Chapter 3

“Arthur Morgan?” The boy said, tilting his head. “That’s a funny name.”

“Well what’s yer name then, son? Can’t be stranger than mine.” Arthur chuckled.

“I’m Pipsqueak!” The boy said happily. “And these are my friends, The Cutie Mark Crusaders!”

Pfft, the Cutie what now?

“I’m Scootaloo!” The orange horse girl said.

“Mah name’s Apple Bloom, pleasure to meet ya!” The one with the bow said.

“My name is Sweetie Belle.” The white one said.

“Heh heh, well it certainly was nice to meet y’all. I best be on my way then.” Arthur said and he tipped his hat again and turned to leave.

“Wait Mr. Morgan! Where are you going?” Pipsqueak asked.

“Me? No where, really. Y’all could say I’m not from around here and I’m just going where I feel I need to. I just saw y’all were havin’ some trouble with them bullies and what not, so I figured I’d step in.” Arthur shrugged.

“Are you alone Mr. Morgan?” Scootaloo asked.

Arthur paused at the young winged horse girl’s question. He sighed as he took off his hat and scratched it a little. “Well…yeah, I guess I kinda am. But I prefer it that way.”

“That’s not right!” Sweetie Belle said as she huffed up to the gunslinger. “Being alone is never fun! You should come with us to see what Ponyville is all about! I’m sure everypony will welcome you, and with open arms!”

Ponyville? Good lord, I really am in some kind of fantasy world. And what’s with that strange talk she’s going on about? Arthur mumbled in his head.

“Look kid, I appreciate the sentiment, but I don’t think a ma- I mean, stallion, like me should stick around in a friendly lookin’ place like this.” Arthur said.

“Aw, why not?” Scootaloo asked.

“Yeah! You’re a nice stallion who stood up for us against Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Anyone who does that for us is good enough in my book.” Pipsqueak said with a smile.

My goodness, with these names…

“I only stepped in cause I don’t like bullies, especially when they gang up on those who can’t stand up fer themselves properly. And fer the record, if you really knew me, y’all wouldn’t call me a good stallion.” Arthur said, placing a hand on his belt.

“Well Ah don’t believe that, Mr. Morgan.” Apple Bloom huffed. “In fact, I personally insist ya come along with us to downtown. We can even treat ya to a snack!”

“That’s mighty generous of ya, Apple Bloom, but I’d hate to make y’all buy me anything fer that matter. Y’all’er just kids, after all.” Arthur said, trying to back away.

To his surprise, both Pipsqueak and Sweetie Bell quickly walked forward and grabbed his hands. Scootaloo was next to move as she ran around and jumped on Arthur’s back, earning a light grunt from the gunslinger. Apple Bloom knelt down and latched on to his legs, leaving Arthur in a very immobile state.

“Kids, please get offa me.” Arthur requested but received simultaneous head shakes.

“We’re not going anywhere until we thank you properly!” Scootaloo said while taking his hat and putting it on her head.

“Either you come with us, or you aren’t moving at all!” Pipsqueak proclaimed.

“So what’s it gonna be, Mr. Morgan?” Sweetie Belle challenged.

Never in his life did Arthur Morgan imaged be boxed in a corner by a group of children who were literally covering him from head to toe, or hoof for that matter. He looked at each foal who gave him a look both smug smirks and pleading eyes which wained on his will to resist.

Damn, I hate kids sometimes…

“Fine…y’all win, I’ll tag along.” Arthur sighed in a defeated tone.

“YAY!” The foals cheered as they let Arthur go. Scootaloo gave Arthur back his hat as they marched confidently in front of him.

“Come on, Mr. Morgan, you’re gonna love Ponyville!” Pipsqueak said.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m comin’.” Arthur chuckled as he fixed his hat and followed the group.

They day was like any other for the citizens of Ponyville. Everyone was going on about their daily lives and usual routine without much care in the world. At a local café sat some ponies, each at their own table and conversing with one another. At one of the tables were a familiar pair of ponies that ran the local spa, Lotus Blossom and Aloe Vera. Today was their day off from the Ponyville Spa and they were just enjoying a nice treat and spending time together as sisters would with each other.

