Chapter 21

An awkward silence hung in the room with me in the library as I sat on the sofa. Next to me was Moon on my right and strangely Eris sat on my left. Celestia was also in the room with a few of her guards as escorts and she and Twilight sat in chairs across from us. True to her word, Celestia had come to Ponyville in order to discuss how to accommodate her now that she’s gonna be sticking around.

Twilight was nervously fidgeting in her seat with Spike standing next to her for support and Celestia was giving Eris a bit of a stink eye, which was a bit unexpected from someone like her.

“Went full rainbow with the hair, did you?” Eris teased as she crossed her legs. “I recall how you had it completely pink, like cotton candy.”

“Time changes all, even hairstyle,” Celestia said before looking at me. “Axel, again, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you did.”

“It’s no problem, Celestia, I’m glad I could help out and keep Ponyville safe,” I nodded in response.

“But not that snooty attitude of yours,” Eris remarked. “How is wittle Wuna, by the way?”

“Wuna?” I chortled. “You mean Luna?”

“I’ve told you countless times not to call her that!” Celestia snapped.

“Okay, okay. Damn, I remember when you used to have a sense of humor,” Eris rolled her eyes.

“Do you mean before, or after you used our subjects like playthings?” Celestia asked rhetorically.

“Oh, coming back with a little heat,” Eris said while wiggling her brows.

“I did not come here to listen to your incessant badgering, Eris, I came here to ensure you don’t cause any more mass hysteria,” Celestia said sternly.

“Fine, killjoy,” Eris rolled her eyes.

“So…does this mean Eris is gonna move in here at the library too?” I guessed.

“For the time being, and with a security detail to monitor her actions for at least a month.” Celestia then pulls out a scroll from her bosom, which was a nice sight to see, before she handed it to me.

“Actually, I don’t think that’s necessary,” I waved my hand at her.

“Not necessary?!” Twilight yelped. “She’s the Spirit of Chaos! How is not having a security detail not necessary?!”

“One, it’d be too crowded, two, have you forgotten who I’m dating and is also living here? Three, I beat Eris once, I can do it again and as many times as it takes whenever she steps outta line,” I said, holding up my fingers.

“I suppose you make a fair point. However, I insist that an officer from the local guard keep weekly tabs,” Celestia insisted.

“I guess,” I shrugged, not feeling like arguing. “Who’d you have in mind?”

“That would be me.” I turned around to see Lapis leaning against the doorway with a smirk. She came into the room and gave a salute to Celestia. “Captain Lapis Law, reporting for duty, your highness.”

“Oh, give me a break!” I deadpanned. “You already hassle me enough because of your misinformed assumptions about me, but now I gotta expect you to swing by on the daily?”

“Damn right, you will,” Lapis told me with a smirk.

“Ugh, fine,” I threw my hands up in the air. “But no more hassling me! As you can see, I only have the best of intentions for Ponyville since I beat this crazy lady here.”

“Crazy?!” Eris took a minute to think about it, before settling down. “Actually, that’s pretty accurate.”

“Don’t worry Axel. I’ve seen what you’ve done for this town, and know you can be trusted, for the most part anyway.” Lapis told me while patting my shoulder.

“Now that the matter is settled, on to the more important matter.” Celestia snapped her fingers and a piece of paper appeared in her hand. It looked like some kind of diploma with a blue ribbon attached to it.

“What’s that?” I wondered.

“Papers that give you the official title, as a knight of Equestria,” Celestia announced.

“Pass,” I immediately said, shocking everyone in the room. Twilight began to hyperventilate.

“Pass?!” Twilight screamed while getting up. “You’re passing up on being a knight!? I know people that would kill for the chance to become a knight, and some actually have!”

“I must admit, Axel, I too am surprised you would decline such an opportunity,” Moon said.

“And you call me crazy,” Eris said.

“Look, being a knight sounds cool and all, but it just isn’t my style,” I said. “I’m more like a freelancer type of guy. If I had a title like a knight, it honestly would feel like I cheated my way to be a knight. Meanwhile, there’s probably people back in Canterlot who’re busting their asses to earn their knighthood.”

“So chivalrous, the makings of a true knight. It truly is a shame you’re declining this offer. But, as you’ve said, you have a life and obligations here, so I will respect your wishes,” Celestia told me with a sad smile.

