Chapter 13

I’m awoken by a familiar annoying ray of light beating on my face while I lay in bed. I open my eyes only to wince and groan at the brightness of the sun shining through. I slowly and sluggishly raise myself from the mattress until I’m sitting on the edge while rubbing my eyes. As I stand up I stretch my limbs and back getting multiple satisfying pops and cracks.

“Jeez, anyone ever heard of sleeping in…?” I grumble.

I was about to reach for my clothes when I smell a strange sent in the air. I continue sniffing until it trails down to my body and under my arm. All it took was a slight sniff for me to instantly pull away and grimace at the odor I was producing…

“Ugh, that’s nasty… How did I not notice until now?” I mutter.

I walk over to the door and open it only call out to Twilight so I could ask her where the shower is, if there even is one in this tree. I yawned as I was opening the door because I wasn’t expecting anyone to be on the other side. How wrong I was when I heard a loud gasp in front of me. I open my eyes to see a bewildered Twilight with popping eyes and a blush so bright on her face it reminded me of Rudolf…

Moments of silence go by as we just stare at each other until I finally slowly look down and see I’m still in my half naked glory with nothing but my boxers on. I quickly compose myself and calmly shut the door and punch myself in the gut for basically flashing Twilight. After I recovered I took a breath before I merely cracked the door open and spoke.

“Uh, sorry about that Twilight. I thought you were downstairs…” I tell her.

“U-u-um, t-that’s ok…I-I-I was just about t-to wake you u-up for breakfast…” she says while tripping over her words. “W-was there s-something you n-needed?” She asks.

“I was actually gonna ask if you had a shower.” I tell her.

I here her take a breath to calm herself down. “Of course, it’s the 2nd door on your right. There are towels, shampoo, and soap already in there. Including deodorant if you’d like.” She tells me.

“Thanks Twilight, I’ll see you downstairs momentarily,” I say.

I then here her quickly walk away from the door so I take this chance to grab my clothes and cautiously open the door. Once the coast is clear, I make my way towards the bathroom. Once inside I shut the door behind me and lock it so I don’t get anymore surprises. The bathroom is a simple set up consisting of a tub the could fit about two bodies with two nozzles for the bath and shower on my left. To my right is the counter with bottles of toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other bathroom pleasantries and a larger mirror above it. I place my clothes on the counter and look through the cabinets to search for an extra toothbrush since I haven’t brushed since I got here. Thankfully I found a white one still in its packaging so I decided to claim it as mine.

With my new toothbrush and bottle of toothpaste in hand I step into the shower and turn the knob on and begin to lather myself in soap and shampoo while I also brush my teeth. After I’m nice and clean I step out of the shower and grab a clean white towel and dry myself off. I then use my towel to wipe the fog away from the mirror to get a look at myself. Despite my body’s alteration, my face still looks the same as the one I grew up with but slightly more chiseled. I rub the stubble along my jaw and make a mental note to go and get a raiser for shaving. I put on some spray deodorant and start to put my clothes back on but notice the holes and tears along my shirts and pants which makes me frown.

“Damn, forgot about these… I wonder if there’s a clothes shop around here?” I wonder.

With no other choice, I put on my damaged clothes and walk out of the bathroom. I stop by my room to pick up my belongings and jacket before I make my way down the stairs. As I make my way towards the kitchen I smell a delicious fragrance in the air. I then see spike wearing a pink apron, white T-shirt, and beige pants standing in front of the stove flipping pancakes. Twilight is sitting at the table drinking what I assume is coffee while she was reading some kind of scroll. Spike notices me from the corner of his eye and smiles.

“Morning Will! How’d you sleep?” He chirps.

Twilight glances up at me and blushes before she quickly looks back at her scroll. I roll my eyes while smirking and turn back to Spike with a smile of my own.

“Pretty good, man. Sure beats the hell out of sleeping on the ground, that’s for damn sure.” I say.

He chuckles and nods his head, “I hear ya! Take a seat at the table, dude. Breakfast will be ready soon.” He tells me.

I nod and take a seat across from twilight. I pull out my phone and AirPod case and put the buds in my ears. I select my playlist of slow jazz and close my eyes, listening in chill bliss while I wait for breakfast. Twilight seems to take notice of my items and looks at them curiously. She reaches over and taps my hand making me open an eye at her and see she wishes to speak with me. I pull out a bud from my ear making the music pause.

“What’s up Twilight?” I ask.