“It was quite the productive day yesterday, wouldn’t you agree, Aloe?” Lotus asked as she sipped her tea.

“Indeed, I thought the day would never end.” Aloe sighed as she massaged her hands. “Those jock ponies really should be more considerate about how we run things. One even had the nerve to touch my flank! He kept insisting it was an accident, my bright pink flank it was.”

“At least we were able to finish them up before anything got too escalated. Besides, you’ll be pleased to know that Ms. Rarity and Ms. Fluttershy made an appointment tomorrow.” Lotus said with a smile as she poured more tea in her cup.

“Oh how wonderful! Ms. Rarity is such a treat to service, so generous and kind. Especially Ms. Fluttershy, do you think maybe…hey!” Aloe was interrupted when her arm felt something wet. She looked to see that her sister was over pouring her tea which made her snatch the pitcher away and place it back on the table. “Lotus, what is with you?! You got the whole table wet! Help me clean it up before-”

“G-Gorgeous…”

“What? What is?” Aloe wondered as Lotus’ cheeks burned red. “Lotus?”

“Such a stud muffin~.” Lotus swooned.

“Are you trying to tell me about some kind of secret crush or something?” Aloe questioned. Lotus didn’t respond and grabbed Aloe’s face and turned it to the right. Once she did, she gasped as her cheeks also burned and her eyes grew heavy and glazed with lustful desire.

“Oh my Celestia~, he’s…”

“An absolute hunk!” Both sisters said as they gazed at their eye candy.

Walking down the streets of Ponyville was arguably the most handsome stallion any mare had laid eyes on. His short dirty blond mane and tail, his light brown fur, his sky blue eyes, his muscular build that was pressed under his jacket and jeans, and the leather stetson hat he wore was all the complete package for a mare’s dream of a cowcolt. The mystery stallion slowly walked with a hand in his pocket with his thumb poking out as he followed a familiar group of foals that were the CMC and little Pipsqueak.

Arthur paid no mind to any stares he received from the residents of the small town of Ponyville. The other stallions either didn’t really glance at him or just innocently waved at him, to which he just tipped his hat to in response. As for the mares, none seemed to want to take their eyes off the gunslinger. Some were drooling at the very sight of him, others looked like they wanted to jump him right then and there. This stallion, whomever he is, was a total catch.

“So, Mr. Morgan, do you like sweets?” Scootaloo asked.

“Sweets? Eh, sometimes, I guess.” Arthur shrugged.

“Well you’re in luck! Cause we’re going to a place where the most delicious pastries in Ponyville are made.” Sweetie Belle said.

“I look forward to it.” Arthur chuckled.

As the group continued to walk, Pipsqueak noticed that most of the ponies, if not all, they passed by were starring at them. The little colt arched a brow and turned his head to look up at Arthur. He was just minding his own business, his eyes looking around as he was examining his surroundings. Pipsqueak leaned over to whisper to Apple Bloom.

“Hey Apple Bloom, do you notice anything strange about the ponies around?”

“What do ya mean?”

“It’s just that I feel like everypony’s staring at us.”

Apple Bloom looked around and noticed that ponies were indeed looking in their general direction, mostly the mares. When she looked back to Arthur, who still wasn’t really paying attention to his surroundings, she bit the inside of her cheek thinking about why they were staring at them. After looking at the ponies and Arthur a few more times, she snapped her fingers and giggled a little.

“Oh Ah don’t think it’s us they’re starin’ at, Pip. Ah think they’re all gawkin’ at Mr. Morgan back there.” Apple Bloom said, pointing at Arthur with her thumb.

“Why’s that?” Pip asked, tilting his head.

“Maybe its cause they’re all smitten fer him. Not really surprisin’ since he is quite the looker, least that’s what Applejack always says when she sees a stallion she fancies.”

“Oooohhh, I see.” Pip nodded. “Do you think Mr. Morgan is here to find his special somepony?”

“Mr. Morgan wants a special somepony?” Scootaloo chimed in.

“How romantic!” Sweaty Belle squeaked. “Mr. Morgan would make any mare happy, considering how nice he is!”