“You know, Celestia, you don’t really gotta speak so formally around me,” I smirked.

“How do you mean?” Celestia wondered.

“It’s just I feel like you’re always so uptight about stuff since you’re a princess, which is understandable, but why not just let loose once in a while?” I shrugged as I stood up. I walked over to Celestia and tucked my hands in my pockets. “Must be tough keeping that back straight all the damn time.”

“Hey buddy, watch how you talk to the princess!” One guard growled.

“Yeah! Show some respect to her majesty!” Another snapped.

“Guards, at ease. Axel is right, I’ve been acting a little uptight lately, and I believe I should learn to relax from time to time.” Celestia looked around a bit before slouching in her chair and putting her feet on the coffee table. “See. Relaxed.”

“P-Princess Celestia?!” Twilight yelped. “What are you doing?!”

“What’s it look like, Twi? She’s taking a load off,” I chuckled. “See? Doesn’t that feel better?”

“Much better,” Celestia nodded.

“One thing you gotta know about me, Celestia, is that I don’t much care if you’re a princess. To me, you’re just like any other person I’ve met with a fancy title. I’m nothing like the snobs you deal with on the daily,” I explained.

“I noticed.” Celestia then leans forward to whisper. “Between you and me, I would love to just skip my duties for a whole week, and let those overgrown babies bicker among themselves.”

“Is that right?” I then got an idea. “Well then, why don’t I take you out?”

A pin dropped from the amount of silence in the air as my question hung there for several minutes.

“Damn, you got a pair,” Lapis laughed.

“What?” I tilted my head.

“You know something, Axel.” Celestia hopped off her chair and gave me a playful smirk. “I might just take you up on that offer.”

“Awesome,” I grinned as I followed her out.

“A-Are you both serious right now?!” Twilight sputtered.

“Why’re you freaking out, Twi?” I wondered. “I’m just taking Celestia out, no biggie.”

“I agree, Twilight, it’s no biggie indeed,” Celestia giggled.

“You good with this, Moon?” I asked Moon.

“I…I suppose,“ Moon said but then smiled. “Be sure to treat her right, Axel.”

“Of course, I always make it a priority to have fun.”

I slung my pack over my back and closed the door after following Celestia and her guards out the door.

“What just happened?!” I heard Spike yelp.

Sweet Apple Acres
3rd POV

Inside the farmhouse bathroom, Orion was looking at himself in the mirror. He checked his hair repeatedly to make sure that he looked decent. Today was his very first date with Applejack, and it was easily visible that he was nervous.

The date would be a casual one, he wore a red T-shirt with black shorts. His white hair was spiked with gel, and he had just applied deodorant.

After staring at himself checking for any imperfections, he opened the door and walked to the front door where he would wait for Applejack.

“Nervous?” Orion jumped and spun around to see Big Mac leaning on the counter in the kitchen with a smirk.

He clutched his chest and propped himself against the doorframe with one arm. “Noo, you think?” Orion said sarcastically.

“XYZ,” Mac said.

“Huh?” Draco asked, now confused.

“Examine yer zipper, partner,” Mac said, glancing down real quick and back to Orion.

Orion was still confused before looking down and yelping before moving his hand down to zip his zipper. “How the hell did I miss that?!”

“Easy there, partner,” Mac waved his hand as Orion scrambled to zip up his fly. “Yer jumpier than a wound up bull seein’ red.”

“Well, this is my first date…ever. And with someone I work with no less. Wouldn’t you be the same?” Orion calmed down before walking over to Big Mac.

“Naw, Ah wouldn’t worry about it,” Mac waved his hand. “Lemme ask ya somethin’, ya like mah sister, don’t ya?”

“Would I be this jumpy if I didn’t?” Orion added seriously. “I do like her, it just took me a while to realize it.”

“And might Ah ask, why do ya like her?” Mac questioned.

“Well, where should I start?” Orion leaned against the counter as he stared up at the ceiling. “She’s fun to be around, kind, I find her accent adorable. And being near her seems to brighten any gloomy day.”

“So what do ya need to be so nervous about? AJ obviously fancies you as much as you do her. Ah caught sight of her this morning and she looked mighty frazzled. No doubt worryin’ what to wear to impress ya.”

Orion’s cheek flushed a shade of crimson as he rubbed the back of his head. “I-I don’t know, first date jitters I guess.”

