pretty envious of you."
This finally caused her to look up.
"Really?"
"Absolutely."
Jason reached out a hand and patted her on the head.
She smiled for a bit, then gently pushed his hand away. "Okay, okay."
The exuberant mare made a rebound in record time.
"Alright, Next let's test your strength." Twilight said while summoning multiple weights.
"Let's start with one hundred pounds and work our way up."
One Thousand Pounds Later
"Okay, now for one thousand one hundred pounds."
Twilight was wiping the sweat from her brow as she added the weights to the bar.
Jason didn't have even a single bead of sweat on his face, even under his mask.
After they were locked in place Jason stepped up to the weights, put his hands on each side of the bar, then with little effort, lifted it over his head.
"All right let's do a bit of a leap in weight." Twilight looked up to Jason as he put down the weight bar. "A metric ton."
Using her magic, she made the weights disappear and brought in an old timey bar bell a turn of the century strong man might use.
'One metric ton' was written on each of the giant cast iron balls.
Even in its state of rest, the bar bell sank into the earth ever so slightly.
The sight of this archaic piece of work out equipment, made Jason want to say. "Gadzooks."
Stepping close to the bar bell, Jason crouched down then gripped it.
With a bit of a wiggle and a grunt, he stood up bringing the heavy load up with him in a 'clean and jerk' fashion.
With the bar resting just under his chin, he expelled a little air from his lungs.
"Come on Jason. You can do this." Fluttershy cheered her support in her typical small voice.
With a final 'Harrumph' from Jason, he lifted the bar over his head.
The Group cheered and clopped their hooves at his success.
This caused Jason to exclaim. "Bully!"
After making sure nobody was right by him, he dropped the weight, causing a massive indent in the ground to form with a mighty *THUMP*.
He huffed, then raised an arm in victory.
"Nicely done. I think we'll call it good on the weightlifting for today." Twilight spoke, while she marked down a few more notes.
"That should also be a good demonstration of your durability as well. Anypony else would have most likely been crushed under the weight. The only ability left to test is your 'Regeneration' but that would mean purposely causing you harm, so we are not going to do that."
With a collective, "Agreed." The group nodded to Twilight's point of 'non harm to a friend'.
"Well, you could always just look into my memories again if need be. I was, for the most part, a walking corpse before waking up here." Jason pointed out.
"There is that too." Twilight conceded. "Anyway, let's call it a day with what data we have so far. We can always do more tests later if need be."
"Alright."
At this, Spike chimed in. "So, does that mean he can hang out with Starlight and I? I'd like to get to know him a little better."
Looking to the little dragon Jason inclined his head. "I don't mind. I'd like to learn more about the two of you as well."
The pair in question grinned in glee.
"Why don't we go inside. I can show you my kite collection if you'd like." Starlight giddily said as she headed toward the castle.
Jason followed behind her with Spike at his side. "I'd love to see your collection."
And Now for Something Completely Different.
Night Stocker walked home late at night after working at 'Big Deal's Warehouse and Emporium'.
He recently had to take a second shift job because of the company deciding to get rid of the third shift positions across the board.
Much to his dismay.
"This is bullshit! Telling me 'You have to watch the way you talk in front of other ponies'. I wasn't the one who wanted to work during the day in the first place. I liked working night's because I could just come in, do my job and go home. But NOOOO! They just had to cut that job for no good reason and force me to work with other ponies. Luna Dammit!"
As he said this, he kicked a can down the mostly empty street.
He had been working nights for the majority of his life and he liked it that way.
He didn't have many friends and the only times he was 'out and about' during the day was because he needed to be.
His mane was cut very short to be almost as long as his fur. Under a black jacket was his pale white coat. To the point where many thought he would glow in the dark.
Because of this, as well as being a Batpony, he was very sensitive to the accursed day star.
So, he grew very accustomed to working at night.
"Ugh. The constant stream of questions from patrons are driving me up the wall. I just want to work!"
He huffed and kicked the can once more.
"Still, it's not all bad. You got to make a few new friends and you still work with one stallion from overnights. So, every cloud has a silver lining I guess." He chuckled to himself. "Plus, they get your morbid sense of humor, which is nice as well. You also get to spend more time with the kid because of the time change too."
His daughter, who was just like him in many ways, was the only real light in his life apart from the rest of his family.
He still remembered the sweet moments when she was a small filly. Holding her against his chest just to have her fall asleep soon after, while she listened to his heartbeat.
A small smile crept across his muzzle for the warm feelings and pride he felt from his now grown-up daughter as he walked.
"Screw it. As much as your complaining, it's not like you're going to do anything about it. Just do what you normally do. Keep your head down, work your flank off 'when you can', and live your life."
Coming up to the can, he crushed it under his hoof, picked it up and threw it into a nearby trash bin.
"Now that my shift is over, time to get a little food and head home."
As he continued down the street, he started to hum to himself to pass the time.
Unbeknownst to him however, he was never going to make it home this night.
For a pair of predatory eyes were watching him from the shadows and were looking for a midnight snack of its own.
After buying some food from the 'Produce Plaza Bonanza', Night Stocker was once again making his way home.
"All right! I'm glad they were having a sale on the stuff I had a hankering for. Lucky me."
He pulled out one of the radishes he had gotten for his late lunch and popped it into his mouth.
With a satisfying crunch, he chewed and swallowed his food of choice for the evening.
"Ah, That's the good stuff."
Walking along down the lonely street, he glanced up to the night sky.
Noticing that the starry sky he had expected to see was being blacked out and the full moon was becoming masked by clouds, Night Stocker could guess what this meant.
"Oh Buck. I forgot there was supposed to be a rainstorm tonight. I'd better hurry home."
Putting a little more pep in his giddy-up, he began to trot.
After a few blocks, he noticed something.
A Sound.
It wasn't just the sound from his hoof falls, or of the rumbling thunder from the storm up above either.
It was a sound that was coming from behind him.
Something big.
Now, normally this wouldn't have bothered him.
Amongst the other ponies, he stood head and withers taller than most.
But this, this sounded like it was even bigger than him.
He wanted to look back, but something in the back of his mind just told him to keep going.
This caused him to move a bit faster in hopes that maybe they were just headed in the same direction he was, not following him.
Now moving in a canter, he rotated one of his ears behind him to hear if 'whatever it was' was still following him.
It seemed like he was making some distance between him and the sound so far.
"It's fine. It's most likely just somepony on their way home as well. Nothing to freak out about bud." He whispered to himself, trying to calm his nerves.
Deciding to take a small, short cut that most ponies didn't use, he cut into a small alleyway, while not breaking his stride.
Keeping his ear turned back to listen intently.
For a while, he heard nothing.
He was about to breathe a sigh of relief, till he heard it again.
Following him into the alley.
And it was gaining on him.
His heart began to beat faster as he moved into a full gallop.
As he ran, Night Stocker knocked over some trash cans he came across to block its path.
After exiting the short cut, he fled as fast as he could.
Then to his horror, his ears picked up the sounds of crushing metal.
They just went right through the blockade like it was nothing. His thoughts raced as adrenaline pumped through his veins.
In addition, they were getting closer.
Shit, shit, shit. I take it all back. I won't complain anymore at work. I'll be a model employee. I'll do anything you want. Just please let me get home safe! Please Luna! PLEASE CELESTIA!
Tears of panic and fear leaked from his eyes as he ran, praying to even the sun goddess herself for his safety.
Just as the thing that was coming after him was almost upon him, and he could swear he felt its hot breath on the nape of his neck....
It stopped.
Dead in its tracks.
Galloping for about half a furlong, he finally took the chance to look behind him.
There, standing under a light post, with a big, warm, friendly grin plastered to his face, was none other than, Rico Suave.
Night Stocker slowed to a stop when he recognized his shift leader.
With that charming smile, perfect hair style, and overall suaveness that he just seemed to have pour out of him.
Panting, Night Stocker turned to face his boss.
"You son of a broodmare! What the buck are you trying to do?! Give me a Luna Damned Heart attack?! I almost pissed myself I was so scared, you Azteca bastard!"
At this, Rico just lifted an eyebrow and shrugged with the utmost nonchalance.
At this point, most other normal ponies would have blown a gasket, possibly beaten the offender half to death, then beaten him again just for good measure.
But.
"B-wa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!"
Night Stocker was no normal pony.
"Sweet Celestia's marvelous teats, Rico. You bucking got me good with that one. Oh colt, my heart is still thumping like mad. Whoo buddy."
Night Stocker drew closer to the still smirking friend. Rico Suave was one of the few people he considered a friend at work. Him and the other stallion from the nightshift were as thick as thieves. Always finding ways to make each other laugh. Even when one of them was down or upset, the others would crack a joke and make their day just a little more tolerable.
Some said the three were in a bromance, which they kind of were.
Others said it was a love triangle, which they disputed.
In most love triangles somepony gets hurt.
So, they were in a love circle.
Nothing but pleasure, baby.
.....
Yeah.
Okay.
They were dumb, but they were dumb together.
So what'eva, they do what they want.
"Stallion, I should really beat your flank in but, I have to admit, you got me good."
As he got closer, he put a forehoof into his jacket pocket to get one of his radishes out for his friend.
Little did he know that what he was approaching was not his friend.
It was his executioner.
What he saw and what was really there were two very different things.
Not a changeling.
No, no.
This was something far more ancient.
Far more, evil.
Far more, ravenous.
After pulling out one of the radishes from his pocket, he breathed on it a few times, then rubbed it on his jacket.
"Here bud, a little something for your trouble." He stated as he came to rest in front of the being.
His attention was too occupied with cleaning the vegetable to notice Rico's mouth filling with razor sharp, jagged teeth.
As Stocker finished wiping off the radish, he noticed something.
The shadow on the ground around Rico was far too big for the little pony.
While knitting his eyebrows in confusion, he raised the hoof with the radish in it up absentmindedly.
*SNAP*
*Crunch*
*Crunch*
*Crunch*
*Crunch*
*Gulp*
That was when blood started to pool on the ground, entering Night Stocker's field of view.
He angled his head up to see where it was coming from.
Looking to his hoof he saw.
Nothing.
Nothing but a bloody stump where his hoof should have been.
Weirdly, He felt no pain at all.
That was because, mercifully, the adrenaline high was still in effect.
Shifting his gaze over to where Rico was, he was gone.
And in his place, was a wall of thick, coarse red-ish brown hair.
Night Stocker's eyes followed the wall upward till, all he saw was the gaping maw of the creature in front of him, ready to snap shut on his head.
Night Stocker's life flash before his eyes in an instant as a tear rolled down his cheek.
The last vision he saw, before the jaws of death closed to a world of darkness, was of his daughter when she was two years old. She nuzzled close to his chest and said in a sleepy voice. "Daddy, I love you."
*SNAP*
*Crunch*
*Crunch*
*Crunch*
*SNAP*
*Crunch*
Sometime Later....
The beast had finished his meal and moved on.
The only evidence of Night Stocker left, was a pool of fresh blood on the concrete sidewalk.
*Drip*
*Drip Drip Drip*
The rain began to fall.
Slowly at first, then going more and more into a down pour.
As the rain came down, harder and harder, it washed away the blood to the point that there was none left.
The water flowed down the curb, down the street and into the gutter system.
Written above the gutter, cast in the metal, it reads, 'Manehattan Public Sewer System.
And Now: The Larch
Author's Note
Before anybody ask's me. No, it is not the creature from IT. The beastie I'm included in this story is from my childhood. NO, not IT! I'll just say that the name of the pony he eats is the biggest hint in the world. episode 11. That's all I'm gonna say on that. Any who. If you made it this far, I thank you for reading my silly little story. I work on it little by little, by myself and hammering out the kinks takes me a while. But I digress. Thank You for reading, and look forward to more.
Chapter 6 A Discord With Discord
It had been nearly one week since Jason had arrived in Equestria.
While being under the watchful gaze of the element bearers, Jason had grown more accustomed to a normal day to day life.
Helping Fluttershy in the mornings with her animal friends went so quickly, that the others thought it would be a good idea to have him help out at Sweet Apple Acres.
Apple Jack and Jason walked down the main road through town, headed to her family farm.
As they moved along, passersby greeted the pair with a friendly 'good morning' while they continued to their own tasks.
What apprehension there was for the new being living amongst them was blown away with the reassurance of their Princesses, hometown heroines, his own friendly demeanor, as well as him saving the local mail mare from a nasty crash with relative ease
The final few who still needed to meet Jason would be the Apple family matriarch and AJ's elder brother.
"This shouldn't take too long seeing as they have already heard of ya from ma'self and Apple Bloom. We'll Just do a quick 'howdy-do' then I'll show ya the ropes of apple buck'n."
"Sounds good."
He looked about the town as they walked, admiring the different homes and buildings.
"Hopefully with yer help, we can get the buck'n, sort'n and store'n done sooner than last year." AJ smiled with an optimistic grin evident on her face.
Bringing his attention back to her, he brought up his hand, then clenched it in anticipation.
