As I stroll over to the rest of the main six, I twirl Ace around my finger absentmindedly, the gun feeling like an extension of my own hand. Much like my sword, it sat naturally in my grip, as though it had always belonged there. Hell, it felt like I'd been wielding it for years, with knowledge of its mechanisms, upkeep, and proper handling swirling effortlessly in my mind. It was almost as if, the moment I picked up each weapon, the expertise necessary to wield them was instantly transmitted to my brain—allowing me to use them without endangering myself or those around me.

Shaking myself from my thoughts, I holster Ace, the soft rasp of metal against well-worn leather sending a satisfying hum through my fingertips.

"So, darling," Rarity's voice chimed as I approached the group, her tone carrying its usual refined elegance. "What are your plans now?"

"Gonna be honest...not a clue," I chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck.

"Well, that simply won’t do!" She exclaimed, aghast. "Why don’t you come with me? I am a seamstress, after all, and I owe you for saving not just my life, but also those poor souls trapped in the mines."

"Speaking of which, how are they holding up?" I asked, concern creeping into my voice.

"They've certainly seen better days, but they’re expected to make a full and speedy recovery," She assured me with a warm smile. "Now, come along, and I shall find a way to properly repay you."

Before I could protest, she had already taken hold of my wrist, her grip surprisingly firm as she whisked me away. The others merely watched, their soft giggles and amused chuckles trailing behind us.

By the time we arrived at our destination, I found myself staring at a very familiar sight—Carousel Boutique. Despite expecting it to resemble its show counterpart, I was taken aback by the sheer detail and vibrancy that reality offered. The boutique appeared larger, and more intricate, its atmosphere alive with a refined yet welcoming charm.

"Nice place," I commented, still taking in the surroundings.

"Why, thank you, darling," Rarity beamed, her grin as radiant as ever. "I do my best to keep it in tip-top shape. A lady must maintain an air of professionalism, after all."

"Well, you’ve certainly achieved that—and then some," I admitted, nodding in appreciation. "I have to say, though, I’m a little surprised you’re back to work so soon."

"Yes, well, a girl must make a living," She replied with a nonchalant wave of her hoof. "Besides, those poor unfortunate souls in the mines suffered far worse than I did. It wouldn’t be proper of me to occupy the doctors’ and nurses’ time when others were in far greater need of care."

"That’s very selfless of you," I said, genuinely impressed.

"Perhaps," She mused with a graceful shrug, before offering me another smile. "Regardless, darling, we are here for you."

I rubbed the back of my neck. "Honestly, I wasn’t expecting a reward."

"There must be something I can give you."

I lifted a hand to scratch an itch on my chin but paused, suddenly aware of how strangely light my wrist felt. A slight frown crossed my face as I turned my wrist over, realizing only now what had been missing. Scratching my chin absentmindedly, I glanced at the seamstress, who was waiting patiently for my answer.

"How about a nice watch?" I asked.

"A... watch?" She blinked, her expression shifting from surprise to mild disbelief. "You saved my life, and in return, all you want is a watch?"

"Is that doable?"

"Yes, of course. Easily, in fact. It's just..." She trailed off, brows furrowing slightly. "It doesn’t seem like enough."

"That’s all I need," I assured her with a smile.

"If you’re certain, Sir Percival," Rarity replied.

"Please, no 'Sir'—just Percival is fine," I said quickly, waving a hand dismissively. "Maybe even Percy if you’re feeling bold."

She let out a soft laugh, returning my smile. "Alright then, Percival. I should have it ready in about an hour."

"Thank you."

As I turned to leave, a stray thought popped into my head—completely random, unrelated to anything. I hesitated, then turned back to Rarity, who was already gathering materials for my request.

"Uh… you wouldn’t happen to know where I could get some playing cards, would you?" I asked. "I know it’s out of nowhere, but I used to always carry a set. Lost them a while back, and the thought just came to me, so I figured I’d ask."

She paused, looking thoughtful. "Playing cards? Actually…I think I might have a deck lying around somewhere."

"Oh, that’s alright, I can pick up a set somewhere else. You don’t have to give me yours."

"Nonsense," She said with a dismissive wave. "I don’t use them anymore anyway. Come back in an hour or two, and I’ll have both the watch and the cards ready for you."

I smiled. "I will. Again, thank you."

As I stepped toward the door, she called after me.

"No, darling," She said, her voice warm. "Thank you."

Stepping out of the boutique, I immediately spotted Spike making his way toward the entrance. He was alone, with no sign of the other girls, and he picked up his pace when he noticed me exiting.

"Hey, Percy!" He called, giving me a wave.

"Sup, wee man?" I greeted him with a grin, taking in the sight of the anthro drake as he approached. "How's life? Anything interesting happen while I was away?"

He returned my smile. "Besides you showing back up? Not really. Though, Twilight has been acting a little... different lately."

I raised a brow. "Oh? How so?"

"Well," He began, rubbing the back of his head, "she's been muttering your name to herself ever since that whole Hydra incident."

"Ooooh," I drawled, rubbing my hands together mischievously. "Sounds like someone's a little obsessed. Maybe she has a crush? That would be so embarrassing for her."

We both burst into laughter as we started walking away from the boutique. As we did, the rest of the girls came into view, heading toward us. They must've noticed our laughter, as their curiosity was instantly piqued.

"What's so funny?" Pinkie asked, appearing out of nowhere right beside me. I barely managed to suppress my surprise and instead turned my gaze toward Twilight, a teasing smirk creeping onto my face.

"Apparently, Twilight has been whispering my name to herself," I said casually.

Her face instantly turned a deep shade of red.

"At least, that's what this one says," I added, jerking my thumb toward Spike. "It's alright, Twilight, I get it. I know I'm sexy," I quipped, lacing my fingers behind my head.

"That's not what happened!" she sputtered.

I feigned a thoughtful look. "Oh, so Spike was lying then?"

"That's not what I meant!"

"Then what did you mean?" I pressed, my grin widening.

She opened her mouth, then snapped it shut, clearly flustered. After a moment, she blurted out, "It's because of the Winter Prophecy!"

As soon as the words left her mouth, she slapped both hands over it, eyes wide in regret.

"Prophecy, you say?" I tilted my head playfully. The group fell into a heavy silence, waiting for my reaction. Twilight, still mortified, stared at me like she was hoping the ground would swallow her whole. Slowly, I nodded, sucking my teeth as I let the revelation sink in, clicking my tongue thoughtfully before flashing Twilight a smirk.

"Neat."

Applejack leaned toward Pinkie and whispered, "He really is an odd one."

Pinkie simply nodded, completely unbothered.

Unfortunately for Applejack, I wasn’t the only one who heard her. Fluttershy frowned slightly, clearly displeased.

"Applejack, that wasn't very nice," She said softly, her expression a mixture of disappointment and concern. "That was actually kind of rude, don’t you think?"

Before anyone could respond, I waved it off with a chuckle. "It's alright, Fluttershy, don't worry about it. She’s not wrong." I grinned, stuffing my hands into my pockets. "Besides, who wants to be normal anyway?"

"Speakin' of normal," Rainbow Dash suddenly piped up as we strolled along the dirt and gravel path. "What's with the white hair? Ain't that supposed to happen when you're, like... old or somethin'?"

"Rainbow!" Fluttershy scolded, shooting her a disapproving glance.