Orion took the time to take a breath and calm himself. “What about you, Big Mac? Any girls you’re intrestead in?”

“Well…” Mac trailed off, rubbing the back of his head. “Ah kinda been keepin’ mah eye on that teacher of Apple Bloom’s, Cheerilee.”

“Oh ho.” Orion was now the one who was grinning. “Fancy the teacher type huh? Well maybe you should go ask her if she can teach you how to date her.”

“A-Ah’ll see what Ah can do,” Mac said nervously.

“Come on, sis! He’s waitin’!” The boys heard Apple Bloom from the stairs as she came down pulling someone’s arm.

“Darn it, Bloom! Gimme a minute!” They heard Applejack say.

“You’ve had plenty! Now come on!” Apple Bloom said and pulled her sister down.

Orion had to do a double take at the sight before him. Applejack was dressed in a beautiful checkered sundress with white shoulder cuffs that stretched down to her knees and a brown belt that went around her waist. She wore fancy-looking boots that had a bit of heel on them. Orion then turned his attention to her face and noticed she was wearing a bit of makeup. Nothing too heavy, just a tad bit of eyeliner and some lip gloss. Her hair was tied into twin braids that hung over her shoulders, each braid tied with a red bow, and her signature brown stetson.

“Wow.” He said without even thinking. “Applejack, you look beautiful, er, I mean you always look beautiful.” He fumbled his words a bit.

“Th-thank ya kindly, Orion,” Applejack said, her freckled cheeks burning red. “Ya look mighty handsome yerself.”

Orion was next to blush as he rubbed his neck. “Well I had to make myself look good enough for you, you know what I mean?”

“Alright, you two,” Mac chuckled as Apple Bloom grinned. “You two make sure ya have fun, and done do nothin’ foolish. And Orion?” Mac walked up to Orion and glared a death glare. “Don’t do nothin’ inappropriate, or Ah’ll snap them legs o’ yers in two!”

Orion rather than be scared smiled back at Big Mac, patting his shoulder. “And you grow some balls and go ask that teacher out.”

“Teacher? What teacher?” Applejack asked.

“Uh! Nothin’!” Mac panicked and proceeded to push the two of them out the door. “Have fun!” He slammed the door behind them, leaving Applejack confused.

“What was that about?” Applejack wondered.

Chuckling Orion shook his head. “Oh, just an inside joke between me and him.” With his nervousness seemingly gone, Orion offered his arms to his date. “Shall we go?”

Applejack smiled and hooked her arm around Orion’s. “Lead the way, sugarcube.”

Walking down from the farm, Orion led Applejack into town. They smiled and waved at the people they passed along the way until they arrived at their first destination, Sugarcube Corner.

When they walked in, the first to greet them was everyone’s favourite party girl.

“Hiya, Applejack! And Orion too!” Pinkie Pie chirped. “Look at you two! Finally going on a date! I knew you would be end up together!”

Both ended up blushing at the same time, and Orion smiled at Pinkie Pie. “Got seats for two, Pinkie?” He asked while holding up two fingers.

“Of course!” Pinkie led them to off to the dining area and sat them down at a table next to the window. “So! What can I get ya?” Pinkie reached into her hair and pulled out a notepad and a pencil.

“I’ll have a strawberry shake.” Orion smiled and turned to look at Applejack. “Order whatever you want, I’m buying today.”

“Ya sure?” Applejack asked and Orion nodded. “Then Ah’ll have an apple sundae.”

“Coming right up! Be right back! La la la la laaa!” Pinkie hummed and skipped away.

“She’ll never not make me laugh,” Apple giggle. “Ah don’t think she could.”

“She is a lively one, that’s for sure.” Orion smiled as he did his best not to stare too much at his date.

“Somethin’ on yer mind, sugarcube?” Applejack wondered.

“Oh, well um…” Orion fumbled for an answer. “I-I was just wondering, what made you wanna go out with me?”

“Well, fer starters, Ah kinda started to like ya from the first day Axel brought ya to our farm and ya showed off that powerful kick of yers.” Applejack blushed as she twirled her hair. “Shucks, Ah ain’t never seen no one kick like that besides Mac.”

“Really? That far back?” Orion asked, surprised by this new information. “I had no idea.”

