Man in the Monster

 "How the heck do they open these things?"

 Sam faces the question of the ages.

 You sit, staring intently at the doorknob before you.

 The art of opening doors using hooves is a lost art to you.

 You try using friction to your advantage by pressing your (or Rainbow's) hoof as hard as possible against the edge of the doorknob, and slowly move your foreleg clockwise.

 This method has failed you numerous times; but who knows, maybe fifteen's the charm?

Ooh... Almost there...

 I think I got it this time!

 Just as it seems success is imminent, the doorknob quickly springs back to its original position.

 Dammit! I'm getting nowhere!

 You pace around the room, hoping to find an answer to this vexing problem.

 You finally look out the open window at the cloud lawn in front of your  house.

The sky, so blue, it's right out that window...

 Wait a minute...

 I'm an idiot.

 Using your wings to give you a boost, you climb out the window.

 Yes! Successful landing!

 I wonder what I should do now. I've never walked on cloud before-

-TRIP!-

 I must be the first person to ever trip on a cloud.

 Or pony, for that matter...

 You walk through Ponyville, confused and angry.

 Why?

 Pinkie let it slip that Fluttershy was just using you to replace an old flame.

 Your reaction? You ditched Pinkie, covered up your scorpion tail with bandages, and goose-stepped into Ponyville.

 On the way, you saw Rainbow Dash lying face-first in a puddle of mud. It looked like she had fallen a distance before hitting the ground, because there was mud splattered around her in a circle.

 Naturally, you went to check on her.

 It went like this.

 "Hey, Dash? You alright?"

 Dash looks up, her face slathered in thick mud. When she sees you, her blue eyes go wide. "Z-Zach??"

 "Uh, yeah. You need any help?"

 She gets up and slowly backs away. "N-no, I-I'm fine, t-thank you."

 Okay, she's acting kind of weird...

 Guess I'll leave her alone.

 "Alright, Dash, see ya around."

 You then proceeded to walk away.

 You find yourself in a park, and decide to find somewhere to sit down.

 So here you are now, sitting on a park bench.

 It's a really beautiful sunset.

 Sunset is your favorite time of the day. The air is cooling, the sun's not too bright, and the sky is a deep crimson red littered with pink cotton candy clouds.

 To you,  a sunset is a work of art, painted by the most talented artists, and topped off with a hypnotic spell that causes you to become absorbed in its magnificence...

 Should've been a poet.

 "Hey, Zach!"

 You snap out of your trance and turn around to face the familiar voice.

 "Hey, Applejack."

 "Well, boy howdy, didn't think ah would see you here! How're we holdin' up?"

 It takes a moment to translate that.

 I think she's saying 'How are you?'

 Good job brain.

 You ponder that for a moment. "I could tell you I'm doing fine, but then I would be lying."

 Applejack adopts a concerned look. "Now why is that?"

 You pause, trying to think of a way to put this without revealing too much. "I've been having some problems with Fluttershy."

 She grins. "You like 'er, don't ya?"

 Without thinking, you mutter, "You don't know the half of it."

 She seems concerned again. "Give 'er time. You probably just remind 'er of ol' Red Eyes. She told you about Red Eyes, right?"

 "Pinkie did, actually. Not exactly the best timing either."

 It clicks. "It gets complicated, doesn't it?"

 "More than you know."

 She sighs.

 A moment of silence passes before she asks, "Will you need a place to stay?"

 "If you're willing to offer it."

 She smiles. "Come along now. Ye're gonna like where we're goin'."

 You arrive at what looks like a fancy gate without a door.

 "Welcome tah Sweet Apple Acres!"

 You never would have guessed Applejack lived on an apple farm.

 Haha. Sarcasm.

 Really though, it's a very nice place.

 Maybe you should tell her that.

 "Wow, Applejack. I didn't know you lived on an apple farm!"

 Well. Of course I just managed to say the stupidest thing possible.

 Nonetheless, Applejack smiles and says, "Yessiree! Been applebuckin' mah whole life! It's even in mah name!"

 Really? I thought you were named after the way you were conceived-

 Shutup brain!!

 "Oh, yeah. I guess it was a bit obvious."

 She smirks. "Enough dilly-dally. Let me introduce you to everyone, then I'll show ya where you'll be stayin'!"

 After a couple minutes of walking, you come to a house.

 It's a two-story house, and looks pretty old.

 There's no way it's large enough for you, though.

 "Applejack, I really appreciate your kindness and all, but I don't think I could fit in-"

 "Of course not! I wasn't going to have you live in the house! Ah just wanna introduce you to mah family! Ah'm not stupid, ya know."

 "Okay okay, sorry."

 The two of you arrive in front of the house. On the porch there's an old green pony sleeping in a rocking chair.

 "Hey Granny Smith!"

 Granny Smith wakes up with a start.

 "What's that Eleanor?"

 A much shriller, higher voice fills the air,"Granny Smith, it's Applejack!"