"I'll do my best."
The stroll to the farm was not a long one and they had arrived at a decent time.
Passing through the archway with apples adorning it, they proceeded down the path that was lined on either side with apple trees.
Jason might have lived the majority of his life in or near wooded areas, but this was the first time he had ever been to a orchard.
Especially one of this magnitude in sheer acreage.
While he was glancing about the surrounding trees in childlike wonder, AJ chuckled to herself.
"First time seeing this many apple trees? Ah can understand. Ah may have grown up here and been around these trees ma entire life but watch'n the sun set while on the hill overlooking the orchard is breath take'n, Ah tell ya."
Soon, AJ's home came into view through the thicket of trees and limbs.
Interestingly, it looked like a very large red barn.
"There she is. Ma home sweet home. Come on, Granny Smith and Big Mac should still be inside."
AJ moved into a canter and reached the front door, opened it, then hollered inside.
"Granny Smith?! Big Mac?! Could ya come out here fur a sec? I'd like to introduce ya to that Jason feller Apple Bloom and I been tell'n ya'll about."
After a short moment a voice called back.
"Alright, we're coming Apple jack. Keep yer britches on."
Aj rolled her eyes, seeing as she wasn't actually wearing anything apart from her hat.
The first to exit the home was the elderly mare, creaking all the while.
Big Macintosh followed behind with a relaxed, stoic look on his face.
Granny Smith slowly approached Jason as he took a knee to meet her eye to eye.
"So yer the feller who AJ been tell'n us about. It's nice to finally meet'cha."
She brought a hoof up, which he took in his hand in a gentle shake, treating her as if she could break at any second.
"Nice to meet you too, Mam"
"A polite one, ain't ya. It's good you young'n's now a days still know how to mind yer manners around yer elders."
She backed up to allow Big Mac his turn.
This time when he raised his hoof, Jason closed his fist, and bummed it into his for a hoof bump.
This was one of the many things Spike and Rainbow Dash had taught him about the standards and practices of being a 'Bro'.
Jason inclined his head while looking him in the eyes.
"Sup, Bro Mac."
More of their teaching's shined through.
Big Mac raised an eyebrow at this but gave a quick incline of his head in the 'Sup' motion in return.
With a bit of an eye roll and saying something about 'Stallions' under her breath she continued.
"Jason here was recommended to us for helping with apple buck'n. ah've seen first hoof that he is more than qualified to help with any heavy lifting around here and ah think with his strength, we could be done in record time. We'll start with showing him what we normally do and go from there."
A Few Moments Later
"And that's how we do it. Any questions?"
Apple Jack concluded her demonstration as the last apple fell into a bushel barrel.
Jason nodded as he tapped at his chin in consideration.
"I see."
He walked over to a neighboring tree and placed a hand on its trunk.
Pulling it away slowly, he closed his hand into a loose fist.
He then threw a jab at the trunk in a quick movement, striking the tree just hard enough to cause it to shake but not enough to break it.
It shook violently, causing the ripened fruit to break free, then fall into the proper receptacles.
He turned to the three apple ponies with a questioning look.
"Something like that?"
They looked between each other with a regard of being impressed by the newbie.
"Seems we have a natural on our hooves. This might go even quicker than ah originally estimated."
Granny Smith bobbed to AJ's words in agreement as well as falling asleep where she stood.
"Eeyup."
"Well then, let's have Jason help with the buck'n for a bit, then stack'n after a few trees. Sound good?"
With a unanimous agreement, they all when to work.
The day went by quite smoothly thanks to the green horn, Jason.
Thanks to his help they were able to get almost half of the orchard finished in record time.
It was almost like he was made for this kind of work.
After placing the last bushel of apples on the cart, AJ huffed in satisfaction.
"Hoo-nelly! Like ah thought, this was the first time we'd ever covered this much ground, and only in one day to boot."
She drew close to Jason, then gave him a grateful grin.
"Thank ya kindly for all the help today, Jason. This means the world to us and puts us in a good spot for the future. Thanks.
Jason lifted his mask, wiped the sweat from his brow, then slid it back into place before he returned Applejack's pleasant grin.
"You're very welcome. It was actually kind of fun to be able to do this kind of work. Plus, being outdoors has always been more my speed."
He looked about the surrounding tree lines with a look of remembrance of days long gone.
Of walks with his mother through the nearby woods to view the wonders of nature.
A small smirk creased his face at the warm memories.
AJ Brought him back to the present however when she spoke.
"Well, we should call it a day seeing this is a good stopping point. Ah'll take you back to Fluttershy's place after we bring these carts back to the house."
"Sounds good, though I can always use 'Morph' to get there and come back tomorrow, you know?"
"Yes, but Ah'd still need to do the exchange of your guardianship, so Ah'll be come'n along. Princesses' orders, remember."
"Well, that's true."
AJ, Big Mac and Jason pulled the carts back, then stored their loads away with little ado.
After everything was packed away, AJ went to Jason's side.
"Alright. Let's get a move on then."
Jason placed a hand on her withers.
"Indeed."
Flutter Butt's Home
Jason and Applejack appeared just outside of the cottage from a puff of mist.
"Ah'm not sure Ah'll ever get use ta that, but it's a might better than being 'flash banged' when Twilight does it."
Jason was about to agreed but felt something other than Fluttershy in the cottage.
Something that wasn't a pony nor an animal.
It was much bigger.
A sudden yelp of surprise emanated through the closed-door causing Jason to stiffen.
Launching himself forward, he burst through the front door like the Kool-Aid Man looking to quench some thirsty kid's thirst.
What met his eyes was Fluttershy, being held aloft by a very tall slender figure with miss matched body parts, who was rubbing the knuckles of its pawed appendage into the former's head as she said "Stop!" in a giggly tone.
Though the only thing he heard was the word and not the tone.
In less than a second, Jason activated 'Shift' before the two could even take note of the new party in the room.
After closing in on the pair instantaneously, Jason gripped the tall form by the face, catching it by surprise.
This caused it to release its captive, which in-turn caused her to fall into Jason's awaiting free arm.
After holding her secure to his chest, he drove the offender backward, crashing them into the floor while gripping tightly onto its face.
While staring an icy cold glare at the new being, he growled with a voice that seemed to be coming from the depths of hell.
"What were you doing to Fluttershy?"
The voice that met his ears was from the yellow pony that was clutched to his chest.
"Ja-Jason?! Wait, stop! Discord is a friend! Let him go!"
Jason blinked at what he heard, then let go of the downed god of chaos's face.
Placing Fluttershy on the floor, Jason looked down to the yellow mare.
"Who's-?"
Jason's question was cut off by a cloven hoof to the chest, making him fly backward and embedding him into the wall.
"Discord?!" Fluttershy cried out.
"Popping up out of nowhere and taking mortals by surprise." Discord spit into an unseen spittoon with a ping before continuing. "That's my job."
(Somewhere in Ponyville, Pinkie Pie sneezed then looked around, confused).
Jason looked up from his new home in the wall with a dark expression, then pulled himself free from the indentation.
As Jason rushed toward his new foe, Discord had a confident smirk grace his features.
"Oh please."
With a snap of his clawed hand, a flash of light enveloped Jason.
After the blinding light, a tiny white rabbit stumbled and rolled across the floor, coming to rest at Fluttershy's hooves, face first.
Confused, Fluttershy laid down on the floor while looking the smol form over as it gradually got back up, shaking its tiny head to get the cobwebs out.
"What happened?"
It then turned to Fluttershy and hopped back in surprise.
"Fa-Fluttershy? How did you get so huge all of a sudden?"
Her eyes grew wide as she gazed at what she realized was her latest friend.
The tiny white bunny looked down to its adorable little paw and froze at the sight.
It then followed the foreleg to its fluffy chest, down to its pudgy pokable belly, its larger hind legs, then behind to its puffy cotton tail (which it gave a little wiggle).
reaching up, it ran its paws upward along its long, adorable ears, then let its arms fall to its sides, baffled.
It then shifted its gaze back to Fluttershy with a deadpan look.
The smol bunny had a design on its fur, that looked like it was wearing a tiny hockey mask with red chevrons on its widdle biddy face.
"Am I? A rabbit right now?"
With out saying a word, Fluttershy nodded.
Jason face-palmed with his itty-bitty pawed hand.
A chuckle made Jason glare up a Discord with a look that, if he was in his normal form, would cause any who had seen it to shit out their spinal column in fear.
Sadly, in this form, it might only cause a squeeing fit and a mild case of 'Diabeetus' to the viewer.
"Aww. Look at you. Trying to be tough even after being cut down to size? Isn't That just 'Pwecious'?"
Discord said the last word in a cutesy tone of voice while he batted a pair of very long eye lashes mockingly.
This cause Jason to clench a fist in righteous indignation.
Discord scoffed and poked Jason right in his squishy belly.
"What? You don't like that? You going to do something about its little guy?"
Discord leaned down and offered his chin to the bunny Jason.
"Go ahead. Give it your best shot, tiny."
Discord closed his eyes with a smug expression plastered on his face.
The smug was just radiating off of him.
Jason hunkered down and wound up like a spring.
With the perfect form of a 'Shoryuken', his pawed hand connected with the draconequus right in the jaw.
This cause Discord's head to launch like a rocket upward and smash through the ceiling.
Although Jason may have been shrunken to this tiny form, he was just as powerful as his normal size.
Discord hung limply from the rafters as Jason hopped over to the tail of his dazed opponent.
After gripping the serpentine tail in his teeny paws, Jason yanked down, freeing Discord and slamming him to the floor.
Before he had a chance to stop seeing stars, Jason began to toss Discord up and over, back and forth, slamming the god on the floor like a Tom and Jerry cartoon.
He then spun in place and released his grip, sending Discord sailing across the room and into the wall opposite of where Discord had sent Jason flying into earlier.
Slowly Discord rose from the ground while placing his pawed to his head.
"Why you little..."
As Discord looked to where Jason was, He was shocked to see two bunny hind legs hurtling toward his face.
upon impact, Discord's head was driven through to the other side of the wall he was leaning against.
Jason hopped back to in front of Fluttershy and started throwing punches like a boxer who just heard the bell for round two.
"Guy's, please stop. I can explain."
Fluttershy's pleading fell on deaf ears as Discord's tail stretched out then slapped down onto Jason, flattening him like a pancake.
Then, after pealing him up like a sticker, it rolled Jason up into a ball, bounced him off the floor a couple times, tossed him up into the air, then swatted him away like a tennis ball.
He hit the wall with a cartoonish *splat*, slid down turning into a puddle on the floor, then popped back up into his normal bunny form in the stance he was in before being flattened, only much worse for wear.
After waddling to and fro, he pointed up at the ceiling and stated in a drunken sounding voice.
"If you think I look rough, you should see the other guy. He's 'all kinds' of messed up."
He then fell to the floor in a heap.
Discord's tail then snapped like a pair of fingers, causing another flash and turning Jason back to normal.
Discord then pried his head free from the wall.
Then, on shaky legs, stood up.
Following soon after was Jason.
They panted and glared at one another for what seemed like forever, then ran head long at each other.
Before they could proceed with beating each other to a bloody pulp, an extremely loud voice rang out.
"ENOUGH!"
This cause both of them to trip, fall and skid along the floor on their faces till they halted mere inches away from colliding, legs dangling above their heads in a 'C' shape.
As they laid there, face down on the floor, a tapping sound could finally be heard coming from the side of their heads.
But this wasn't just any kind of tapping.
It was the kind of tapping that a mother might do after she just caught her children in the middle of throwing a party while she was away.
This caused a shiver to run down both of their spine's.
They turned their heads toward the sound at a glacial pace.
Upon looking up, they saw a smiling Fluttershy gazing down at them with her eyes closed and dark aura clouding her features.
Sadly, for them, there was no joy in that smile.
It was only in the shape of one.
"Are you 'boys' done now?"
Fluttershy slightly opened her eyes to where it seemed that they were just barely visible.
A quiet fury burned in their depths.
The sight of this caused Jason and Discord to sweat profusely, as well as lose color by the second, leaving them to be pale, white as a sheet.
In a flash, they both sat on their feet, hand resting on their knees, back ramrod straight.
Being unable to look her in the eyes, both found the floor really interesting right at that moment.
"Now then. Who wants to tell me what 'That' was about just now?"
At this, both pointed at the other and stated in a low timid voice.
"He started It."
The smile on Fluttershy's face disappeared as a 'unamused' look took its place, causeing them to snap back to their previous positions in an instant and tremble.
Fluttershy sighed while shaking her head.
"Alright. Jason, you go first."
This cause Jason to shake even more, while Discord had a barely evident smile form on his lips that said 'Ha ha. You're the one in trouble and not me'.
Jason poked his index fingers together in front of his chest, while looking down at his hands and pursing his lips.
"Well. Um. You see. The thing is."
"Jason. I want you to look me in the eyes and tell me why you did what you did."
With the utmost timidity, Jason raised his head to meet her eye to eye.