“It’s true.” Applejack leaned her head on her hands as she grinned playfully at Orion. “You’re also pretty darn cute.”

This made Orion's cheeks burn as he looked away bashful. “Geez, how is it that you can make me blush so much?”

“Like this.” Applejack caught Orion off guard and quickly leaned in and pecked him on the cheek. “That’s how,” she giggled, her freckled cheeks blushing deep red.

By now steam was billowing out of Orion’s ears as he looked redder than his own t-shirt. “You’re going to give me a heart attack one of these days, you know that right?!”

“Hahaha!“ Applejack laughed at his expense.

“Here you are, you two!” Pinkie said as she skipped over with their orders. “Orion? Why do you look like a cherry?”

“Because I'm on a date with a gorgeous girl. " He added without hesitation, as he glanced back at Applejack.

“G-Gorgeous?” Applejack stammered and looked away bashfully. “Ah…Ah ain’t that pretty.”

“Are you kidding, AJ? You’re super duper pretty!” Pinkie chirped as she set their order down on the table.

“I agree, you’re more beautiful than the pretty apple orchards in bloom.” Orion now smirked as he tried to see if he could take the girl blush.

As Pinkie Pie skipped away to take more orders, Applejack’s heart was a flutter at his words as she twirled her hair. “Thanks, Orion, no one’s ever complimented me like that before. Ah was never really good at pickin’ the right boy to date before.”

“Really? Then how do you know I’m a right choice?” Orion asked before taking a sip of his shake.

“It’s because you don’t care I’m one of the Elements of Harmony,” Applejack said, making Orion pause.

“Why would that matter?” Orion wondered.

“Nothin’, let’s just enjoy ourselves,” Applejack waved it off and ate her sundae.

Orion moved his hand to gentle place it ontop of Applejack's. “You know, you can talk to me, right? I’m your friend, AJ.”

Applejack swallowed a bite of her sundae and sighed. “A while back, there was this guy Ah thought liked me for me. But Ah later found out he only fancied me because I’m the Bearer of Honesty Element. Ah felt so foolish, Ah didn’t expect to find someone to like me for me.”

“That’s surprising, honestly.” Orion gently rubbed Applejack’s hand with his thumb as he held it. “You’re fun, pretty, adorable, and a really amazing girl. I’m surprised there wasn’t a line of guys who wanted to ask you out, before you became an Element Bearer.”

Applejack smiled sadly as she moved her hand to intertwine her fingers with Orion’s. “You’re so sweet, Orion, but are you okay with a girl like me? Ah mean, down the line…what if Ah do or say somethin’ that won’t make ya like me no more? Ah’m sure there’s other girls out there who’d love to have ya as a boyfriend.”

Orion smiled before leaning in and giving Applejack a peck on the lips. “Honestly Applejack, I highly doubt I’d ever not like you.”

Now it was Applejack’s turn to blush bright red as she moved her other hand to touch her lips. “You…you kissed me.” A wide smile grew as she squealed a little in her seat. “Sweet applesauce! Did you just kiss me?!”

“And what if I did?” Orion said smugly as he grinned at his date. “Did you think you were the only one who could do the teasing?”

Applejack suddenly wrapped her arms around Orion’s neck and planted her lips on his. When she pulled back, she licked her lips and lidded her eyes. “Mmm, strawberry~.”

Orion’s eyes had rolled into his head as his face was now burning hotter than an oven, and a dopey smile was on his face.

“Way to go, AJ!” Pinkie cheered for her friend behind the counter.

Applejack giggled as she scooted her chair back to its place and continued to eat her sundae.

“Better drink your shake, sugarcube, it’ll melt,” Applejack advised.

“Aghdrnff.” Was the only sound that came out of Orion’s mouth as he tried to drink his shake, the heat from his face nearly melting his shake.

“Heh, boys,” Applejack giggled as she winked at Orion.

“This girl is going to be the death of me,” Orion muttered.

Later That Night
Dream Realm
Axel 1st POV

The buildings towered over me as cars drove down the streets. I wanted to show Moon what my world was like, so I decided to dream about one of America’s most famous cities for a dream date: New York City. Moon was having the time of her life. I was able to dream of New York since I remember traveling there a few times during college trips. We visited Times Square and stood in the middle of it all, watching the billboards and flashing lights. We flew up to the top of the One World Observatory and basked in the beauty of the lights below us. We visited the parks, the museums, and walked up and down the Brooklyn Bridge. During this whole experience, Moon couldn’t stop smiling and told me how much she loved the city sights and sometimes told me she loved me.

