Just Trying To Get Home

Chapters

Chapter 1: A Rude Awakening and First Impressions
Chapter 2: A Nightmare and A Zebra
Chaper 3: Scars along with prying eyes
Chapter 4: The Princesses, the Dead Manticore, and Lack of a Wardrobe.

Chapter 1: A Rude Awakening and First Impressions

Author's Note

So this is my first story and I hope yall enjoy the first chapter I have some ideas brewing in my head and any advice I'd appreciate since I want to try and make this more detailed and fun to read ^0^ (side note I accidentally was going off season 5 not 4 so had to change a thing or two so gotta edit some things here and there to keep it in line with season 4)

Chapter 1: A Rude Awakening and First Impressions

The first thing I feel before slowly opening my eyes is a horrible pain in my head and hearing the constant droning noise of a horn around me. What happened is all I could think of as my vision was blurry, and I couldn't quite see that well. I felt the press of the airbag on my chest. Weakly, I push it away enough to get to my door and open it; the metal creaks loudly. I had to use a bit of what strength I could muster to get it to open all the way, clattering of glass falling from the now shattered window.

I try to stand but only fall forwards, landing on my hands and knees, bits of glass all around me on the dirty ground as far as I can tell at least, but by this time, my vision started to clear up well as best as it can with being nearsighted. I tried to gather myself and sit and lean on the midsection of the car that didn't have twisted metal that could cut me.

"What the fuck...happen?"

I hold my head, and yep, that feels a bit like blood. Turning my head, I see in the rearview mirror what pieces are left. There was a gash on my forehead, but thankfully, it didn't look too deep. There were a few cuts on my face, more than likely from the broken glass of my front windshield.

My nose wasn't broken; thankfully, I'm not sure I got the know-how to set it back properly, and I'm glad I don't have to go through the learning process the hard way. I finally turn and look around; though the horn is still going, its drone isn't as loud now. My surroundings were full of nothing but forest. There were vines, trees, bushes, and mushrooms, all different kinds. It was colorful but also eerie in a sense as well. I looked up, and there was little light that could get through the canopy of the forest. This place doesn't feel right; the woods near the highway aren't this dense. I sure as hell know these trees aren't pines; damn it, how the fuck did I end up here? Come on, remember!

8 hours ago

"I'm heading out Mom!" I shouted from the kitchen.

I got my shoes slipped on. I had everything I usually go to college on me. My gray flat cap, my arrowhead necklace, and my glasses can't even drive; without those, I might get a ticket, and I can't afford that. That's when my mom yells from the living room.

"Ya got your phone, keys, wallet, and earphones!" She'd always remind me before I headed out.

I shouted back, "Yeah, mom! I'll be home probably in 4 hours. I've got some catching up to let Dad know when he gets off work before I get home!" I yell back.

I know I shouldn't have yelled, seeing as my brother was asleep, but he's a heavy sleeper, so we didn't have to worry about him getting woken up.

"Ok, sweetie, love you, be careful!" Mom yelled, "Love ya too ill be back in a few hours!" I said before heading out the door and going to my car.

I listened to some story while driving to the college, but I can't quite remember what it was. Once I got to the college, I kept to myself and just did math work for most of the time and studied for the finals that were coming up. I looked outside and saw it was late, and I needed to get home, so I gathered all my stuff in my bags and got to my car across campus. Then I started to drive home; it was dark now, and Mom probably will get worried. Getting home was a 30-minute commute, so as I was driving, I changed the song. I only looked away from the road for one second, but in that second, there was a green light and a tree.

"shit!!" after that, I remembered the screech of brakes and pain.

Back to the present

I leaned fully on the car, the entire memory coming back, but there were gaps here and there about stuff I wasn't sure about. Bringing my hand to my face, I rub under my eyes in frustration, and I try to breathe. I can't be having a panic attack over my insurance rates going through the roof. I get up and check the damages on my tc scion. Standing up, I look over the car, almost scared too.

"Fuuuuuck!" I yell at the canopy above. The whole front side was caved in like a crushed can.

It's a miracle the lights still work in the car, as well as the brake lights, which somehow are stuck being on. Yeah, there's no way this thing is getting fixed. I'm lucky to have gotten out of this with a minor injury, though I'm unsure how far off I went off the road. I take another look around me, still as confused as before, seeing I'm in such a dense area; these trees aren't native to Georgia. They look too well twisted and strange. I checked around my back tires. There's a streak of the wheels but only about 10 feet, and then stop. There are no tire marks in the dirt anywhere else.

"Ok, starting to feel a bit panicked now." This isn't good.

Did I somehow fly off the highway? No, no there's no damage to nearby brush. Everything I was trying to rationalize was falling flat. I somehow ended up here. I try to do my breathing exercises to avoid having a panic attack, taking in what I hear, smell, and see,

"ok, it's fine, heh, I'm sure the highway isn't too far..." I have to think of something: should I stay and risk the chance help will come, or should I go in a direction and try to find help?

Sighing, I go to my car. I know I put something in here in case of emergency. I hope it didn't get damaged in the crash. Going to the back of the car, I open the trunk and take the spare tire compartment off. I grab a bag and search it; it has a hatchet, a obsidian knife I made a few years back, and matches. There were also a few water bottles in the little backpack-like sack you see in gyms sometimes. Ok, I got at least a day's worth of water if I ration it.

As I look, I find my metal detector "damn, I forgot to put that back in the house. Well, I'll leave it here for now. It doesn't look broken, and it's weatherproof and solar-powered, so it should be fine. I'll come back for it later. I spent way too much money on this thing. wonder if maybe I should have listened to Dad when he told me not to spend so much all well."

I sigh, and tuck it back under the spare tire compartment after taking it apart to fit easier in it. Then I put the cover back on it in case someone finds my car and decides to steal everything. They won't find my metal detector without having to dig for it. After this, I went over to the passenger side of the car. I checked the glove box, and there were papers like junk mail inside. I take it and stuff it in my bag. Who knows, it could be helpful for once and help me start a fire. As I dig, I realize something now that I'm calmed down.

The weather is warmer than it should be. It feels like spring or something, but I know it was supposed to be winter. "Ok, weird weather and no idea how I got here. God, this is getting bad."

That feeling of dread of being somewhere unknown and lost is creeping in. I try to keep calm, and once I'm done searching my car, I look around. If, by some miracle, my car gets found, I need to let anyone who sees it know which direction I went. I go and start to gather up stones, setting them up in an arrow pattern. Walking that way, I take one more look at my car and go into the unknown wilderness. It is better than staying and dying of thirst waiting for rescue. I'm not even sure if this is real, but I'm trying to ignore that for now.

2 hour hike later

OK, so far, I feel I am being watched since I started walking. I think that hit to the head has me hallucinating because I swear I thought I saw eyes staring at me from the darkness. I need to find a water source or a stream and then make a campsite. It's going to take me a few hours or more to set everything up, and I'd rather not be out in the open without having shelter at night out here.

Soon, I heard the rushing of water nearby, and after a bit more walking there, it was in front of me a huge stream cutting through the forest.

"Finally, this can work. I just gotta set up camp nearby."I say to myself. looking around, I start gathering vines to braid them into rope.

using my hatchet, I cut up young, slightly thick trees, then sharpen one side and stab it into the ground using a rock to help me hammer it down. I get 4 set up and then place the other long pieces between the four in the ground to build a makeshift wall. Doing this multiple times, I got a squared-off area with a slight opening for me to get in and out of using the vines I braided to keep the walls connected and supported.

"There now just need a roof on one side." I wiped my head; the sun was fully overhead, past the canopy.

I take a quick break, drinking one of the bottles of water I have. After what felt like maybe 3 hours, I got back to work and started getting more long young trees together. I made sure to build a roof to half my walled area, giving it a slant so water could flow off if it rains, and tie everything down with vines. After that, I gather up the moss from the trees and stones in large sheets, as well as the limbs of trees that look like pine trees but are not the same as I know of from home.

putting the moss on the roof first, then the brush of pine needles on top of that, getting a nice compact roof. I step back from my work, wiping my brow as I hold my hatchet in the other hand, my obsidian knife in a loop I made from vines to holster it. Adjusting my vine rope belt around my waist, I look at my work proudly.

"This looks good so far; I just gotta hunker until help comes." I say this to myself to try and keep my spirit up, but a paranoid voice in the back of my mind tells me that there's no help coming, but I try to drown out that voice. I need to focus on just surviving right now. Unknowingly, I was gripping my necklace the whole time these thoughts slipped through my head. I look down at my arrowhead necklace with the tips of antlers on either side of the main piece cordage made from yucca leaves holding it together and metal wire wrapped around the antler pieces and arrowhead to help keep them firmly in place and easy to feed the cordage through the metal wire loops. I remember when my mom gave me the necklace on my 18th birthday.

I was always obsessed with the arrowhead when I was a little kid, and I now hold in my hands the only thing I have connecting me to my mom. Soon, my reminiscing is interrupted by a set of screams coming from nearby. It made me jump a bit. I turn to where I heard it, and then there's another set of high-pitched screams sounding like little girls.

"Somepony help!!" The three voices screamed. I ran towards the direction of the voices, hearing the sound of snarling. I quickly crouched down in some bushes, and what I saw I couldn't wrap my head around. I see wolves made of dried leaves and living and dead wood with glowing green eyes. ahead of them, cornered against a tree, were three, I'd say horses but too small to be horses but equine in nature, maybe a pony? their fur colors were strange, as well as their tails.

One was a soft yellow with a red mane and tail and a red bow in its mane, while the one to its right was orange with a purple mane and tail. I noticed while looking it over it's got tiny wings, too. I had to rub my eyes to make sure I wasn't seeing anything. The one on the left was white with a half purbleish half pink mane and tail, and this one had a damn horn, too; what the fuck is going on here? Did I end up in goddamn Narnia or something?! I notice the wooden wolves getting closer to the three ponies. They hug each other, trembling, watching the creatures close in sap, drooling from their mouths.

"Ah should have listen ta my sis!" The yellow one says with teary eyes.

"I-if r-rainbow dash was here, you all would be f-f-fire wood!" The orange one says, trying to be brave, but I can see tears rolling down her face.

"I-if we get out of this, I'll be ok with being grounded!" The white one says, burying her face into the side of the yellow one, too scared to look at the monsters in front of them.

I was stunned there for a minute. these pony creatures can talk?! I watched as one pounced at them, a mix of emotions inside me watching the three all scream, but before I knew what even happened, somehow I was there grabbing the wooden wolf from behind my hand around the top half of its muzzle. I slam it into the ground, placing a foot in its mouth on its bottom jaw, and then I rip the top half of its head off with my hand around its top muzzle.

I tried to figure out what happened. I was pretty far away to get to it so quickly. how did I even rip the top half of its head off so easily? I wasn't given time to think about that as the growls to my back get loud. I turn from the three ponies that are looking up at me in pure shock, and towards the other three wooden wolves. I take my hatchet and obsidian knife from my vine belt holster, standing as tall as possible to loom over the wolves to intimidate them. I look at the three little ponies over my shoulder. I don't know what to do if they stay; they could get hurt in this fight.