“What are those items of yours? They look like a P-phone and P-Plugs but I’ve never seen anything like them.” She says.

I smile and pick my phone and AirPod case up and present them to her.

“Well these items are my smartphone, which is called an iPhone, and my AirPods. They’re pieces of technology from my world.” I tell her.

Her eyes widen with excitement and gets up to sit next to me.

“Really?! Wow! I’ve never seen a phone or earphones this advanced! The screen is so large and the earphones are so small!” She beams.

I chuckle at her sudden change of demeanor. “Well unlike your “P-Phones”, my iPhone has a touch screen and has multiple applications on it,” I explain. “This was one of the newer models on my world so it has a facial recognition so all I have to do is look at the screen and it scans my face so it can unlock. It also has a code just in case my face is not near. There’s a camera lens on the front and back so it can take pictures.”

I demonstrate the phones functions and Twilight is literally shaking with excitement. She turns her attention to the small AirPod case and picks it up.

“What’s this little thing?” She asks.

I place my phone down and take it from her, “This a portable case for my AirPods, the little earphones in my ear,” I tell her whole pointing to the one still in my ear, “they’re wireless so I can take them wherever I please and can charge them with this case.”

“Amazing! Are you listening to more of your music?” She asks.

“Yep,” I nod, “just some slow jazz. Wanna listen?” I offer.

“Yes! I actually enjoy slow jazz myself.” She says.

Huh, so Jazz is also a thing here. That’s good to know. I think.

I pull out my other bud and give her both of them. She puts both buds in her ears but has trouble having them stay in since her ears are a bit larger than mine.

“Here,” I chuckle, “let me help.” I replace her hands with mine and start to adjust the buds so they could fit properly. While I’m doing so, I’m unaware of Twilight looking up at me while blushing as my fingers brush along her ears slightly. Once the buds are in place I pick up my phone and resume the playlist. Twilight flinches from the music being played but then smiles and sways to the chill melody.

“Wow…” she sighs, “this is so relaxing. I could get used to listening to this.”

“I know what you mean. I always listen to Jazz while I’m in my own little world,” I said.

About 10 minutes later, Spike walks up to the table with three plates, silverware, and cups and begins to place them in front of the chairs around the table. He walks back to the stove and returns with a platter of delectable looking pancakes which makes my mouth water a bit. Spike sits down at the end of the table and looks towards Twilight and I.

“Time to chow down! Help yourself Will!” He says.

I smile and turn to Twilight who’s still listening to my music. Her eyes are closed and is still swaying while smiling contently. I smirk and put a hand on her shoulder giving her a slight nudge.

“Twilight, return to the surface. Breakfast is ready.” I tell her. Spike snorts at my little joke and Twilight lazily opens her eyes.

“Huh~, wha~?” She slurs.

I reach up and pull both earbuds out of her ears and put them back in the case. Her eyes open back up and then looks around confused.

“Jeez Twilight, how out of it were you?” I tease.

She blushes and smiles sheepishly. “S-sorry, I guess I was to entranced in the music. I’ve never been so relaxed in a while.” She looks at the pancakes and proceeds to lick her lips in hunger. “Oh, breakfast is ready? Nice job Spike.” She says and starts using her fork to fish a few from the platter.

Spike and I roll our eyes and shake our heads as we also begin to take pancakes of our own. I’ve had pancakes of my own in the past, even made them myself sometimes. But these, holy sweet mother mercy, THESE WERE THE BEST FREAKING PANCAKES I’VE EVER HAD! They were fluffy like pillow, had just the right texture of chewiness, and were sweet and delicious that made my whole mouth seem to twitch with delight. I couldn’t help but smile like a small child on his birthday and began to take another huge bite.

“Holy *chew* damn Spike! *chew* These’er the *chew* best freaking *chew* pancakes I’ve ever eaten!” I say between bites.

Spike blushes and rubes the back of his head and smiles. “Aw, thanks man! I’m glad you like them so much!” He chirps.

“Spike isn’t my number one assistant for nothing,” Twilight says, “he’s a young drake of many talents and I’m grateful to have him.”

“I can see why! *gulp* I wouldn’t mind having these things for the rest of my life!” I say with a bright smile.

Spike’s blush brightens a bit, “Aw come on guys…” he whines but is still smiling. We both laugh and continue to eat our delicious breakfast.