"It's fine, Fluttershy," I reassured her before turning to Rainbow. "To answer your question, it happened fairly recently. I went through a rough patch—lots of stress, and, well... my hair just started greying. Eventually, it went completely white."

"Ah, shoot, man. Sorry about that," Rainbow muttered, rubbing the back of her neck.

I waved it off with a small smile. "It's all in the past now." I patted her shoulder before glancing toward Applejack. She didn’t say anything, but the sympathetic look in her eyes told me she believed my story. Technically, I wasn’t lying.

Smirking, I gave her shoulder a slight elbow bump. "Besides, it's rich getting a hair comment from you when you're the one walking around with a pride flag on your head."

She paused, looking at the stray locks of rainbow hair dangling in front of her face before bursting out in laughter. "Yeah...yeah, you got me there."

"So, what’s your plan now?" Twilight asked, tilting her head curiously.

I exhaled, my gaze drifting over the village, where various shops and market stalls lined the streets. "Dunno. Stick around for a bit, get whatever Rarity wanted to give me, and...after that, I’m not really sure."

"Why's that?" Pinkie asked—suddenly perched on my shoulders. How she got up there without me noticing, I had no idea. And somehow, she weighed as much as a feather.

"I just..." I hesitated, struggling to find the right words. "...Nowhere has ever really felt like home."

That stopped them in their tracks. As I glanced around, I could see the different reactions—shock, sadness, confusion, or maybe some mix of all three. Back on Earth, I was always moving, never staying in one place for too long. It wasn’t because I lost interest or that any place was bad. I just never found that spot—the one that feels right. The one that feels like home.

Pinkie quickly hopped off my shoulders as Applejack stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on my back where Pinkie had been. "You'll find your place soon enough."

"Yeah!" Pinkie grinned, throwing an arm around my neck, forcing me to bend my back to her level. "Maybe it's here! You never know!"

I chuckled, returning the gesture. "Yeah, maybe you're right. I won’t know unless I give this place a real chance."

Seemingly taking the hint, Spike perked up and quickly stepped in front of me, eyes brimming with excitement. "Why don’t I give you a tour? I know this place like the back of my hand!"

Smirking at his enthusiasm, I ruffled his spines lightly. "Sure thing, wee man."

"You guys go ahead! I gotta take care of something at Sugarcube Corner!" And just like that, Pinkie vanished, leaving behind a dust silhouette of herself, which quickly faded in the breeze.

Applejack shook her head with an amused sigh. "Ain't never gonna get used to that." She adjusted her hat. "I got some chores back at the barn. I'll catch up with y’all later."

One by one, the rest of the group made their own excuses to leave, but there was a certain glint in their eyes—like they were in on something I wasn't supposed to know. Of course, I had a pretty good idea of what was coming, but I played along. No need to spoil their fun.

"Alright, Spike," I said, turning to the young dragon with a grin. "Lead the way."

Spike wasted no time grabbing my wrist, eagerly tugging me along as he dragged me through the bustling streets, determined to show me every nook and cranny of town. I played along without resistance, knowing full well that I had a massive weight advantage—not just because of the hefty sword strapped to my back but also because the excitable boy barely reached my mid-chest. As he led me through the winding roads, I made a mental map of key landmarks, ensuring I could navigate the town with ease later on, knowing I would more than likely need it. From the grand town hall to a flower shop buzzing with activity—seemingly run by a trio of skilled florists—the town’s layout was beginning to take shape in my mind. Other notable stops included the local schoolhouse, the quaint yet well-stocked library, and a delightful sweet shop owned by none other than Bonbon herself.

Speaking of which, as our tour continued, I couldn't help but notice several familiar faces from the show's background—beloved characters brought to life. Derpy floated nearby, narrowly avoiding a lamppost. Lyra lounged on a bench, absorbed in a book, though I couldn’t quite make out the title. Big Mac trudged along with his usual steady, purposeful gait. Cheerilee greeted students with a warm smile, while Vinyl Scratch bobbed her head to the heavy bass thumping through her ever-present headphones. Bon Bon, of course, was busy running her shop.

Yet one face was conspicuously absent—Octavia. As much as I would have loved to spot her, I had a feeling it wouldn’t be long before I'd be meeting her.

Before long—perhaps a few hours after we’d set off—the sky began to darken, casting deep shades of purple and gold over the rooftops.

As we made our way back through town, an eerie silence settled over the streets. Just minutes ago, the town had been bustling with life, but now, not a single soul was in sight. The complete absence of activity set off alarms in my head, though not in the way one might expect. I knew exactly what was happening. A smirk tugged at my lips as I side-eyed my unsuspecting guide, who remained blissfully unaware of my realization.

Eventually, we arrived at Sugarcube Corner, and if I hadn’t already been certain, the scene before me all but confirmed my suspicions.

Every light was out. The doors were firmly shut. The only sound was the whisper of the wind threading through the buildings. It couldn’t have been more obvious if they had put up a giant neon sign that read, Suspicious Activity in Progress.

Pausing outside, a thought occurred to me. I stopped in my tracks, prompting Spike to glance back, confusion flickering across his face. Meeting his gaze, I pressed a finger to my lips, signalling him to stay quiet. His head tilted in confusion for a split second before understanding dawned, and a mischievous grin spread across his face. Nodding in silent agreement, we crept around the side of the building, making our way to the back entrance.

Slipping into the darkened kitchen, I strained my ears. The telltale sound of hushed whispers and muffled giggles carried from the next room, confirming my suspicions. Grinning, I reached for a few pots and pans, handing a couple to Spike, who barely contained his excitement. We exchanged a glance, our plan solidifying in an instant.

Carefully, we inched forward, stepping into the main room where our unsuspecting victims lay in wait. I held up three fingers, silently counting down.

Three.

Two.

One.

Chaos erupted.

We clashed the pots and pans together with reckless abandon, sending an earsplitting racket through the air. Screams and startled yelps filled the darkness as shadows darted and stumbled in every direction. The room became a war zone of flailing limbs, crashing furniture, and general pandemonium. The sound of bodies colliding, objects toppling, and startled shrieks echoed through the space.

Amidst the mayhem, Spike made a break for the light switch. The moment the room flooded with bright light, everything came to a screeching halt. A dozen startled faces stared at us, frozen mid-action, as the realization sank in. And that’s when I lost it.

Doubling over, I burst into uncontrollable laughter, clutching my sides as I wheezed between fits of cackling.

"Surprise!" I managed to shout between breathless laughs, waving my arms dramatically before succumbing to another fit of giggles that left me coughing.

"Dude, that was awesome!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, pounding me on the back with a hearty laugh.

"I must say, I certainly wasn’t expecting that," Rarity chimed in, shaking her head with a small, amused chuckle.

"Wow! No one's ever gotten the jump on me before!" Pinkie Pie gasped, her eyes sparkling with admiration before narrowing. "How’d you know?"

"I didn’t," I admitted, finally catching my breath. "I just figured it out."

"Fair enough," Pinkie said with an exaggerated shrug as her smile returned, clearly utterly unfazed.

"Well then," I said, glancing around at the still-dazed partygoers. "What are we waiting for?" I threw my arms wide with a grin. "Let’s get this party started!"

My announcement was met with a chorus of cheers as everyone raised their cups and glasses in celebration. Looking up at the banner above, I couldn't help but smile as I read the words printed in bold, welcoming letters: Welcome to Ponyville, and Thank You for Saving Our Friends!