The cold glare had softened somewhat.
She was now just looking for an explanation.
There was still some irritation present, but it helped to ease some of the tension in the air, making it easier for him to think of what he had to say.
He gulped down the lump in his throat and began.
"Well, I was helping AJ at the farm like you asked me to."
Fluttershy's head bobbed in understanding, coaxing Jason to continue.
"And we got a lot done, almost half of the apple harvesting, actually."
"Wow, That's great. You did a very good job."
Fluttershy let some warmth permeate her voice and lighten her face as she genuinely praised him in his accomplishment.
"Go on."
After the basking in the warmth of her praise for a moment, he resumed.
"Then after we got done for the day, we put everything away and I used 'Morph' with AJ to get home quickly."
Fluttershy looked over to the broken remains of her front door to Applejack, who confirmed his words with a nod.
"Okay, then what?"
"Um, well. While we were outside, I heard you yelp and got worried. So, I broke through the door as fast as I could."
She looked at the shards of the exploded door scattered across the floor.
"Uh huh."
"And when I saw ' Him'." He then pointed a finger to Discord. "Holding you in his arms and you crying out for him to 'stop', I thought you were under attack by this weird creature. So, I moved to save you."
"HEY!" Discord shot up as he glared over at Jason. "I'm not some 'weird creature'!"
He placed his clawed hand on his chest and struck a prideful pose. "I prefer the word 'unique'."
Jason just rolled his eyes at the comment.
"Oh, you're 'unique' alright."
"What was that?!" Discord snapped at Jason's quip while shaking a fist in his direction.
"AHEM!"
Fluttershy cleared her throat, causing the two much larger beings to cower.
"So, you thought I was in danger and acted to rescue me? Is that right?"
Jason nodded while sweat beaded on his brow.
Fluttershy could feel that he was being honest and sighed.
"Okay. I can understand you had good intentions in trying to keep me safe and acted in the way you thought was best."
Jason glanced up to the soft-spoken mare.
"But."
She looked at him with a bit of dismay, causing his chest to tense up.
"Discord here is a friend of mine, and we were just having a friendly tussle between friends. If Discord wasn't Discord and it was somepony else, you might have really hurt them. I thought you would have learned that not everypony is as durable as you are."
Jason hung his head in shame, knowing she was right.
That's when she drove the final nail in the proverbial coffin.
"I'm not mad. I'm just, disappointed ."
At the utterance of that word, Jason slumped forward like he had physically taken a cannon ball to the chest.
He gradually fell to his side, then laid there motionless, without any sign of life anywhere in his eyes, while tears just poured out from them in streams, pooling on the floor.
Discord saw the anguish that his former opponent was in and grew a haughty look while Jason languished in misery.
"And you."
It was short lived when the gaze of Fluttershy swung back to the god of chaos, causing him to take on the appearance of a deer about to be run down by a freight train.
"What do you have to say for yourself?"
"What? Me? I was just defending myself, wasn't I?"
Fluttershy gave an extremely incredulous look that made Discord wince.
"Really? Even after you turned him into a bunny?"
Discord shrank ever so slightly.
"Then proceeded to make fun of him while he was in that form?"
He shrank to half his normal size.
"Then egged him on with a free chin shot?"
Down to quarter his normal size.
"That was all self-defense? Really?"
Discord was now down to an inch in height.
He then looked away from the towering figure of Fluttershy with a sheepish expression.
"Well.... No....."
"Uh huh. I thought so."
Fluttershy's face took on a tired look, shown clearly on her face.
"Look Discord, Jason has only been in Equestria for maybe a week and doesn't really know how things work here. He is still figuring out how to fit in as well as our social norms. He has a bit of leeway when it comes to a few things. You, however, should know better than that."
She then stood up strait and took on the visage of a judge that was about to hand down her judgement.
"That's why, you are going to apologize to Jason first."
Discord's head shot up at this.
"What?!"
"He will apologize to you afterward, but you are going to go first."
"But-but-but..."
"No but's, mister."
Discord grimaced as he glanced over to Jason, who hadn't moved in the slightest with a resemblance to a dead fish, surrounded by a puddle of his tears.
"Sigh.... Fine...."
Turning to face Jason quickly said, "Sorry." Then turned back to Fluttershy with a face that said 'There. I did it. Happy?' which caused her to glower back unimpressed.
"Like you mean it, Discord."
"Oh, come on!" He whined.
"Discord." She gave him the 'Mom' look.
"Okay, okay, jeez."
Going back to Jason, he bowed his head and sincerely stated.
"I'm sorry I kicked you across the room, turned you into a rabbit, made fun of you while you were a rabbit, then used you like a tennis ball."
Jason still didn't move.
Applejack approached the downed Jason, placed a hoof on his shoulder and gave him a little shake.
This caused him to turn over onto his back but that was about it.
"Um, Fluttershy. Ah think he might be dead."
Fluttershy drew close and peered into his eyes that were vacantly staring at nothing.
"Jason?"
She tapped him on the side of his face softly, while not breaking eye contact.
"Jason, all you have to do is say you're sorry and we can move on. We'll 'forgive and forget' and move on, okay. We are still friends."
This finally got him to move.
He rolled over, got back on his knees, then bowed his head to Discord.
"I'm very sorry for misunderstanding the situation, hitting you into the ceiling, flinging you around like a rag doll, then drop kicking your head through a wall."
He spoke as if his soul had been ripped out.
"Okay, now shake."
Jason sat up while still looking at the floor.
He then lifted his hand to shake.
Discord however had to have a few words.
"Oh, for the love of!"
Though, the argument was over when he looked to Fluttershy's insistent glare.
With a sigh and an eye roll, Discord grasped Jason's hand, then gave it a shake.
After letting go, Discord stood up.
"There, now I'm getting out of here before you say we have to 'kiss and make up'."
With a snap of his claw, he was gone, and the cottage was fully repaired.
Jason left his hand hanging in the air for a moment, till he let it drop into his lap.
AJ glanced between the depressed Jason and Fluttershy for a couple seconds, then cleared her throat and moved for the door, trying to escape the awkward atmosphere.
"Ah'll, uh, see ya'll tomorrow. kay?"
"See you later Applejack." Fluttershy called to her friend as she got closer to the miserable masked man.
Jason just nodded listlessly.
"Right. C'ya."
After Aj had closed the door, Fluttershy touched Jason's hand, causing him to flinch slightly, then lifted his sight to the yellow mare.
"Hey." She said in a soft warm coo of a voice.
He let his eyes fall back down to the floor once more.
"You know I'm not mad at you, right?"
He nodded weakly.
"You know that I know your sorry and that I forgive you, right?"
Another weak nod.
"And that I don't hate you, right?"
This time there was no nod.
He only looked up to her from the corner of his vision.
"Really?"
She placed a hoof under his chin and lifted his face, so his eyes met her's.
"Of course, I don't hate you. You made a mistake, you're sorry about it, you've apologized, you'll learn a better way for the future, and we'll move on. Everything will be right as rain by tomorrow."
Tears formed in the corners of his eyes, then ran down his face.
"Really?" He asked with a sniffle.
Fluttershy came closer to him and gently pulled him into a tight hug.
"Really, really."
Jason wrapped his arms around her and held her close as he sobbed gently in relief.
"I'm sorry." He said as he buried his face into her neck.
She gently patted him on the back to help sooth his troubled heart.
"I know, and I forgive you." She said loud enough for him to hear, then started to hum a little tune and rock gently side to side to help calm him.
They stayed like that for quite some time, till Jason's sobs slowed to a stop.
Soon after, Jason's grip loosened, causing his hands to fall to either side of Fluttershy's flanks.
"J-Jason, what are you?" She chirped in surprise.
Suddenly, Jason began to lean forward and to the right, causing them both to fall over.
Fluttershy blushed furiously while getting flustered.
"Wa-wa-wait! I haven't prepared my heart for this yet!"
That's when a dull snore met her ear's.
Following the direction of the sound, she found the source.
Jason was peacefully snoozing away.
Fluttershy breathed a small sigh of relief, then wiggled free from under his arm.
Gazing down at the sleeping Jason, she shook her head and sighed once more.
"You must have had a really long day, huh?"
Going over to the couch, she retrieved the pillow and blanket, brought it back and covered him carefully as to not wake him, then placed the pillow under his head.
After she had finish, she turned to walk away, only for a hand to grasp her hoof stopping her.
She studied his face for a bit and saw he was still asleep.
With a slight smile gracing her features, she sat down next to his head.
She placed her free hoof on Jason's head and caressed it softly while humming the same tune as before.
Jason's grip on her hoof slowly released, allowing her to retrieve it.
That was when the unexpected happened.
Jason spoke in his sleep.
"Mother."
Fluttershy froze at hearing him actually speaking a word, then peered down.
A stray tear ran down the side of his masked face.
Her visage took on a saddened appearance at the sight of this.
Though he had the body of a grown man, and the strength of hundreds more, she realized then that he still had the mind of a small boy who misses his mother terribly.
She resumed her gentle caress and whispered as she hummed.
"It's alright, Jason. I'm here."
Author's Note
Greeting's.
I Just wanted to take a moment and thank everyone who took the time to read this far.
Thank you.
Anyhoo, thank you once more for your time and I hope to see you in the next chapter.
Jason was fast asleep in his bed, in a room that only had the bare essentials lining its walls.
Suddenly, a bright light pierced the inky darkness and filled the room with its blinding presence, which woke him from his peaceful rest.
Looking upon the figure who was emanating the heavenly light, Jason recognized the small form of Angel Bunny, floating in midair with robes that danced in a nonexistent breeze, along with long flowing golden hair.
Before Jason could even think of questioning the situation, Angel grasped him by the hand, snatching him up from his place of slumber.
Then Angel took him on high, and higher still, until they moved in the spaces betwixt the air itself.
And Angel brought Jason onto a vast farmland, that seemed to have no end, somewhere in Equestria's Heartland.
And as they descended, cries of impending doom rose from the fertile soil.
A thousand, nay a million wailing voices filled with dread and despair.
And terror possessed Jason then.
And he begged. "Oh Angel of the Fluttershy, what are these tortured screams."
And Angel said on to him. "These are the cries, of the carrots. Fore, you see brother Jason, tomorrow is harvest day. And to them, it is, The Holocaust."
And Jason sprang from his slumber, drenched in sweat like the tears of a million terrified brothers, and roared.
"Hear me now! I have seen the light! They have a consciousness! They have a life! They have a soul! Damn you! LET THE RABBIT'S WEAR GLASSES! Save our brothers!"
*Ahem*
That's when a familiar voice cut into Jason's ravings.
This caused him to turn and look for the sound, only to find himself standing in a grassy field encircled by trees.
There was a starry sky high above with the full moon illuminating these new surroundings in its pale light.
Confusion graced his masked face as he looked about at not only this new sight but also the source of the voice from before.
"You have quite the odd dreams, if I do say so myself." The voice commented as the moons glow grew brighter, causing him to shield his eyes and squint as the hole opened in the celestial body.
After it grew to a large enough size, the princess of the night and guardian of the dreamscape stepped forth, clad in her usual royal raiment.
Jason was rather astonished to see the lunar alicorn, not to mention her strange entrance into his presents.
"Dreams?" He questioned while watching Luna float down to a soft landing on the ground.
"Indeed. This is not but a dream of your unconscious mind. I normally abstain from entry into others dreams, lest of course they might be experiencing a nightmare, to which I will step in and help by taking the reins as it were. But I digress."
Luna drew close to Jason as he took a knee in respect while crossing an arm over his chest.
Once she was close enough, she placed a hoof on his shoulder while looking him in the eye.
"I have come here this night to ask a favor of you. I have received a letter asking for aid from a young mare whose father has gone missing. The Police have found no clue for the cause of his disappearance or suspects for that matter. She is at her wit's end in worry and sot out my help. I however cannot find him in the dream realm. That is why I have come to you."
Lighting up her horn, she made a small orb appear, which showed some of Jason's memories of him using 'Sense'.
"You may be able to succeed, where others have failed so far. I will not force you to do this, but you would be a great help for a good cause."
Jason only had to think for a few seconds before responding. "I'll do what I can to help."
Luna bowed her head slightly in gratitude. "You have my thanks. I will inform the others in their dreams as well of the situation this night."
Jason nodded back to the lunar princess before adding. "I'm just glad you're not here to scold me about fighting with Discord as well."
This cause Luna's eyes to widen.
She then pressed her face against his, while peering into his eyes.
"Truly?! You had done battle with the former lord of chaos?!"
Jason rubbed the back of his neck and grinned sheepishly.
"Yeah, Kinda."
After Jason's admittance, Luna stepped back.
"Would it be alright for me to look into your memory to see for myself?"
"Yes, of course you can."
Luna leaned in, placed her horn on his head, then after a short while broke out in loud raucous laughter.
"Oh, oh my word."
Luna was finally able to speak after her outburst.
"I Must let mine sister know of this as soon as possible. After I get the different points of view from Maiden Fluttershy and Maiden Applejack as well."
