Equestria.

I was in fucking Equestria.

The sheer weight of that realization didn’t hit me until I had left Ponyville far behind. Nestled within the crumbling ruins of what I now recognized as the Castle of the Two Sisters, the truth struck me like a ton of bricks. I was in the world of one of my favourite cartoons—a show I had spent countless hours watching. Yet everything was…wrong. Disorienting, even.

The ponies, for starters, weren’t ponies anymore. They had been replaced by these elf-like versions of themselves, with their wings, horns, or lack thereof being the only clue to their original subspecies. And if that wasn’t strange enough, other creatures seemed relatively unchanged—anthropomorphic, but still recognizable. Spike and the Diamond Dogs, for example, retained much of their former appearance. But why? Why were the ponies so drastically altered while others clung to some semblance of what they had been in the show? Did this strange logic apply to all species here? Were Saddle Arabians like these elf-ponies, or had they become something else entirely?

And then, there was me.

I had already accepted the fact that I wasn’t on Earth anymore. That wasn’t up for debate. But like everything else, I was left grappling with questions—too many questions. Why was I here? Was this some cosmic accident, or was I brought here deliberately? If there was a purpose, what was it? And who—or what—had the power to send me here? More than that, why had I been given these… abilities?

There were endless possibilities, each one more confusing than the last. The spiralling thoughts left me with a pounding migraine—the worst I’d had in ages. I knew the flood of confusion would catch up to me eventually, but right now, I couldn’t deal with it. Not yet.

Rubbing my temples, I realized how utterly drained I had become. Exhaustion seeped into my bones, dulling every sense. I made my way outside and spotted a tree with broad, inviting branches that offered plenty of shade. With little effort, I climbed up, manoeuvring myself into a comfortable nook. Leaning my head against the surprisingly smooth bark, I closed my eyes, allowing sleep to take me swiftly and completely.

~~

I woke far more gradually than I had the morning before. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I rubbed at my eyes to clear away the gunk. A long stretch followed, and the familiar sound of popping joints echoed through the quiet forest.

"Damn, I need a chiropractor," I thought, wincing slightly. Or at least a bed that doesn’t feel like it was designed to kill me.

I was just about to drop down from my perch when an unpleasant odour assaulted my nose. I sniffed experimentally, only to grimace when I realized the smell was me. Spending several days trekking through a damp, humid forest with zero hygiene routines will do that. Thankfully, during my travels yesterday, I had noticed a waterfall not far from here.

Motivated by the need to feel even slightly human—or whatever I was now—I gathered myself and leapt from the tree, landing lightly on my feet. As I began making my way toward the waterfall, an unsettling sensation began to creep over me. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being watched. It was as if countless eyes bore into me from the shadows, unblinking and…hungry.

I tried to shrug it off, keeping my steps measured and my breathing steady, but my skin crawled with unease. The underbrush whispered around me, the faint sound of rustling leaves breaking through the forest’s stillness.

I stopped dead in my tracks, spinning on my heel in one fluid motion. My hand went to the hilt of my sword as I bent my knees, ready to spring into action. My eyes darted through the trees, scanning the dim light for anything—or anyone—that might be out there. The oppressive quiet bore down on me, broken only by my own steady breaths.

Nothing moved. No glowing eyes stared back at me. Slowly, reluctantly, I released my grip on the weapon and stood upright. But the tension in my shoulders didn’t leave.

I pressed onward.

The forest seemed to hold its breath around me, and I forced myself to focus on the path ahead. But the rustling came again, louder this time and far too close for comfort.

I stopped again, my heart pounding. Something was definitely following me.

Stopping again, I caught faint sounds at my side—then more on the opposite end. It hit me what they were doing. They were trying to rattle me, confuse me. The joke’s on them—I was already confused, though startling me takes a lot more than that. And then, just as I anticipated, it stepped out of the brush: a Timberwolf.

Waist-high and cloaked in moss-covered bark, twigs, leaves, and other flora, its body radiated a sickly green glow that pulsed from its chest, seeping into the thick, viscous saliva dripping from its snarling jaws. Its bright, glowing green eyes locked onto me, burning with ravenous fury. The sound of its feral growls drowned out the forest’s ambience as it paced in measured steps, side to side, assessing me.