How the hell she had time to put all of this together, I had no idea. For the sake of my health—and possibly my sanity—I decided it was best not to question it. As the ever-energetic party planner skipped off into the crowd, the rest of the group turned their attention to me.

"So, how'd ya figure it out?" Applejack asked, holding a glass of what I assumed to be punch.

"Well, Spike mentioned she was a party planner of sorts," I replied with a casual shrug. "Combine that with her seemingly impossible abilities, and the fact that she obviously works here, it wasn’t exactly the hardest puzzle to solve."

"You really are full of surprises, aren’t you?" Rarity said with a melodic giggle as she stepped up beside me. "Speaking of which, I do believe these belong to you, darling."

Curious, I turned fully to face her, my eyes falling on the items she held out for me.

In her left hand was a watch—simple, yet undeniably elegant. A silver rim encased a deep, onyx-black face, its matching silver hands and numerals standing in crisp contrast. The leather strap was sturdy yet refined, neither too bulky nor too delicate. It had just the right amount of weight to feel substantial without being cumbersome. A beautiful piece, understated yet sophisticated.

And in her right hand, a small, silver rectangular box, intricately engraved. The craftsmanship alone was enough to take my breath away, but the moment I opened it, I felt a surge of surprise and gratitude. Inside, neatly stacked, were the playing cards I had inquired about.

Stunned, I looked up at Rarity, who simply giggled at my reaction.

"I had a feeling you’d appreciate them," She said, amusement twinkling in her eyes.

I opened my mouth to respond, but she swiftly cut me off.

"Now, now, darling," She continued, her voice warm yet firm. "I simply had to do something for the man who saved my life—and the lives of so many others. Which reminds me..."

Before I could even process her words, a bright flash went off beside her, and another item floated into view, enveloped in her magical aura.

A leather holster.

Not just any holster, but one seemingly tailor-made for the box of cards. Sleek and practical, with a simple strap along the back, it looked as though it would fit effortlessly onto a belt.

As she handed it to me, I could only stare, momentarily at a loss for words. "...I...this is...thank you."

"It’s the least I could do," She said softly, placing a gentle hand on my arm. "And once again, thank you."

With that, she turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving me standing there, still somewhat dumbfounded.

Shaking my head, I carefully placed the silver box into the leather holster and tested its fit. A perfect match. The design even allowed the lid to open while still inside the holder—an unexpected but ingenious detail. Attaching it to my belt, I found it settled into place as if it had always belonged there. The watch, too, fit snugly around my wrist, its weight reassuring and familiar.

"She certainly knows her craft," I murmured to myself, admiring the gifts.

Just then, music began to play, a rhythmic pulse weaving through the air. Glancing around, I spotted a familiar figure behind a turntable, completely lost in her element. With effortless precision, she worked her magic, spinning tracks on a uniquely designed setup that pulsed with energy.

A slow grin spread across my face.

That gave me an idea.

"Hey guys, I'll be back," I said over my shoulder, not bothering to turn around before walking away.

"Where are you going?" Twilight asked, her voice carrying a hint of nervousness. Strange. Celestia must have told her to keep an eye on me.

"Just going to introduce myself," I replied, spinning on my heel and briefly spreading my arms for emphasis before continuing on my way.

As I approached the stage, Vinyl Scratch caught sight of me and waved enthusiastically.

"Wassup, dude? Oh, and by the way, that prank with the pots and pans? By Durin, it was absolute gold. Fuckin' hilarious!" She laughed, her energy immediately infectious. Yeah, I like her already. Hold on.

"Durin? As in Tolkien's Middle Earth Durin? One thing at a time," I thought to myself.

"Glad you enjoyed it...?" I replied, tilting my head slightly as I rotated my hand in a so-so motion.

"Oh, shit—" She quickly yanked off her headphones. "Vinyl Scratch."

We bumped fists, and a wide grin spread across my face. "Percival Felwinter."

Vinyl let out a low whistle. "Damn, that's a hell of a name."

"Hey, at least my parents didn't name me Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo Felwinter III or something ridiculous like that," I joked, chuckling at my own absurdity.

She nearly doubled over laughing. "Good lord, man, you come up with that on the spot?"

"More or less," I admitted with a shrug.

Still laughing, she suddenly narrowed her eyes and tapped a finger against her chin. "Wait, Percival? Why does that sound familiar?"

She muttered my name under her breath a few times, her brow furrowing in thought. Then, as if struck by lightning, she snapped her fingers.

"Hold up—you’re that guy!"

"That guy?" I smirked.

"Yeah! The one who saved Rarity and the others from those Diamond Dogs, right? And took down that Hydra?"

"Oh, that guy? Yeah, I'm him," I confirmed, smirking.

Vinyl's eyes widened. "Oh, shit, dude! You’re like…a straight-up hero around here. Everyone's been talking about you!"

I sighed, shaking my head. "So much for introducing myself," I muttered under my breath before shrugging it off. "Ah, fuck it—may I?" I gestured toward the turntables.

Vinyl arched a brow. "Sure, man—if you actually know how to work it."

Stepping up to the setup, I took the microphone, giving it a few light taps to get the crowd’s attention. Conversations died down, and soon, all eyes were on me.

"First off—thank you all for the awesome welcome!" I announced, prompting cheers from the gathered ponies. "Name’s Percival, but from what I hear, most of you already know that. Now, I’ll admit, I’m not the best when it comes to introductions. But if there’s one thing I do know, it’s that music is a damn good icebreaker. So, I hope you all enjoy what I’ve got in store!"

Time to work my own kind of magic.

I started simple—an accordion melody backed by a slow, almost amateurish beat. The crowd hesitated, unsure of what to make of it. Just as intended. Then, ten seconds in, I kicked things into high gear. The bass dropped like a thunderclap, shaking the room. The sudden shift stunned everyone for a brief moment before the atmosphere exploded into movement—dancing, headbanging, and cheers as the beat pulsed through the air.

Vinyl, standing behind me, gawked for a second before hurriedly grabbing a notepad and scribbling something down.

Being an organ player comes with a few perks—coordination being the biggest. And thank god for that, because figuring out this DJ setup on the fly was tricky, even for me. But I was a fast learner. Within moments, everything flowed together perfectly, weaving into a piece that had the whole room hooked. As the final note hit, I looked up and caught sight of two particularly curious individuals watching from the crowd. Smiling to myself, I let the song fade out, drawing a wave of cheers, whistles, and enthusiastic shouts of appreciation.

Stepping back from the turntable with an over-the-top bow, I barely had a second to breathe before Vinyl yanked off her glasses and grabbed me by the shoulders.

"Dude. That. Was. Awesome!" She practically shouted, eyes gleaming with excitement. "Not to brag, but it’s rare to find someone who can work a stand as well as me!"

I smirked. "I dabble here and there," I replied with a casual shrug, giving her a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Plus, playing the organ has its advantages."

Her grin widened. "Oh, you’d love my wife."

"Sounds like someone I’ve got to meet at some point," I said with a chuckle. "But until then—enjoy the party."

As I stepped down from the stage, I made my way toward the individuals I had noticed while performing. The closer I got, the more certain I became—it was about time I acknowledged their presence to the rest of the party.

"Ah, Princesses!" I called out over the lively crowd as I approached. "A pleasure to see you!"

At the sound of my voice, the entire room fell silent, guests turning toward the two figures I had addressed. Without hesitation, they bowed deeply—everyone except me, of course.