"You three, can you understand me?" They nod, still wide-eyed, looking up at me. "good, listen carefully. You three need to leave. Do you know how to get out of the forest?" They again nod to me, frozen like deer in headlights.

"good, then you three run. I'll take care of them. Don't wander into the forest by yourselves again, do you understand?" I say sternly. I'd rather not they get killed one day out here if things like these are around. They nod and start to shuffle away. The Yellow one looks at me over her shoulder.

"t-thank you, mister, what's yer name?" I smile at her, but that seems to make her a bit unsettled seeing my teeth. "my names isaiah" I say, and she nods.

"thank ya, mister, me an my friends won't forget it. We apples always pay back our debts!" She yells back. As she gallops with her friends out of sight, I turn to the wooden wolves, who don't look too happy that their prey got away.

one already pounces at me. I quickly move to the right, and when it lands, I chop my axe down into its spine. its back legs collapse, paralyzed. I then kick it into a tree, the wood wolf fully breaking in half at its broken spine on the tree. the other two look to their destroyed pack members and then turn and run, but before one can get away, I grab it by its back legs and drag it to me. it yips and whines, clawing at the ground as the other runs, leaving it behind.

I Bring my hatchet down on its head, not feeling anything for these strange creatures. The hatchet gets embedded into its head deeply with a twist to the left; a loud Crack is made, the head opens right down the middle, and the creature's green glowing eyes go dark. I sighed; after the fight, I felt fatigued and almost collapsed like I had run a marathon suddenly. I pull another bottle of water from my bag and drink it. Looking over the mess of wooden wolves, I notice they start to rattle and start to try and conjoin back together. I stand quickly, grabbing my bag off my back.

"Oh, the fuck you ain't!" I grabbed pieces and stuffed them in my bag, separating them so they couldn't build themselves back together. I'm no idiot. I've seen Terminator movies, and I know how that goes, and if unicorns, Pegasus, and walking wooden creatures are real, then why can't self-repairing magic bullshit, too, right? the bag moves and wiggles; the green light around the pieces on the ground starts to fade, and the pieces stop moving. I sigh in relief.

I carry these pieces of wooden wolves in my bag back towards my camp. After I got back, I went in and dropped the tied bag on the ground, and I tried to finish what I was doing to keep myself occupied. I get the spare moss and make a bed out of it. The last thing I needed was a fire; the sunlight was almost gone. Gathering nearby dry wood and some tinder of what seemed like thistle to me, I used a big handful of the white cotton-like material and a bit of the junk mail. I tore the junk mail into long strips, adding them with the tinder to get the fire ready to be started. using a match and feeding the fire.

I get a nice campfire going. I was a bit hungry, but I could look for food in the morning; there was no way I'm going out at night after fighting those things. my mind goes back to when I was able to grab that wood wolf pouncing at the three little ponies. It was a blur, really in a survival sense, I had taken a huge risk helping them, but I couldn't just watch and do nothing; my body, I guess, moved on its own. It doesn't explain the strength, or the speed though I know there are stories of people who do almost superhuman things in the face of danger, but this. This doesn't feel like it be something like that. I'm suddenly sore all over now, too, and tired. I've been trying hard not to think about it, but now I'm not too confident I'm even near the highway.

Hell, maybe not even on the same planet. I look at the bag; it's moving again. I open it, grabbing the top half of that wood wolf's head I ripped off. I go over to the fire, taking a split stick to use like tongs to start burning and charing the piece of the wooden wolf, and the flames on it become green and char the wood black. The wind blows a howl on it. I look around and then at the wooden wolf's face in my hands. Did I kill it entirely? I do this with the other pieces, and after I look them over. "This could be useful armor, better than having nothing; I guess it will work." I say, and I take my obsidian knife to put holes in the wood, and I feed cordage through making myself a chest and back piece and making armor for my legs and arms and finally for the wooden wolf top half of its head I made it into a mask. I looked it over; it seemed decent enough to keep me from getting cut up by claws or teeth as easily.

I set them beside my bed and lay down in my makeshift moss bed I set up outside the roofed area since it seemed clear tonight and great for star gazing. I looked up through the canopy at the stars; not even the stars were in the right place. I hold my necklace arrowhead up in front of me. "I hope this is all just a dream. for my sanity's sake and my family's, I hope I'll wake up to see them. Heh, I'd even take getting a talk by my dad for getting distracted while driving." I say, my eyes slowly closing, the sounds of insects and the sound of strange noises from strange creatures being the last thing I hear before I fall to sleep.

few hours ago before sunset in ponyville -3rd pony pov-

Applebloom, sweetiebell, and Scootaloo were in the Apple family farmhouse being scolded by three upset mares: applejack, rarity, and Rainbow Dash.

" what in tarnation were ya three filly's thinkin'?! Do ya know how worried we were yer lucky we found ya and that nothing tried to eat y'all!" Applejack says, frustrated at her sister and her friends as the fillies are seated on the couch.

they should have never tried to go to Zacoras without somepony with them. "yeah, like, what do you think would have happened if Timberwolves cornered all of you!" Rainbow Dash says, hovering over the three front hooves on her hips and looking down at them disapprovingly.

The three fillies looked down before tears started to roll down their cheeks. The three mares look at each other, feeling they might be too harsh; that's when Rarity speaks up to be the more gentle side of concern. "Oh, darlings, please don't cry. It's ok now your safe, and though you three are in trouble, we are not mad at you, though we wish you fillies would listen to us." She says to them gently, but Scootaloo is the first to look back at them. "n-no, your wrong i-if that creature didn't save us, w-we would be..." She didn't finish that sentence before she broke down. She felt embarrassed crying in front of her hero, but remembering how close those Timberwolf's teeth were and being cornered and unable to get away freezing up like she did, made her cry with the other two friends.

The mares quickly hug them in their forelegs and nuzzle them to try and help calm them down, softly petting their manes and telling them everything was going to be ok as they all take up the couch now.

After a few minutes, the crying is now sniffles. Rarity is the first to speak after they calm down." oh, darlings, I'm so sorry you three went through such a horrid experience. I'm just happy that your safe. What was this creature that saved you?." Rarity asks, very curious as to what creature could save three fillies from a pack of Timberwolves or even be willing to live in such a mucky place like the everfree.

"That's the thing, ah never seen anything like em before, but it spoke it was super fast too! It grabbed that pouncin Timberwolf before we could even blink!" Applebloom says, trying to remember all the details with how fast things happened.

Scootaloo pipes in next. "yeah, it was super strong too! It smashed that Timberwolf into the ground, then it put its back hoof thing in its mouth and tore the timberwolf's top half of its head off. It was scary at the time, but now that I look back on it, it was pretty cool too. It came in like some superhero!". She says, now a bit excited about this strange creature.

"It even spoke too. It told us to run and not ever to come back into the Everfree alone again." sweetiebell says after Scootaloo.

Rainbow Dash looks at them three, then back at her friends. "soooo your saying some monster in the Everfree saved you all and told you not to come back? I don't know. Kinda hard to believe almost every creature that lives in the Everfree is evil." rarity looks at Rainbow Dash with a raised brow. "well, that's not fully true. What about our dear friend Zecora or that dashing and sweet serpent Steven Magnet?" Rarity says giveing examples.

the rainbow Pegasus crosses her front hooves while looking away. "well, oooother than those two, how do we know this creature isn't evil? What did it look like anyway?"

Applebloom looked a bit upset at Rainbow Dash for suggesting that the creature that saved them was evil." he's not evil, an his name is Isaiah. How can he be bad if he protected us?" Applebloom says a bit of annoyance in her voice. It felt like the whole zecora situation again with rainbow dash being so suspicious.

Applejack looks at her sister. "now, now applebloom, I'm sure rainbow don't mean anythin by it. Just gotta be careful what this fella look like?"

Applebloom puts a hoof to her muzzle in thought to try and remember the details "ummmm, it was wearin' clothes had this hat and necklace looked like an arrowhead annn oh it was really tall standing on two legs." applebloom explains before Scootaloo joins in "and it had an axe and knife and its face was flat kinda reminded me of like a monkey but without the tail or fur"

rarity looks at her friends "do you think this creature might be a new unknown sapient species? I'm not the most brushed up on the subject, but Twilight might know how to handle this. Twilight, surely she could make first contact with this creature and make sure he is not evil." She says now very curious it was like one of her mystery novels.

"As much as that probably be a good idea, I think it's best we wait till tomorrow before we tell Twilight. She's got enough on her plate since that whole becomeing a alicorn thing. Throw at her a possible new species might make her go inta full twilight mode if ya know what ah mean." Applejack says with consern that twilight might scare the poor fella than ta make a good first contact.

The others nod, even the fillies knowing exactly what twilight is like when she gets stressed or learns of something new never before seen or heard of. Applejack decides it's best to call it a day, and they all get home.

"Well, ah think it's best we all get some shut eye. It's gettin' late now ya three are still in trouble fer doin' a stunt like that. We were more worried than a mother, hen ya know. now applebloom go ta yer room tomorrow ya and yer friends gonna be helping around the farm." Applejack sternly tells them giveing them a look that doesn't leave room for negotiation. The three fillies sigh and nod their heads. Rarity takes Sweetiebell home, and Rainbow Dash takes Scootaloo home.

Applejack and applebloom go upstairs after seeing everypony else out. Applejack tucks applebloom in and closes the door. She's happy that her little sis is okay. Applejack didn't want to think what would have happened to her sister if that creature hadn't stepped in. She trots to her room and gets to bed. Tomorrow, they had some work to do. She'll have to thank the creature that saved her sis and friends once Twilight can make contact with it.

They soon drift away to sleep, but a certain princess is watching their dreams as well as the dream of the creature, which now stirs in its sleep.

Chapter 2: A Nightmare and A Zebra

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chaper 3: Scars along with prying eyes

It's been a fucking week now, and I've been watched constantly by something, but I'm never able to catch it. It's probably my paranoid mind playing tricks on me. Zecora's charms work, but timberwolves have attacked me three times outside my territory. I have been able to fight them off, but it's been close calls, and I'm starting to get frustrated. I still haven't gone to town because I worry I'll get hunted. The few times I visited Zecora, she's shown some upset with me not going to town and giving them a chance. I'll work up the will too soon.

I have just been making sure my camp has been more comfortable. I have gotten some pots made as well as I blacked a clay pot for cooking in. I also made a bow and a spear after finding some flint near the stream and hammer stones. I would like to have had some deer antlers, but I'm not sure if deer are sentient here, so I'd rather not hunt anything that can talk and think like me. It feels like it is cannibalism. I'd rather stick with just small animals or fish till I'm sure. I might need to ask Zecora the next time I see her.

I am getting sick of the fish and herbs I gathered from my forging. I've been craving rabbit or maybe some bird meat might hunt that today with my bow and arrows. I had my quiver made from the bark of one of the trees that looked similar to birch but more twisted-looking. The bark was flexible enough to make a makeshift quiver till I can get hide. There's a lot of hemlock that grows in this forest, so I could use it to get tannins to tan hide, but I better get more of an idea of the wildlife before I start shooting anything. I'll think about that more later. Right now, I feel nasty today since I haven't bathed since I ended up in this world, so I'm going to wash up. A few days ago, Zecora showed me a little hot spring she's been going to for years to relax and bathe, and with all the stress lately.