 A little yellow pony with a red mane and bow has seemed to have materialized in front of Granny Smith.

 Wat.

 "Hey Applejack! Who's your friend?" The little pony bounds on over to you two.

 "Applebloom, meet Zach. Zach, meet Applebloom."

 "Why, nice ta meet ya, Zach!" She holds out a hoof.

 You bend over as low as possible and shake her hoof.

 She starts squealing and trying to wriggle free. "Zach... Too tight..."

 You immediately let go and she jerks her hoof away. "Sorry. I guess I don't know my own strength."

 "It's okay," she says, feeling her throbbing hoof, "Applejack always says to look for the ponies with firm hoofshakes."

 Applejack chuckles.

 Applebloom suddenly drops to the ground and stares at your feet. "Say, your... paws, right? Your paws look kinda funny."

 Applejack gives her a stern look, but you lift up one of your 'paws' and study it.

 She's right. Your toes look short, and your heel is becoming rounder and flatter.

 It's actually starting to look kind of like a-

 "I think you should come meet Granny Smith now, Zach."

 You nod, and follow her over to the once-again-asleep pony sitting in a rocking chair.

Applebloom tip-toes over and pokes her. "Hey. Granny Smith."

 CRACKK!!

 Your foot goes straight through the first step leading up to their porch. Granny Smith wakes up with a start, just as you land with a hollow thump on the wood in front of her.

 "Sweet Celestia! You caught the Snipe!"

 Applejack and Applebloom look at Granny Smith inquisitively.

 She hops off her rocking chair and pokes your face. "My my, it's gotten bigger. And it's even growin' a horn!"

 What?

 "Granny! I've told you before, that wasn't a Snipe, his name was Red! And this isn't Red -or- a Snipe, this is Zach."

 You smile, accidentally bearing your fangs. She squints at you.

 "Ah've got mah EYE, on YOU."

 She then proceeds to back inside, looking you in the eye the whole way.

 You dust yourself off and survey the damage.

 Luckily, just the step broke.

 "Sorry Applejack. I didn't know I was too heavy for-"

 "Nope. Don't apologize. It'll just be an extra chore for you tomorrow."

 "-Extra- chore?"

 "Well, of course. Ya didn't think I was just gonna let ya stay here without workin', did ya?"

 Actually, I kind of like the sound of that.

 "He's gonna stay HERE with US??"

 You both look surprised at Applebloom, who is bounding with excitement.

 "Yes, Applebloom. He's stayin' as long as it's alright with Big Mac."

 "Sweet! We can have sleepovers, and he can stay in my room, and-"

 "Woah woah woah. Applebloom, he's stayin' in the barn. There's no way he could fit in the house, much less your room."

 "Oh. Alright."

 "Say, Applebloom, could'ja tell Big Mac we have a guest when ya see him?"

 "Sure thing Applejack!" Applebloom runs off.

 "Now," she says, watching Applebloom disappear over a hill, "Let's show you to your living spaces."

 This isn't too bad.

 "Sorry it couldn't be a bit more elegant, but it's all I have right now."

 "I kinda like it, actually," you say, "It's nice and roomy, and has a nice hay smell." You plop down on a pile of hay.

 "Well, ah'm glad you like it," she says, smiling at your content look. "I'll go get you some dinner. Maybe we can eat out here tonight?"

 Your stomach growls. "Sounds fine with me. Oh, and one more thing. I can't eat daisies and grass."

 She puts a hoof to her chin. "Hmm, I don't have any meat on me at the moment. Will eggs do?"

 You lick your chops. "Yes, they will do just fine."

 She chuckles and walks out the barn door.

" Dear Princess Celestia,

             I am writing my update on Zach, as per my instructions. The news is not good. Pinkie and I caught he and Fluttershy in the middle of sexual intercourse. While I was having a talk with Fluttershy about it, I made the mistake of allowing Pinkie Pie to walk with him back to Fluttershy's cottage. Pinkie came back, saying she told him about Ruby Eyes, and he ran off. She said he went in the direction of Ponyville, and although nothing seems to have happened yet, I am afraid that he may become angry and attack somepony in town. To prevent any tragedies before it's too late, the girls and I will be searching for him in the morning.

             Also, based on my observation, I believe he is the result of a cruel experiment that includes artificially combining a diamond dog, a unicorn, and an animal that has a scorpion tail. Even more disturbing, I believe that the diamond dog that was used to create him was our once-good-friend Ruby Eyes.  I noticed a scar on him that was symmetrical to one that Ruby Eyes had, and"

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

 You're disturbed from your writing when you hear a knock on the door.

 "Coming!"

 You open the door, and find two city guards standing at your doorstep.

 One is holding a poster with Scootaloo on it.

 "Miss Twilight Sparkle, we are aware of your acquaintanceship with this filly. Unfortunately, she has gone missing approximately five days ago, with no clue on where she may have gone. Do you have any information that may help us find her?"

 You look surprised at this. Scootaloo? Missing?