Emerging gracefully from the kitchen, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna both wore gentle smiles, radiating an effortless elegance that caught me off guard. Yes, I had seen Celestia earlier, but I hadn’t truly taken in just how breathtaking she was. And Luna—she was equally stunning in her own right. Dressed in a gown similar to her sister’s, hers was a deep navy with a trim of light turquoise that matched her piercing eyes. Her hair was an interesting in-between—not the solid colour it had been in the show's early seasons, nor the full ethereal, starry expanse it later became. And as she stood beside her sister, I realized she was a few inches shorter than both Celestia and me.

There was no denying it—these two were revered as goddesses for a reason. Their beauty alone could justify it.

"You were indeed correct, sister," Luna spoke, her voice carrying that same angelic quality as Celestia’s, though hers was slightly lighter in pitch—no less mesmerizing, however. "He is an intriguing one."

"I aim to please!" I replied with a grin, giving them an exaggerated bow. "If I may be so bold, what brings you both here tonight?"

"I have heard many stories about you and simply wished to see you for myself," Luna answered, her smile never faltering. "And I must say, thus far, you have not disappointed."

"Oh, give it time—there’s still room for that," I quipped, earning a soft laugh from both rulers. A double win.

Then, an idea struck me.

"But to prevent that, may I interest you in another performance?"

Celestia raised a delicate brow, her expression warm with curiosity. "Oh? And what exactly do you have in mind?"

"Something I think Your Highness's should enjoy," I said, flashing a grin at the twin sisters, whose curiosity only seemed to deepen. "YO, PINKIE!"

In an instant, the pink party planner materialized beside me, startling the princesses.

"What's up, Percy?" She chirped.

"You got a guitar on you?"

"Uh, duh?" With a dramatic flourish, she pulled an acoustic guitar straight from her hair, leaving the gathered crowd—and especially the Princesses—gawking in wide-eyed disbelief.

"What?" Pinkie said with a shrug. "I keep one for emergencies."

Shaking my head with an amused chuckle, I took the instrument from her hands. "Much appreciated."

Dragging a chair near the stage, I sat down, the crowd's attention now fully on me as I began tuning the guitar. A small smile crept onto my face as I thought back to my grandfather—he could play anything, and I was just grateful he had passed some of that musical wisdom on to me before he passed.

Once satisfied with the tuning, I looked up, locking eyes with the royal sisters.

"I think you’ll appreciate this one," I said.

And with that, I started playing.

The song was a stark contrast to my previous performance, its tone far more sombre. Yet, from the very first note, I could tell I had their undivided attention.

"I hurt myself today
To see if I still feel
I focus on the pain
The only thing that's real

The needle tears a hole
The old familiar sting
Try to kill it all away
But I remember everything."

Luna’s expression shifted, her eyes widening in quiet shock. Celestia, on the other hand, regarded me with intrigue, her gaze thoughtful as she absorbed the lyrics. I let the emotion pour into every syllable, my voice gained and strained as it carried the weight of the song’s meaning. As I closed my eyes, I felt the room grow still, the once lively atmosphere now heavy with something far deeper.

"What have I become?
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know goes away
In the end

And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt."

When I opened them again, I was met with shimmering eyes. The Princesses—those regal, near-divine figures—stood transfixed, tears threatening to spill as understanding dawned upon them.

"I wear this crown of thorns
Upon my liar's chair
Full of broken thoughts
I cannot repair

Beneath the stains of time
The feelings disappear
You are someone else
I'm still right here."

A quick glance around the room told me they weren’t the only ones affected. The Main Six, the gathered partygoers—every single one of them had tears in their eyes. The weight of the song had settled over them, leaving only the sound of quiet sniffles and soft, stifled sobs.

And yet, I continued.

"What have I become?
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know goes away
In the end

And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt

If I could start again
A million miles away
I would keep myself
I would find a way."

As the last note faded into silence, an eerie stillness overtook the room. Dozens of faces stared back at me, filled with shock and sadness.

The Princesses let out a delicate sniffle, and suddenly, the room burst into a flurry of apologies, though aimed at both, they seemed targeted to one in particular. The sheer intensity of it seemed to leave both Rulers momentarily at a loss for words.

Satisfied that I had made my point, I set the guitar down. Then, while the crowd remained distracted, I quietly slipped away. Vinyl was leaning casually against the front door when I stepped outside, an impressed smirk tugging at her lips. She held out her fist. I bumped it without hesitation, giving her a knowing nod before stepping into the cool night air of Ponyville.

I wandered the streets aimlessly, retracing the path Spike had taken me on during his tour. The night was peaceful—almost eerily so—the cool, fresh air filling my lungs in a way that felt rejuvenating. While I had always been partial to the dense embrace of the forest, there was something uniquely liberating about the crispness of the open night air. The humidity of the woods could only offer so much relief.

Yet, as I walked, an unsettling sensation coiled in the pit of my stomach. You know, the kind of feeling that gnaws at you, whispering that something bad is coming, something you can’t prevent no matter how much you brace yourself. Yeah, that kind. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to always trust my gut—it hasn’t failed me yet.

As I rounded the corner near the town hall, a flicker of movement caught my eye. A shadow, darting and weaving, slipping into an alleyway just before I could get a good look. Against my better judgment, I pursued. My steps were quiet, cautious, yet determined. The alley was narrow, lined with scattered crates and barrels, leading into another dimly lit street. Just ahead, the shadow reappeared, always just at the edge of my vision, elusive and deliberate.

This game of cat and mouse dragged on for several minutes, leading me in circles, retracing ground I had already covered. It was toying with me—of that, I was certain. It knew I was following and was either trying to shake me or playing some twisted game. Neither option sat well with me. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get a full glimpse of it. It remained just beyond my sight, offering only brief, taunting flashes—a shifting silhouette, a flick of movement. And I had the sinking suspicion it was well aware of my frustration.

But like all games, this one had to end.

Emerging onto the town’s main street, near the outskirts, I finally saw it. And what I saw made my blood run cold.

It stood there, an abomination ripped straight from Orcadian folklore. A hulking equine figure, its grotesque head lolling unnaturally, while the conjoined rider atop it regarded me with a lazy, yet disturbingly aware gaze. The rider’s elongated arms dangled lifelessly, their gnarled fingers scraping the ground. The horse-like head, with its grotesquely large, gaping maw, exhaled a toxic vapour so pungent I swore I could taste it from where I stood. But the worst of it—the part that sent ice flooding through my veins—was the single, monstrous eye, burning red like a smouldering ember, locked onto me with an unsettling intensity.

And the rider...if you could even call it that. It barely resembled a man. A twisted mass of flesh and bone, its body lacking any real definition beyond a vaguely humanoid shape. Twin pulsating red eyes glowed within its misshapen form, its entire body devoid of skin, black blood coursing through grotesquely yellow veins. The exposed sinew and muscle twitched in a slow, rhythmic pulse as if the thing itself were barely holding together. In its gnarled grasp, a thick, black iron spear gleamed ominously in the dim light.

A Nuckelavee.

I froze.

What the fuck is that thing doing here?!

I had known things in this world were different, but this was beyond anything I had prepared for. This was a terrifying leap from the source material, a nightmarish deviation that sent my mind into overdrive. It stared at me. I stared back. And just when I thought this couldn’t get any worse—

Something inside me clicked.

My eyes narrowed, instincts kicking in with an almost unnatural clarity. The beast noticed. It hesitated. Just slightly, but enough. The equine head bobbed as if startled, its rider shifting in an almost imperceptible movement. Something in me snapped—not in fear, not in rage, but in a way that felt eerily calm. Like my sense of self-preservation had simply...vanished.