I've felt from trying to keep myself alive out here and the crisis of being separated from everything I know. I think I deserve some fucking relaxation. Luckily, the area is charmed, too, so it's safe to let my guard down once I get there. I still feel I'm being followed constantly. I looked over my shoulder. It's quiet except for the wind blowing. I kept my hand on my hatchet. After looking for a bit at my surroundings, I keep walking. I guess this forest just feels like it has eyes. Continuing my walk to the hot spring, I leave the safety of my territory.

POV of Twilight and her friends

They have been tracking the creature for the past few days. There were close calls of them getting caught following him, but luckily, the invisibility spell helped out a lot since they highly doubted a disguise would work like it did with the dragons when they followed Spike when he went and followed that dragon migration.

Twilight looked around and undid the invisibility spell. "ok, girls, so far, I gathered a lot of data on him. Now, we just have to get into his camp and see if we can get an idea on living behavior. oooo, so much research; after this, we can start to make contact slowly! Are you all excited too!" She says, almost riveling pinkie pies energy.

Fluttershy though looked at her with a look of worry. "a-are you sure? Isn't it wrong to snoop through someponys home? W-what if he comes back and finds us? I don't want to upset the poor thing..." she says, lightly circling her front left hoof in the dirt, nervous.

Applejack also throws her opinion in "Honestly, not sure how I feel about snoopin' through a fellas place of livin'. Why can't we just talk to em now? He don't seem like a bad fella. I'd say the big guy just down on his luck, is all." She says with a bit of annoyance that their going through all this when they could just talk.

Twilight's excitement calms down, and she tries to calm their worries. "I know this seems very dishonest, but we are dealing with an unknown species. We don't know enough about what his habits are, what might be considered offensive, or even what he might find hostile; something we might find normal might seem like a bad omen to him. What if his species isn't a social species, or maybe they are a warfaring species? We should observe like we have been and don't think of it as snooping thiiiink of it as being a...habitat inspection." She says, giving a side glance and a sheepish smile.

Rainbow Dash is lying in a tree above them and finally decides to join in the conversation. "Hey, as long as the monkey isn't trying to eat any of us, and besides, if he catches us, I'll give that ape a dash kick special!" she chuckles after she thinks of an incredible fight scene in her head.

Suddenly, Pinkie Pie pokes her head out of a hole "oh oh oh! Can we throw him a party and surprise him when he gets back? Please, please, please, he looks so upset!" She shouts in the tree, scaring Rainbow Dash, making her fall out of the tree with a yelp into a bush below. She rubs her head, looking up at Pinkie, annoyed. "what makes it seem like he's upset? Hard to honestly read his face." Rainbow says, getting out of the bush and shaking the leaves out of her mane applejack, trying not to laugh. Pinkie pops fully out of the hole in the tree and lands on top of Rainbow Dash. "I just know silly, and he needs a party, Stat!" Pinkie yells, her muzzle pressed to Rainbows, who was looking at her now, a bit concerned for her own safety.

Twilight floats Pinkie off of Rainbow and puts her down next to Rarity, who is trying hard to watch each step even though she has rain boots on. "pinkie, I'm sorry, but we can't. What if his species finds parties offensive!"

Rarity is frantically brushing her hair to keep it nice and keep hairs from frizzing out of place. "actually, Twilight may have a point, darling, including with that situation with the cupcake you left him could be a danger to them maybe can't even eat anything baked?" Rarity says to Pinkie to try and help Twilight bring her point home with the party mare

Pinkie Pie gasps, her front hooves dragging down on her cheeks at the horror. "t-this is the worst possible thing!!" she suddenly drags Rarity's fainting couch out of nowhere and faints on it. She then sits up a few seconds later. "oooo, this is super comfy. I see why you faint so much Rarity." rarity rolls her eyes at Pinkie's antics. The others stare for a minute and try just try to move on after Twilight coughed into her hoof. "um, anyway, best we learn more before we try to make contact. So follow me, girls, we have some discovery to make!" She leads the way, with the others following.

It was a short trot till they got to his camp. They enter Pinkie Pie doing so like she was a ninja. The others just more casually trot into the walled area of his camp. Twilight floats a quill, paper, and corked inkwell from her saddle bags. She uncorks and dips the end of the quill into the ink and starts writing what she observes. "subject has skills in tool crafting and building a home from the environment possible a tripe society species?" she mutters to herself. They all split up, looking around, though he didn't have much to his name it seemed. Rarity gets drawn to the flat cap hat that's hanging on a stick that's been stabbed into the ground to act as a sort of hat rack. "Oh, my, out of everything he owns, he has a quite dashing hat. Hmmm, I feel this would look great as more of an addition to an outfit to really tie it together. ooo, this is giving me a idea for a new complimenting hat wear! Hmm, I wonder what the material is. It's quite well made." she uses her horn to start to levitate it to her, but as she does, it feels as though she's losing her magic grasp on it.

"That's... strange. Twilight darling, come here. Something is odd about this hat here." She says. Twilight comes over and looks at the hat, and squints at it. She tries to levitate it, but she feels as if the hat is siphoning her magic. She quickly lets go of the hat. "That's impossible..." she says, eyes wide now, looking at the hat even more closely as if it just started talking and dancing. Applejack walks over, and the others notice Twilight getting too focused on the hat now like it's got secrets. Rarity decides to try and say something. "um, darling, are you ok?" She says with a bit of fear that Twilight is about to have an episode. She finally looks away and then at them. "change of plans, we're taking anything that has a similar effect like this hat." she says with a severe look now that almost had the same intensity as Fluttershy's stare. Applejack now gets a bit upset. "Whoa whoa, hold on there, sugercube ya never said we be stealin' from em just takein' a look around!" She says, waving her hoof to the surroundings. She didn't want to rob the guy. Heck, she didn't even think sneaking into his home was right either.

Twilight quickly tries to defend her decision. "i-i know it's not right, but you don't get it! This hat defies all magical laws. I know it doesn't even have any magic in it, which should be impossible, but at the same time, it siphoned my magic like it was some kind of bottomless pit. This creature has items that could flip the very foundation of what we know about magic! And it's just sitting here on a stick!" She pants, eyes looking a bit erratic, a few hairs coming out of place with a twing sound like a guitar string snapping. She's trying to breathe and calm down but not exactly doing much.

At this point, Fluttershy speaks her mind. "B-but Twilight, even if that's true, we can't just take his things. What if it's crucial to his culture?" Rarity nods in agreement. "I agree with Fluttershy. I have noticed he is almost always wearing clothes. More than likely, it's of great importance for his kind to wear clothes constantly, so taking this hat may upset him." Twilight looks at the hat and then her friends before sighing and lowering her head slightly. "I guess you're right... maybe we can do a cultural exchange somehow once we make contact." she says, a look of disappointment on her face. Rarity, applejack, and Fluttershy were relieved they could convince her not to take anything. Usually, when she got like this, it was hard to get her clear-headed again. Applejack smiles at Twilight. "Cheer up sugercube. I'm sure ya get ta ask em all the questions ya want once we finally talk ta the fella heck, maybe he want ta even learn a few things about how we ponies live." Applejack says, encouraging Twilight to talk to him rather than just follow them.

Twilight lifts her head up and gives a hopeful smile. "You're right applejack. Well, we should go to Zecora and maybe ask her some questions about him since they seem to be friends." twilight says to the others. They have meant to talk to Zecora after seeing the creature and her interact the other day as if they knew each other. Twilight wanted to speak to her about it, but after she was done with her observations. Applejack nods. "sounds like a mighty fine idea ta me. No need for this snoopin' around. Let's just talk ta em muzzle ta er..well, I guess face. I think Zecora could be a good pony ta help introduce us ta the big fella." she says with satisfaction that Twilight is finally listening to her.

Rainbow Dash pulls Twilight into a hug with her wing to the left side of her barrel. "and if he turns out to be a bad guy, we can beat his flank ten seconds flat." she says. She seems almost excited and hoping the creature is evil. She's been to into those new editions of dareing doo lately. Rainbow then lets Twilight out of the hug and leads out with the other mares, applejack leaving last now all outside the camp to get ready to start their trot to zecora's home. As they leave, applejack stops seeing Twilight still writing on a scroll. "Twi, are ya comein'?" She asked with a look of slight concern as she seemed to be writing about the hat and looking it over as Twilight went around it. Getting its details, applejack was pretty sure she was sketching it too by the way the quill scratched across the parchment before she dipped it in the floating inkwell to refresh the ink on it.

Twilight finally notices Applejack still there looking at her. Twilight's left ear twitches before she speaks. "o-oh uh yeah, I'm just going to take a few more notes, and I'll join you girls outside. Want to make sure I log all the anomaly of this item that I can tell with my magic scan." Applejack looked at her. "Twi...promise me ya won't take anythin' please." applejack said, still a hint of worry that Twilight might convince herself to do something she shouldn't. They really didn't want a repeat of that whole late friendship lesson with that need it want it spell.

Twilight looked at her, giving a sheepish smile. "i-i know I get out of hoof sometimes, but don't worry applejack. I won't take anything." Applejack let out a sigh of relief. "That's good ta hear, alright once ya done gettin' yer notes, we'll be outside the camp waitin' for ya." applejack says to Twilight, the farm pony going to the opening to the wall
of the campsite and joining the others a bit away from the camp. Twilight quickly tries to take in as many details as she can down in her notes the pottery, the wood the camp walls are made out of, and the moss bed and roof the creature uses for sleep and protection from the elements. A ray of light gleams past the forest's canopy and hits just right for twilight to see something shimmer next to the moss bed. Her curiosity was hard to ignore, and she looked at what gave off the fleeting shine. There, next to the bed, was a bag. It was some strange material she wasn't sure. It wasn't any cloth she was familiar with, but what was next to the bag grabbed her interest even more. There was a little black box with a smooth black mirror surface. It looked as though it was metal too, and next to that, a necklace it had an arrowhead wrapped in metal wire, and the cord was some plant-like material, but what bothered her was the bone-like small objects on either side of the arrowhead. She quickly scanned the bone to ensure it wasn't a..well, pony's horn tip. After the scan, she sighed in relief that it didn't come from anything here on equss because it's giving off the same reading as the hat. Her eyes ever so slowly drift back to the strange metal rectangle that looks to have buttons on the side. Knowing magic wouldn't be much help, Twilight picked it up in her hoof and looked it over. She pressed on the buttons with her hoof, but they didn't do anything. She tried pressing all the buttons at once and held her hoof there, pushing the buttons. She was getting a bit frustrated with it, but then the black glass suddenly gave off its own light, and a picture of some unknown characters of a Language she didn't know popped up before the mirror showed her weird boxes on a picture in the background of the mirror. She pressed her hoof to the mirror in awe, wiping a smudge off the mirror's surface. Doing this caused the picture to move, and more boxes with strange Language under them show. "Whoa..." is all she can say as her eyes grow large with curiosity. She swipes her hoof left, and the boxes from before are back. "This is amazing...did the creature make this?" She looks back. Her friends are nowhere in sight, and then her head drifts back to the rectangle metal mirror in her hoof and then at the necklace. "maybe I can...just borrow them for a bit...to help us understand the creature better. Of course, I'll bring it back tomorrow or a few days. Heh, I mean, they probably won't notice it's gone." She says, trying to convince herself that it's okay even though in her heart she knew this wasn't right. Her brain won the fight, and she quickly puts the black metal mirror in her bag and the necklace, too, and takes back out her notes and writes a few more things before leaving the campsite to rejoin her friends.

