Man in the Monster

 Ugh... What a weird dream...

 You sit up in your bed and rub your eyes.

 Let's see... Where am I?

 Grey walls, pink sheets, snoring coming from the bunk above you...

 Yep. I'm in a prison cell.

 So, let's go over the previous events.

 Sent on an assassin mission

 Beat Sam to death with a rock

 Got tranquilized and had a dream that you were a dog with a scorpion tail, in a world of little colorful ponies.

 Either they put something in the tranquilizer, or you took too many hits.

 "Zachariah Smith?"

 A voice calls from outside your cell.

 "Zach, are you awake?"

 You stand up, a little wobbly.

 "Just a second!" you call.

 You stumble over to the door and look through the barred window. A man in a black suit looks at you. On either side of him are two guards.

 "Hey, Zach. Feeling better?"

 "Yeah, I'm fine, I think. Who are you?"

 He looks hurt. "Zach, it's me."

 Oh crap it's him!

 Oh, wait. He's alive!

 "Sam! I, uh-"

 "No, it's okay. I won't be pressing charges. You did what the gang told you to do."

 "I- I don't know what to say."

 "You're welcome. But, nevertheless, there are consequences."

 "Like wha- Holy sh*t!!"

 Sam's mouth opens up unnaturally wide to reveal sharp, long teeth lining his top and bottom jaws.

 His voice deepens to a demonic tone. "-Just- consequences."

 The guards behind him are wearing long beak masks. One of them unlocks the door. Sam is waiting impatiently. "An eye for an eye..."

 The door opens and Sam walks in. You start backing up.

 "...a tooth for a tooth..."

 "Someone help me please!"

 Your cellmate on the top bunk watches with interest.

 "...a finger for a finger..."

 Sam is inches from your face. "...a LIFE for a LIFE!!"

 You scream as he grasps your arms and opens his large, fang-riddled mouth wider than your head.

 The room fades in from black.

 As you slowly gain control of your body, you start to freak out.

 Your arms...

 They're chained!

 You thrash around violently, trying to break free.

 "Woah Nelly! He's freakin' out!"

 "What's wrong with him?!"

 "Did his eyes just change color?"

 -Hey buddy, what's wrong?

 You start to calm down when you realize you're not being tortured or eaten.

 Okay, where am I?

 -We're on a bed in Fluttershy's basement.

 Why not her regular house?

 -We probably couldn't fit through the door. I'm not sure though, because we were asleep when they moved us.

 You scan the room. The lighting is dim, but you can see six ponies, two of them familiar to you.

 Gosh dangit. They tricked you.

 -Can't blame 'em. Would you have done any different to a monster five times your size?

 I would have stayed the f*ck away. But good point.

 You sit up. "Uh, hello?"

 The room goes silent and they all stare at you.

 "I guess I'll start. My name is Zachariah Smith. I already met Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy," you gesture to them, "but would like to meet all of you too."

 -Aren't you the charmer.

 Might as well make a good first impression.

 -I'm sure freaking out as soon as you woke up did the job.

 Did I ask you?

 -You didn't need to.

 You snap out of your conversation in your head and return to reality.

 They're still just standing there.

 This is getting awkward.

 A purple pony with a horn decides to speak up. "Uh, greetings, mister Zackariasmith, I'm Twilight Sparkle, and this is Applejack,"

 "Howdy."

 "..Rarity,"

 "How do you do?"

 "..Pinkie Pie,"

 "Hi!"

 "..and I know you know Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, right?"

 "Ohh yeah, I do." You give them a look, and they avert their eyes.

 "Don't be mad," she says, looking a little nervous, "we needed to take precautions. We didn't know if you would freak out or anything when you woke up, and, well..."

 You recall your actions just moments earlier.

 "Okay, you're right. I did go a little crazy when I woke up..."

 "Crazy??" Pinkie is waving her arms around. "You were insane! You were so scary! Good thing those little chains didn't snap from your big muscles!"

 You tug on the chain, and it snaps. Pinkie totally jinxed it.

 "Yeah..."

 -Hey. She just complimented my muscles.

 Don't you mean -ours-?

 -You just got here yesterday. You play no part in my physique.

 Fair enough.

 "So, now that I'm not freaking out, and also because I can easily break out of these chains, would you mind unlocking them?"

 "Oh! Umm, sure." Twilight looks to Applejack, who reluctantly begins fumbling through her saddlebag. She takes out a pair of keys, and goes to unlock your chains.

 "Oh, and by the way, call me Zach. No need to fumble over my full name."

 Twilight nods."Okay, Zach."

 After Applejack's done, you thank her, and stand up.

 Twilight starts to say something. "Zach, I-"

 -THUMP!-

 "-would watch my head if I were you..."

 Your immense height causes you to smack your head on the ceiling.

 "Ow..."