After our breakfast, I’m now completely satisfied with a belly of pancake goodness. While spike is cleaning up the dishes, I’m listing to my music and Twilight is reading another scroll. Curious, I pause my music and look up at Twilight.

“Hey Twilight, whatcha reading there?” I ask.

“Oh, just a letter from Princess Celestia,” she replies, “for some reason, she says that your interview will take place later today. I thought she would want us to come first thing in the morning as usual but it’s what the Princess wishes so we’ll all leave later this afternoon.”

“I see, do the others know about this?” I ask.

She nods, “Yes, I called and texted them about the letter and told them what time to meet at the train station.”

Guess that means I’ve got some time to kill. I think. I suppose I could take this opportunity.

“Well since we’ve got time, I was wondering if there was any place in Ponyville that sells or fixes damaged clothes?” I ask her while gesturing to my shirts and pants, “due to yesterday’s “events” I’m in need of a fixer upper.”

This seems to catch the attention of Spike and walks over to me with a slight skip in his step as he tosses the apron in the sink behind him.

“I know where you can go! We can go to Rarity’s place…” he sighs. I look at him with an arched brow and see a bit of a dreamy look on his face. I’m able to put two and two together and smirk.

Guess the kid’s got a thing for the posh mare. I hope he knows what he’s stepping into.

“Spike is right,” Twilight says, “Rarity owns a boutique and makes and repairs clothes for a living. If you want your clothes repaired, she’s the mare to go to.”

“I can show you where she lives, dude!” Spike offers.

I smirk more and place a hand on his head and ruffle his scales a bit. “I’d appreciate it if you did, little guy,” I tell him. He smiles as I get up and grab my jacket and we both head for the door.

“Just be sure to be at the train station around 2pm! The train is scheduled to leave for Canterlot around 2:15!” Twilight calls out.

Got it, Twilight!” Spike calls back. I simply turn back to her and nod as we step outside.

While we’re walking through Ponyville, I see ponies walking around the town off on they’re basic duties. Some notice me and smile and wave while others say “good morning” to which I respond to them in kind. I feel a warm sensation within me because of how calm and welcoming this town and it’s inhabitants are.

“Man, this place is so friendly. It’s all so different than when I first arrived here.” I said.

“Well of course it is,” Spike replies, “especially since everypony now sees you as a hero.”

I look down at him and raise my brows a bit, “A hero? Me?” I ask.

“Yes you, man. A hero! You literally faced danger without a second thought and saved a filly from a burning building. Not to mention you saved the Crusaders from Everfree so it’s no wonder they’d all accept you so quickly.” Spike says brightly.

I look back around and continue to see the ponies smile and wave at me. I smile back and wave back to them again.

A hero, huh…?

We continue to walk for about five minutes until a building that looks like a legit carousel from a county fair comes into view. “Here it is!” Spike tells me, “this is where Rarity works and lives, The Carousel Boutique!”

I snort inwardly at the irony of its name and follow Spike. Suddenly, I feel the same spike of energy as I did when the fire happened, only it's not as intense as before but still makes my body twitch slightly. I stop in my tracks and begin to look around with focus.

Again? Is there another fire? No, it’s not as intense as before but I can feel someone is still in trouble. I think.

Spike stops and turns towards me with a confused expression while taking a step to me.

“Will? What’s going on, dude?” He asks.

“I don’t know, Spike,” I reply while still looking around, “I’m getting the same sense of danger as I did yesterday. Somepony is in trouble, I can strangely tell.”

Spike starts to get worried and looks around as well but sees nothing. “Are you sure, Will? Everypony seems fine to me.” He says.

I also see nothing and start to think it’s just a false alarm but the spike keeps beating through my body along with my heart. Just as I was about to ignore it and continue on my way with Spike, I catch a glimpse of something in the corner of my eye. I look towards it and see a few shadows in an alleyway in between two buildings. The spike jumps slightly which tells me that’s what I’m sensing. My eyes narrow at the alleyway and I begin to power walk towards it with Spike quickly trying to catch up.

“What’s up, Will?” Spike asks.

I turn towards him and stop, “Spike, are there any law enforcement facilities in Ponyville?” I ask.

“Uh, y-yeah, there’s the local guard that patrols the town. Why?” He asks nervously.

“If you’ve got a phone, dial their number and tell them to come to those buildings over there. Tell them to come as quickly as possible.” I tell Spike.