Rainbow Dash stretched her wings. "mph, took you long enough. My wings are getting itchy to be in the air again." She said, then yawned. "Any longer than I might have just gone ahead and taken a nap. You take way too many notes." Rainbow Dash seemed ready to get moving again. Applejack goes up to Twilight. "So get all the notes ya needed sugercube? Don't think we will be back here till after we get more acquainted ta the big fella." Saying with a bit of excitement in her voice. She wanted to thank him face to face for what he did for Applebloom. A letter isn't her style. Twilight gave a nervous chuckle. "heh, y-yep, and then some. Well, let's get to Zecora. I have many questions for her about the newest resident of the everfree." she said, quickly trotting past Applejack, leading the way. The others look at her but assume maybe she's just excited to hear more in pony accounts from Zecora. Though Twilight didn't know, applejack looked back at the campsite and then at Twilight with suspicion in her eyes. Something about what Twilight said didn't sit right with her. She takes one last look at the campsite over her shoulder, the gloom of the canopy blocking the light hanging over it with a soft breeze rustling the leaves, no noise but the wind and creaking of the tree limbs after the last glimpse of the campsite she follows the others getting a lousy feeling trouble is brewing.

isaiah perspective at the hot spring

"I can't believe I left my necklace at the campsite ugh." I say as I sit in the warm pool of water, the feeling of the heat helping my aching muscles relax from all the lifting and tool making, water hauling, and spearfishing I have done all week. A few wooden charms were hanging around the area, so there was no worry about getting attacked while I had no clothes on. I looked over to my clothes, which I neatly folded next to the rocky edge of the hot spring. Zecora said she was the only one who knew where it was, so I didn't have to worry about being seen without my clothes. Since I arrived in this world, it's been nothing but stress and trying to keep myself fed and warm. Without Zecora's help, it would probably been even more challenging. Her knowledge about this forest shows that she knows her stuff. If the town is half as generous as her, then...maybe I don't have to worry about getting run out after all.

I get up out of the hot spring. "I think I'm going to pay the town a visit tomorrow finally." I say to myself as I step out and sit on a log next to the spring to slowly dry off. It's pretty late. Once I get back, it will more than likely be Dark. Sitting back and looked at everything around me as I heard distant wind and birds chirp, the sun shining through the swaying branches of the trees. It was peaceful. Though this forest had its creepy side, there was beauty to it. After meditating a while, in the tranquil surroundings, I dried off in the open air. I slip my clothes and wooden armor back on, ready to return to my camp. "I better get back. It's going to get dark soon. Zecora did say not to go out when night comes." I say to myself and start on my walk back to camp. The journey back wasn't too bad. Thankfully, it seems those timber wolves finally know not to attack me, or maybe they stop hunting at this time of day. I see the walls of my camp, and I go in, heading to my bed. I remove my armor and set it to the side before I go over and try to get a fire going.

Doing the hand drill friction technique, I get an ember after some work, grabbing a handful of my tinder and gently placing the ember in the middle, folding the material over it, I gently blow, getting smoke. A few more blows and fire ignited the tinder. I then set it quickly in the fireplace and started adding small sticks, then added larger dry logs once I got the fire roaring to life, now lighting up the campsite. I still have my hatchet and obsidian knife. I guess I'll take the time to sharpen my hatchet since I forgot to put it down with my armor. Grabbing my hatchet off my side, I sit on a log, picking up a flat stone I have next to my log, and grab a handful of sand. It's been a few days since I sharpened my hatchet, and the sand from around the large stream on the flat stone makes good makeshift whetstone. I wet the sand and stone with a cup of water from one of my clay pots. Spreading the wet sand on the stone surface, I get to work on sharpening my hatchet.

I sit there, the sound of the fire and grinding metal on stone as my only company in my camp. That is until I notice something strange on the ground a hoof print next to my fireplace, a few actually. I immediately stop my sharpening and put the stone and hatchet down on the log. I get up and look at the set of hoof prints and another set around my camp leading from the entrance. They divert in different directions. Two sets of four hoof prints seem just to appear here and there while four sets diverge from the entrance. "Shit." I say to myself. My home had uninvited visitors, it seems. I quickly followed the hoof prints, which were somewhat hard to see, but the fireplace helped light the area a bit.

Quite a few stops around where I hung my hat; at least three sets lead to it while one seems to show up at the spot, more than likely ones that can fly, I guess. Zecora did inform me a bit about what kind of ponies there are. Kinda feel bad I had thought those two fillies, the orange one with the wings and the white one with the horn, just had genetic mutations or something at the time.

I follow the tracks, and all of them seem to lead back towards the exit except for one which dentures to my bed before circling back out. I approached my moss bed, a deep worry filling my chest. As soon as I saw the absence of my necklace and phone, panic started to fill me. I frantically searched for my necklace and phone, moving my bag, throwing the moss out of my way, and checking under it, but there was nothing. "Son of a bitch!!" I scream as I throw a clay pot in anger. It shattered with a loud crack on the log next to my campfire. I have just been robbed by whoever found my camp. The worst scenarios are going through my head of some pony selling my phone and necklace, not knowing the sentimental value of the necklace or the pictures on my phone that hold so many cherished memories. I quickly grab my hatchet lying on the log and my obsidian knife. I'll be damned if I let someone sell the necklace my mother gave me. I at least need to get that back. I know I was warned not to go out at night, but I need to find the thief now. Getting my armor on and, then grab a stick and quickly make me a torch with a pine cone covered in pine resin wedged in the splits at the end. I hang it over the fire, and I get moving, following the hoof prints down the trail, keeping the flame low to illuminate the ground.

Zecora's hut

Twilight and her friends were able to get to Zecoras hut before it got dark. The everfree was much more dangerous at night than it was during the day twilight knocks on Zecora's door. Hearing the hoof steps on the other side and seeing a friendly face once the door was open. "Ah, twilight and friends, what brings you here to my home? You do know it is very dangerous to be in the forest at this hour to roam." She says to them quickly, letting them in and closing the door. Once all of them are inside, she shuts the door behind them and gets pillows for them to sit on. Applejack quickly wants to get to the reason they are here. "Well, we aren't exactly here for a sleepover Zecora. We were wonderin' if ya can tell us about that neighbor of yers." she says before taking a seat, as well as everypony else. Well, other than Pinkie, who is making faces in the reflections of Zecora's potion glasses on the shelf. Zecora first glares at Pinkie as she is messing with a delicate potion. Pinkie chuckles nervously and takes the bottle she was balancing on her nose and puts it back on the shelf before joining them in the circle of friends.

Zecora looks back to Applejack. "why yes, I can tell you what you like, but I do insist you stay the night. Being out at this time is dangerous, and creatures roam that will fill you with fright. I don't want to see my friends be put in mortal danger, so please stay until daylight." She says to her friends, a serious look on her face that would match even Celestias face during meetings with politicians of other countries. Twilight and the others look at each other in thought about it. Fluttershy is already scared of the possible monsters out in the forest right now. "i-i think I'd rather sleep over uh...i-if that's ok." Fluttershy says, stuttering a bit. Twilight then speaks her mind.
"I think that be the best. It's already dark, and out of anypony I know, Zecora knows the everfree the best. besides, we get to learn more about the creature that my observations didn't tell me." She says she already set in staying the night, pulling out a stack of papers to take notes and a few ink wells. Rainbow Dash shrugs. "fine with me. I been flying all day and would rather not leave my friends here. I mean, what If that creature comes in and attacks? Need somepony to keep guard for that ape."

Rainbow says, but Zecora doesn't seem to like that. It reminds her too much of back when they all first met. "do not think he is a beast; he is just lost and alone also can be quite kind. But I'm sure that you all will personally find. Though he can speak what is on his mind...well, most of the time." Zecora says to Rainbow. Looking at the others, she was sure they all had gotten the wrong idea of her large friend. Zecora looks around and decides it is best to have this conversation with a bit of tea to help settle their nerves more for Fluttershy's sake than the rest. Zecora asked for what kind of tea they would like. Camomile was the choice from most, though Pinkie, rainbow, and Applejack declined the offer of tea, so she got them some hot cocoa instead.

Zecora retook a seat after getting everypony their drinks. "so what is it you would like to know keep in mind that I only known him a week. So my knowledge is only skin deep." zecora said, getting comfy on her pillow seat.

Twilight looks, sips her tea, and sets it on the small plate to her left. "hmmm, it's so hard to decide what to ask. Did he mention why he's here and where he's from?" She says now, calling it him not to be rude and best to get rid of that habit when she meets him.

Zecora answers Twilight. "isaiah hasn't told me much about where he is from, only that it's very, very far from here. Why he ended up in Equestria, we found that it was possibly the work of a spell that somepony casted. As far as we can tell and, all he remembers is driving on something he called a highway and then a green light before hitting a tree; he's lost a lot to him that's very dear." she says, sad for him to be ripped away from his family and friends, not something she wishes on any creature.

Applejack takes in this info that they learned. To be separated from family and friends is the worst thing she can think of, including when family means so much to her as well. "That's just...I don't even know what ta say ta be so far from home and not sure how in a place they know nopony. no wonder he's staying in the everfree fella must be more confused than a fish swimmin' backwards." Applejack says.

Zecora nods in agreement. "I have been helping him adjust to the everfree and its dangers for the last week now. I am teaching him potion brews and what not to eat or use, but I can tell he's slow to make friends. I feel he still only sees me as a kind stranger and not a friend seems trust is not his species basic instinct. I can tell after a while that his face shows it on his features. he must come from somewhere similar to the Everfree because the strangeness and the weather do not bother him; he's actually told me it's similar to his home but without the creatures.

Twilight takes in this information, and Fluttershy's guess might be right. He's just a victim of this magical anomaly. "that's just awful I'll need to let the princesses know about this tomorrow...is there any way you could help us talk to him as a neutral party? He seems to trust you or at least more than anypony else right now." twilight says to Zecora with the hope she can get the chance to talk with this creature maybe in a few days. She's not telling anypony, but she wants to push back her dutys as a princess. ever since her coronation so she can be with her friends even though the summer sun celebration is around the corner. She's been separated for so long since she became an alicorn, at least a month in canterlot, but when this anomaly happened and the creature discovered to come with it, she stuck to observations because it gave her more time with her friends. Twilight was deep in thought now. What if she didn't tell the princesses. she has to make absolutely sure this creature isn't evil, so long talks and study would be needed. She tries to rationalize in her head wanting to stay in Ponyville as long as she can.