 "Sorry Zach. Our pony structures aren't meant for such big... creatures. We had to bring you in here because you wouldn't fit into Fluttershy's cottage."

 "Guess it's just something I'll have to get used to."

 Bent over, you walk to the stairs, but Twilight blocks you.

 You trip over her.

 -SMACK!-

 After recovering from a painful faceplant on the edge of a step, you turn around to face Twilight.

 "What was that all about?"

 Applejack and Rarity are helping her off the floor. She sees you and blushes.

 "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! I just wanted to ask you about... You! You're so different, like a new species or something!"

 -She got that spot on.

 "And I'm sure you have some questions for me, too."

 Actually, she's right.

 "Ok, I'll answer your questions."

 "Great! Now sit back down on the bed and we can begin!"

 You stand up again.

 -THUNK!-

 Everyone's giggling now.

 "Dammit, by the time I get out of here I'm gonna be brain damaged..."

 Well, this has been an interesting conversation.

 Although nobody believed a word you said.

 Being psychically connected to a body in a different world? It's just not possible.

 And a world where ponies don't talk, but beings similar to monkeys do? They thought that was the funniest thing.

 You told them about how you considered the possibility that -this- world was made-up fiction in your head, and that you still do think about that.

 Oh, you were a riot.

 At least you gained some friends; and Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy warmed up to you again.

 No one told you anything about this world though, because, according to Applejack, "You din't tell us nuthin' about yourself; why should we tell you anything about us?"

 You dumb b*tch. I did tell you.

 Whatever. You don't need them to figure things out. You already know a thing or two about this place.

 For example, ponies with wings are 'pegasi' and fly. Ponies with horns are 'unicorns' and do magic.

And Fluttershy is hypnotic.

...That's about it.

 "Well, I'm sorry I didn't tell you what you wanted to hear. But at least tell me where I am so I can find my way home."

 -What home?

 You don't have a home?

 -No.

 Well sh*t.

 "You have a home?" Fluttershy looks a little disappointed.

 "Well, yeah, but I don't think I'll ever find my way back."

 She perks up. "Oh, you poor thing. Maybe you could stay with-"

Pinkie interjects. "Ooh ooh! You can stay with me! We can have sleepovers and parties-"

 Applejack breaks in. "Why don't you stay at Sweet Apple Acres? We could always use a helping hand!"

 I must be very liked around here.

 -Don't you mean 'we'?

 It may be your body, but it's my personality.

 -Damn you.

Twilight breaks them up. "Girls, I don't think he'll be able to stay at either of your houses."

 "Why not?" they both say at the same time.

 "Well, for one, he would scare everyone in Ponyville."

 This definitely has something to do with -your- body.

 -Oh, shut up.

 "..no offense Zach."

 "No, you're right. Besides, could I even fit in any of your houses?"

 "Well, we have an extra barn..."

 "Maybe. But for now, I should probably lie low. I need people to get used to me before I go parading around town square."

 "I know!" Pinkie says, "We should throw a party!"

 "Throw a party?"

 "Yeah! We can throw a party for you, and then everyone there will meet you!"

 "Pinkie, what did I just say?"

 "whaaa?"

 "I need to lie low for awhile. So people can get used to the idea of a giant meat-eater with a scorpion tail living near their town. It's nothing personal."

 Her hair suddenly straightens out and her whole body darkens.

 -Zach.

 Yeah?

 -What are you doing?

 Telling her I can't come to her party.

 -Zach?

 Yeah?

 -Stahp.

 Stop what?

 -You know what. You know what you have to do.

 Fine.

 -Seriously dude. You may have killed her.

 "Well, I guess it could be a good idea..."

 Her hair suddenly turns poofy again and her mouth is going mile a minute.

 "Wait Pinkie, wait." You cover up her mouth with your paw. She keeps talking, and is getting saliva all over your fur.

 This mare is brain-damaged, I swear.

 You feel a suction on your hand and realize Pinkie is gasping for air.

 You immediately let go, and while you still have the chance, you present your problem.

 "Now, am I going to be able to fit into your house? I don't want to be bending over in a stuffy room for hours."

 She catches her breath and ponders this for a moment. "I know! We should have the party outside! It will be great!"

 Twilight's turn to object. "Wouldn't the music disturb the neighbors?"

 "Nah, we don't have to have the music too loud. Besides, this means that everypony can come or go as they please!"

 How thoughtful.

 -That doesn't include you.

 I know that...

 "So, about housing..." Twilight is getting hack to business now.

 Fluttershy seems to be your only option.

 Besides, she's giving you a hopeful look.

 That's the f*cking cutest look I've ever seen.

 "I would feel most comfortable staying with Fluttershy, if that's okay..."

 Everyone turns to Fluttershy.

 "Oh, yes. That would be quite alright."

 "So it's settled then," Twilight concludes, "Zach stays with Fluttershy."