He stares at me for a moment until I give him a serious expression, causing him to flinch slightly and nod his head. He takes out his purple flip phone and starts dialing the number. As he’s waiting for them to pick up he looks back at me very nervously.

“What’re you gonna do Will?” He asks.

I turn back around and continue towards the alleyway. “I’m gonna stop whatever is about to happen and keep whoever’s in danger safe.” I reply.

I make my way towards the buildings and stop in front of the wall and lean my back on it. I turn towards the opening of the alleyway and pear in. I see the same shadows from before but I notice a couple more but they’re on the ground. I can already tell this doesn’t look good so I crouch down and slowly make my way towards the shadows while hiding behind whatever trash can or dumpster I come across. I make it to the last dumpster in the alley and hide behind it. I tilt my head over to get a better look and see a concerning sight. Three stallions, two pegasi and one earth pony, are standing over two frightened looking mares holding each other while they look down at them with disgusting looking expressions of lust. I look at the mares and see one is a unicorn and the other is also an earth pony. The unicorn mare has a mint green colored coat and her mane is a light grayish cyan with white streaks and her eyes are a bright amber color. She’s wearing a bright blue button up long sleeve and dark green slacks. Around her neck is a necklace and hanging off it is what looks like a golden harp.
The earth pony mare has a sort of greenish gray coat with light ice blue eyes and her mane and tail are cobalt blue with fuchsia stripes. She’s wearing a yellow sundress and the bottom as sky blue frills on the trim.

I stay hidden and put both my hoods on while waiting to intervene when the time is right.

“Well, well, well boys, look at what we got here…Two smoking hot mares ripe for the picking. Wouldn’t you say Rain Cloud?,” the earth pony stallion chortles.

“I know what you mean, Heavy Step. It’s so convenient that they “stumbled” in here while we were minding our own business,” the pegasus named Rain Cloud says.

“Stumbled?! Horseapples, you pushed us in here out of nowhere! You even lied to us when you said the human was here!” The mint green unicorn shrieks.

“You stallions are pathetic,” the earth pony sneers, “tricking mares and cornering them in a dark alley in broad daylight? And here I thought there weren’t any worse ponies…”

The left pegasus growls, “You bitch, you won’t be saying stuff like that after we’re done with you!” He then raises his hand and attempts to hit her. I was about to make my move when the earth pony stallion, Heavy Step was his name, stops him with a raised hand.

“Calm the fuck down, Sharp Turn! These arrogant bitches will get what they deserve soon enough.” Heavy orders Sharp. Sharp Turn grumbles and glares at the mares before stepping back.

“Now then,” Heavy replies, “as you can see my associates are a bit impatient and always jump before they ask how high. I on the other hoof prefer to handle things more calmly.”

This overconfident smug fucker… I growl in my head.

“Here’s what’s gonna happen, you mares will satisfy~ us to our heats content. Resist?” he pauses before pulling out a large knife, making the mares gasp and shiver in fear. Sharp Turn and Rain Cloud grin evilly and take out their own knives. “You’ll be met with a rather, unfortunate fate…” he finishes.

My eyes widen and I growl angrily as I grit my teeth. Rapists? Fucking rapists?! In this seemingly peaceful world?! Guess you really can’t expect to always have nice things… Evil will always lurk in the darkest corners.

Before they could even advance on the mares, I make my presence known. I stand up from my hiding place and walk in the center making my shadow loom on the ground in between them. The stallions stop and look towards me, the mares look at me as well. The breeze blows through the alley and my clothes billow a bit but thanks to the sun behind me they can’t see my face under my hoods. I stand there with my clenched fists on my side and begin to raise my Ki a bit in order to look more threatening.

“Who the fuck are you, asshole?! Buck off if you know what’s good for you!” Sharp Turn barks.

I look down at the mares and see them starring at me in fear. Their eyes look like they’re pleading for me to help them which makes me more pissed off than I already am.

“You fuckers are the lowest of the low…” I growl making them all flinch, “You shit stains got one chance, and one chance only. Get the fuck out of here and away from those mares. Or I’ll beat you lot black and blue down the street and back the other way.” I threaten with venom.

These fuckers dare to try to take advantage of their prowess and overconfident attitude. I’ll make them regret making this choice…

Author's Note

I have returned! Oh boy, what a cliffhanger! I know I said this chapter would be the interview but I had another idea pop in my head. I promise though, next chapter will definitely be the one I promised. Hope you enjoyed this one and stay tuned!