Stepping out onto the open street, I glanced toward Sugar Cube Corner. The party was still going strong, oblivious to the nightmare standing just outside the festivities. My gaze flicked back to the creature. It was waiting. For what, I couldn’t tell. But the impulse in my head—whatever primal instinct was guiding me—urged me forward.

A slow smile spread across my face.

Taking a deep breath, I spoke, voice steady, unwavering.

"Into the fires of battle! Unto the anvil of war!"

Stomping my foot, I surged forward, a blur of motion as the beast reacted—its gangly arms rising just as I whizzed past. A burst of air trailed in my wake, buffeting the creature as it turned to track me.

I rolled my shoulders, grinning as I met its gaze head-on.

"Let’s have some fun then, shall we?"

The beast recovered far faster than I had anticipated, whipping around with alarming speed before lunging at me. My heart pounded as I drew my sword—this was the true test of my skill.

Charging forward, our blades met in a violent clash, the impact sending both of us skidding backwards. We sprang to our feet in unison, weapons flashing as we struck again, this time merely deflecting each other’s blows. A relentless exchange followed—a whirlwind of slashes, parries, and redirections, each of us seeking an opening. But the sheer speed at which this creature fought was staggering. I had expected it to be dangerous, but I had underestimated just how much. Perhaps I had been a little too confident.

I struggled to contain the fight, doing my best to prevent destruction from spilling into the town. But the beast was relentless, attacking with reckless abandon, its wild strikes obliterating carts, stalls, and anything else unfortunate enough to be in the way. If this continued, the town would suffer. I needed to move this fight elsewhere.

Seizing an opportunity, I leapt onto its spear as it thrust forward, balancing for a split second before wiggling my eyebrows at the creature in mockery. Confused, it hesitated—just long enough for me to drive my foot into its chest with all my strength as orange flame trailed behind it, sizzling and charring the skin on its chest slightly and sending it hurtling toward the hill where I had first spoken with Celestia.

I pursued it as it crashed into the earth, but the beast recovered almost instantly, planting its spear into the ground. Its arms twisted and morphed, reshaping into thick, wickedly sharp blades. I smirked at the sight. Planting my own sword into the dirt, I mimed revving it like an engine, even adding my own sound effects.

That did the trick.

The beast screeched, its fury evident as it launched itself at me, its banshee-like wail cutting through the air. I met its charge head-on, our blades colliding in a flurry of rapid strikes. The tempo of our battle had increased dramatically, each blow exchanged faster than the last. Yet, to my own surprise, I was keeping up.

Adrenaline sharpened my reflexes, my instincts taking over. My movements grew faster, and more precise. The beast faltered, forced onto the defensive, its attacks becoming sloppier in its desperation. Sensing its panic, I pressed harder.

Then it made its final, fatal mistake.

In a desperate bid to end me, it raised both of its bladed arms high before bringing them down with all its might. I saw the opening. With a single upward slash, my blade tore through the air, severing the creature’s equine head and taking one of its arms along with it. The beast shrieked in agony, but I wasn’t done. Pivoting, I swung my sword once more, slicing through the connection between the rider and its mount, cleanly bisecting them.

I watched as the creature collapsed, its lifeless form hitting the ground with a dull thud. Exhaling slowly, I allowed my head to tip back, relishing a brief moment of respite.

But it was short-lived.

Before I could fully lower my guard, a sudden shout cut through the air.

"Percival, move!"

I barely had time to process the warning before a sensation lanced through my thigh. A collective gasp echoed around me. Looking down, I saw the jagged tip of the Nuckelavee’s arm blade protruding from the front of my leg, slick with my blood.

A guttural growl escaped my lips. Without hesitation, I swung my sword, severing its last remaining arm before stomping down, silencing its final, pitiful scream. My foot met flesh and bone, and then—nothing. Grimacing out of a reflex rather than real pain, I gripped the embedded blade and yanked it free. Blood gushed onto the vibrant green grass beneath me, an alarming amount, but oddly enough, the pain was barely there. At most, a dull ache.

"My pain tolerance is so damn inconsistent," I thought.

A chorus of shocked gasps made me turn. A short distance away stood the main six, Spike, and the two Princesses, their faces painted with various degrees of horror. Celestia was the first to react, snapping out of her stupor and rushing toward me, prompting the others to follow. By the time I met them halfway, something strange had happened—my leg felt as good as new. Glancing down, I wiped away the blood, only to find smooth, unbroken skin beneath. No wound. Not even a scar.

Celestia and Rarity reached me first, their hands igniting with magic as warmth spread through my leg, a sensation unlike anything I had ever felt before. So this is what healing magic feels like.

But before they could finish, I took a step back.

"I don't think that'll be necessary," I said.

Rarity looked absolutely horrified. "Darling, you have blood running down your leg! You need help!"

"You have been stabbed, good Sir Felwinter. You require assistance," Luna added, her tone firm.

I shook my head. "I have an increased healing factor. I'll be fine," I reassured them.

As they opened their mouths to argue, Applejack cut in. "He ain't lyin'." The disbelief in her voice was as clear as day.

Her reaction only confirmed my suspicions. I gave her a small nod of appreciation as she reluctantly nodded back, though scepticism still lingered on her face. The moment of silence didn't last long—soon, the group bombarded me with questions I didn’t have answers to. As they continued their interrogation, I turned away and approached the remains of the beast, ignoring their voices as I studied the scene before me.

"Well, well...look what we have here," I muttered under my breath.

My attention was drawn to the weapons. The spear and blade appeared to be composed of different materials. At first glance, they both seemed to be forged from some kind of wrought iron-like metal, but upon closer inspection, I noticed the subtle differences. The blades were indeed metal, yet the spear was something else entirely—a stone-like material with a dark, ominous sheen.

Reaching out, I moved to grab the spear—only to be stopped in an instant.

"Don't!" Celestia’s voice rang out sharply as she seized my wrist.

I turned to her, my expression blank, silently questioning her urgency.

"That's Black Iron Stone," She explained.

I arched a brow. "And that means...?"

Celestia hesitated, letting go of my wrist before she sighed. "It's an ore found in the deepest reaches of Terra’s crust. Extremely rare...and incredibly dangerous."

"A disturbing sight to be sure," Luna murmured, eyeing the weapon warily. "Especially for a being like a Nuckelavee to be wielding."

Twilight, who had been silent up until now, suddenly gasped. "Wait—a Nuckelavee!?" Her voice rose in pitch. "What is a Demon of Legend doing here!?"

I didn't answer immediately, instead keeping my gaze fixed on the embedded spear. The pieces were coming together, forming an unsettling picture.

"Two powerful rulers of an entire kingdom are in a small, quaint village with minimal security and little resistance to reach them," I said at last. "I think it's fairly easy to guess why it’s here."

Twilight stiffened. "You mean to tell me this thing was trying to assassinate the Princesses!?"

"Yeeaah...don’t you think that’s a little far-fetched?" Rainbow Dash’s sceptical voice chimed in from behind me.

"What exactly is Black Iron Stone used for?" I asked, ignoring Rainbow’s doubt.

Celestia hesitated again, her expression darkening. "To kill immortals," She admitted. "But to see it forged into a weapon of this size…that's deeply concerning."

"There you have it," I said, my voice grim. "An assassin. And a competent one, at that."