 "Yeah, that will be great!" Rainbow Dash says, "Fluttershy's great with animals, and I'm sure she could-"

 She stops after realizing what she just said.

 She called you an animal.

 Everyone is looking at her now.

 And at you

 waiting expectantly.

 "I-I'm sorry Zach. I-I didn't mean to offend y-you..."

 You burst out laughing.

 "Hahaha! It's okay, Rainbow. I'm not offended."

 -What's so funny?

 The irony of the situation.

 Everyone else chuckles nervously.

 Twilight breaks the awkward air. "Okay, so we'll see you at the party?"

 You wipe the tears from your eyes. "Oh, is that tonight?"

 Big blue eyes.

 Are in your face.

 "Well, duh, silly," Pinkie says, "when else would it be?"

 "I don't know. What time is it right now?"

 She disappears for a moment, and is back in your face again. "About noon. Why?"

 "I just needed to know how long I have to get ready. Thanks Pinkie."

 "Okey dokey Zacky-lackey. Bye!"

 All the ponies except Fluttershy wave and walk out of the basement.

 You look at Fluttershy. She was already looking at you.

 A little odd. But she is your host.

 "Thanks for letting me stay here."

 She turns her head slightly to the side. "Oh," she says, in her barely audible voice, "it's no big deal."

 A thought dawns on you. "Fluttershy, why do you have such a big bed in your basement?"

 She blushes and tries to speak, but it sounds like something's caught in her throat.

 This is probably something you shouldn't be asking about.

 "It's okay, nevermind what I said."

 She looks relieved, but tenses up again. "Um, Zach, I'm going to ask a personal question, please don't be offended."

 "Oh, sure, ask me anything."

 "I suppose that since you're part diamond dog, you eat meat, right?"

 -Cool. We're called diamond dog.

 ...and scorpion.

 "Yeah, I guess so..."

 "I have a lot of animals in my house, and they often need to go outside. Could you... uhm... could you please not..."

"...eat them?"

 She looks a little uneased at your words. She covers her face with her wings and barely squeaks out a "yes."

 You hug her.

 - What are you doing?

 Sorry. I just can't help myself.

 -Pretty mushy for a hardened criminal.

 I'm only 17. Gimme some slack.

 Fluttershy held her breath for a good ten seconds, but returned to normal soon and actually seems to be enjoying the hug. Even though her heart is beating extremely fast.

 You let go. "Sorry. I just couldn't help myself."

 She's starting to seem more comfortable with you. "It's quite alright. I was actually enjoying it. You're so fuzzy and warm, just like my animals."

 Again, being compared to animals.

 I'm sure she means nothing by it though.

 "Well thanks Fluttershy. I'm glad to see I'm comfortable enough for you."

 She blushes.

 "So, is there anywhere I can get meat? I'm actually pretty hungry right now."

 She looks a little frightened. Dangit I just gave her a nice hug and she's still acting scared of me.

 -Maybe you should have not put 'meat' and 'hungry' in the same sentence.

 You don't say?

 -Don't be sarcastic. You said something stupid, not me.

 I'm seriously gonna start calling you the 'voice of reason'.

 -At least I'm reason.

 "Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you."

 She shakes her head. "Oh no, it's fine. I know of some stores that sell meat, I can bring you some every day."

 You shrug. "Sounds good."

 She walks up the stairs and opens the door.

 "Fluttershy?"

 She turns her head. "Yes?"

 "Thanks again."

 She smiles and walks out the door.

 "So? How's he doing?"

 A nurse checks the monitor. "He seems to have stabilized. Who would have known that he was allergic to the sleeping serum they put in the tranquilizer?"

 You sigh. This isn't the first time you've seen Zach strapped to a hospital bed.

 When he started hallucinating in his cell, you were worried. And considering his past, he wasn't the only one you were worried about.

 Zach has always been like a friend to you. You tried to straighten him out when he was little, but you failed.

 So now, to ease your guilt, you've always defended Zach in court at the expense of Big Shaun.

 Dammit, you know all their names now.

 You hold a deep grudge for Big Shaun and his gang. They turned Zach this way. Maybe, just maybe Zach would have risen above this, maybe he would have lead a successful life...

 But he decided to enter the world of criminals, gangs and prisons.

 Why?

 Because these people love him.

 It's true.

 And it's really the only reason Big Shaun isn't in prison or you aren't dead.

 Big Shaun has actually protected you from rival gangs and families who Zach has hurt. He's really the only reason you aren't pieces of meat in a dumpster.

 He did it because you protect Zach. And as long as Zach isn't dead or doesn't leave the gang, that's the way it will always be.

 But when you look at Zach's unconscious body, you realize one of those is bound to happen eventually.

 You hope it's the latter and not the former.

 You yawn and return to your legal work, preparing an argument for a hopeless case once again.