She wiped a stray tear from her eye.
She tapped him on the shoulder while saying, "Well fought." Before opening another portal and walking through it.
"Now I return you to thine rest. May your dreams be pleasant, and many thanks in advance."
Luna lowered her head slightly in thanks as the portal closed behind her.
After a moment or two, Jason laid down on the grass to look up to the night sky, thinking of nothing and enjoying the beautiful view.
Tomorrow will be a lot of hard work but that would wait till he woke up.
For now, this was how he wished to pass his time.
Author's Note
Sorry for the short chapter this time. I feel the next chapter is going to be quite the long one and I wanted to put in the obscure reference at the being. its pretty much a word for word rip-off from the beginning of the Tool song 'Disgutipated' but I thought it was funny.
Anyway, next chapter, Hoooooo!
The story you are about to be told takes place in a mystical land far far away (Wessex County, New Jersey) were in, a certain infamous camp is located. A camp that has a long history of pain, misery and death which most wish they could forget.
Many have tried to cover the facts of its history in myth and legend but in doing so only would lead many to an untimely and violent end. Nicknamed Camp Blood, Camp Crystal Lake over the years has seen the deaths of dozens and many more fated to occur.
At least that is what was believed to be its future. Sometimes things don't go as fate has designed and it gets twisted, stretched or even overturn entirely. What would cause the tale of carnage to suddenly come to an abrupt halt you may ask?
That is where this story begins.
First and foremost is the key character of those campfire stories and normally downplayed as just a story.
Jason Voorhees: only beloved son of Pamela Voorhees, drowned at a young age in the lake caused by teasing gone too far by the other children; As well as the camp counselors too swept up in teenage lust to pay attention.
Pamela in the rage and grief of the loss of her son killed 9 people before meeting her end at the hands of the last would-be victim. Thinking the worst was behind them they attempted to reopen the camp, only to have Jason reemerge as an adult and take up his mother's killing spree of vengeance.
Now dear reader I know what you are wondering.
How did he go from a small child to a full-grown adult?
Where had he been all this time?
Why did he not go to his mother to show he was alright?
Well, he was with his mother the whole time.
He did indeed drown that day but was not found by the police during their search of the lake. His body was later found by Mrs. Voorhees and was taken in secret back to their home which was quite far from town and secluded from prying eyes.
She kept him in his room just as if he was still alive. She would at times talk to as well as speak for the son she loved and grieved for as her madness deepened. Soon though, even this was not enough and all she wished for was to have her son back by any means, no matter the cost.
She sought any and all possible hints in voodoo, black magic, and cult rituals but none seem to be what she was looking for or just strait up flimflammery which only succeeded to spur her on thinking less and less of people.
Then one day, through all odds Pamela came across a strange book that seemed to be bound in human flesh and penned in human blood.
The Necronomicon Ex-mortis aka the book of the dead. It was written in a language she didn't understand but there were a few notes tucked in it here and there to give her the jist of its contents. There were a few incantations littered in the book with rather graphic images as she thumbed through its pages. she stopped on a page that only had a note that said "Breath of New Life" as the title.
Her interest peeked, she resolved to look deeper into said spell. Slowly but surely (and multiple trips to the big city library for any books to help in her translations) she pieced together that it maybe something to bring back her child. She read over the spell again and again in her mind to make sure she knew the right pronunciation of each word.
One thing she learned in her study was that the key to it working was saying the words right the first time. No retries, one shot and that’s it.
After reading and rereading the incantation many, many times she felt confident enough to try it for real. She steeled herself and spoke the words written inside in a measured, even tone.
"Treguna. Mekoides. Trecorum. Satis. Dee."
When she finished, she looked over the body of her son for any sign of change but didn’t see anything significant. Her sorrow swelled in her chest as tears began to form in her eyes.
She was about to throw the book across the room when she heard it.
A low wheezing gurgle came to her ears from the direction of Jason.
Freezing in an instant, she turned her head to look at her son. Moving closer to him and inspecting his small frame the wheezing sound persisted and became easier to hear. His chest rose and fell ever so slightly to the point that if you weren’t really looking it would be easy to miss.
Slowly she placed a hand on his head, while she rested an ear to his chest. A dull steady beat could be heard. His heart had started beating again and was steadily getting stronger. His cold clammy frame started to warm up ever so slowly.
Tears of joy streamed down her face at the thought of her success.
Turning Jason onto his side, the liquid that was trapped in his lungs poured out allowing him to breathe easier, the wheezing subsiding gradually.
It was indeed a success but even though he was brought back to life he was not moving apart from breathing as well as his heart.
The soul had yet to fully return, and part of the spell also attached a Kandarian demon to the young child's body. This demon caused its new host to regenerate the damage of decay that the former corpse had incurred since the time of death.
The spell had also placed the demon in a subservient state to only act by the wishes of the summoner. The soul and demon mixed inside the body, making an abomination of sorts. It still had Jason’s will, mind and memories but was bound by the same spell the demon had to abide by. This caused him to be more akin to a doll then a normal child, but Pamela only cared that her son was alive.
As time passed Jason grew under the watchful eye of his mother.
The demon (a being summoned to this world and a magical creature in nature) needed to absorb the magic in the surrounding atmosphere to grow stronger.
In this modern time however, it only had a scant amount, only found in small pools at best, as well as being few and far between. This caused it to only be able to sustain this body as a normal human and the slight regenerative ability.
Pamela loved Jason just the same as before and showered him with motherly love, but somewhere in the back of her mind she could tell he wasn’t quite the same as before. Even then she only blamed the counselors and that camp for what happened to him and the way he was now.
Still being the good mother she was, she taught Jason many things including a moderate education, building crude shelters and some survival skills which they enjoyed, and Jason excelled at. The more time went on the more human Jason seemed to become.
The ability of free thought came more to the surface, though still childlike and simple, he grew day by day. Pamela was never one to order Jason around which also helped his development.
The time they had together was filled with happiness and love.
But all good things must come to an end sadly.
One day on the way home after buying some supplies and new clothes for her ever-growing boy, Mrs. Voorhees came across a hitchhiker and decided to pick them up on a whim, nothing more. She pulled over to let them in and the first words they said made her blood run cold.
“Hi. I'm going to Camp Crystal Lake.” She climbed in and said with a smile.
What?
Their opening it up again?
After what happened to my Jason?!?
Hate and anger blazed up inside her. she gripped the steering wheel and bit her lip so hard she could have drawn blood.
“Hey, wasn’t that the road for Camp Crystal Lake back there?”
She kept driving, not hearing the girl speak because of the rage boiling over, blinding her to any and all things.
How dare they act as if nothing ever happened and continue business as usual!
I won't allow it!
Never!
“I think we better stop.” Annie Phillips stated, fear showing across her face.
This was when Mrs. Voorhees finally turned and looked at the poor girl with a murderous gaze that could almost kill by itself. Annie who in a desperate attempt to get away jumped out of the jeep. Pamela stopped the vehicle and threw it in park before pursuing her into the woods.
Catching up to Annie was easy seeing as she had injured herself when she leaped from the vehicle. Ignoring her please, Pamela slit Annie's throat and let her bleed out, choking on her own blood.
This didn't really help subdue any of her killing intent. After a bit of Pamela breathing the fire out of her lungs, she stuffed the body into the back of her vehicle and drove home to retrieve Jason.
Jason was looking out the window as he waited for his mother to return. He was concerned upon seeing her pull into the driveway at a higher speed the normal, throwing gravel. The jeep came to a grinding halt at the front of the house.
He exited their home to meet his mother to see what could be wrong and help.
Pamela stepped out of the jeep, briskly walking up to him to meet him halfway.
He was a bit taken aback by the look on his mother's face and the worry showed.
“Jason, my dear sweet baby boy, they reopened that offal camp.” Pamela spoke while placing a hand on the side of his face lovingly.
Jason could see the anger roiling up behind her eyes. Witnessing the normally loving, caring mother so furious caused Jason to also become like wise angered, clenching a fist in turn.
Unbeknownst to Pamela or Jason this caused a stir in the demon. Hatred and anger were something it could feed on and could in turn help it grow stronger.
“We will make them pay for what they did to you Jason. We will kill every last one of those wretched people who dare set foot at that camp.” This is what turned into a part of the driving force to Jason in the oncoming years of stalking the area of Crystal Lake. The only real order Jason would ever receive from his mother, as far as the demon had taken it.
That night Jason helped His mother kill, stow and pin up every person that had the misfortune of crossing their path. Even throwing one of the counselors through a window to frighten the remaining girl.
Pamela decided she wanted to savor the last victim. Thinking It should be easy because it's just a lone, terrified girl after all. After asking Jason to hide far enough in the woods not to be seen, Pamela drove up to the cabin the girl had barricaded herself in.
Alice came rushing out thinking his mother was someone else, then stopped and asked “Who? Who are you?”. “Why, I’m Mrs. Voorhees. An old friend of the Cristy’s.”, stated Pamela beaming a friendly, warm smile.
After a brief interaction, Pamela lead the way back into the cabin the girl had ran out from.
Jason waited and kept watch from his vantage point in the woods for his mother to return. After a few moments there were sounds of a commotion and the girl ran out like a scared rabbit.
A confused Jason followed the girl with his eyes as she first tried to take the jeep, only to scream after seeing the body of her fellow counselor. She tried to run again only to be frightened by another body hung in a tree.
Glancing back to the door he saw his mother stagger out and watch the girl run into the dark night. Pamela murmured to herself in a low voice and set off in pursuit of her prey.
Jason followed them at a distance and under cover of the trees to keep watch. They went into another building, more of a scuffle could be heard and the girl exited first once more. This time Pamela didn’t come out as quickly and seemed a bit more beaten up. Glancing about for a bit, she seemed to have lost track of the girl.
She walked in the direction where she thought the girl had gone off to for a while but couldn’t seem to find her. Even Jason wasn’t sure where the girl had gone at the moment. He was too worried when his mother hadn’t come out to keep track of her.
After a minute of fruitless searching Pamela came up to Jason a tad worse for wear. “Jason, did you see where that girl went?” his mother asked him while panting.
He closed his eyes and was about to shake his head 'no' when he noticed something. After closing his eyes, it seemed like he could see something in the darkness. He turned his head to what was just in his peripheral vision to see a red form running in the distance.
It was that girl, and she was running into another cabin. After she did, the building lit up a bloody red color.
“What's wrong Jason?” Pamela gripped her son's arm in worry. Jason, while still facing the same direction of the cabin, opened his eyes while pointing his other hand at the place that he was facing.
Pamela followed where his finger was pointing and asked, “She went in there?” Jason nodded slowly. His mother beamed up at him. “That’s my good boy. Always so helpful to mother. Hand me that machete.”
Jason had picked it up earlier as they were taking care of a counselor. It seemed very useful, so he kept it with him. He handed over the weapon to his mother as she strode to the cabin in question.
Jason waited from his position by the trees and watched his mother go inside.
A lot of banging and crashing erupted from inside the cabin, then fell silent.
After a few moments, Alice wandered out of the cabin then headed toward the lake shore, then crouched down by the water's edge. Jason shifted his vision from the girl to the doorway again.
Pamela, blood dripping from the back of her head, struggled to keep herself upright and followed the girl slowly.
They had another altercation on the beach, where it didn't seem either side had the upper hand, were growing even more tired as the struggle went on.
Then it happened.
Alice was able to break free. She went to grab the machete that been knocked aside before.
Pamela couldn't stop her in time.
She swung the blade back in what seem like slow motion (from Jason’s point of view) and chopped Pamela’s head from her shoulders.
Her hands reached up for a moment, as if to search for her missing head, then fell on her side on the beach.
Jason was motionless as he took in the scene before him.
He didn't even register the girl dropping the machete, climb into a canoe and paddling out into the lake.
Minutes passed as his mind just couldn't wrap around what he saw.
As if to be on autopilot he stepped forward toward this horror before him.
He stopped upon reaching where his mother's head had come to rest.
Crouching down and with a trembling hand, he placed said hand on the side of his mother's face.
Nothing but a vacant stare greeted him.
Tears fell from his eyes; in the deepest unadulterated sorrow he had ever experienced.
Slowly and with the tenderness one would show while handling a newborn baby, Jason lifted and cradled his mother's head in his arms. He rose from where he had been kneeling and walked over to the body.
He grabbed the collar of the sweater his mother was wearing and began to walk back into the woods. the loose sweater pulled away from the limp body, then free completely, but Jason paid it no mind as he marched deeper into the ever-darkening world.
This was the end of Pamela's life, as well as the beginning of Jason's reign of terror over any and all who dare set foot at Camp Crystal Lake, or the surrounding area. (Plus, one boat trip to Manhattan and going to hell and back literally).
Many Years Later
Jason awoke from his slumber, then rose from his makeshift bed. Upon doing so he turned to the shrine he made for his mother.
He knew what had awaken him.
Trespassers.