A rustling noise caught my attention—just barely, at the edge of my hearing. No one else seemed to notice. Slowly, I turned my gaze to the tree line. Shadows flickered between the trees, blocking out patches of the fading light. We weren’t alone.

We were being watched.

"What do you see?" Luna whispered, stepping up beside me with her sister.

I narrowed my eyes at the tree line. "We may have a problem," I murmured back. Turning, I took a step toward the group of friends behind me. "Twilight, can you get a shield around the town? And how fast?"

The group’s attention snapped to me, confusion flashing across their faces. "Uh... yes! I think so," Twilight stammered. "It would take me a minute. Why?"

Ignoring her question, I shifted my gaze to the Princesses. "How fast can you get a battalion of Guards here?" My tone was calm, measured—yet the weight behind it sent unease rippling through the group.

"It would take a few hours," Luna replied, matching my tone.

I clenched my jaw. "Shit, we might not have a few minutes."

"Percival, what is happening?" Celestia demanded.

"We're being watched." I didn’t bother glancing at the forest. "And I can say with absolute certainty that whatever it is, it's not a friendly sort."

Luna inhaled sharply. "You suspect an attack."

"Yes." I turned to the others. "We need to get back to town and prepare. Now."

Celestia studied me. "Are you absolutely certain this is the best course of action?"

Before I could answer, a thought struck me. "Applejack."

"...What?" she asked warily.

"No one's at the barn, right?"

The colour drained from her face. Without a word, she spun and bolted toward her home. I lunged forward, grabbing her wrist and pulling her close, steadying her with a firm grip on her hip as she struggled against me.

"Lemme go, dammit!" She yelled, trying to break free.

"Relax!" I growled, forcing authority into my voice. "Give me a minute."

She hesitated, her struggle weakening. I cast a quick glance back toward the shadows in the forest. Their numbers had dwindled. My stomach twisted.

Then I saw them—figures darting toward the barn. "Shit!"

"What?!" Applejack demanded.

"Celestia!" I barked. "Get to the barn. If anyone’s there, get them to town!"

She turned to me. "What did you see?"

"No time! You need to go—now!"

She hesitated only for a moment before golden light flared around her. Applejack wrenched herself from my grasp and lunged forward, slamming a hand onto Celestia’s shoulder just as the spell took hold. With a blinding flash, they vanished.

"Applejack!" Her friends cried out.

"They’ll be fine!" I reassured them. "They’ll have time. Twilight, Luna, Rarity—I need you three in town. Get a shield up as fast as possible!"

Luna frowned. "And the Guards you requested?"

"We don’t have time to wait. Just get to town and be ready." I exhaled sharply. "Raise the shield the moment Celestia and Applejack return."

A distant sound made my pulse spike. Birds erupted from the trees, their frantic cries splitting the air. The forest trembled with crashing branches and the deep, guttural shattering of stone.

I turned to face the woods, my heartbeat hammering in my ears as adrenaline surged through me.

"Remember—on my mark!"

"But what about you?!" Rarity protested. "Surely you don’t mean to fight alone!"

I smirked. "Do as I say. And don’t call me Shirley."

The group hesitated before obeying, rushing toward town. Only Luna remained. She stepped closer, studying me with an unreadable expression. "What are you going to do?"

I cracked my knuckles as I rolled my shoulders, a slow grin forming. "Well," I murmured. "It’s only polite to introduce yourself, isn’t it?"

Focusing my senses, I heard the rhythmic thud of approaching footsteps, heavy and urgent. Turning toward the forest, I caught sight of a figure bursting through the underbrush—Zecora, or at least who I assumed to be her, sprinting for her life. In one swift motion, she flung a small glass bottle over her shoulder. The vial shattered upon impact, erupting into a violent burst of green fire. Agonized screeches echoed from the forest, but the stampede charging after her did not falter.

She locked eyes with me, her expression wild with urgency. I motioned her over while instinctively stepping back toward town. Skidding slightly in the dirt, she changed course, sprinting toward me with all the speed she could muster. Just as she reached my side, I drew Ace and opened fire, the explosive retort of my gun splitting the air. She flinched, covering her ears against the deafening barrage.

From the depths of the forest, they emerged—a dozen or more demons, their grotesque forms silhouetted against the dying light. Their shapes varied wildly, each an abomination in its own right, their howls and roars merging into a hellish symphony of chaos.

One, smaller compared to the others, stood around six feet tall. It bore an unsettling insectoid form—a grotesque fusion of humanoid and arthropod. A distorted human torso stretched over a thick, bulbous abdomen, from which sprouted eight gnarled legs. Insect wings buzzed from its back, their vibrations sending ripples through the air. Its head was a mockery of humanity, resembling a grinning skull, its lower jaw split into writhing mandibles, while an exposed brain pulsed grotesquely from the back of its head.

Another loomed taller, a head or two above the first. Its frame was gaunt yet unnervingly powerful, digitigrade legs supporting a thick, barrel-like chest reinforced by an exposed ribcage that acted as natural armour. Its arms were impossibly long, curling inward toward its body, each human-like hand tipped with three-foot-long, gleaming blades. A sinuous neck stretched upward, supporting an elongated head lined with jagged, razor-sharp teeth.

But the last one—this one commanded attention. Towering over the others at ten, perhaps eleven feet tall, it was a living nightmare clad in deep red segmented armour. A tattered cloth skirt billowed around its legs, carried by the unnatural wind that seemed to follow it. Its helmet, a nightmarish visage reminiscent of a warlord, bore down at me with glowing, fiery eyes. In its metallic grasp, a curved, wickedly sharp blade reflected the last remnants of daylight.

A sickly green ichor dripped from one of the insectoid creatures—evidence that Zecora’s efforts had not been in vain. She had wounded at least one.

Taking aim at a smaller demon, I fired. The bullet struck its bloated head, igniting its body in an explosion of yellow and orange flame. The blast sent several of its kin flying, their screeches cut short as fire consumed them. Let me tell you—Ace felt amazing to shoot. The demons outside the explosion’s radius stumbled, thrown off balance by the sheer force of the shockwave.

"Go! Run to town! As fast as you can! Don’t look back!" I shouted as Zecora sped past me, her breath ragged.

I turned my sights on the armoured behemoth, squeezing the trigger. My bullets struck true, but they barely slowed it down—denting the armour at best. My gut twisted as I caught sight of something in the distance—dark smoke rising in thick columns from Sweet Apple Acres.

"Damn it!" I growled, holstering Ace. Turning, I wrenched my sword from the ground, its edge gleaming in the dim light. More demons crashed through the tree line, their sheer numbers an overwhelming tide of monstrosities.

"Oh, shit," I muttered under my breath before bellowing, "GET THAT SHIELD UP, NOW!"

"Sir Percival! There are too many! You must retreat!" Luna’s voice rang out, desperate, pleading.

"Percival!" The various voices of the Main Six called out.

"SHIELD, NOW!" I roared back, leaving no room for argument.

Hesitation lingered in the air, but at last, compliance. A shimmer of magic surged over the town, forming a protective barrier. Three distinct hues—purple, navy blue, and cyan—intertwined, blending together like oil swirling in water.

Surging forward, I effortlessly cut down the smaller demons, their shrieks barely registering in my ears. The mid-sized ones put up more of a fight, their claws scraping against my blade with desperate ferocity, but in the end, they fared no better than their lesser kin. With a practised motion, I drew Ace, firing off several rounds. My shots missed their heads but still tore through their bodies, dropping them where they stood.