“Surprised it took you this long to try and hunt me, twigs,” I said, placing my hands on my hips. The comment earned a curious tilt of its head. “Honestly? I’m offended.”

Tuning my ears, I picked up the faintest rustling on my left and right. Two more wolves were lurking, waiting for the signal to pounce.

Feigning ignorance, I kept my focus on the one in front of me. “You’re usually in bigger packs. What happened? Your friends too lazy to show up?” A quick glance over my shoulder confirmed it. “Yeah, thought so.”

I sidestepped just in time as the wolf behind me lunged. Grabbing its tail mid-leap, I swung it up and over my head, slamming it into the ground with enough force to shatter it into splinters and bark. The green glow in its chest sputtered violently before streaking off into the forest, silent as a ghost. The wolf in front of me froze for a moment, stunned by the abrupt demise of its packmate, before letting out a guttural growl and signalling the others. The remaining two burst from the underbrush, charging at me in unison.

Reacting instantly, I swept my leg under me, flipping my body with the momentum as the two collided beneath me with a force that shook the ground. Landing a foot away, I watched them thrash in a tangled mess of limbs before the first wolf finally made its move, leaping at me with claws bared and jaws wide open.

I snatched it out of the air, slamming it to the ground as I wrestled its jaws apart. Forcing them wider and wider, I let go of the lower jaw and drove the upper half downward with all my strength, crushing it into the creature’s skull. The snap and crunch of its collapse echoed through the clearing like the sound of shattering bones.

Turning to face the other two, I realized they had already fled, retreating into the woods after witnessing the swift deaths of their companions. Brushing splinters off my hands and peeling away stray bits of moss, I resumed my trek, my thoughts spiralling as I walked.

It was easier to kill now—far easier than it had ever been before. I had taken lives before, sure, but never with such detachment, such efficiency. Was it this place? Had something about my arrival here altered me, numbed the part of my mind that should hesitate or recoil? Or was this a path I was destined to walk, one way or another?

Questions. Always more questions. I couldn’t help but wonder if the list would ever stop growing.

The path eventually forked, and I veered left, heading straight toward my next destination. It didn’t take long to reach the waterfall I had spotted on my way to the castle ruins. Breaking through the treeline, I found myself in a small clearing, and the sight before me was breathtaking.

The cliff face loomed high above, its surface glistening as mist and vapour clung to it like a shimmering veil. I followed the shore until I reached the base of the falls, where the cascading water thundered into a crystal-clear pool. Kneeling by the edge, I pulled off my gloves and scooped a handful of the cool, refreshing liquid, savouring each gulp. I didn’t need to eat or drink—at least as far as I could tell—but the sensation was nothing short of bliss.

Once I’d had my fill, I began stripping off my clothes. I hadn’t removed them since I’d arrived here—there had been no need. But now, as I wrestled with the layers, especially the boots, I realized how out of practice I was. Twenty frustrating minutes later, I was finally free.

Wasting no time, I dove into the water, relishing the chill as it enveloped me. For a few minutes, I simply floated, letting the current carry me, before making my way toward the waterfall itself. Standing beneath its crashing waves, I let the water cascade over me, washing away not just the grime but the weight of lingering thoughts.

I scrubbed at my skin, rubbing away layers of dirt and moss, and worked my fingers through my hair. Thankfully, my hair hadn’t grown much during my time here, making it easy to clean. My stubble, on the other hand, was thicker but still manageable.

Still, that nagging feeling of being watched crept over me again. This damned forest—it was enough to make anyone paranoid. I couldn’t help but wonder how well I’d fare in a fight like this, stripped down and vulnerable. But that was a question for another time.

Stepping out of the water, the cool breeze kissed my skin, but I barely felt it. As I reached for my clothes, I noticed something strange. The water clinging to my body began to evaporate almost instantly, curling into steam that left my skin not just dry but strangely moisturized.

“Well, that’s...new,” I muttered, watching the last of the steam dissipate. Handy, though. Definitely handy.

Getting dressed was far easier than the struggle it had been to undress. In fact, it took me less than half the time it had taken to peel off everything not half an hour prior. With my clothes on and properly adjusted, I bounced on the balls of my feet a few times, shaking off the morning grogginess, getting my blood pumping and shaking off the cobwebs—just as my great-grandmother always used to say. Feeling refreshed and put-together, I turned sharply on my heel and set off on my way.