We were both now in Central Park and sitting on a bench in front of the Belvedere Castle.

“Who knew your world was full of untold wonders!” Moon giggled as she leaned into me. “Are there other cities like this in your world?”

“Yeah, but nothing beats the Big Apple, in my opinion,” I said.

“Is that another clever nickname earthlings have given this city?” Moon asked.

“Among other names,” I nodded. Moon rested her head on my shoulder and sighed.

“It was quite surprising how you asked Celestia to go on an outing with you,” Moon said.

“Why would it be? I just felt like she needed a day to relax and not worry about being a princess for once,” I shrugged.

“I suppose, but I don’t believe that is how she saw it,” Moon said.

“What do you mean?” I said, confused.

“Don’t you think she must have seen it as you were asking her on a date?” Moon wondered as she looked at me.

“A date? Ha! No way!” I laughed. “That wasn’t a date, not at all. Celestia’s just a friend so I took her on a friendly outing. Besides, me, an average nobody, asked Celestia, a freaking princess, on an actual date? It’d be a cold day in Hell before anything like that happens.”

“Do you not like Celestia?” Moon wondered.

“Look, I do like her, but not in the way you think,” I waved my hand dismissively. “All I did was do something nice for a friend and leave it at that.”

“I see you’re still as dense as an iron block.”

We both turned to see a plume of smoke appear beside us as Dante made himself appear.

“Dante? What’re you doing here?” I wondered.

“I got bored, which is surprising since we’re literally in New York City, but that’s besides the point. I wanna ask a favor,” Dante said, crossing his arms. “I want to use your body and stretch my legs.”

“Right now? Dude, I’m in the middle of a date,” I said as Moon gave Dante a dirty look.

“I didn’t say you had to wake up. You can still remain asleep within the subconscious of your mind and make kissy faces with your girlfriend all you want in the dream. Meanwhile, I’ll use your body to roam around as you do,”Dante explained.

“Is…that even possible?” I wondered.

“We switch all the time whenever you’re awake, so it should be,” Dante shrugged. “But the only difference this time is that while you’re dreaming, you won’t be aware of what I do while I use your body.”

“That’s a little unnerving,” Moon said.

“Yeah, I don’t think that’s a good idea. Who knows what you’ll do if I’m not aware of it,” I agreed.

“Oh, come on, I can’t stay cooped up in your head forever. All I wanna do is stretch my legs,” Dante rolled his eyes. “Look, if it’ll make you feel better, what if I relay everything I do at night whenever I go out?”

“How do I know you won’t lie?” I said.

“We share the same mind, I doubt I’d be able to keep something from you,” Dante said.

“Hmm, I guess you have a point.” I scratched my chin in thought. “And what exactly do you mean when you say you wanna stretch your legs?”

“Exactly that, and maybe cause some mischief here and there, beat up thugs who wanna start shit, maybe crack their skulls open, but that’s just my nature talking,” Dante grinned.

“Well…” I thought about his request, which sounded like a double edged sword, but it wouldn’t be fair to keep him locked up forever.

“Alright.”

“Really?” Dante said with his grin still wide.

“But only if you promise not to do anything crazy,” I pointed at him.

“Yeah, I promise,” Dante nodded and rubbed his hands together. “This is gonna be fun.” Dante then disappeared in a plume of smoke, leaving me with Moon.

“Are you certain that was wise?” Moon asked.

“He’s a loose cannon, but I don’t think he’d do anything crazy,” I said. “I hope.”

Back in Reality
Dante 1st POV

I opened my eyes and grinned immediately, feeling my hands and feet move after being cooped up in Axel’s mind for so long. I glanced down to my side and saw Nightmare Moon turned towards me. She wore a sleeping gown that showed a little cleavage of her generous bust, which was a nice sight to see, but I cast such thoughts away as I slowly left the bed.