As the last bullet left the chamber, I ejected the empty casing with a flick of my wrist. Instinct took over as my hand reached beneath my coat, fingers closing around a freshly materialized, fully loaded cylinder. There was no time to question the impossibility of it. Slamming it into place, I snapped the revolver shut, white smoke curling from the chamber like a breath from the void.

A smirk tugged at my lips as I took aim at the largest demon I could find. My finger tightened on the trigger, and the shot rang out. The bullet struck true, tearing through the monster’s armour with ease. A second later, its head erupted in a gruesome explosion of blood and bright orange fire. Its body followed suit, the detonation engulfing a cluster of demons in a searing inferno. When the smoke cleared, only a handful remained.

For a moment, they hesitated, their glowing eyes darting to the charred remains of their fallen. Then, rage took over. With guttural roars, they charged faster than before, their bloodlust boiling over.

I met them head-on. My sword flashed as I struck them down as quickly as possible, knowing hesitation meant death. But before I could finish them all, two demons with bladed arms rushed me, launching a relentless flurry of attacks. I deflected most of their strikes, my arms burning from the exertion. Even with four blades between them and the element of surprise lost, I was still holding my own, but it wasn't easy. My skin stung where their weapons nicked me, blood seeping from fresh wounds. A stitch was beginning to form in my side.

"Sir Percival!"

"Stay back!" I barked, my focus locked on the enemies before me.

As I spoke, a larger demon—not quite as massive as the first, but still formidable—joined the fray. With a snarl, it swung a massive sword in a sweeping arc. I leaped into the air just in time, though not without consequence—pain lanced through my legs as the smaller demons’ claws caught me mid-jump. Below, the giant blade carved through them, sending steaming blood, flesh, and bone flying in all directions.

I landed just as the brute roared in fury and swung again. This time, I vaulted forward, closing the distance before it could recover. My sword plunged into the underside of its jaw, the steel piercing straight through. The demon let out a strangled gurgle before its body went limp, collapsing with a heavy thud. Tearing my blade out from the front of the beast's head, I cleaved it cleanly two as I waited.

Silence.

I strained my ears, listening for any remaining threats. Nothing. Only the distant crackle of dying flames and the slow settling of dust. Celestia's fight must have ended as well. Hopefully, she hadn’t had as hard a time as I did.

Exhaling deeply, I let my shoulders sag, sheathing my sword as exhaustion crept in. This was my first real battle of the night, and I was already feeling its weight. My breath came in heavy, uneven huffs. Turning toward the forest, I scanned the treeline. No movement. No lingering shadows. Just an eerie stillness. Sweat dripped from my brow as I made my way toward the shield.

On the other side, the gathered group stared at me, their faces a mix of shock and concern.

"Anyone seen Celestia or Applejack?" I asked, wiping the sweat from my forehead.

"They're not here!" Rarity called out.

"Where are they?!" Twilight’s voice cracked with worry.

A murmur of unrest rippled through the crowd, panic setting in.

"Look there!" Luna pointed toward the treeline.

Following her gaze, I spotted a faint golden glow flickering through the dense trees—a dome of light, barely visible beyond the canopy.

"Luna, stay here. I'll ensure their safety," I said, already moving toward the treeline. "Keep this shield up and everyone inside it safe."

She hesitated, concern flashing in her eyes. "So be it. But who will keep you safe?"

I shot her a tired grin. "My award-winning smile," I quipped before breaking into a sprint, heading straight for the barn house.

I sprinted toward the shimmering shield, my heart pounding violently against my ribs. A flicker of concern gnawed at me. I knew Celestia was powerful—painfully obvious, really—but she also had others to protect. That would undoubtedly hinder her ability to fight effectively.

As I neared the barrier, I saw that it enveloped the entire house like a protective dome. The barn had taken some damage, its wooden frame showing deep gouges, and a few of the apple trees bore scars from the battle. But overall, the destruction seemed minimal. Now, I just needed to make sure everyone inside was okay. Slowing my pace, I walked to the part of the shield directly in front of the house and cupped my hands around my mouth.

"Applejack! Celestia!" I called out.

Silence.

A pit formed in my stomach. I clenched my jaw and pounded my fist against the barrier. "Celestia!"

A muffled but unmistakable voice called back. "Percival!?"

Relief surged through me, and I exhaled sharply. "Oh, thank God," I muttered under my breath. "Is everyone alright?"

A moment later, the door creaked open, and the group stepped outside. Applejack led the way, followed closely by Celestia, Granny Smith, and Applebloom. Big Mac wasn’t there, but I already knew he was in town. Seeing them all in one piece, I released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding and managed a tired smile.

"Good. Saw the shield and feared the worst," I admitted, leaning forward with my hands on my knees, taking a moment to catch my breath.

Celestia arched a brow while a small smirk tugged at her lips. "Didn’t think I could handle it?"

I waved a dismissive hand at her. "Bah! There were more demons waiting than I expected. I wasn’t sure how bad things got over here."

The Princess sighed lightly. "Yes, well, I don’t know how many you assumed were here, but it was far more than anticipated. We had no choice but to hold our ground."

"How many?"

"There must have been ten of them!" Applebloom chimed in, her wide grin betraying the severity of the situation.

I let out a low whistle, glancing at Celestia. "Good thing you were here, then."

"Yes, indeed—" She suddenly stiffened, eyes going wide. "Behind you!"

The warning barely registered before searing pain shot through my torso. A force slammed me forward, pinning me against the shield. My breath hitched.

I looked down.

A spear jutted from my stomach, its tip glistening with my own blood.

"Percival!" Celestia’s voice was raw with panic as she pressed her hands against the shield.

I pushed off the barrier, the spear wrenching free with a sickening scrape. Staggering forward, I reached for it, determined to pull it out—but before I could, more struck.

One after another, they tore through my flesh.

I barely had time to react before four more spears embedded themselves in my body. My knees buckled. Blood welled in my throat, spilling past my lips as I coughed violently. Horror-stricken faces blurred before me. One spear impaled my right shoulder. Another lodged near my hip. A third had driven deep into my lower abdomen, and the last speared clean through my chest—so close to my heart I could feel its panicked rhythm flutter against the cold steel.

Too close.

If my healing factor was as potent as I believed, I might survive this. But if my heart was punctured? That was another story entirely.

"Percival!" Celestia’s anguished scream cut through the haze. Applejack and Granny Smith shielded a trembling Applebloom, covering her eyes as tears streamed down their faces.

"Jävla...mamma," I gurgled, my Swedish slipping through the pain.

The sound of gnashing teeth snapped me from my stupor. With effort, I turned my head, my vision swimming. Goblin-like demons leered at me from the shadows, their jagged teeth bared in wicked grins.

Staring at the spears lodged in my body, I grit my teeth and reach for the one embedded in my shoulder. With a sharp yank, I tear it free, a jolt of searing pain shooting down my neck. I swear, my pain tolerance is the most inconsistent thing ever. The moment the spear leaves my flesh, I feel the strange sensation of my wound slowly beginning to close, growing and knitting itself shut. It’s sluggish—too sluggish. With the sheer number of holes decorating my body, I estimate it’ll take hours before I’m anywhere close to normal. Still, at least I know I’ll heal…eventually.