 Five days ago.

 You shake your head. "I'm sorry, I haven't seen her recently. Please keep me updated on any leads you may have on her."

 "Very well, Twilight Sparkle. Good evening to you."

 You close the door with your magic and trot back upstairs to continue your letter.

 "There is one more important issue I would like to bring up. You may know Scootaloo from Princess Cadence's, and my brother, Shining Armor's, wedding. Apparently she has gone missing recently..."

 You're in the kitchen, cooking up some eggs.

 So. Zach.

 You like him.

 As a friend, yeah.

 No, you want to buck him.

 ...

 Admit it.

 ...I guess I do.

 You finally admitted that to yourself.

 Yeah. It's why I wanted him at the farm so bad.

 But you don't love him, do you?

 No. I've barely known him for five days, and haven't really even talked to him in that time.

 So you like him for his body?

 ...Yeah, I do, but he's also a nice guy.

 So then. Friends with benefits maybe?

 I dunno. What would Twilight, or any of my friends think?

 If you think they might be mad at you for taking Zach from Fluttershy, consider the fact that they never wanted them together.

 I meant the fact that he's probably some frankenpony stitched together from various creatures?

 ...They may not like that, to be honest. You could try keeping it a secret.

 Yeah. I could do that.

 He's still pretty hurt about Fluttershy though. Just don't try anything yet.

 Like having dinner alone with him?

 That's fine. It can be seen as dinner between two friends.

 What about Fluttershy? What will she think of this?

 She broke his heart already. She's had her chance.

 But she's my friend...

 She'll forgive you. Besides, it's her fault for pushing him away.

 I don't even know the full story. What if they just fought or something?

You'll find out soon enough.

 Alright. We'll see where this all goes.

 You talk to yourself a lot...

 I know.

 You enter the barn with three egg sandwiches; one for you, two for Zach.

 He sniffs the air. "That smells great! Can't wait to eat. I'm famished..."

 "Luna, sister, come out. We are to have our meal together."

 You knock on the door to Luna's room. You hear some rustling, and then, "We will be out in a few minutes. Go make ready to dine, and we will meet you at the table."

 You sigh. She still uses the royal 'we', but at least she's saying 'you' instead of 'thou'. You've been working with her on her speech for weeks now.

 You sit at the head of the table, across from Luna. Just as you and her are about to begin, a letter materializes in front of you. You catch it before it lands in your soup.

 "Convenient timing," Luna says, "Read it aloud if you may."

 You read Twilight's letter aloud to Luna, who listens with interest.

 "So," she inquires after you are done, "What art thou to do?"

 "What -are you- to do," you correct, "And I'm not sure. I've watched him, and he seems to be of good heart. However, the disappearence of Scootaloo and his arrival are timed all too well."

 Luna ponders this. "We think that you should wait until you know what happened to Scootaloo, before you take any action. Unless, of course, he becomes a problem before then."

 "Excellent suggestion, fair Luna. I will take your advice."

 "Thank you, thy humble majesty," Luna jokes. You don't bother to correct her.

 "See ya bright and early, Zach! Work starts tomorrow!"

 "Alright, Applejack!"

 As soon as Applejack closes the barn door, you blow out the candles and fall asleep.

 Sweet dreams.

 Nope.exe

 You're Zachariah Smith. The one on Earth.

 And you're sitting on your bunk, shank in hand, breathing shakily. Eyes blurry. No muscle control.

 Your hand turns over the shank. The handle is a thin metal bar, with cloth wrapped tightly around the upper part of it. The cloth also wraps around the blade, which is a mirror.

 With blood on it.

 You stare at it.

 Everything is blurry, but you swear those eyes looking back at you aren't yours.

 Your focus on what's behind the mirror on the floor.

 A dead body in a pool of blood.

 But... The Voice of Reason... Why would he do this?

 You hear a banging on the door. You strain to turn your head, but the Voice of Reason won't let you.

 It's almost as if he was expecting it.

 He takes the edge of the mirror, and, slowly at first, drags it along your wrist.

 Oh Celestia that's painful.

 -SHHLING!-

 Your wrist spits blood from a convulsing red line, expanding and contracting with every beat of the heart.

 You grimace, but take the shank again, and cut your other wrist, this time up to down.

 Blood spurts out of that cut, and you get a taste of it in your mouth.

 Your vision is suddenly clear. Your mouth is agape, and you can feel pressure welling up in your throat.

 Your eyes blur again, this time with tears.

 -I'm sorry Zach. I'm so sorry.

 It's okay.

 You made some bad choices in your time, thinking they would only affect you. That wasn't true. They affected Aaron, they affected Sam, they affected all the families of the people you killed.

 And now, your actions affect the life of one more innocent victim.

 You're not the man in the monster.

 You're the monster in the man.

 --------------

 Fluttershy cries for the third time tonight. Twilight was wrong. Deep down, she has feelings for Zach, not having to do with Red.

 I just hope he's not mad.