"Twilight...twilight...twilight!" Rainbow Dash yelled to get her attention. "equss to egghead, are you in there?" Twilight shook her head and looked at Rainbow. "o-oh uhh sorry, was just thinking." twilight admitted.

"Pfft, when have you ever not thought about something? Just don't let yourself get too deep in thought when we get back to your flying lessons tomorrow." Rainbow Dash says with excitement about teaching her to fly ever since Twilight has been back in Ponyville. That's how she and Rainbow hang out it was good training too for the festival when not looking for this creature they have been sent to find.

Twilight smiles, though she's gotten a face full of dirt a few times while learning. Just being with Rainbow and the others makes her wish she could stay in Ponyville after this whole thing is over.

Zecora stands. Seeing that the tea and hot cocoa were empty, she took their cups onto her tray, which she then balanced on her back. "I will get us more tea and hot cocoa to drink. Then, I will be back to tell you more of what I know and think. Please do tell me how you all have been as well; It's been awhile since we have all gotten together, even you, my friend of pink."

Pinkie Pie gasps, " You're right! It's been like super duper ooper long since we last talked. Don't worry; I'll tell you everything on the way to the kitchen!" Pinkie follows Zecora, who patiently listens to Pinkie Pie. "So the cakes asked me to watch the twins, and at first I was ooo that super dupertastic and let me tell you the flower trick is such a lifesaver and-" she goes on as they both disappear into the kitchen where Pinkie also helps while telling zecora about well everything.

back to isaiah's POV

My torch was starting to get dim and will probably burn out soon, but I persisted. I'll be damned if I let them steal from me, including the gift my mother gave me. They probably didn't know the sentimental value, but then again, they could have just stolen it to sell later, so I guess it doesn't matter if they did or not. What matters now is finding them. I know they are heading down the path to Zecora's. I hope I get there in time. They could be robbing her home right now. If those potions can heal and or do anything else, then I can see her being a target for criminals.

I started to try and pick up the pace, but I stopped. Something didn't feel right. My visibility was limited a bit by the mask, so I took it off to observe my surroundings. As I turned, I saw a figure pounce at me. I didn't have time to react as some massive appendage ripped across my face as I moved to the side. I scream, dropping my mask and holding my hand over my left eye in pain, panting. Everything happened so fast that I quickly stood to look at what attacked me only to realize...I couldn't see anything out of my left eye. I start to freak out as I look at my hand, blood covering it like I had slapped my hand in red paint. What was in front of me put me in a cold sweat.

There was a giant lion with bat wings and a scorpion tail. I watch to my horror as it eats my eyeball that is stuck to the end of its middle claw. I felt a panic attack rising when it turned back towards me. I try to keep it back with the fire of the torch.

"S-stay the fuck away from me!" I screamed at it as it advanced towards me. I take my hatchet from my side, the torch in my other hand. How was I going to get away from this thing? It lets out a roar and charges at me. I quickly jump out of its way and run. Leaving my mask behind, I needed to get to Zecoras. If I can get there, I'll be safe. It was hard to see now my torch had gone out as I ran, and I could hear the beats of the creature's large paws gaining behind me. I tossed the extinguished torch down. I could barely think about anything but running right now. It didn't help that without my other eye, I couldn't see very well, which soon stopped me in my tracks. I didn't see the root of a tree and tripped over it, hitting the ground hard. I scramble to get up, and then I feel the razor-sharp claws slice through my back. I let out another labored scream of pain as I tried to turn and kick, but it sank teeth into my leg, dragging me back. The adrenaline was now high. I grabbed my knife, and when its head got close to try and rip my throat out. I stabbed the knife into its eye. I then twist it; as I rip it out, it gets off me, letting out a roar of pain. I took the chance to get up. My leg was messed up, I could tell, but I didn't have time to think about it. I turn, seeing it's recovered. I watch as its stinger is thrust at me. I try to move, but it jabs me in the shoulder. I grit my teeth and feel a burning sensation travel through my arm. Before my arm stops working, I'm pinned to a tree as I watch this monster get closer and closer. It looks as though it's grinning. Either blood loss is playing tricks on me, or it's toying with me before it kills me. It then rips its claws into my right side. I let out another scream that cut through the night. This fucking monster wanted to torture me before it ate me!.I felt my life flashing before my eyes and the thoughts of my family never knowing what happened to me. Soon, my fear was replaced with Anger as it started to well inside me. It's not fair that I was ripped from my home. Have to survive in some damn fantasy world that doesn't make sense with things that are supposed to be fairy tales. At this point, I'm very positive I'm not even on the same God-damned planet!!. I refuse to die before I see my family again, damn it!! I felt a new rush of energy go through me. I quickly take my hatchet from my side and cut the end of the creature's stinger off in one chop. The lion scorpion leaps back in pain as its tail bleeds. I throw the hatchet it spins through the air embedding into the monster's right front leg, severing a tendon that makes it lose balance. I rip out the stinger in my left shoulder and let out an angered scream at it as I advanced towards it. "I only need one fucking arm to tear your goddamn hide off!!" It used its other claw to slice through my chest, but I was seeing red at this point. I kick it in the ribs, hearing a crack. I didn't know if it was my bones or theirs, but it sent it tumbling onto its back. I quickly jump on top of it, and it thrashes. I scream in its face as I stab its own stinger into its neck. It soon stops its movement as its venom paralyzes the monster. I sit on its chest, and I give it punch after punch to its face. "I didn't want to be here. I didn't ask for this!" I screamed, taking all my frustration out with each punch, and the sound of the cracking of bone followed. "Ripped from my family, my friends all because of some magic bullshit one of these ponies did!" Punch, splat, crack. "I want to go home. I don't want to be stuck here, possibly never to see my family again! do they even know if I'm alive huh?! What about my mom, my dad, my brother? They don't even know if I'm dead or alive!!" Punch, punch, crack. "then this happens, nearly killed in this God-dammed forest. Well, did ya get a good taste of me fucker?! was it worth it?!" I scream at it with another punch, blood splattering on my face. I stop and look down at my hands and then at the face of the monster. It was dead. It had been dead for a bit now, its skull exposed, jaw dislocated, flesh the end of its muzzle hanging on by a strip of hide. I slowly get up and look at what I did. Its face wasn't even recognizable. Tears streamed down my cheeks from my right eye as the whole situation and reality I was in finally hit me like a freight train. I sit there on my knees and laugh and laugh, gripping my head as I break down. Soon, the laughter breaks into full-on sobs as everything that's happened hits me all at once. I grip my side with my good arm to try and slow the bleeding of my lacerations. The pain of my injuries brought me back to reality. I felt emotionally numb after I finished crying. I stand. I needed to get to Zecora before I bleed to death. I go back and pick up my mask. I seem to have only gotten about 60 feet before that bastard got me. Even if I didn't trip, it would have caught up quickly. I then stab a stick I found in the ground and put my mask on it at the corpse of this monster to let the timberwolves know this is mine. I refuse to let this creature go to waste after what I had done to it and what it had done to me. I limb towards Zecoras hut with a pain in my heart that felt far worse than my injuries.

I soon see the hut and limp to the door, leaning on the frame. I felt dizzy at this point. Soon, I barged in. I didn't have time to be polite right now. As soon as I push the door open and stumble through."z-zicora need help..." I say weakly as I get in the hut from the door. I turned to my right, seeing a bunch of colorful figures. My vision was blurry, and I couldn't make them out. Then I heard nothing but screams from the blurry figures before a blue blur came at me. I felt my nose get broken as the blow knocked me to the wall. I try to get up, my body now weak, staining the wall in a handprint of blood. Then I hear a scream from Zecora. "Rainbow, stop, he is gravely injured!! Do not go and make it worse and leave him disfigured!" I hear her rush to me. A yellow blur also comes to me as well. "Oh shit, think I'm about to black out...fuck..." Soon, darkness takes me.

mane 6 POV

They all sat chatting, having a good time. This is something Twilight enjoyed and has been missing for the last month. Zecora and Pinkie were still in the kitchen of the hut. Zecora has made her home a bit bigger since her tree has grown more. Zecora added the kitchen a few months back. It's more of an open kitchen area. Her thoughts about Zecoras decor stop when she hears something outside approach the hut like something was being dragged through the dirt as they trotted, maybe?

"Girls...do you hear that?" They look at the door. Rainbow gets a look of cautious suspicion. Her wings twitch as if itching to move. Then the door is pushed open, and a voice is heard before they limp inside, leaning on the door, a red print left on it as they move forward. A huge creature ducks and limps into the hut. All their eyes shrank to pinpricks as they saw the thing in the light. It was covered in crimson blood and had deep wounds in its chest, side, and face, some almost to the bone. Its leg is mangled, and bone is exposed from the bite marks that have torn bits of flesh off. It then looks at them, and their stomachs drop when they see the claw mark on its face, its eye missing, blood seeping from its wounds like tears as it stains its teeth trailing down to its mouth with red. All they could do was scream. In the horror of what they saw Applejack and Rarity hug each other, and Fluttershy hides behind Twilight, shivering. Before they knew it, rainbow was already charging at the creature at full speed. It hits it, and they all flinch when they hear a sickening crack. Its nose now looks broken as it stumbles back into the wall. It tries to get up, leaving blood where it touches. They stared at it for a moment until they heard Zecora yelling at Rainbow to stop dropping the tray of tea and cocoa. She galloped to him. Fluttershy looks past Twilight and gasps. She too quickly goes to the creature. They watch as he blacks out.

Fluttershy helps Zecora as they lay him out on the floor. Every other pony stands there in stunned silence, even Pinkie, her hair not so poofy now. Zecora hastily looked through her potions, trying to find the rare one she never thought she had to use. She throws whatever potion she didn't need out of her way. Once she found the potion, she uncorked it and poured it into his wounds. "everypony, I need your help; we have to hold him down while the potion stops his bleeding and closes his wounds! He will thrash and move and may hurt himself as he spasms, but no matter how much he screams, do not let him go for the potion to provide its boon!" Zecora yelled, which broke them out of their shock. They had many questions, but right now, they had to help each other hold down a limb with their body weight as Zecora continued to pour the liquid into each wound. It sizzled as if his flesh was being cooked. His eye shot open as he screams in agony. Zecora shoves a piece of softwood in his mouth to bite on. He looks at her, horror in his eye, trying to rationalize what's going on now. "please, my friend, you have to endure. You are on death's door. I hope after this, your opinion of me will not be poor." Zecora softly said to him as she continued to pour the liquid into his wounds. Screams make them all flinch as the girls also watch Zecora try to reset his nose, which only lets out another scream from the poor creature as it's snapped back into place. Zecora noticed the blood coming from his back, and with a quick motion, they all rolled him over, holding him down as he thrashed from the pain. Applejack grunts, nearly being thrown off his leg. "whoa, Nelly! come on big guy, calm down almost done!" She says, trying to calm him. Fluttershy is on the verge of crying. "it's ok, sh sh it's almost over. I'm sorry... I'm sorry!" Fluttershy says as she helps Twilight hold his left arm down. Soon, Zecora gets to the leg wounds, and he screams even louder as it's being healed by the potion, his broken bones resetting bone marrow in overdrive to replace all his lost blood. Finally, every last drop was used, and his breaths labored in pain. Zecora tells them that they can let him go now, and they all get off his limbs. Zecora sighs in relief. "I'm glad the potion worked it was an experimental one, but the ingredients were too hard to get. It is why I never made another...as well as the awful side effect..." she says, glad to see that he's breathing. She takes the strip of wood out of his mouth. He nearly bit through it, leaving deep teeth marks in it. She puts it to the side to see if her friend is still sound of mind.