I quickly and quietly got dressed in black jeans, red and white sneakers, black v-neck, grey hoodie with a hint of red in it, and my denim vest. Once I was dressed, I went to grab my pack, but I figured I didn’t need it since I was just going out for the night. So instead, I grabbed my beanie and pulled it on my head and headed out the door. After making sure I closed the door quietly and didn’t make a sound to wake Twilight and the others, I used Smoke to turn into wisps and flew towards the door. I glanced back to the library and looked up to see Eris sleeping on a hammock and snoring peacefully.

“Hmph, should’ve fried her when he had the chance,” I scoffed quietly and exited the library.

I stretched my arms out and began walking down the moonlit streets of Ponyville. No one was around and it was all pretty quiet for the most part. It was a little boring, but it was still nice to get out and smell fresh air. During my trek, I caught sight of a few people sneaking between some buildings. Piquing my curiosity, I made my way over to where I saw them walk. It was easy to tail them, since they were apparently too focused to get where they were going, and led me outside of Ponyville.

I followed them until we arrived at a secluded area just outside of Everfree Forest. To my surprise, there were a whole bunch of people already there. They were all standing around this big bonfire that provided light, but not big enough for anyone in town to notice. I stealthily crept up towards the group so that no one would notice me as I listened in.

One man from the group, with a stern look on his face, stepped forward and looked around at the others who waited for him to speak. He was a tall guy with a bit of a buff build and had dark red hair. There were signs of grey in his hair, which spoke for his age, but he still looked like he could put you in your place should you cross him.

“Gentleman! Welcome to Fight Club.” The guy started pacing around the bonfire while he continued his speech. “The first rule about Fight Club is, you do not talk about Fight Club. The second rule of Fight Club is that you do not, talk, about, Fight Club. The third rule of Fight Club is that if someone yells stop, goes limp, taps out, you stop. The fight is over. The fourth rule of Fight Club is two guys to a fight. Fifth rule, one fight at a time, fellas. Sixth rule, no shirts, no shoes. The seventh rule, fights will go on as long as they have to. And the eighth and final rule. If this is your first night of Fight Club. You have to fight.” Cheers went around the whole area while the guys took off their shirts and shoes.

“Oh hell yeah!” I said to myself as I tore off my shirt, jacket, and shoes. I set my pack down to the side and merged within the crowd. “This is gonna be a fun fuckin’ night! How unexpected from this town of pansies.”

“So! Who’s up first?” The leader asked.

“I am!“ a man walked up next to the leader. He was a little lanky, but had some muscle, nothing to boast about.

“Alright, who’ll fight our first contender?” The leader asked

“That’d be me, partner.”

A familiar voice called out and to my surprise, Big Macintosh walked up while cracking his knuckles.

“Huh, color me surprised,” I muttered. “It’s always the quiet ones, I guess.”

“Alright, first contenders of the evening. One of our most frequent fighters, Big Mac, is against the new meat. We’ll get a name from him after the fight if he's not out cold.” The host said while lighting a cigarette.

Both combatants nodded and took a stance. The leader stepped back and raised his hand.

“Ready?” Both Mac and his opponent lowered themselves. “Fight!”

The lanky dude charged at Mac with the intent to tackle him. Mac just stood there until he raised his fist high in the air.

POW!!

Before I could even register it, Mac’s fist came down on the charging opponent like a cannon and bashed him into the ground. There was a large thud that echoed throughout the area as the lanky dude fell limp at Mac’s feet.

“Whew! Ah sure needed that,” Mac smiled as he flexed his hand. “That little turd really grind mah gears this mornin’.”

“Damn, what a hook!” I said.

“Alright. New meat’s down. Since we can’t get a name from him, we’ll refer to him as Meat.” The host took a drag from his cigarette before his eyes landed on me. “Looks like we got another new fighter tonight. Step up.” The guy gestured me forward. I stepped in the middle of the ring and the guy inspected me. “What’s your name kid?” He asked me before blowing his smoke into my face.

I pondered the question, thinking it would be cool to go by an alias, until I thought of one that made me grin.

“Call me the Red Hawk,” I announced.

“Red Hawk?” The guy takes a drag from his cigarette before looking me in the eye. “You come up with that name on the spot or did you have to think about it?” I was about to get in his face about my name before he began to chuckle. “Nah, don’t worry about it, kid. We get guys here that take the rules a little too seriously and don’t even use their real name.” He patted my shoulder before addressing the crowd. “Alright, boys! Who wants to take on the Hawk?”