After many years with over a hundred kills, what small amount of power the Kandarian demon could garner expanded bit by bit.
His aforementioned regenerative ability after being killed and resurrected multiple times was more or less the only thing keeping him together. It acted like a passive skill that would heal him during his time of rest, when he wasn't out killing. Though he was more or less a walking corpse now because of the paltry amount of magic in the air for him to absorb. He only got a small recharge by the electricity that would course threw him from time to time.
(In simple terms it was only working at maybe five percent of its functionality)
Next was his sense ability. Sensing intruders on what he deemed his domain was one of the first powers he learned about and became proficient at.
Jason closed his eyes to see just how many would dare step in these sacred hunting grounds.
In the darkness he felt something like a pulse radiate from the core of his being that acted almost like sonar, waiting only a few brief seconds a ping returned indicating something foreign in his territory. There were seven beings that did not belong here.
Jason's brow furrowed as he scowled.
All of them seemed to be near the main lodge. One inside said lodge, three by the fire pit most likely having a conversation, a fifth by the wood pile nearby while the sixth and seventh were moving away from the others toward the lake shore.
Opening his eyes, he then gave a reverent gaze to his mother.
Mother, I'll return soon.
He got to his feet then headed for the door.
Stopping for a second, Jason glanced back at the book he kept next to said shrine. He didn't know why but he felt it was important, so he left it with his mother, as well as the sweater she once wore. It seemed to have a face on its cover and made in some strange way.
Once again, he stepped outside the door and into the dark night.
As he began his hunt, he decided to start with the two that were headed toward the lake.
Moving through the woods was the same as walking in his own back yard, so it only took a short while before he was on the opposite side of the lake as the couple.
Keeping himself in the woods enough as to not be noticed, he peered out and across the lake.
The two he saw, a male and female, ran to the beach while simultaneously stripping their clothes, to the point neither of the pair had a stitch on.
Jason narrowed his eyes and grit his teeth in anger at the flagrant disregard of his territory.
As the two jumped into the water to splash and laugh together, they were in their own little world.
Soon they drew closer to one another then began to playfully kiss and grope.
This only helped to fan the flame of his anger.
Seeing as the two only had eyes for each other, Jason stepped forward and headed into the water.
He slid under the lakes surface silently as his pace didn't seem to be affected by any water resistance in anyway. To him, it was the same as strolling through an open grassy field on a summer after noon.
By the time Jason arrived on the other side, only the female was still swimming and treading water in place.
The male must have gotten out first.
Jason guessed.
no matter.
Jason reached up slowly and timed his grab, seizing the back of the female's ankle into a vice like grip. She shrieked in surprise upon being snagged.
Jason took a few steps backward, dragging the terrified girl deeper into the water.
She thrashed at the surface, kicking and screaming for help against an odd death grip she could not shake, no matter how hard she tried.
When she had reached a point where her head barely broke the surface, Jason yanked her completely under. As to keep from getting any air, he snatched a flailing arm and brought her, face to face, with himself.
One thing about this lake, it lived up to its name's sake with its crystal-clear water so she could see him staring right into her widening eyes.
Expelling the remainder of air left in her lungs in an underwater scream, she kicked and punched at him in a futile attempt to get free.
After a minute or two, her movements dulled, then ceased. Jason tilted his head ever so slightly as he looked at the blank stare on her face.
Releasing her to float back up Jason noticed the male was rushing back into the water, swimming to the female. Jason just watched as he started to pull her out and to the shore.
After they exited, he moved in pursuit of them.
Jason's head broke the surface of the lake and witnessed the male trying to help his female counter part.
"Tiffany! TIFFANY! oh god no! come back to me babe!" The man started CPR on the unconscious Tiffany.
Jason strode out of the water, making surprisingly little sound as he closed the distance. With every slow step, he shifted his right hand to the machete sheathed on his hip. Clutching the handle, he drew the weapon from its resting place with a practiced flow of a master.
During his approach Tiffany surged back to life with an eruption of bile and fluid from her mouth and nose. She coughed, gasped and vomited more water out of her shaking frame.
"Yes. Yes! There you go!" the man helped her roll to her side making it easier to ex-spell any remaining fluid in her lungs. Tiffany in a dizzying fog tried to focus between her coughs and panting.
Jason stepped up behind the man then came to a halt.
Tiffany spotted the wet boot of someone and looked up in dread.
Hefting his blade over his head, he readied for the down stroke.
She shrieked "KENNY!".
Kenny turned and looked up to see a hulking, machete at the ready Jason. His eyes enlarged in fright while his pupils shrank.
Then the blade of his machete came downward, with the speed and power of the grim reapers scythe, with the same promise of death to all who are kissed by its cold, unforgiving steel.
Kenny's head was bisected horizontally, just blow the eye sockets. The top half went flying off, landing upside down, right in front of Tiffany's face.
Their eyes met and she could not look away from the complete and udder horror. The body dropped soon after, gushing blood and twitching uncontrollably.
Jason, after cleanly slicing through Kenny's skull and grey matter, with a fluid motion angled his arm, readying his blade for another death blow.
The last thought Tiffany ever had was, Oh my god! HE KILLED KENNY!
Main Lodge
"Dude, I swear I heard a bunch of screaming just now!" Adam stated, looking the same direction Kenny and Tiffany had headed off to, concern clearly evident on his face.
Chad, with a roll of his eyes scoffed. "More than likely it's just Kenny giving Tiffany the ride of her life. I heard she's a real 'screamer ' in the sack." He finished his beer to punctuate his point.
"I don't know. I heard that a lot of bad shit happened around here." AJ looked around creeped out while trying to warm her hands by the fire.
Deborah came back to the fire pit from the lodge, carrying everybody's drinks in her arms with uneasy steps. "Actually, there is a story about these parts being haunted by the spirit of a child who had drowned here in 1957. Since then, a bunch of death seem to happen around the lake from time to time."
"And you didn't think to tell us this information 'before ' we came all the way out to butt fuck nowhere?!" Brandon exclaimed quizzically while carrying some wood back for the fire. He dropped the wood in a heap just outside the circle of chairs the others were sitting in.
Deborah looked from side to side and pouted slightly. "It's not like anybody asked me what I knew about it." she handed AJ an Adam their drinks which they both mouth 'Thank you' for. "Most of it seemed to be just a lot of 'hearsay' anyway. nobody really knows for sure."
While handing Chad his drink, he snatched it from her hands with a look of complete disdain. "It's about fucking time!"
Deborah backed away with a start, looking at the ground. "I-I-I-I'm sorry."
AJ jumped up from her seat. "Leave her alone, Chad!"
"Shut up skank!" shooting a glare, Chad chugged down his beer. then tossed the empty bottle over his shoulder.
Adam got out of his chair in an instant, rushing at Chad shoving him 'ass over tea kettle' out of his seat."Go fuck yourself, Chad!"
Suddenly something came sailing through the air from the darkness. It landed then rolled to a stop near the fire. All five of them stop to look at what it was.
Deborah and AJ shriek when they realize what, or rather 'who' it was.
"What the fuck?!" Adam and Brandon shouted while backing up.
There, close enough to the fire to start smoldering with mouth agape and eyes open slightly, was Tiffany's severed head.
"Shit! We have to get the fuck out of here! Quick, to the van!" Adam hollered.
As they moved toward the vehicle the engine started up, was thrown in drive and sped away before anyone of them even had a chance to get in.
After a few seconds the felt like minutes, realizing what was happening Brandon Yelled out as loud as he could. "Chad, you dick! Get the fuck back here!"
Inside the Van
Chad didn't even look back as he put the gas petal to the floor. "What the fuck was that?! Who would be out here?! Why are they doing this?!" Chad's mind was running a mile a minute as adrenaline pulsed through his veins. His eyes where blood shot and bugging out to the point they were almost going to pop right out of their sockets.
As he drove down the old dirt road, he saw something with the help of the head lights.
A very large, dripping wet figure, wearing a 'worn looking' hockey mask with a red chevron on its brow along with one on each cheek. It just stood there staring at him, almost like it peered into his soul. Said gaze burned with a quiet fury.
It was next to one of the trees nearest the road he was speeding down.
Though it was only for an instant, to Chad it was like an eternity.
"Oh, holy fuck! When did Big Foot join a hockey team?!" Chad's heart raced inside his chest threatening to burst from the stress.
As Chad passed the frightening visage, losing sight of it for only a split second, Chad chanced a glance in the side mirror.
If his eyes could have gone any wider, they would have.
It was gone.
Chad couldn't believe it.
There was no way it could've moved that fast.
The tree was only about a foot wide and none of the other trees were any better for trying to hide behind.
Where did it go? he thought to himself.
When Chad looked back to the road the figure that was just by the tree, was now right in front of him in the road.
This was the second ability Jason learned about and subsequently mastered.
Morph: This ability allows him to warp to any point within the area of the camp at any time. He may not be able to use it endlessly, but it helps him move great distances in no time at all.
The next to come on full display would be his superhuman strength and incredible durability.
Chad screamed as he hurtled straight toward the masked being, believing what he saw was some sort of ghost.
He would all to shortly and painfully find out this was not the case.
Immediately upon coming into contact with the supposed phantom, the front of the van crushed and caved in as if it just ran into a ten-ton steel poll. Needless to say, the van was completely totaled.
Meanwhile, Chad (who had been too busy escaping to put on his seat belt) was sent careening into, then subsequently through the windshield. He flew for a few feet, rolled and then came to a grinding halt.
He groaned in a daze as well as pain.
Jason dislodged himself from the now ruined vehicle, then faced the scarcely moving Chad.
Closing in on him as like a predator on its wounded prey, Jason hefted him up with one arm with little to no effort.
He dragged him back to the van then stood Chad up on shaky legs almost resembling a newborn fawn.
Slamming Chad into the indentation Jason had previously removed himself from, Chad hissed in pain.
Opening his eyes, Chad's vision filled with Jason glaring down upon him.
The smell of rotten flesh assailed his nostrils causing him to retch.
Chad's attention was drawn to the left hand that pinned him down by his shoulder to what used to be the hood of the van.
To his surprise, the skin on the arm was grey in color.
Stricken with fear, Chad's line of sight shot up to Jason's face.
"What are you doing? Let me go!" Chad grabbed at Jason's arm to try pushing it off but only to be met with it not moving in any way, as if it had rooted there.
Jason raised the other hand to show what was in his grasp.
Looking at the object, Chad's eyes widened to see the beer bottle he had thrown away earlier.
"W-what are you...?"
Before he could finish his question Jason broke the bottom of the bottle on the hood, then gripped it in an underhanded position.
Beginning to piece together what was happening Chad stammered. "Wa-wa-wa-wait, wait. My dad has money. I'll Pay whatever you want just let me go."
Jason lifted the jagged bottle up to the sky.
"Please, please wait." He begged his soon to be executioner.
"What do you want? Whatever it is I'll get it. Just please don't kill me." Tears streamed down his face while shaking uncontrollably.
Gripping the bottle tightly, Jason then brought the bottle down in a stabbing motion.
"MOMMY!" Chad cried out in vain.
Jason buried the bottle into Chad's chest right over the heart.
After three quarters of it found a new home in the soon to be corpse, he gave the bottle a twist left then right.
Blood began to pool from the wound underneath the glass.
After being let go, Chad's hands drifted up to the alien protrusion as he slid down to his backside.
Jason just looked on as Chad's fingers ran along the glass bottle neck and around the base.
After a few moments, Chad's body went slack, then leaned forward ever so slightly.
Blood began to pour from the mouth of the beer bottle as if it were a rich Merlot.
Main Lodge: Before the Crash
Adam and the others could only look on in disbelief at what they saw. The taillights to the van sped its way down the dirt road without them.
"That fucking bastard left us here!" Adam growled through clenched teeth while balling a fist in anger.
AJ kept watching their only means of escape as it drove further and further away, despair growing by the second.
"What are we going to do now?" Deborah spoke in a small voice that came out almost like a whisper.
"I'm going to fucking kill that rich prick next time I." Brandon started to spit venom but then the van came to a crashing halt.
They all looked at the glowing taillights that were half a mile away at a standstill.
"Did, did he just stop?" AJ asked questioning her eyes.
"Yeah! Come on, it's not that far! We can make it if we run to it!" Brandon shouted as he started off into a sprint.
The rest moved to Join him. Brandon was a fast runner though, seeing as he was the star player on the football team, so he arrived first.
"You better be prepared for the ass kicking of a lifetime you. Piece. Of..." Brandon trailed off when he saw the hole in the windshield.
Chad was nowhere in the vehicle.
Brandon was also rather curious as to why the engine was no longer running. As the others neared the back of the van, he moved to look at the front. He was met with a horror show he had never seen before.
There in what was once the hood, was a very large alcove were the engine should have been. The head lights, having been bent inward from the collision, acted as spotlights on the grotesque piece of art enclosed inside.
Brandon leaped back upon seeing Chad's corpse, yelping in fright "Jesus Fucking Christ!"