Without a second thought, I hurl the spear with all the strength I can muster. It whistles through the air before impaling one of the goblins, pinning it to a tree. It thrashes, kicking and writhing, before finally going still. Wasting no time, I yank out the remaining spears as fast as my battered body allows, flinging them at the remaining goblins with rapid precision. On the final throw, my vision blurs, and my knees buckle beneath me. I collapse onto one, my breath coming in ragged, uneven gasps.

A dark red puddle spreads beneath me. Thick. Ominous.

"It's alright, Percival! Just hold on!" Celestia’s voice cuts through the haze, urgent and desperate.

Then, as if the situation wasn’t dire enough, a massive demon—one of the same kind I had slain before—bursts forth from the orchard. It halts fifteen feet away, arms crossed, watching. Waiting. This one is bigger than the last. Stronger, most likely.

Gripping Ace, I steady myself as best I can.

"Keep...that shield...up," I gasp, barely able to get the words out.

"Percival Felwinter! You are in no condition to fight!" Celestia protests, her voice tinged with both fear and frustration.

"Ah can help too! Ah ain't no pushover who's gonna let ‘em touch mah family!" Applejack said firmly from beside the Solar Princess, unwavering.

Despite everything, I manage a weak smile. Both of them stare at me, stunned that I can still muster the energy for it. "I can't use magic, and your family needs you," I say, my words light yet firm. Spreading my arms slightly, I let out a breath. "This...is the best I can do."

Summoning every last ounce of resolve, I straighten, standing as tall as my battered body allows. The demon, as if accepting my challenge, reaches for the massive sword on its back and steps forward at an agonizingly slow pace. Once I’m in range, it rears back, ready to strike.

And then—darkness. My vision cuts out completely.

I don’t even see the attack coming. The moment its blade connects, I’m sent flying straight into the shield with bone-rattling force. Both women cry out in alarm. Stars burst across my vision as I bounce off of the shield,. Weakly stumbling to my feet, I lean against the golden dome, using it for support. Then, to their utter disbelief, I push myself upright and—despite everything—wink at them.

Their expressions are priceless.

Turning back to the demon, I watch as it prepares the same attack, its blade gleaming menacingly in the moonlight. This time, I react.

As the sword swings toward me, I pivot sharply on my heel, bending my body just enough to slip past the incoming strike. In one fluid motion, I spin, coming to a stop directly beneath the beast. Ace is already aimed at its chin.

"Jackpot."

I pull the trigger.

One shot. That’s all it takes.

The demon’s head vanishes in an instant, and its body erupts into harmless, smouldering embers around me. The lingering flames lick at my coat, sending its tails into a brief frenzy, but they do nothing to me.

Silence settles over the battlefield.

The feeling of danger dissipates. The adrenaline drains from my body. And with it, the full weight of my injuries crashes down on me like a tidal wave. Gritting my teeth, I slowly turn to face the others, their eyes filled with a mixture of awe, relief, and concern. I exhale, unsteady but standing.

"The coast is clear," I said, throwing a sloppy salute.

I put a little too much force behind it and immediately regretted the motion as my balance wavered. Before I could steady myself, my body folded in on itself, and I collapsed to my hands and knees. A violent shudder racked my frame as I retched, expelling a torrent of blood and bile onto the scorched ground as a weak, pathetic cough escaped me. I forced myself upright, every muscle in my body screaming in protest. As my blurred vision refocused, I turned just in time to see the shield fall.

"Hold on, Percival!"

Celestia's voice rang out, urgent and commanding. She rushed toward me, hands already alight with golden magic. I caught her gaze as she reached for me and grasped her hands firmly.

"No...we need to get back to town…make sure everyone’s safe," I said, my breath shallow and uneven.

"YOU NEED HEALING!" she shouted, exasperation clear in her tone.

I managed a weak smirk, though it likely looked more like a grimace. "What’s more important? My life, or the lives of the townsfolk?"

"For the love of—will ya stop bein’ so darn stubborn?!" Applejack interjected, arms crossed in frustration.

"Not until...we're back in town," I insisted, barely able to keep my legs from buckling.

"Young’un's got a death wish," Granny Smith muttered with a shake of her head.

Celestia hesitated, clearly torn between reason and my sheer stubbornness. Finally, after a tense moment, she exhaled sharply.

"Very well," she conceded. "But we heal you the moment we arrive."

"Only if...we're in the clear," I countered weakly, my breath ragged and uneven

She gave me a long, measuring look before sighing, seemingly realising it would be better to do as I suggested rather than argue. "Gather around."

Applejack and her family huddled in close, and I attempted to move on my own, only for my legs to nearly give out. Applejack caught me just in time, slinging my arm over her shoulder to keep me steady.

In a flash of golden light, the battlefield vanished.

We reappeared atop the hill where I had fought the demons, the lingering scent of blood and smoke still thick in the air. My eyes scanned our surroundings. Nothing stirred. Finally—mercifully—the coast was clear. I sighed in relief.

Then, my knees buckled.

Applejack tried to catch me, but I was already falling, my body giving up the fight. I hit the ground hard, landing on my back with a dull thud.

"Sister!" Luna’s voice cut through the haze creeping at the edges of my mind.

"Luna, I need your help! Percival is in critical condition!" Celestia cried out.

My body felt leaden, my limbs sluggish, as Applejack carefully adjusted me so my head rested on her lap. Celestia dropped to her knees beside me, her hands glowing with magic. From my periphery, I saw Luna and Rarity skid to a stop, quickly kneeling beside her. Without hesitation, they, too, ignited their magic and pressed their hands gently against my abdomen. Warmth flooded my body, soothing yet overwhelming, like the first breath of spring after a brutal winter.

My hearing dulled, and the edges of my vision blurred. The world around me seemed to waver, distant and unreal. But even through the haze, I heard it—the heavy thud of countless footsteps rushing toward us. With effort, I turned my head slightly, my gaze unfocused but determined.

A crowd. A massive one.

The entire town had come.

But what stunned me more than their presence was their faces—tear-streaked, solemn, filled with emotion. Some wept openly, others held onto loved ones for support, but every single one of them wore an expression of gratitude, of sorrow.

"Everyone's...crying?" I murmured, my voice barely a whisper.

A warm drop landed on my forehead. I glanced up as best I could and found Applejack gazing down at me, tears trailing freely down her cheeks.

"Of course we are," She said softly, cupping my face with gentle hands. Her thumbs brushed over my skin in slow, soothing motions, grounding me. "Ya saved us."

Celestia’s voice followed, though I was too weak to turn toward her. "You fought for this town, risked your life, and suffered grievous wounds in the process," She stated firmly, though her voice was as soft and as gentle as I knew it to be. "Did you truly think we wouldn’t be grateful?"

I let out a faint chuckle, though it barely carried past my lips. "We only just met today."

Luna's smile was sad but warm as the two sisters entered my field of vision. "And yet, you fought valiantly for us regardless. Why would you think so little of us?"

My body relaxed at her words, exhaustion creeping in like an unstoppable tide. My eyelids grew unbearably heavy, and my breathing slowed. I didn’t resist as unconsciousness pulled me under. I heard Applejack shout my name, but her voice was lost to the void. A final, peaceful smile lingered on my lips as everything went dark.

Author's Note

As the name of the chapter said, that escalated quickly
this could very easily be one of, if not the longest piece I've ever written, so I'm quite pleased with that, and I'm rather happy with how it turned out
How you all enjoyed

Also, this is what I imagined Percy to be playing

https://youtu.be/2hjTEKgaQtw?si=rnsX4Qx0I32aYl-T

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