“Maybe we should help him out? It’s the least we could do since he helped us earlier. And besides, I feel like Mr. Morgan needs a special somepony.” Pip said with a slight frown.

“How do you mean, Pip?” Sweetie asked.

“I’m not really sure, when he said that he was alone I kinda felt bad for him. Since…well, I’m alone as well.” Pip sighed, now fully frowning and rubbing his arm.

All three fillies stopped for a moment and surrounded Pip on a group hug, making Arthur stop as well.

“Don’t worry Pip, you’re never alone.” Scootaloo said.

“Yeah, we’re yer friends after all.” Apple Bloom said.

“That’s right, and we’ll stay friends forever!” Sweetie said.

Pip smiled as he hugged the girls back. Arthur smirked at how good of friends they were, which made him think about his own friends back home. Bill was as dumb as a twig, but at least he knew how to make people laugh. Hosea was wise as he was tough and always had an ear for anyone who needed advice. Javier was idealistic and as loyal as any member of the gang, though he seemed to be loyal to the wrong person. Charles, even though he didn’t really talk much, he was dependable when in a fight. Even though Sean was always poking fun at Arthur and calling him names like English or King Arthur, but he always had a smile on his face and so did Arthur. Lenny may have been young and free spirited young man, but he always made sure to be competent and effective in most situations.

Arthur continued to reminisce about his old gang, it made him a little sad how quickly it fell apart. His hand clenched into a fist when he thought about why it all turned upside down in the first place. It was because of that rat, Micah. Oh how Arthur wished he was back home right about now, so that he could spend however many days or years it took to hunt that traitor down and send him off to hell where he belonged.

Suddenly, a yelp that sounded like woman’s voice broke the gunslinger out of his thoughts. He looked around and spied a few stallions haggling a mare. The mare had white fur with a curly purple mane and tail. She also had a horn with light blue eyes and was wearing a white button up shirt and a skirt that matched the colour of her mane and tail. Arthur narrowed his eyes since this was something not uncommon back home as he immediately made his way to intervene.

“Hey, where’s Mr. Morgan going?” Scootaloo wondered.

Arthur kept his pace as the stallions continued to harass the mare as all of them had a sick look in their eyes.

“Come on, baby, what’s the rush? Let us stallions show a real good time.” One stallion said.

“How dare you?! Get away from me, you brutes!” The mare yelped.

“Ooh, she’s a feisty one. I like that in mare.” Another stallion chuckled.

“You seem to be outvoted here, hot stuff.” A stallion said as he grabbed the mare’s arm, making her panic. “Let’s take this somewhere more private.”

“Hey!”

Everyone stopped and turned to see a large stallion standing before them and giving the stallions the stink eye. His arms were crossed, his eyes narrowed, and he looked like he wasn’t gonna take any shit from anyone.

“Who the buck are you?” One of the stallions snorts.

“Someone you really don’t wanna piss off if ya don’t keep that yap of yers zipped, boy.” Arthur warned.

“Ooh, look at the tough stallion here.” The other stallion mocked. “Buck off, old fart, we’re a little busy here.”

“Sure ya are. Now I’m only gonna say this once, leave the lady alone and go about yer business. Do that, and we’ll let bygones be.” Arthur offered.

“Hah! Listen to this guy! And just what are you gonna do if we say otherwise?”

“You like yer teeth, don’t ya?” Arthur said with a wicked smile.

“What?”

“It’d be a shame if I had to knock each of them out of yer annoying mouth.”

One stallion growled as he walked forward and stood in front of Arthur. The stallion was easily a head shorter than the gunslinger, but kept his resolve nonetheless.

“You better get out of here, old stallion, or we’ll put you back in the wheelchair where you belong.”

“Is that right? Well, I guess I’ll have to find another way.” Arthur sighed as he turned away.

“Yeah that’s right, walk awa-”

WHAM!

Out of nowhere, Arthur reeled back and slammed his fist straight in the stallion’s muzzle, sending him flying backwards and on the ground. His bloody nose was completely broken as he laid unconscious and everyone, even the foals, were too shocked for words.

“Whew! That felt good.” Arthur sighed as he cracked his knuckles. “Any of you other gentlemen wanna be a smartass?”