“I’ll take him on.” A big buff guy walks up with a smirk. He was half a head taller than me and looked like he had more brawn than brains.

“Brass Knuckle, you’re back again?” The leader sighed. “I told you you aren’t welcome here, not after you put the last three guys in the hospital. Which not only is overkill, but also jeopardizes the secrecy of this Fight Club!”

“Not my fault those weaklings couldn’t handle my right hook.” The guy smiled, showing he had a few teeth missing, most likely from previous fights.

“Man, you are one ugly mother fucker,” I snickered. “But don’t worry, I’ll give you a touch up by breaking your nose. That way, you’ll be just the right level of ugly.”

“What’d you say? You scrawny little punk!” Brass said while getting in my face.

“Alright, save it for the fight you two,” the leader said as we both stepped back from each other. “You both know the rules?” We both nodded. “Good. Now get ready.” Brass Knuckles raised his fists as I just stood there with a smirk. “And…fight!”

Brass charged at me with his fist raised and swung at me. I sidestepped out of the way from his sloth-like punch and drove my elbow into his rib cage.

CRACK!

“Grah! Little punk! I’ll beat your brains into a pulp!” Bras yelled while holding his side and attempting to deliver a backhand.

I blocked his hand with my left forearm while reeling back with my right fist and drove it into his gut as hard as I could.

THWAM!

Brass buckled over and fell to his knees as he clutched his gut and tried to catch his breath. He looked up at me with a glare but I just smirked evilly at him.

“You don’t need these, do you?” I asked as I raised my foot behind me and swung it directly in between his legs.

WHA-BAM!

Brass gave out a high-pitched scream as I kicked his family jewels. I think I even heard one of them pop. “You little bastard! I’ll smash your face in and make you eat your teeth!” Brass said in the same squeaky voice.

“Oh will you?” I said.

“Uh, Red Hawk? I think he’s had-”

I didn’t bother letting the leader finish his sentence as I kicked Brass on his back. I jumped on top of him, while grinning darkly like a maniac and began punching Brass’ face repeatedly. Blood sprayed from his nose and mouth as I slammed my fists in his ugly mug. Whatever teeth were left in his mouth long gone.

As I kept turning his face into mulch, I felt two pairs of hands grab me before pulling me off of Brass. When I looked back, I saw that it was the host and Big Mac that pulled me away. “Third rule! If someone yells stop, goes limp, or taps out, you stop!”

“Oh! My bad,” I said with an innocent smile. I glanced back at the now unconscious Brass Knuckle, who was twitching every so often in a pool of his own blood. “I got carried away. That guy called me a name, so I reacted poorly.”

“Yeah, I can see that. Look, since it’s your first night and he’s still breathing, I’ll let it slide. Just don’t let it happen again, Hawk.” The host warned me while a couple of guys picked up Brass and dragged him off.

“Hey leader.” He looked back at me as I kept my grin. “I wanna fight three of these poor suckers now.”

“You just wanna break all the rules tonight, don’t ya? Gentlemen, what is the fourth and fifth rule of Fight Club?” The host asked everyone.

“Two fighters to a fight! One fight at a time!” Was what they all said in unison.

“Exactly.” The guy takes another drag before looking at me. “Look, kid. I get it. You’re young, it’s your first fight, and you just beat the crap out of someone bigger than you. You feel invincible and think you can take on the world. But rules are rules, and we have them for a reason.”

“Aw, come on,” I said, putting on my best act to fool him. “You said it yourself, it’s my first time here. Can’t you make an exception? I promise, after tonight, I’ll abide by the rules and won’t bitch about it any more.”

The guy lets out a huff, letting his drag exit out his nose before turning to the others. “Alright, I need three fighters who are willing to gang up on Hawk over here.”

There was a bit of hesitance from the group, until three came forward and stood before me. They each looked like identical triplets, except they each wore different hats.

“So who do we have here?” The leader said.

“Snap,” The guy on the left says

“Crackle,” the guy in the middle said.

“Pop,” the guy on the right said.

“Pfft, now I’m hungry for rice krispies,” I chuckled to myself at their names.

“Alright, we have ourselves a three on one fight. Against my better judgment, you three are gonna fight Hawk. Despite the fourth and fifth rule being ignored for now, the third rule is still In effect.” The host steps back as I faced off against the trio. “Begin!”