The others, once they joined him at the front of the vehicle, like wise joined him in his surprise.
"What the fuck happened here?" Adam questioned as AJ buried her face into his chest.
"What could have done this?" Deborah meaning not only Chad's apparent cause of death but also the condition the van was left in.
Brandon walked over to the sliding door and gave it a yank to free it open. "I don't know but I'm not going to just wait around for it to come back to do the same to me, or worse." he said as he climbed into the back of the van.
He retrieved two aluminum bats that were brought along. after hopping out he went to hand one to Adam. "We're getting the fuck out of here. Maybe if we walk to the main road, we could get a ride back into town."
Adam grabbed the handle with one hand while petting AJ on her back with the other. "I think it will be faster to cut through the woods then following this road, as much as I don't want too though."
Adam's vision turned to the surrounding forest and scanned for anything that might be a threat.
Brandon agreed on both counts with a nod. "Just to make sure we don't get caught off guard, I think we should buddy up and hold hands." upon saying so he offered a hand to Deborah, which she took without hesitation.
Leaving the road behind, the little group headed into the menacing looking woods. After ten to fifteen minutes of silent walking AJ finally spoke.
"How long do you think it will take to get to the main road this way?" she asked while gripping Adams hand tightly.
He squeezed her hand in return for reassurance. "I'm thinking maybe a half an hour or so."
Adam's ears were greeted by a muffled scream. Turning around to see what the matter was the group turned to see AJ in the grasp of Jason, his hand over her mouth while also suspending her in the air by the face. she was kicking and trying to pry at his hand with one of Her's.
This was able to occur because if Jason didn't want to be seen, he wouldn't be. These woods were his playground, which made it so he knew where he can hide and when. (His stealthiness could make a certain box loving spec ops bandanna clad serpent envious)
"What, how did she...?" Adam wondered as he started to feel something wet touch and drip off his hand. Looking down, he froze when he saw what was still in his clutches. It was AJ's hand. It was cut cleanly right at the wrist. Snapping his vision back to AJ, he watched in horror as Jason's arm began to raise his weapon.
AJ looked on saying "no! no!" into Jason's hand, tears pouring from her eyes in pain as well as fear.
Adam dropped AJ's missing appendage, then gripped the bat with both hands. "Oh no you don't!" he roared as he swung with all his might at Jason's face.
A sickening crack rang out in the dark woods that was illuminated by the full moon, which only looked on in silence.
AJ was unceremoniously dropped as Jason fell like a fallen tree.
Adam took this chance to go to AJ while he slipped his belt off. "Cover me!" Adam yelled to Brandon who in turn cocked the bat to his shoulder. "Right, I got you!"
Adam put the belt around her arm then pulled it tight to try and stop the bleeding.
"You'll be okay, we're getting out of here now!" He Pulled her to her feet by the unharmed limb. dragging her to the bat he dropped to help her, he grabbed it as well as her missing hand. He slipped the hand into his coat pocket, then began to run with AJ in tow.
Speeding into the woods as fast as they could humanly go, the four of them went deeper into the unknown.
Only after their lungs felt like they were on fire did they come to a grinding halt.
Gasping for breath and sweating profusely, Adam glanced back while asking "We all here?". The three replied in the affirmative. "We'll take a minute then make another run for it."
AJ spoke up at this point. "Just." *pant*. "Just leave me behind. I'm only going to slow you guys down and get us all killed." she looked down at the hand less forearm then sniffled. "Better off just being me."
Adam pulled AJ into a tight hug. "I will not leave you here to die. We're going to make it out of here together."
At this time Deborah piped up. "Um, not to interrupt but do you guys see that?" She pointed at a small shack a few yards away.
A faint glimmer of light could be seen from deeper in the doorway.
"Maybe we can find something to help us in there." Brandon stated as he moved to said shack.
The others followed suit if only tentatively. The first thing to greet them was the small shrine that held Jason's mother.
"Jesus, when will all this weird shit end!" Brandon grabbed his head in annoyance.
"This must be where he's been living." Deborah looked about the room in wonder. Her eyes finally fell on the book that was kept near his mother. "What's this?" She picked up the book and flipped through it. The pages she stopped at were the ones Mrs. Voorhees once agonized over many decades ago.
"Hey guys, I think this book has something to do with that guy that's after us." she called to the others who were busy looking for anything useful.
"Really? Do you think there's anything in there about how to kill him?" Adam leaned in with a growing interest.
"Not unless you were the one who summoned him or related to the summoner it seems." studying the page seemed to tell her as much.
Flipping through the other pages, she stopped suddenly. "It does look like we can banish him though."
Back to Jason, Ya'll
Still out cold, Jason was sprawled out on the forest floor when a shiver ran down his spine like a lightning strike. Sitting up like he was laying on a spring, he looked left to right in a troubled manner.
Not sure what was the cause, he closed his eyes to sense were the four had gone.
A pulse spread from his core then outward. With the returning ping his eyes snapped open on realizing where they were.
Mother!
Clambering to his feet in a panic he headed back to his mother's side. He employed the final ability he had in his arsenal to move extraordinarily fast in a short period of time.
Shift: This ability was different from his Morph ability. Were as Morph was instantaneously moving from point 'A.' to point 'B.' as if stepping through a doorway, Shift however makes his physical form incorporeal while moving the soul as fast as the wind. though he couldn't go through anything solid just as per usual, but it helped cover long distances at blinding speeds.
He would have used Morph, but he had used it earlier to kill Chad and couldn't be used again at this time.
Plus, he didn't even think of using it. Like a frighten child, the only thing he could think of was 'run to mother as fast as you can' .
By the end of his mad dash, he was fifty yards away from his home base. with long strides Jason marched up toward the shack.
Adam who was keeping a look out, turned inward and shouted. "He's here! Brandon, help me hold him off! Deborah, get that spell ready!" rushing out the door, bats in hand they went to make one last stand to buy time for Deborah.
She began to read the incantation to open the portal into space time. "Tra. Tra. Kanda. Estra.~"
Brandon swung his bat at Jason's face only for him to block it with his hand. Gripping the barrel of the bat, he yanked it from Brandon's grasp much to Brandon's surprise.
Tossing the bat up towards the sky, Jason then grabbed the handle before it flew out of reach. swinging down at full force, Brandon's face and skull was smash to pieces, killing him instantly. Jason let go of the bat as he walked past him.
Adam roared in anger as Brandon dropped like a marionette whose strings had been severed. "You son of a bitch!"
Adam lifted the bat over his head with both arms and swung at Jason's crown. After connecting with a *Thwack* Adam thought he had succeeded.
"~Kanda." Deborah finished her incantation. A glimmer of light broke the darkness as a swirling vortex began to form in the woods.
Jason stumbled forward a bit, then glared back at Adam as the color drained from his face. Adam moved to make another attack, but Jason beat him to the punch.
With a swing of his arm, Jason backhanded Adam in the face with a smack that dwarfed anything Mike Tyson had ever thrown.
Adam clutched his face while dropping his bat. he spat blood and teeth as blood also flowed from his broken nose. Then he felt something wrap around his waist. Letting go of his face, he looked up through tear filled eyes. He then felt lighter than air as pressure built up at the small of his back.
AJ looked At Deborah fearfully. "It's not working!" Deborah spoke back as she flipped through the pages. "That was to open the portal. Now I have to do the banishment incantation."
Jason had picked up Adam in a bear hug. As he squeezed tighter Adam's bones began to strain and crack. Adam realized the fate that was going to occur. Trying to find any purchase on his aggressor, he grabbed at what clothes he could to push away, only to no avail.
"Hurry!" AJ screamed at the site of Adam's plight. Deborah began chanting "Aton. Neran. Ofas. Kanda.~"
Paying no mind to Adam's attempts to get free, he drew him in closer, squeezing with all his might. Adam's ribs snapped and punctured both lungs. Blood gushed out of Adam's mouth as he cried out in pain.
Jason made a last jerking squeeze that had broken Adam's spine like a twig, then dropped him like a sack of potatoes.
As Adam's vision darkened, he saw Jason turn, pull his machete free then move for the shack anew. "AJ.... Run...." were the last words he ever wheezed out.
"~Amen. Non. Ak. Adeem. Razin. ArozoniaAAHHH." Deborah's speech was cut off when a machete flew through the front door and into her chest with enough force to pin her to the wall behind her like a Butterfly. The book fell from her hands to the floor.
AJ leapt back in fear upon Jason appearing so suddenly in the doorway. As she backed away, she accidentally bumped into his mother's shrine, knocking his mother from her sacred placement to the floor along with an oil lamp.
Jason watched helplessly as the glass that held the oil broke open then burst into flame, engulfing his mother completely. there was no saving her.
The fires of rage were stoked to a fever pitch at this sight.
With hands outstretched, he grabbed AJ by the forearm 'missing it's hand' and dragged her across his shoulders. shifting her a bit she was on her back on his shoulders, belly to the ceiling.
He placed his left hand below her chin then the right on her knee. he then began to pull down with equal force on either side, causing AJ to shriek in agony as her body was racked in pain.
Dropping to one knee, Jason put more strength into his hold causing the muscle tissue in AJ's abdomen to rip and tear. AJ screamed and flailed at the torture.
Standing back up then dropping once more AJ's back bent in an abnormal shape. "Stop! Stop Please!" she wailed in her suffering.
Jason paid her no heed as he prepared for one more drop. As he did so he put his full power into his arms. With a wet snapping sound, he ripped the girl in half.
the two halves laid on either side of Jason as he huffed. picking up both halves, he threw them into the same fire his mother was in.
gazing into the fire at his mother, tears brimmed in his eyes.
I'm sorry.
Jason stood up and with heavy steps walked over to the pinned Deborah. After picking up the book and stowing it in his coat, he lifted a hand and gripped the handle of the machete.
In that moment, Jason heard a low voice call out. "Kanda." With her final breath Deborah finish the incantation.
Suddenly Jason felt a pull on his body that grew by the second.
The machete was dislodged from the wall allowing Deborah's dead body to fall to the floor.
Jason's feet dragged across the floor toward the doorway, where the vortex awaited like the mouth of a beast with a ravenous hunger.
Before he was pulled completely out, he gripped the door frame with his free hand. Looking back at the flame, Jason closed his eyes as a tear ran down his face in sorrow.
Mother.
Losing his grip, Jason went flying into the open maw of the portal which snapped shut.
Kenny Riedell..... Splitting Headache.
Now then.
The thing about the portal is a mystery in and of itself. Nobody Know's for sure how it works.
Some say it works on its own will sending you where you are needed.
Others state it opens a doorway to the place and time the person who read the incantation wished to go the most.
Few even say it's just a crap shoot and you end up where you end up.
You may draw your own conclusions.
A hole ripped into existence a few miles above the Everfree Forest, spat out the free-falling Jason and closed just as quickly.
Hurtling toward a large body of water Jason didn't try to right himself as he fell. Upon striking the water's surface Jason sank like a stone.
Sinking to the bottom on his back, Jason made no move to exit the water or even lift a finger.
He just laid there staring at the night sky from under the water, in his thoughts and sadness.
Closing his eyes, what tears he shed were devoured by the surrounding water as he went to sleep in its cold embrace.
The demon went to work at repairing Its host once Jason slipped into slumber, only this time the world it was in now had an overabundance of magic it could absorb and use.
Over the next few hours, Jason's body was broken down and reformed into a better, stronger and most notably living body.
Though he still did not need to breathe while under water or even eat, because of all the free-flowing magic here, his form turned from a corpse like dark grey to healthy, pink color.
It even fixed the deformed shape of his skull and brain tissue.
The demon was working overtime to fix what it saw as 'needed fixing' in order for it to move more freely inside its host.
It was going to be a long night.
Canterlot Castle
Princess Celestia tossed and turn in her sleep as a vision of blood, screaming and an odd-looking creature she could only see the outline of tormented her. Being unable to endure any more she Shot up in bed with a start. Panting as well as sweating profusely she looked outside to the moon as it hung in the night sky.
"What was that?" she slid to the edge of her bed and rested her face in her hooves. Getting out of bed and walking into her private bathroom Celestia washed her face to cool herself down. She also filled a small glass with water, then drank it to help calm herself. After drying herself off she moved back to her bed and laid back down into the plushness sighing. "I'll have a discussion with Luna over breakfast about it to get her opinion."
Celestia drifted back to sleep not knowing of the new visitor to her lands but would soon learn what it meant for her and her subjects.
Chapter 1 New Discoveries
Everfree Forest: Lake
The shining sun refracted through the surface of the water on the sleeping Jason. His eyes slowly opened to the dancing glitter of light gleaming from above him.
Rising from his lake floor bed (machete in hand), he got to his feet then headed up the embankment to the shore. Trudging up and out of the lake, barely registering his surroundings as just woods, he came to rest on a fallen tree a few feet from the lake side. Thinking over the happenings of the past twenty-four hours, he gazed across the lake as he put away his favored weapon.