Isaiah's pov
Hell, I was in hell, I died, and now I'm being tortured. Yep, that's how it felt as the liquid made me feel as if every nerve in my body was burning and being torn as fractured bones reset and my wounds sizzled like bacon on a pan. I screamed my lungs out as I bit on that piece of wood. The pain was worse than when I got the injuries. I heard them trying to calm me, but might as well have been trying to throw a tiny bag of ice on a raging fire. I wanted to dig my hands into my skin and rip into it with the sensation of the burning pain and as if something was under my skin crawling, but I was too weak to get my arms and legs free when the pain finally stopped. I see Zecora take the wood piece out of my mouth. I soon sit up. As I do, I double over and throw up a bile of yellow liquid. I never felt more like shit than I do now.

Getting shitfaced and waking up with a hangover had nothing on this. "Oh..fuck" is all I say before another fit of bile leaves my throat. The other ponies in the room backed up, including the white one with the purple mane and tail with the curl. She looked like she was going to be sick herself. Zecora pats and rubs my back with a hoof, not seeming upset that I'm giving her floor a disgusting paint job.

"I'm sorry I had to put you through that but it is over at last...I'm sorry but i did not want you to be a sorrowful memory of the past..." she says with pain in her voice, not wanting to think about that. I finally got a grip on my stomach contacts and wiped my mouth. I still couldn't see out my left eye. I reached up to it. The scar was apparent, but my eye was there now. "mirror d-do you have a mirror?" I asked.

The white unicorn came up to me. "I have one darling here." she says as I watch it float out of her saddle bag. I stare at it as if it floats. I hesitate but then take it out of the air. My hands were shaking not only from the pain but also from seeing actual magic. I laugh to myself, and then I go into full-blown laughter, which they all jump a bit from the sudden outburst. "magics real here...heh, I really am very far from home..." I open the make-up mirror. I can't believe they use makeup here. There's a mean joke there, but I keep that to myself. I look at my face. What looked back at me didn't even feel like it was me. The left side of my face had a three-clawed scar going across my eye that was now milky white. The scar goes from a bit of my forehead through my eyebrow and across my cheek in a downward motion. That sneak attack that monster did got me good. It seems any lower and would have gone through my jugular too. I take a deep breath and then let it out, calming myself I hand her the mirror back. It floats from my hands but then falls to the ground. After the light around it seemed to have faded, it shattered on the floor. "S-shit, sorry, guess I should have properly handed it back to you." The white unicorn looks at it and then at me. "N-no, it's fine. I have more at home, darling, but um, I guess we should introduce ourselves." she flicks her hair to the side and takes a bit of a more elegant pose. "my name is Rarity. It's a pleasure to meet you, however...I do wish it was in better circumstances." she says. I can still see the upset in her eyes. It seems these ponies aren't used to seeing blood. I look to the others.

"Well, guess since you all helped keep me from tearing my own skin off during that horrible experience, my name is isaiah." I introduced myself to the mares, and the next to introduce was a pink pony who had already filled my view with her blue eyes. "Guah!" I yelp, not even sure how she got in my face so fast. "my names Pinkie Pie oh oh important question do you like parties I love parties and I always throw a party for new ponies but wait your not a pony but every creature, likes parties unless it's Gilda do you know Gilda she was a big meany feathers! Do you like cupcakes If you do why did you abuse that poor cupcake!!" Pinkie fired off like a squirrel on crack. I could barely keep up with her word vomit. "I think I'm gonna throw up again..." the others all yell at the pink pony. "pinkie!!" She stops bouncing on my stomach. "oh oopsie!" Pinkie Pie quickly gets off me. I look at her now sitting up ugh "if you need to know I do like parties but not huge ones I don't know who Gilda is and yes I like cupcakes i...wait you were the one who put that cupcake in my camp?!" I say. Now I look in disbelief that she got into my camp.

Pinkie giggles at that. "of course silly, how would that cupcake get there without me delivering it?" I sat there gapping at her. "but there were no prints or evidence around when I found it that you got in my camp!"

"Pfft, then it wouldn't be a surprise cupcake if you knew I was there." she says as if that makes total sense. I'm already getting a headache trying to figure out how she did it.

I hear a chuckle from the orange mare. "Ah wouldn't think too hard on it. We just kinda left it ta pinkie bein pinki. Trust me, it will be a lot easier. My names Applejack. Nice ta meet ya partner." she holds out a hoof. I shake, but somehow, she's got a grip with her hoof, which only confused me about how that's possible. "Uh, nice to meet ya too." her southern accent was a bit comforting and kinda reminded me of home really.

The blue pony seemed apprehensive to talk to me before the others gave her a look and gestured her to me. "Uhhhh hey there um my name rainbow Dash...heh sorry for um....breaking your nose." she says sheepishly, but I could see some regret behind her eyes. These ponies were way easier to read than people guessed that's good because it's hard for me to tell body language and social queues sometimes with my Aspergers. "Wait, you were the blur that hit me?" I asked my brain, trying to think about how fast this pony had to go to close the distance in less than a second.

Rainbow rubs a leg with her other ashamed. "Y-yeah, when I saw you, and everypony started screaming, I thought you were well...attacking us." Rainbow says as I look at her with a dumb-founded look. "How would I have been able to attack yall I was barely alive?" I said, watching her ears fold back. "I'm sorry I didn't realize till after I broke your nose..." she admitted. I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. In one case, she could have very much ended me right there, but seeing as she broke my nose, she probably wasn't planning just to kill me. "It's fine. I'm alive, and my nose isn't broken. I will say you're very fast for a um...Pegasus." I said this was starting to feel awkward. Rainbow felt the same it looked. I could tell she might want to talk more on this another time, I'm sure. thankfully, the next pony introduces herself, which seems to be a cream-yellow one with a pink mane and tail. She quickly looked over my leg and put a hoof on my head. I was surprised that they seemed to have soft soles to their hooves, which only confused me. "please don't move too much. Oh, you poor thing going through that. I'm so sorry. O-oh, my name is Fluttershy. Are you feeling better?" She asks me after taking her hoof away from my head. "uhh y-yeah, thanks?" That is all I could really say. She gave a soft I shit, you not squee and then somehow her cheeks were red before she got shy and hid her face behind her mane. Well, she's definitely what her name is, I guess. Finally, the purple pony with the horn and wings stepped forward. "nice to meet you. My name is Twilight Sparkle. I've heard a bit about you from Zecora." twilight says. Then, finally, wires sparked in my head. "wait, you're the twilight Zecora told me about then? That's good. I've actually been meaning to talk to you about my problem. Now I don't have to go to town." I say Zecora, giving me a mean side-eye. I quickly looked away from her gaze but still felt it. That seems probably the wrong thing to say.I try to get up, but my body doesn't seem to think that's a good idea as I grunt a bit in pain. "please, you are still hurt; do not move too much. Tell me why did you go out at night. I have told you not to be out after dark; you almost became a creature's lunch." She says, not hiding her annoyance that I didn't listen to her. I felt as if my mother was scolding me. it was a very close call; I nearly died after all. "I'm sorry, but something important went missing in my camp." I say. Seems the others were concerned, but I noticed Applejack giving a look at Twilight before they both went back to looking at me. Fluttershy looks at me. "something important? What was it that made you go out into the night with it being so scary and dangerous..." she asked. I rub the back of my neck. "my phone it has pictures and videos of my home in it, but I could live without it. It's the necklace that means more to me. It was given to me by my mother when I turned 18...it's the only thing I have that was made by her and given to me, and with being so far from home now, it means more to me than ever..." I say I noticed a guilty look on Twilight, and I decided not to say anything. I was sure they were the ones following the past week, and I could read them very easily, including Applejack. Applejack then starts to push Twilight out the door with her. "Could ya excuse us a moment? We all need ta clean up our hooves a bit after, ya know, with all that, um, blood an stuff." she chuckles, nervous, and the others nod. I watch them go outside to the water well. I looked at Zecora once they were out of earshot." twilight didn't mean any ill will. She has too much curios-" I cut her off, holding a hand up. I then gesture to my eye. "tell that to my useless eye now because of her curiosity. I nearly died. Sure, should I have gone out at night? No, but I didn't know who had my necklace or what they do with it. they have been following me like I'm some animal to be observed in its 'natural habitat,' so tell me, why should I even forgive them because I know you want me too." I said, a bit of venom in my words towards Twilight mainly. seems Zecora wasn't affected. "you don't have to forgive her today. Still, please give them a chance. I firmly believe that Twilight is your best option to get home. It's best you try and make some friends because your ability to get home is lower if you are alone." Zecora says to me, with some wisdom, she has a point. I don't know how anything in this world works. If I want to get home, it best to try to make friends with capable people- or uh, ponies, I growl to myself, frustrated. "Fine, I'll give them a chance, but I'm going to make Twilight stew on their guilt for a bit. I went through torture. The least she can suffer is some panic attacks." I say, still a bit pissed off at her. She better not damage my necklace. It makes me a bit anxious, knowing it's not with me.

Zecora brings me a potion bottle with an eye dropper. "huh, what's this for?" I ask, confused. "this can help restore your sight. It will take a few months, but you must make sure to take two drops in your damaged eye three times a week, no more, no less, unless you want to experience a painful blight." I look at the potion a bit worried, but I do two drops felt a light sizzling pain on my eye but it stopped pretty quick "jeez that stings! Jesus, what potions do you not have?" I try to laugh a bit.