“You bucker!” On stallion yelled as he charged at the gunslinger.

Arthur just stood there as the stallion raised his fist to punch him, only for Arthur to block his strike with his arm. The gunslinger reeled back again and uppercut his attacker, making him soar higher in the air and come falling down next to his still unconscious companion. The remaining stallion was at a lost for words as two of his friends were completely knocked out without being able to land a single punch on the gunslinger. Arthur wasn’t done though, not by a long shot. He marched over to the remaining stallion and grabbed his shirt collar and held him close.

“Now you listen and you listen well, boy. I sure as hell didn’t want things to go this way, but you and yer friends seemed to think you could do whatever the hell you wanted and not get in trouble. I know yer kind, I’ve seen it too many times back where I’m form. This nice lady here was probably enjoying a nice day until you showed up. So here’s what’s gonna happen right now, you’re gonna take yer sorry ass and the ones I just beat the shit out of and get the hell out of town! Cause I promise you, if I ever see you or either of them, I’ll sure as hell make good on my promise. I’ll knock each and every one of yer teeth out and use ‘em to make a necklace! This town don’t need yer shit since y’all are already full of it! Am I clear?!” Arthur demanded as he held the stallion up high.

“Y-Yes! Yes I understand! I’m sorry!” The stallion pleaded.

“It ain’t me you gotta apologize to!” Arthur spat as he set the stallion down and shoved him towards the mare. “Now out with it!”

“I-I’m sorry miss, I didn’t mean for my friends and I to be so rude...” The stallion apologized.

“And...?”

“We...were just full of shit and this town doesn’t need any of it.” He added.

“Good, now git!” Arthur snapped.

The stallion obeyed as he grabbed his friends and pulled them away. Arthur snorted as he fixed his hat and stared at the retreating stallion, just so he could make sure that he was out of the town. Meanwhile, the white mare was at a loss for words. She was merely minding her own business when those stallions came out of nowhere and started harassing her. Just when things were about to get worse for ware, another much taller stallion showed up and saved her before things got too escalated. The mare couldn’t help feel her cheeks warm up a bit as she gazed up at her savior. Arthur turned to the mare and stepped towards her, only making her heart beat more and more.

“Howdy, ma’am, I hope these idiots didn’t cause too much trouble for ya.” Arthur said with a tip of his hat.

“Oh... um, yes well, I’m quite fine thank you.” The mare stammered, trying to find her words.

“Rarity!”

The mare looked over to see the group of foals run over to her. One of which, namely Sweetie Belle, looked similarly like her.

“Sweetie Belle? What are you all doing here?” The mare named Rarity wondered.

“We were on our way to Sugarcube Corner with our new friend here. All of a sudden he just walked off and we saw him save you from those mean ponies!” Sweetie Belle said.

“That was so cool, Mr. Morgan! Those stallions never stood a chance!” Scootaloo cheered with the others nodding in agreement.

“It ain’t much to brag about, Scootaloo.” Arthur said, waving his hand dismissively. “I would’ve preferred it didn’t end up gettin’ violent but they left me no choice.”

“Oh please, darling, I actually am satisfied you were able to rough those brutes up when you did. If anything, they got just what they deserved.” Rarity said.

“Is that right? Heh, well then I suppose I’m in the clear.” Arthur shrugged. “I’m just glad you’re safe and sound miss...”

“Oh stars, where are my manners?! I am Rarity, darling, a grand pleasure to meet you.” Rarity said with a smile as she held out her hand.

Arthur smiled and took off his hat, revealing his face more to the open. This only caused Rarity, and any other mare who saw him, to blush more profusely. As everyone thought, this stallion was extremely handsome. No mare could take their eyes off this rugged looking stud, especially since he just saved Rarity like a damsel in distress. Arthur reached out with his other hand and gently clasped hers, making her gasp slightly as he lightly shook it.

“Name’s Arthur Morgan, Miss Rarity, it’s also a pleasure to meet ya as well.” Arthur said with a warm smile.

Oh my stars...he’s perfect! Rarity beamed within her head.

Author's Note

Day one and he’s already made a good first impression to the townsfolk.

Hope you enjoyed!

~WurkyWilk has left the building...