As his thoughts kept delving deeper, his eyes fell to the hands resting in his lap causing his inward contemplation momentary pause.
Raising a gloved hand to eye level vertically, he allowed the sleeve of his jacket to fall and expose the flesh beneath.
Instead of the grey corpse coloring and muscular forearm he had gotten used to, what greeted his gaze was a thinner warm ivory colored arm.
Pulling the sleeve further, he only saw more of the same. He checked all over, finding his form had changed completely.
Confused, he decided to take a better look at himself in the lakes surface while getting to his feet.
The reflection that met his vision, still clad in his hockey mask was a slightly more compact version of himself. The bulky muscle he once wielded was more streamlined.
(He went from a 'John Cena' build to a 'Bruce Lee' build in a sense. Losing muscle mass without losing power).
The next thing to come to his attention was the aforementioned mask.
It looked the same for the most part but the holes for his eyes were bigger as well as seem to move when he glanced from side to side. He closed one eye. To his shock the eye hole over the same eye closed to a narrow slit. Opening his eyes wide caused the mask to do the same.
Weird.
It reminded him of the cartoons he used to watch a long time ago, when he was living with his mother.
His face soured at that thought.
Backing away from the water's edge, he then turned his attention to the environment around him. Something felt off about it as well. As if it was drawn but also three-dimensional.
Very weird.
Sitting back on the log from before, he started his contemplation anew.
So you finished getting rid of the trespassers. Then a big hole like thing sucked you into it. You splash down into a lake and decided to sleep there because 'depression is a bitch'. You wake up, your body is smaller, easier to move in, but you feel just as strong as before. Your mask moves as if it's your face. Plus, you and the world look like a cartoon of some sort.
Jason paused, then continued.
Plus your thoughts are clearer and more than just short blurbs. Huh, Neat. What do I do now? I'm not actually in the same world it seems, so I have no place to protect. Mother is gone too.
At that thought Jason absentmindedly placed a hand on the breast pocket over his heart. After feeling the small bulge through the garment, he sighed and continued.
I still have the book, but I feel I can't use it because the glasses girl had to read it aloud. There's something that tells me not to let it out of my sight again. Anyway, now what?
Jason pondered his conundrum extensively.
Well, I can see if there is anybody around here for a start.
Closing his eyes, he felt the familiar buildup and release of the pulse from his core, only this time it seemed stronger then before. When the ping came back it didn't seem to indicate any humans, a lot of animals and a town a couple miles away to the north-east. There also appeared to be a cottage of some sort due north near the forests edge, close to his current position as well.
Opening his eyes and getting back to his feet, he made up his mind.
Might as well start at that cottage. See if i can find anything at least.
With this course of action set, Jason began his march into these odd woods.
Cantrelot Castle
"And that's when I woke up." Princess Celestia finished explaining her nightmare to her sister and closest confidant, Princess Luna. "Do you have any ideas of what this might mean?"
Luna shook her head. "Nay, I do not. It could be something from the ancient past resurfacing. Fears of the future that have yet to come to pass. Too much cake before bed." She poked a little fun at her sweet toothed sister with a smirk before continuing. "The only thing I can't place is the strange creature you saw. Was it a minotaur of some sort?"
Celestia responded in the negative. "No. It did seem to have hands but no horns or hooves that I could tell."
Luna pursed her lips in thought. "Then I'm not too sure what to tell you. My apologies, sister."
"No, it's fine. Just talking to you about it helps to ease my mind greatly. Thank you." Celestia rested her forehoof atop Luna's then looked her in the eyes. "Thank you."
Luna smiled slightly then turned to the window. "I just hope it's truly not but a nightmare."
Everfree Forest: Near the Cottage
Jason looked out from the edge of the forest at the small cottage for any signs of life. He had used his sense ability again upon arriving but still all he could seem to sense was wildlife animals.
Odd. Even from this close I don't sense anybody. Nothing in the nearby town either, all I can sense are the animals present. Well, I'm already here so I'll have a look around at least. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Moving from the tree line, he trod toward said structure.
Closing the distance, he began to hear a voice on the other side of the cottage.
This caused him to slow his stride and focus on his hearing. They, whoever it was, seemed to be singing. There was something else harmonizing with the voice, it sounded like.
Birds?
Jason raised an eyebrow to this.
So not only did I not sense whoever is over there, they're singing with birds joining in? The oddities just keep piling up today don't they.
Edging closer as quietly as possible (which is ninja master skill quiet) he reached the house and crept along the side leading towards the front. Upon getting to his destination, he stepped into the front lawn and glanced around looking for the source of the voice.
All he saw was a tree with a Flock of birds perched in its limbs. In front of the tree was a yellow pony that had a pink mane and tail, which was facing the other way. This voice seemed to be coming from the same spot.
Maybe there is a radio over there? it's pretty clear for a radio though. I do like this singing voice. It's very, calming.
Making sure not to draw any attention to himself, he stepped closer behind the yellow pony. After stopping about eight feet or so away, he looked about but still didn't see anything.
I'll give sense one more shot. Maybe I missed something.
After closing his eyes however, all he could do was listen intently to the beautiful song. There was something about it but he just couldn't place it.
Suddenly, the bird's stopped singing then flew off in fright. Most likely they just now noticed him.
"What? What's wrong? Why are you?... EEP?!"
Welp, looks like I'm spotted.
Opening his eyes, he glanced down at the yellow pony that was covering its head with her forehooves and quivering in fear.
He took a step closer to the small shaking form.
"S-s-stop!"
Jason did as it asked.
The voice spoke again.
"Get back!"
Once again, he complied then stood where he was before. Confused he looked over to the yellow and pink pony.
The voice was coming from it? That can't be right, Right?
At this, the pony peeked out from its pink mane. A teal-colored eye greeted his vision. After seeing he had gone back, the pony tentatively got back on its hooves.
"W-what are you?"
Jason's mind was reeling as he tilted his head.
Okay, so it is talking. Well, that's new.
"Where did you come from?" She (from what he could tell by the voice) asked in a quiet squeak.
Not sure how to answer, he pointed back to the way he came from.
She followed his pointing finger and asked. "You came out of the Everfree Forest? Wait, you can understand me?"
Jason nodded at both questions.
Her eye's seemed to glimmer at the aspect. "Oh, my goodness! A new unknown creature from the Everfree Forest and I'm the first to ever see it! This is amazing! Plus, it can understand me! Ooo, Twilight is going to geek out about this!"
She halted her thoughts and turned back to Jason. "I'm sorry. I didn't introduce myself."
Clearing her throat, she proceeded. "My name is Fluttershy. What's yours?"
Jason placed a finger on his chin as he thought.
Well you can't mime your way out of this one bud, and still can't talk. How do I? Hmm. Oh!
Jason crouched down, then got on his knees so he was at eye level with her. Fishing around in his left breast pocket for a couple seconds, he pulled out a small gold locket that his mother use to wear.
Gently, he pried it open to show a photo that had long since rotted away, along with an engraving. He placed the locket in his palm and slowly brought it to Fluttershy so she could see.
"Jason. Six, Thirteen, Nineteen Forty-Six. Jason? is that your name?"
He nodded in the affirmative.
"Huh, I've never heard a name like that before. It's a nice name though. I like it." Fluttershy spoke with a genuine grin on her muzzle.
A small smile crept across his face and could be seen in his eyes. He closed the locket and placed it back in its home.
This is nice. it almost feels like.
At this, his thoughts came to a dead stop as his eyes widened and head tilted back to look at the sky.
Realization hit him like a porch awning.
Like when mother was alive.
He felt something touch the hand resting on his knee.
"Are you alright Jason?" Fluttershy asked in a worried tone.
Jason looked back down at her. Then he felt something wet run down his mask.
"W-why are you crying?"
This feeling. I almost forgot just how nice it was. This gentle feeling.
More tears streamed down the mask as he bit his lip while his emotions just over flowed. He placed a hand over his eyes then leaned back to try and stop the tears.
But to no avail.
"I'm sorry. Did I say something wrong?" She questioned meekly.
He slowly shook his head 'no'.
You need to stop.
He wiped at the tears to try and clear his vision.
More just took its place.
You're going to weird her out if you don't stop.
He sniffled and tried to take deep breaths to calm down.
Wasn't helping.
She's going to be bothered if you don't stop.
Tears ran down his chin, then neck and soaked into his shirt.
She's going to hate you if you don't, STOP!
At that thought he felt himself get slowly pulled into a hug.
Fluttershy placed her foreleg around his neck and pulled him in closer. With the other she gently rubbed the back of his head with her hoof, which wasn't as hard as one would think.
"Shh-shh-shh. It's okay. Just let it out. It's okay." Fluttershy whispered into his ear reassuringly.
Jason hesitantly ran a hand to her back and rested his face in the nape of her neck.
Then, just as she said to.
He just let it out.
He bore his emotions like a young child who clung to his mother after a nightmare and sought comforting.
10 Minutes later
Well, that was awkward.
Jason wiped the tears from his masked face and sheepishly looked to the side, away from Fluttershy.
"Feeling better now?" she asked with a warm smile.
He nodded, looking at her from the corner of his eye apologetically.
Sorry about that.
"Oh, it's fine. I'm sure you must have gone through a lot. It's only natural for you to be overwhelmed."
Yeah but still, Sorry. He looked to the ground for a moment, then back to her.
"It's fine. Would you like to come in and have some tea on the couch?"
I wouldn't mind coming in, but tea isn't necessary. He used his hands to gesture his thoughts.
With a giggle Fluttershy rose and headed for the door. "Alright, I'll make some tea for myself then."
He followed close behind then ducked under the door frame as to not hit his head.
After passing a fireplace on his right and a doorway that lead to what looked like a kitchen to his left, he seated himself on the couch that was in front of a window.
As Fluttershy went to make the tea for herself, Jason looked about the living room.
It was a very quaint room. Bird houses hung from the ceiling, little staircase's fit for small animal's adorn both left and right walls and a doorway behind the chair to his left seemed to lead back outside.
Jason nodded.
This is a nice house.
Suddenly Jason felt something hit his foot multiple times. Looking down, Jason's gaze met a little white rabbit pummeling his boot.
"Angel! Be nice to Jason. He's a guest." Fluttershy chastised the small bunny who was throwing a fit, while walking in with her tea.
she walked over to the chair and sat down. "I'm sorry about him. He can be a bit, spoiled."
Jason shrugged.
It's not like it bothers me
Jason reached down and with his index finger rubbed the top of Angel's head gently.
Angel froze to the sudden touch but slowly leaned into the rubs.
Placing the back of his hand to the floor, Jason invited angel to be picked up, which he answered by climbing into his palm.
Lifting the small form up slowly as to not frighten him, Jason brought him to his lap and stroked Angels tiny head tenderly.
Angel was loving every minute of it. His eyes became heavy lidded due to relaxation and sleepiness.
"Wow, I've never seen Angel take to anybody so quick before. Plus, he's never let anybody pick him up but me." Fluttershy said over her cup.
Jason glanced over to her without stopping his pets.
Most animals don't get this close to me, so I never really got to do this before either.
At this Jason had an idea. Scooching closer while trying not to jostle Angel, he lifted his free hand to Fluttershy.
He paused and gave her a look that implied, May I?
Fluttershy looked at his hand a moment, placed her tea down, then nodded. "S-sure, okay."
Resting his hand on her head, he began to scratch behind her ear. She closed her eyes and cooed. "Oh my. I see why he likes it so much."
After a few minutes Fluttershy looked up to Jason while saying "As much as I'd like to continue this, I should probably call the girls over. I'm sure they would really like to meet you. I think I'll ask Rarity if she can make some new clothes."
Jason's gaze dropped to his worn-out apparel and acquiesced.
Yeah, I've kind of had these for quite a while.
Hopping out of her chair, she strode over to the door.
"Okay, you just stay here for a bit, and I'll be back before you know it."
Jason waved from his seat. Come back, safe.
Fluttershy opened the door and spread her wings. "Be right back." She called over her shoulder before closing the door.
Raising an eyebrow, Jason thought to himself, Did I just 'not' notice those wings before now? Ah well.
Half an Hour Later
Jason waited on the couch tenderly petting a sleeping, happy Angel bunny.
After a while he heard voices approach the front door.
"now just please remember not to freak out, okay?"
Jason recognized Fluttershy's voice on the other side of the door.
"We get it Fluttershy but why are you being so secretive about this?"
"Yeah. Tain't the first time ya called us over to yer house to see a new critter."
"I always like meeting the new additions to the menagerie."
"I was having a good nap, so this better not be just another bunny or something, Flutters."
"Oh please. If it was, she wouldn't have asked me to bring my measuring tape. Right darling?"
Those must be the friends she was talking about. He reasoned.
"Okay, just remember what you said. Jason, could you come out to meet my friends please?"
"You already named it?"
Slowly picking up Angel, then placing him on a pillow on the couch, he got to his feet. Leisurely he stepped toward the door.
"Plus aren't you going to open the door for..."