It wasn’t long before I found myself in a modest clearing with a clear view of Ponyville. The small town lay sprawled out below, picturesque and serene. As I stood there, I idly rested my hand on a low-hanging branch above my head, letting my mind wander. Questions bubbled to the surface again, just as they had so often in the past. Answers were elusive, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that, given enough time, they would eventually find their way to me.

I turned to leave the clearing but came to an abrupt halt.

“Oh… um… hello.”

The voice, soft and unmistakably timid, froze me in my tracks. I swivelled back toward the source, my eyes landing on none other than Fluttershy. She stood about two meters away, clutching a basket of frogs, her presence both unassuming and somehow magnetic. Despite her hushed tone and the distance between us, her voice reached me with a clarity that felt almost unnatural.

“Hello,” I replied, keeping my voice as gentle as I could manage. I added a small, reassuring smile, hoping to put her at ease.

She fidgeted, her pink bangs falling across her face as she tried to hide behind them. “Um… what are you doing out here? If you don’t mind my asking…” Her words came in a hurried whisper, yet I caught every syllable.

Before I could respond, movement caught my eye. From the edge of the clearing came Applejack, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Spike, all approaching quickly. The four of them noticed us almost simultaneously, their expressions ranging from curiosity to surprise. For a moment, none of us spoke, the silence stretching until Twilight finally broke it.

“Percival?” she called out, her voice laced with uncertainty. Despite the greater distance between us than between Fluttershy and me, I heard her as clearly as if she were standing right beside me. Was this another ability I hadn’t yet understood?

Twilight leaned toward Pinkie Pie, whispering something. “Is he the doozy?”

Pinkie gave an exaggerated shrug, her wide grin only growing. “Dunno,” She replied, as if the question amused her more than anything else.

I decided now would be a good time to make myself scarce, hoping their focus on each other would allow me to slip away unnoticed. No such luck.

“And where do ya think you’re goin’?” Applejack’s voice cut through the air, firm and expectant. She stood with her arms crossed, her gaze locked on me.

The others turned their attention fully toward me as well, with Fluttershy retreating to join their little group. Feeling the weight of their collective stares, I chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of my neck in a sheepish attempt to ease the tension.

“Well,” I began, trying to sound casual, “I was out here planning to do a bit of training before heading back into town. Then Fluttershy—right?” I glanced at her, and she gave a small nod—“she came by, and I figured it was probably best to call it quits before anyone got hurt.”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened slightly, and her voice came out barely above a whisper. “Oh… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt…”

I waved her apology away with a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry about it. I hadn’t even started yet.”

Applejack wasn’t so easily placated. “What exactly kinda trainin’ ya doin’ to be all the way out here?” Her tone carried more curiosity than suspicion, but she wasn’t letting the matter drop.

“The dangerous kind,” I replied simply, hoping to avoid diving into too much detail.

That didn’t deter Twilight, who stepped forward, her inquisitive nature clearly getting the better of her. “But what specifically are you planning to practice?” Her eyes sparkled with interest, and before I could respond, she added, “Do you mind if I watch?”

Before I had a chance to react, an ear-splitting screech echoed around us, reverberating through the air as the ground beneath our feet began to quake. The girls and Spike craned their heads upward, eyes wide with terror, while I spun around, my gaze locking onto the source of the commotion—a massive Hydra charging straight at us with terrifying speed.

The girls, along with Spike, wasted no time, bolting in the opposite direction as fast as their legs could carry them. But as they fled, I felt something stir inside me. This was no ordinary moment of danger; it was an opportunity. A chance to truly test myself. While they ran, I stood firm, resolute.

The behemoth closed the distance faster than I anticipated, its hulking frame looming over me as several heads lunged forward, razor-sharp teeth glinting in the light. Each mouth was a grotesque display of jagged fangs, dripping with saliva. Just as it was about to strike, I twisted my body, channelling my momentum into a precise butterfly kick. My feet left the ground, trailing sparks and faint orange flames as I spun through the air. I landed five feet away from my original spot, just as the Hydra's jaws snapped shut on empty space. The fiery trails dissipated almost as quickly as they had appeared.

"What are you doing?! Run!" Twilight's voice rang out, shrill and desperate.