I then look at her. "Hey... thank you for saving my life despite putting me through hell. I'm glad to be at least alive because that means I might still get to see my family again." I say I truly was grateful for what she did. Zecora smiled at me. "it is no trouble my friend. I will always be here for you with a hoof to lend. If you like, there's some cream that should help get rid of your scar-" she was cut off by me. "no...I want to keep these scares so when I find the one who ripped me from my home, my family, I'll show them my scars and the pain I went through... and ask one question... why." I say, touching the scar on my face. She looked at me like she wanted to say something but stopped herself. "if that is what you wish then i will take what you say with no dismiss." she said. I could tell she disagreed with my choice, but I was pretty positive she was at least happy I didn't hold a grudge against her. Maybe she was the closest to a friend I had in this world. "I'm going to go to sleep. I hope you don't mind if I stay, but I don't trust my chances out there in the forest right now." I try to joke. She nods and helps me by getting me a pillow and a blanket. I lay there. It's the first night since I've been here. I wasn't restless, I think.

the mane six next to the well outside

Each of them washed their hooves off the bit of blood they all got on them while holding isaiah down. Rarity was scrubbing herself hard. She didn't freak out in front of him to not be rude, but she was now. She finally got the blood off after about a good 2 minutes of scrubbing with her brush in her saddlebag. The others were thankful for it. Then Applejack finally brought up the elephant in the room. "What were ya thinkin' twi ya took somethin' his mother gave em?! What happen ta not taken anythin'?! I told ya we should just talk, not all this sneakin' around and wastin' time observin' and studyin'! Why does no pony ever listen ta me?! Ya promised me ya wouldn't. Why ya take his things twilight?! Ya been actin' like this whole thing take months ta do when it could be done in just a few days!" She whisper yelled in fear that the fella inside might overhear them. Applejack has been frustrated with this for the past week, and now, finally, her frustration is at its peak. Twilight was at this point in a panic. "I-I didn't know. I'm sorry, his device was nothing like I have ever seen, and the necklace was like the hat. I thought he wouldn't notice t-then I would slip it back in his home after studying it..." Twilight admitted on the verge of tears. "it's my fault he went out and nearly died...oh Celestia, i-i didn't mean it, i-i just thought if I brought evidence back as something I need to study, I'd be allowed to stay in ponyville with all of you...I was using this whole situation as an excuse to stay here and not go back to Canterlot...so that our friendship wouldn't drift apart..." she says, crying that her selfish want to stay together with her friends nearly got an innocent being killed. Applejack looked at her and brought her into a hug. "Now that's just plain silly. We'll always be yer friends no matter if yer a princess all the way in Canterlot or at the library here in Ponyville." applejack says, trying to calm Twilight. The others agreeing they all hug her. Twilight sniffles, wiping her eyes. "t-thank you girls I just...I feel awful about what happened. I need to make it up to isaiah. I'm going to go in there and admit to what I did..." She goes to the door, breathes in, and trots back in, followed by her friends, but they find him asleep, and Zecora sets up the pillows and blankets for their little sleep over she puts a hoof to her lips. "Shhhh, he is asleep. Try not to make the floor creek." she says, inviting them to lie down and rest. Twilight looks at the sleeping being that she's inadvertently hurt. She wanted to tell him, but he's asleep now, which is understandable with how much pain he's gone through. Rainbow Dash pats Twilight on the back. "Don't worry, I'm sure the big guy will forgive you." Rainbow tries to reassure her.

Zecora lays down. "please rest, my friends. Today has been very eventful, and don't worry, he will be here in the morning for you to apologize. I think it will be quite fruitful." She says. Twilight lies down with her friends, but she has trouble sleeping that night with the panic of not being forgiven, and then irrational thoughts that he might become evil because of her sleep did not come easy for Twilight.

later in the night

Twilight tosses and turns again, still not able to sleep. She gets up and navigates around her sleeping friends and Zecora. She goes to the kitchen to see if there's a tea that Zecora had that can help her sleep. "can't sleep either huh?" Twilight jumps from the sudden voice in the darkness. She looks over and sees isaiah at the table in the kitchen. He's not sitting in the chair but sitting on his legs.
The table is at a more comfortable height for him that way. "take a seat, let's talk." he says, making Twilight nervous seeing the milky white eye looking at her through the beam of moonlight from the window. As she takes a seat reluctantly, she sees a warm cup of tea that smells like camomile. He's been waiting for a bit. How she didn't realize he's been moving around without her hearing made her a bit on edge. "if you're wondering how I got tea warm without using a teapot, it turns out that red powder Zecora uses to start a fire can also be used to boil water dried fire root think she called it, but I think we're getting off topic." Twilight quickly tells him the truth, unable to handle the guilt anymore. "I'm sorry...I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have stolen your things. I just was curious, and I used it as an excuse to have a reason to stay in Ponyville with my friends. With that selfishness, I nearly got you killed...." she says, her eyes glistening with fresh tears. Then isaiah rubs his good eye. "Look, am I mad you stole my only memento of my mom in this damn world? Hell yes, but I've had time to think while waiting for you to wake up. You weren't the one who got me nearly killed. That was me deciding to go out at night and that damn monster that attacked me. If you want me to forgive you, you can start by returning my things." He says. Twilight quickly floats her saddle bag over and, pulls out the phone and necklace in her hoof, and puts them in Isaiah's waiting hand. He puts the phone in his pocket and his necklace over his head and around his neck. Then he starts to make another request. "next, I want you to help me find a way home. Zecora says, you're the only one that might be able to do it." He says with a serious look.

Twilight taps her chin with her hoof. "i-i mean I might be able too. How far is your country from Equestria? Maybe we can get you an escort back by the princesses." she suggested. "That's not possible. Country? Try planet or hell, maybe even reality. At this point, you all completely defy everything I know about the world." "W-wait, are you saying you're not from our planet wha!-" She is stopped mid-yell by a hand-clapping gently over her muzzle. "Shhh, they're sleeping." isaiah says. He let's go of her muzzle. "T-that's not possible though! Multiple realities and dimensions are just a fantasy concept that's not scientifically possible. You are not scientifically possible if that's true." twilight scream whispers

Isaiah chuckles at her reaction. "Well, it's either that or I'm in a coma, and this is all a fucked up dream, so can you do that?"

Twilight leans on a hoof propped on the table as she tries to rationalize what he said. "I-I might be able to, but it could take a lot of research, tests, and magic to find a way, but I can't guarantee anything..." she says, unsure if there is a way. Isaiah looks at his reflection in his tea that the moonlight through the window provides enough light to see himself. Then he looks up at her. "all I ask is that you try to get me a home. That's my condition to forgiving you." he says determined to find some way home and get back to his family alive. Twilight nods in agreement. "i-ill do my best, um, by the way, what are you?" Isaiah blinks, not expecting that question. He's not used to being asked what he is. "I'm a human or homo sapien in scientific terms" Suddenly, he notices papers, quills, and even ink float out of her bag. "Oh, that's interesting. oooo this is so exciting. It's been so long since I had a late-night research session. Tell me what do humans eat, dietary needs, and all that. Oh, and why is it that you wear clothes all the time? My theory is it's a status or warmth reason, soooo which one of my theories is right?" She asked expectantly and excitedly.

Just one thing went through the human's head once she went full twilight mode, as the others call it. 'Oh, what the fuck did I get myself into' isaiah thought as he tried to give a forced smile as she shot question after question for almost the rest of the night.

Author's Note

*drags myself in to post the chapter* -gasps for air- Hello! Sorry this chaper took me so long but it's out now. *flashbacks of collage work speech presentations in front of 30 classmates,programing assinments, and quizs with a riseing anxiety.* -eye twitches- I hope yall enjoy it! again I'd love to hear any feed back this one took me awhile but it was a lot of fun to make. This song here: https://youtu.be/NWCNpCHeMf0?si=U3GxE68KrKEC5v8M helped me imagine the fight when he lost his control on the manticore. But I'll start on the next chapter next week when spring break starts. ^.^

Chapter 4: The Princesses, the Dead Manticore, and Lack of a Wardrobe.

I'm so tired...she was asking question after question. I eventually got to ask a few of my own, mainly because I wondered what the society was like and about their ruling princesses. What I found out sounded cult-like. The princesses supposedly lived for over a few thousand years, and they raised the sun and moon. So now I'm worried about how I act in front of them. If they made themselves religious symbols on top of ruling a country, they might be dangerous dictators. I didn't mention my disbelief because she seemed to hold Celestia in high regard. So I better watch what I say about their So-called living goddesses. I can accept magic, but being honest, not immortal beings that can move celestial bodies. That's too ridiculous and honestly impossible. After a few of my questions, I could see she was getting tired too, so I convinced her that her being so tired may affect her ability to rationalize her questions and put them on paper. Thankfully for my sanity, that worked, and she agreed that she didn't want to make mistakes on the information she was gathering accidentally, so she told me good night and went to bed. I, on the other hand, took a while to get to sleep.

The following day came. I felt like shit, but nothing I'm not used to with being a college student. Late-night studies and coffee were my day-to-day. I looked at them all as they slept. Daylight was slowly rising, so I got up from my spot next to the wall on the other side of the room from the ponies. I look at where the blood was on the wall, which has been cleaned up already. Zecora must have cleaned it sometime when I finally fell asleep last night.

I force myself to get up. I go to the door, ready to sneak out while they slept. I had to take care of that thing I killed last night. Meat probably won't taste good since I didn't bleed it or hang it up. Not really something I could do after getting fucked up by it last night. As I reach for the doorknob, I hear Zecora's voice "Where do you think you are going? You are still slightly injured. Are you mad? Are you going to leave before having breakfast and leave me sad?" Zecora gave me a look that made me ashamed to leave without a word. "I'll be fine. It's not nighttime, and I have to...take care of something. I'd rather do it alone." I didn't want them to see what I did to that lion. These ponies wouldn't be able to handle it if seeing me bloodied left them horrified.

Zecora wasn't having any of it though. "you are still in no shape to go out on your own. At least have breakfast with us there are many things to be known." I look at the door and then at her over my shoulder. With a sigh, I step back from the door and turn to her. "okay, I guess it can wait till after breakfast." I followed her to the table I was at with Twilight last night. Sitting on my legs, Zecora brings me tea and then gets started on making pancakes. The delicious smell wafts through the house. It ends up waking the others. I watch them all slowly trot into the kitchen yawning, except Applejack and Pinkie Pie. They looked bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. I wish I had that kind of energy in the morning.

Four of the six ponies take a seat at the table. The other two, Twilight and Flutershy, help Zecora make pancakes and set things up at the table. applejack is the first to break the silence. "Hey partner, I wanted ta say something for about a week now ta the fella that saved my sis...thank ya...if ya weren't there I be without a sis right now and...well, family means a lot to us apples more then anythin so if ya need a favor or anythin us apples can do for ya let us know." She says with deep sincerity in her voice. I look at her "well I'm glad they got home safe I know there were two others with her did they get home safe too?" I ask them with my one good eye, looking at their faces. "Why yes, my Sweetie Belle got home safe because of you, and like Applejack, I'm full of gratitude for what you did." Rarity says before lifting her tea in a blue aura to her lips and sipping the warm drink. "Yeah, and though Scootaloo isn't my actual sister, she...feels like the sister I never had, so you know, thanks and all that for saving her."

Rainbow means it, I can tell, but guess she has problems showing it in front of others. As I look at them, I can honestly see they are avoiding looking into my white eye. I guess flashes of it missing and my injuries pop into their heads. "I'm sorry if my eye might disturb yall. I'll find something to cover it when I get back to my camp." they try all at once to say it doesn't, but then Pinkie is on the table in my face. "Oh oh don't worry, auntie pinkie has got what you need!" I was about to say something but then watched as she just zoomed to the other side of the room, reached a hoof into a hanging pot, and pulled out an eye patch. I blinked, perplexed; before I knew it, she was in my face and put the eye patch on me.