Before I could react, Pop charged at me and tackled me to the ground. I raised my arms as he began punching me and I blocked his attacks. This guy was stronger than he looked, but that didn’t mean I was gonna let him have his way. When he reeled back for another punch, I quickly caught his fist and head butted him right in the nose.

As Pop held his bloody nose, Crackle came up from the side and kicked me in the side of the head.

I grunted as I shoved Pop off and jumped to my feet. Snap went for a kick to my side, but I jumped out of the way and spun by body around. I raised my leg and delivered a hard kick to Snap’s side. He cried out in pain and I rushed him with a series of punches and kicks. He had bruises everywhere, until I felt someone kick my back. I looked behind me to see Pop with a very pissed off look.

“Hmm, if Axel’s memories serve, I guess he wouldn’t mind if I bust out an old hobby of his.” I turned to face Pop and Snap and took an old stance and hopped in place: the Southpaw. “Come at me then.”

“Heh, like some old boxing moves are gonna stop us,” Snap said before lunging for my waist.

I sidestepped away from him and kept hopping in place. He glared at me as he kept lunging for me. I dodged and weaved away from him as I watched his footing and where’d he step next. When he came at me again, he stepped with his right foot close to my left.

Got ya.

I reeled back while evading his lunge and met his movement with my fist. My punch slammed into his face and I drove him down in the ground with a loud thud. Snap lay limp with a busted nose and black eyes as I assumed my stance again and hopped in place.

“One Krispie down,” I said to Crackle Pop with a mocking grin. “Two Krispie’s to go.”

“That’s it! Come on Pop, let’s clip this bird’s wings!” Crackle and Pop made a lunge for me at the same time.

Using only a little of my Neon, just enough so no one would notice, I met them head on and began pelting them with rapid fire punches. Crackle and Pop were helpless as I unleashed high speed rushes upon them. Liver blows, right hooks, uppercuts, left hooks, temple blows; it was a massacre for these two. I felt their bones crack, teeth flying, and blood splattered the ground around us. I finished my barrage with one hard slug to the jaw on Pop and a left hook to Crackle’s temple. Pop fell on his back, completely out cold, and Crackle just stood there in a bloody and bruised daze. I smirked as I reached up and ever so slightly flicked his forehead.

“Nighty night, Krispie,” I said as he leaned back and collapsed on the ground.

I looked around my three unconscious opponents and began to laugh. I placed my foot on Crackle’s chest and faced the leader and the now on edge crowd.

“How’s that for a show stopper?” I asked with a sadistic grin.

“Damn! Not bad, kid. Keep this up and you might just end up as our champ.” The host told me while more guys went to take Crackle and Pop out of the circle.

“I try,” I shrugged.

“In fact, how’d you like to go bigger than just this Fight Club?” The leader said.

“Bigger than this? What do you mean?” I wondered. The leader motioned two other guys to start fighting as he pulled me away to speak in private. The crowd made sure to steer clear of me as we stepped away from the crowd.

“First question, you a pig?” The leader asked.

“Am I wearing a badge and forcing you to put ‘em up?” I asked rhetorically.

“Guess not, well here’s my offer.” He reached into his back pocket after taking a drag from his cigarette and handed me a black card. I looked at the card and it had red writing on it.

“Underground Bouts?” I read aloud and looked at him. “You mean free-for-all fighting?”

“If you’re interested. You get to fight and, win or lose, you get a cut of the money. Though winning earns you more.”

“Wait, you telling me there’s no rules in these fights?” I said, now becoming more interested.

“For the most part. The only real rule is that you don’t kill anyone. Other than that, go ape-shit.” He patted my back before returning to the circle where the two were still fighting.

“What’s your name, anyway?” I called out to him.

“Call me Pitt!” The leader said, waving his hand at me over his shoulder.

I held the card in my hand and felt an excitement coursing through me. This is exactly the kind of shit I was looking for in this boring world. I could let loose on assholes in a ring whenever I feel the need, I’ll even make some cash for Axel in case he bitches about it. There was a small schedule on the back of the card and it said that there was a match in Canterlot with an address.

“This world just got a whole lot more interesting,” I chuckled as I tucked the card in my back pocket and rejoined the group.

Author's Note

His name will soon be known and feared throughout the underground.

Hope you enjoyed!

~WurkyWilk has left the building…