I grimaced. I hadn’t wanted them to see this—not yet. But it wasn’t like I had much of a choice. Ducking to avoid another snapping maw, I sidestepped as another head struck, missing me by inches. Its teeth clamped down on thin air, and I used the moment to roll out of its reach. Again and again, I dodged and weaved, avoiding the Hydra’s relentless onslaught. Minutes felt like hours as I danced around its attacks, each movement sharper, faster, and more instinctive than the last.

But eventually, the tide turned—and not in my favour.

As I avoided another strike, one of the Hydra's heads circled behind me, slipping past my defences. I caught sight of it in my peripheral vision just in time, snapping my head around to see its maw closing in on me. Acting purely on instinct, I threw my arms up and caught its teeth, feeling the strain in my muscles as I held its powerful jaws at bay. My heels dug into the soft ground, anchoring me as I fought to keep its head still. The stench of its breath hit me like a brick wall—it was rancid enough to make my eyes water.

Fueled by sheer adrenaline, I let out a guttural yell and jumped with everything I had, using my downward momentum to yank the Hydra's head with me. There was a sickening pop and an audible crunch as its neck twisted unnaturally. One head down.

The beast roared in fury, its remaining heads thrashing wildly in a frenzy of rage. It struck at everything in sight, burying its maws into the ground as it missed me again and again. Realizing I couldn’t drag this out any longer—not with the others watching—I knew it was time to finish the fight.

With a burst of energy, I leapt forward, grabbing each snapping head in turn and slamming them deep into the earth. As the last head was pinned down, I unsheathed my sword, the blade gleaming in the light. I dashed from head to head, slicing through each lodged jaw in a series of swift, precise strikes. The Hydra let out a horrific, guttural howl as boiling-hot blood sprayed across the lush green landscape, staining it a vivid crimson.

The remaining heads reared back in agony, exposing the beast’s vulnerable body. Lowering my head and gripping my sword tightly, I drew it out to my side, the blade horizontal. With a burst of speed, I surged forward, passing the Hydra in a single fluid motion. My sword sliced deep into its side, carving a path through its massive frame.

Several meters behind it, I came to a halt, closing my eyes and biting my lip as I strained to hear what would come next. The ground trembled with an almighty thud, and I exhaled slowly, releasing the tension in my shoulders. Straightening up, I resheathed my blade and turned to survey the fallen beast.

The Hydra was dead.

The silence that followed was almost as loud as the battle itself. When I glanced at the group, they were frozen in place, their expressions a mixture of shock and awe. Even Pinkie, perpetually energetic, stood perfectly still, her mouth agape.

With a casual wave and a flourished bow, I turned to walk away.

But, of course, Spike wasn’t about to let me off that easily. Somehow, the little guy managed to dart in front of me, his eyes practically sparkling with excitement.

"Dude, that was awesome!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "You must be some kind of superhero or something!"

Applejack approached next, shaking her head in disbelief. "That was... impressive, to say the least," she said, letting out a low whistle.

Twilight, however, was a different story. She appeared at my side in an instant, her eyes glinting with a mix of curiosity and something dangerously close to obsession. "What was that?! Was that what you were practising?! What did I just witness?!" She demanded, a manic grin spreading across her face.

"Like I said," I replied with a smirk, "The dangerous kind."

"Is he the doozy?!" Twilight suddenly shouted, spinning to face Pinkie.

Taking advantage of the distraction, I slipped away, disappearing into the brush. I made my way back to the castle ruins and collapsed onto the largest stone I could find in the foyer. As I sat there, my mind raced, replaying the events that had just unfolded.

Something wasn’t right.

I’d saved Rarity just yesterday—shouldn’t the episode where Pinkie shows off her “Pinkie sense” have already happened? Was the timeline diverging? Was it no longer following the canonical series of events? And if so... why?

And then there was the Hydra. Hydras are notoriously resilient, incredibly difficult to kill. Yet, I had taken one down with what felt like relative ease. The flames that had trailed behind my feet—what were those? Just what other abilities did this body of mine possess?

The questions spiraled, one after the other, each more unsettling than the last.

It was then that I realized how deep I was in all of this. And it was then that I knew I needed to figure out exactly what I was capable of.

I needed to get this shit on lock.

Author's Note

A very slightly shorter chapter this time, hope you guys enjoyed

Please point out any mistakes I may have made
Constructive criticism is always appreciated
Until next time, TTFN!