Twilight's words died in her throat as she heard his large sounding step's draw closer to the opposite side of the door, then the knob turn.
Slowly Jason cracked the door open to peek out. Fluttershy was the only one that he could see from where he stood, and she gave him a reassuring smile. "It's okay. Come on out."
He nodded slightly with a, Alright. Here goes nothing.
Creaking the door open, he bowed his head under the door frame and stepped out.
After exiting the house, he stood at his full height.
Looking from Fluttershy to her friends, Jason's vision was met with face's that varied from surprise, shock, a genuine smile, mouth agape stare and on the verge of fainting.
Apart from the smile they were looks he was used to seeing quite often.
"Jason, these are my friends. Twilight Sparkle, Apple Jack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Rarity."
He raised a hand then waved.
Nice to meet you all.
All but Pinkie pie (who waved enthusiastically) rose a hoof and weakly waved back.
"Oh, and to answer your question, Twilight. No, I didn't name him, that is his name."
"Wait, it can talk?" Rainbow Dash piped up.
Jason's face winced a bit at being called an 'IT'.
Before he could even dwell on it, Fluttershy scolded her. "Rainbow! He is not an 'IT'. He has thoughts and feelings too."
"Well, what is he then?" Twilight interjected.
Fluttershy paused and looked up to Jason. He knew what she was thinking.
Oh right. I never really said what I was earlier did I, or anything for that matter. Ha ha.
Kneeling down he ran his finger into the loose soil and began to spell so the others could read.
"H-U-M-A-N. Human?" Twilight looked at Jason and he nodded.
"I've never heard of them. Are there more like you?" Questioned Twilight.
Affirmative.
"Are they in the Everfree too?" Fluttershy added to the line of questioning.
Negative.
"Where are ya from then?" Apple Jack Joined in.
Jason put a finger to his chin to think of how to respond, then began to draw in the dirt. He drew a stick figure then pointed at himself.
"You." Pinkie followed along what Jason was indicating.
He then drew a big oval with curved lines around it, then a line from the stick figure to the oval and tipped the line with an arrow.
"You were sucked into a portal." pi continued.
He then drew an oblong oval and an arrow coming out of it.
"You fell out of the sky." the pink one expressed.
At that Fluttershy Gasped.
Jason waved a hand to indicate that he wasn't finished. He drew the crude shape of the lake that he fell into, then extended the line into the lake.
"Then fell into a lake." Pinkius Piecus conveyed.
Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief.
He then put his hands together, put them to the side of his face and acted like he was sleeping.
"And slept at the bottom of the lake." the cotton candy mare added.
The Group (apart from pinkie) gasped this time.
Jason drew a line out of the lake to the shore then pointed at his face.
"In the morning you went to the shore and discovered you looked completely different." Ponka pu indicated.
He closed his eyes again, gestured with his hands outwardly, made an 'ah ha' motion, then drew a small house and crude drawing of Fluttershy. Then traced the line to there, then put another stick figure next to her.
"Finally, you sensed the closest building, aka Fluttershy's house, decided to check it out, found Fluttershy, it felt familiar to when you were with your mom, cried from the kindness she exudes, pet Angel and now we're at this point." Pinkie Pie wrapped up the last little bit in a nice bow.
Jason pointed at her and his nose at the same time.
After Pinkie giggled at her successful explanation, Rarity asked. "How were you able to understand all of that, Pinkie?
Giving a look that said 'really' pinkie explained. "You're asking the party mare why she's good at Pictionary and charades?"
"Ah, point taken. So, you're from a different world then, Jason?" Rarity moved the conversation on.
Yes.
"How did you sleep at the bottom of a lake?" Rainbow posed a question.
Jason breathed in deep, exhaled, motioned like was eating and drinking then made a slashing move to his throat.
"He doesn't have to breathe, eat or drink." Ponk's explained. "But you can though, right?" she added.
He shrugged.
Not sure. Haven't tried.
"How is that even possible? Every living thing has to take in some sort of energy to continue functioning." Twilight queried.
At this, Jason pursed his lips and looked to the side not sure how to explain.
Well I'm not really alive but I'm Not really dead either. I've died, then have been brought back to life a bunch of times.
Thinking for a bit Jason reached into his coat then pulled out the book his mother kept. Letting it rest in his open hand, the pages parted to the one that brought him back to life.
He presented the book to Twilight, upon which her eyes sparkled to the thought of a book from a different world.
"This looks like a spell of some sort. 'Breath of New Life'? Are you saying this was used on you? You were brought back to life?"
He bobbed his head once.
Twilight Brimmed with excitement and was about to read from the book aloud but Jason clamped his hand on her muzzle to stop her.
he shook his head.
Don't speak it out loud. Bad things happened Last time.
"Apparently, bad things happen if you read from it aloud." Pinkie clarified.
Jason let go, then patted her on the head to apologize if he scared her. She sighed at the incredible touch as a shiver ran down her spine.
Snapping the book closed he placed it back in his inside coat pocket.
At this point, the ever-observant Jason noticed a protrusion in between his fingers as he rubbed Twilight's head. With a tilt of his head, he saw a pair of wings on her back as well.
Continuing to stroke her head softly, he looked over to Ponka for answers.
"Oh, Twilight is an alicorn which is a mix of unicorn, Pegasus and earth pony. Which also makes her a Princess. The Princess of Friendship."
Ah.
Jason pointed his free hand at Fluttershy while maintaining his pets and his gaze with Pinkie.
So Ms. Fluttershy is a what you called a Pegasus, Ms. Pie?
"That's right, but you can drop the 'Ms.' part for both are names. okay?" Pinkie replied.
Oh, okay Pinkie.
He smiled softly under his mask.
Pinkie smiled in returned.
He then brought his hand back over toward Rarity.
Then Ms. Rarity Is a unicorn?
"Ding ding ding. That's correct. Also calling her Ms. Rarity will actually make her happy so that's fine." The pink one giggled.
At this Rarity leaned in. "What? He called me Ms. Rarity. How wonderfully gentalcolt like."
Apple Jack took the chance to speak in as well. "Ya'll can just refer ta me as AJ, if'n ya like. "
"Rainbow Dash, R D or just Rainbow is fine by me." she chimed in.
He Inclined his head.
Alright AJ, Rainbow.
"He's going with Rainbow. Also, Rainbow Dash is the fastest flyer in Equestria. " Pinkie praised.
Looking over to Rainbow He tilted his head astonished.
Really? that's amazing!
There was no hint of sarcasm in his mind.
Though Rainbow took the head tilt as disbelief.
"Is he thinking I'm not!"
Pinkie Pie laughed at the miss reading. "No, He's not the type do dis somepony like that. he thinks that it's amazing silly filly!"
"Oh. ha ha. sorry about that big guy." Rainbow pawed at the ground with a hoof.
it's fine. Hard to understand the guy who can't talk, so I don't blame you.
Jason shrugged in self-defamation.
He then heard a soft breathy "Ahh." and realized he was still patting Twilight.
Oh. Sorry Twilight. It's probably not proper to pet a pony princess for this long.
He withdrew his hand. Twilight had a dreamy look on her face and barely registered anything. Finally, she gave her head a shake to clear the fog of petting bliss, then cleared her throat to continue as if nothing happened.
Fluttershy invited everypony inside to proceed with the conversation.
There was a long back and forth of dialog between the group and the newcomer.
Till the point pasts were brought up.
The group talked about their past first. How they met, what adventures they've had, friends they made and so on and so forth.
"What about you Jason?" Fluttershy turned her attention to him and asked.
His thought process was once again stymied.
This time though, he was helped by the Pink one. "OO, maybe Twilight can use a spell to show us his memories. That way we don't have to rely on Jason's drawing skills and my interpreting it back for him."
"That could work. I just need to warm up a bit." Twilight rose as her horn began to glow.
Jason withdrew a bit in worry.
I have to warn you. I've done a lot of horrific things I'm not exactly proud of. Wasn't really of the right mind per se.
"He's warning us what we will see is [T V M A] and that viewer discretion is advised." Pinkie summarized.
He nodded.
Twilight paused. "If you don't want to do this you don't have to, okay. The spell doesn't work unless your willing."
Looking about the Six of them, while he looked at Fluttershy a little longer than the others, Jason lowered his head and closed his eyes in acceptance.
You deserve to know.
Touching her horn to his head, a sphere of white light floated up, then images started to be displayed.
It showed his growing up under his mother's loving care.
The day he was teased being called a freak show.
The moment he was chased by the other children, tears obscuring his vision, as he ran down the dock.
His panicked flailing after falling into the water.
The last cry for his mother before the lake consumed him and the darkness of death.
Waking up to his mother crying over him while water spilled out of his mouth.
The happy years with his mother.
The day she came home enraged.
The only order he had ever gotten.
The people they killed.
The moment his mother was killed before his eyes.
The sorrow in the hands that reclaimed her severed head.
The blinding rage he felt.
Flashes of the ones he snatched the lives from over the years.
His multiple death's and resurrection's.
The Last 7 he killed.
The last sight of his mother in the Flames.
Hurtling into the lake in the Everfree.
Everything that he had conveyed earlier.
Then the magic faded.
Jason didn't move. He couldn't even open his eyes. He knew if he opened his eyes, he would see the horrified faces of those he spent the last few hours getting to know. That the look into his past had destroyed any and all hope of ever befriending these nice ponies. That it would be all over.
But he knew that they needed to know. That he couldn't have just lied to their faces and pretend it never happened.
He could only barely hear quiet breathing.
Then the sound of hooves meeting the floor met his ears that were craving anything but silence. they crossed the floor then came to a halt right in front of him.
His eyes screw tighter shut as he prepared for the hammer to fall. To be smacked across the face, to be called a 'Monster', to be driven out as such. Any and all scenarios played in the theater of his mind.
To his surprise that didn't happen.
Instead, he felt a warm hoof slowly caress the side of his face. Gingerly opening his eyes his vision was filled with the sight of Fluttershy's visage. To his shock, tears seemed to have stained her face, with more joining them rapidly. He looked deep into those teal pools and saw not fear, not anger, not even pity but empathy.
Biting her lower lip, she pulled him into a tight hug and nuzzled against his cheek. He froze momentarily, then placed his arms around her to accept and share in the embrace.
Ever so slowly, while rubbing her back, he looked about the room to the others. They were all in different states of tears and astonishment. Most were eyes wide and mouths slack staring where the sphere once was. Pinkie was mid stuff with popcorn in her hoof frozen like a statue, tears gushing out like twin waterfalls.
What? Why aren't they angry? Why aren't they doing everything in their power to get rid of me?
Jason was at a loss.
Twilight was the first to break the silence. "How could so many horrible things happen to one stallion?"
Wait, what?
Rainbow could only whisper. "Wow. Just, wow."
AJ pulled her hat down to try and cover her crying face. "How cruel can some ponies get? Teas'n somepony just fur the way he looks to the point he drowns." She spoke through gritted teeth.
Wait, WHAT?!
Rarity dabbed a handkerchief to her eyes with her magic. "And having to bear witness to your mother's life being snuffed out right in front of you. You poor, poor dear."
WAIT, WHAT?!?!
Jason shifted his gaze to Pinkie pie with a raised eyebrow and a look that almost screamed.
Did they not see all the people I killed over the years?! Why aren't you all appalled at what I did?! I'm a 'monster', aren't I?!
Pinkie returned his look with a look of her own. The tears that were overflowing slowed to a stop like someone was turning a valve.
"You were lost in a maelstrom of pain, anger and sorrow to the depths almost no pony had ever seen before. The last wish from your mother was to get rid of anypony who came to that place before she died. Which in turn, you died multiple times doing just that. How are you the Monster?"
Jason blinked at that answer for a bit.
"Sure, you could have done it in a better way, but they never would have listened to you. What's done is done and we can't change it."
His mind was still reeling.
"Plus, it's not like you've done anything to hurt anypony here. You had the chance to with Fluttershy, but all you did was hug her and cry. You're not planning to hurt anypony while your here, are you?
At this Jason shook his head but not hard enough to disturb Fluttershy's nuzzling.
"Then there's no problem. We are firm believers in second chances here."
Looking around to the other's, they were all in agreement.
Going back to Pinkie he gave one last questioning gaze.
Is it really okay for me to stay?
Pinkie beamed. She then got up and joined Fluttershy in hugging Jason. "Of course, it's okay."
The other four joined in to turn it into a group hug.
Overcome by The Feel's, tears welled up in his eyes as he accepted the huggage.
Thank you.
Canterlot Castle: Later that night
Princess Celestia was relaxing in her study reading a book before retiring for the evening, when a letter from her former student poofed into the room. Putting her book down she read through the letter.
Dear Princess Celestia,
Today I came in contact with a being from another world who wishes to seek refuge in our lands. His name is Jason, a Human. and he means us no harm. Let me know of a good time to bring him for an audience with you. Enclosed is a picture.
Signed, Twilight Sparkle.
Upon looking at the picture her eyes widen. If she could have gotten any whiter, she would have.