I look at the pot, Pinkie, and others."I uhh...how wait why is there..I dont." I stutter over my words, trying to make sense of what the fuck just happened. Pinkie giggles. "oh I keep emergency eye patches all over in case of eye patch emergencies; this seems like a eye patch moment." The pink mare says as if that's normal. "I have a headache." I say, putting a hand to my face not sure how to process this. "oh if that's the case I also have emergency-" Pinkie was about to finish that sentence, but Applejack shoved a hoof in her mouth. "Pinkie I think the fella needs time ta get used too how things work around here and partner again word of advice don't think too hard on it or ya might drive yerself crazy like twi did." Applejack takes her hoof away from Pinkie's mouth and wipes it on her side. "Okay, I'll just blame magic then." after saying that, Twilight floats in the food, and Fluttershy Zecora and Twilight take a seat. this was a pretty big table guess Zecora planned ahead for group company maybe?

I used the fork and knife Twilight brought to me when she plated the pancakes, and I started to eat honestly, these were pretty good pancakes. "Thank you for the food Zecora." I say others also thanking her. i take another bite. "You are welcome it's not every day I get to host for more than one guest. Did all of you get a good rest?." She says before taking a bite of her pancake. I notice Rarity staring at me. "Is something wrong?" I asked her. "I-im sorry darling it's just your um clothes. They're still covered in...blood." she says, a slightly disgusted look on her face. I look down, and it's torn where my scars are. Blood had soaked through most of my white shirt, pretty much making it mostly red now, and my blue jeans were also torn up. "I'm sorry if it makes you uncomfortable but these are the only clothes I own I'll try to wash out the stains as best I can later." I take another bite of my food and a drink of the glass of orange juice.

"N-no, no, it's not that I'm uncomfortable, darling are you really wearing the only clothes you own?" I nod to her before I drink my orange juice. "Well this simply will not do such a lack of a wardrobe for a species that always wears clothes is a crime! Darling as soon as breakfast is done, please disrobe so I can take some measurements!" At that last part I spit take my orange juice luckily away from the mares and cough. "-cough- I'm sorry -cough- what?" Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked as if they were about to burst out laughing. "What is wrong I'm only asking you if you can remove your clothes?" Rarity says, looking at me with confusion. "Rarity, what you just asked is kinda intimate. Humans don't walk around without clothes, not just because clothes keep us warm but also to hide our genitals, which are constantly exposed." I say as I notice a blush on her face starts.

"S-so what I asked you was-" I nod, trying not to laugh now myself. "like if you told a stallion to show you his genitals, yes." after saying that, Rainbow and Applejack burst out laughing while Twilight is taking notes again it seems the others just giving soft chuckles while Rarity seems mortified "it's fine ya didn't know but yes rather keep my clothes on or at least my underwear, but you don't need to make me clothes I don't have anything to trade or pay with." I say, takeing a napkin to wipe off the bit of orange juice on my side of the table.

"O-oh no darling you don't need to pay me I just want to help. Nopony should go without something in their wardrobe double so for a species that are so... dependent on them." She says, a bit embarrassed still. I look at her I was confused as to why she wanted to help me, including with no payment. "You want to help? Why? you wouldn't be benefitting at all." I say first it was Zecora helping me, a strange creature to them from a strange place, now this unicorn too. "Well, being the element of generosity, I can't just let you walk around in at this point rags, now can I? No, I will not take a no for an answer you must let me take your measurements as soon as possible!" Rarity says this with bravado. She seems very passionate. "Jeez okay okay just as long as I keep my underwear on." I say; the mare then nods, satisfied, and returns to eating her meal, gently rubbing her mouth with a napkin if there's one thing I'd describe Rarity, it's high society. I stop before taking a bite, considering what she said. "wait, what do you mean your element is generosity? I may not have been the best at chemistry, but a personality trait isn't an element." I hear Twilight's snort and laugh, looking over at her with a confused look.

"sorry, I enjoy a good chemistry joke, haha. 'personality trait isn't an element.' That's a good one." Twilight gives one last chuckle. "Ah, that was funny, but no, what she's referring to is one of the elements of harmony. Rarity is the element of generosity, Fluttershy is kindness, Rainbow Dash is loyalty, applejack honesty, and Pinkie Pie embodies the element of laughter." She pointed a hoof to each of them as she listed who was which element. "And finally, I'm the element of magic, and with the combined power, we make the most powerful magic, the magic of friendship!." She says proudly. I sat there for a second or two, then I couldn't hold it in and burst out laughing. "Pffft hahaha ha! O-oh okay, I didn't expect that, haha!" I calmed down, but when I looked, no one else was laughing, which only made me more confused now. "that was a joke, right? I mean, seriously, that sounds like I'm in a little girl's Saturday morning cartoon." still no laughter from them, and now starting to feel like a dick. "I don't see why that's so funny. I mean, doesn't your world have friendship? I know we didn't get too deep into your worlds history." I rub the bridge of my nose. Yep definitely was being a dick without realizing the cultural difference.

"Look, sorry, I laughed. Just if someone said that to me in public, well, most would think they were joking or might be a nut job. Yes, we have friends, but friendships aren't magical or anything special, just people you hang out with. Maybe get a drink with every so often." Twilight looks at her friends, who look at each other, then back to me. "It's okay. I just wasnt expecting you to laugh...so even the magic of friendship doesn't exist in your world? How do your people keep your world safe or keep chaos from taking over?" Twilight gave me a look as if she had heard my world had fallen to evil or something. "no, there is no such thing as magic in my world. As for keeping the world safe well mutually assured destruction usually keeps most countries' hands away from their nukes." Applejack immediately cuts into the conversation.

"Now hold on here what yall two mean his world? And mutually assured destruction?! What kinda world ya come from?!" Applejack was full of questions, so I decided just to give them the quick rundown. "to start, some kind of magic pulled me into y'alls world. I'm not from your world hell could even be universe at this point. Still, either way, weird magic shit now stranded on yalls world till Twilight here is able to find a way to send me back." I quickly get out, and most of them are just staring at me now, except for Zecora and Twilight. Then Pinkie slams her front hooves on the table. "Whhhaaat!! Are you telling me that your from another world slash universe slash planet?!?!" She says in one breath. "yeeeaaah..." I say hesitantly. I feel like she's about to explode or something into confetti. "You know what this means!!" Pinkie asks us all. "This is the biggest discovery in equus history!" Twilight said excitedly. "No, not that it means I need to make the biggest! Welcome to our universe slash equus slash ponyville party ever!!!" She yelled excited.

She looked as if she was vibrating almost too. She was about to tackle me, but Applejack grabbed her by the tail, stopping her mid-air before hitting the table. face landing into a stack of pancakes. "Whoa, there, I think maybe give poor fella a while before ya go throwing any parties." After Applejack says that, Pinkie Pie sits up, licks the pancake off her face, and eats it. "I dwont semph whph noph." she says with her mouth full of pancakes. Applejack rolls her eyes. "because sugercube isaiah here needs time ta get settled inta Ponyville. Maybe hold off on the whole party till after." Pinkie Pie pouts at that but reluctantly agrees. "Fiiiine guess that gives me time to make all the preparations and learn all your favorite things!" I had to backtrack that conversation between them. "I'm sorry, but what do you mean settle into Ponyville?" They all look at each other, then me like I'm crazy. "darling, I don't mean to say that you didn't make a, um lovely...home." Rarity says with hesitancy on the home part. "but you-" Rainbow Dash cuts in. "you almost died dude! Why the hay would you want to stay here?!"

Fluttershy nods. "She's right, those injuries you got...it was so terrifying to see...I don't know any creature that is so violent. most creatures in the everyfree except for the timberwolves attack only when they feel threatened..." Fluttershy says Shyly, remembering all the blood. Twilight pats her back with a wing to try and comfort her. "what even attacked you in the first place?" Twilight asked with a sense of fear on her face, probably also thinking of all the blood last night. "I don't really know, but it was a lion with bat-like wings and a scorpion tail." I say, trying to remember the easiest details since the situation happened so fast and it was dark. That's when Applejack slams her front hooves on the table, standing on her back hooves in her chair. "a manticore nearly killed ya?!" She shouts, and Fluttershy joins in the shock. "o-oh dear, I know manticores can be territorial, but I never heard of one being this violent..." Rarity chimes in next with a question. "Oh my Celestia, how did you get away from such a beast with your injuries? you must have been in more pain than we thought, you poor dear..." My hand unconsciously rubs the area where I got cut open on my chest. Memories of what I did to that monster last night go through my mind.

It was the most brutal thing I've seen. My hand on the table shakes a bit. Do I tell them? What if I'm labeled a monster myself and thrown in some cell or driven deeper into these woods? As these questions go through my head, I feel Zecoras hoof on my hand. She smiled at me as if things be okay. I guess she is the only friend or ally I have here. at least she probably still understand what I did was the only reason I'm alive now. Zecora took her hoof off my hand, and I decided to just tell them they will probably see the body anyway. "I didn't get away....I killed it..." There was silence for a good minute or two, so quiet I could hear muffled insects outside the tree home.

Surprisingly, it was Fluttershy who spoke first. "W-was there really no other way..." she says, sad but I feel in her eyes that there's maybe a bit of understanding for my situation. "It had tooken my eye when it attacked me then I watched the thing eat it right in front of me. After that, I ran, but it caught up quickly. It toyed with me ya know, and the thing that bothered me was the intelligence I felt in its eyes. Maybe it was the blood loss, but I swear it was grinning at me. Guess with the poison and my desperation to live. I beat it to death..." I watch the others look at Fluttershy as if expecting her to do something, maybe cry? "I'm glad your okay...I know things work differently in the everfree, and it's in most animals nature to eat meat. You kinda remind me of Harry but not as hairy." she jokes, trying to calm the tension "I'm not blind to how the cycle of nature works, but I like to think with my home its a safe place where prey and predators can rest and not worry about the harshness of nature for a little while. Every creature needs a break, and isaiah...I honestly think you do too. You have been through so much in such a short amount of time its not healthy for your mind. I hope you take some time to feel at home soon, even if it may not be your home."

I stare at Fluttershy and so is everyone else in the room. I did not expect this shy little pony to hit me with such a supportive and thought-out understanding of what I had done and been through. She saw us all looking at her and quickly returned to her shy namesake. "Uh..i-if that's okay..." Twilight looks to me with what I assume is sympathy. "I don't know if I be mentally able to push myself as far as you did to take the life of a creature...isaiah, I'd like you to meet the princesses. They can help you get a home outside the everfree you can live in Ponyvil-" I cut her off already with a firm answer. "no, I'm not going to live in Ponyville. I'm willing to meet your princesses, but I'm staying in the everfree." Rainbow dash Flys up into my face. "What, why not? This place is dangerous. Did you not see what it did to you?!" I stand up quickly at my full highest, looking down at them. I see a glint of fear when they look at me and my scars.

Wings flared out, ears lowered, or a horn pointed at me. "Because of the reaction you all have to me, the only one here that didnt flinch or hair raise at the sight of me is Zecora. I can tell y'all see me right now as a looming predator. It's not your fault. It's a survival instinct to be cautious or fear something you aren't sure isn't a threat. You have that fear deep down just as humans fear the unknown." Applejack shakes off that reaction. "t-that only because ya caught us off guard when ya stood up. Besides, ponies in Ponyville are good folk. They wouldn't go heading for the hills or run ya out!" She says, there was passion in her voice for the ponies that made up their town.

"Ya know, Zecora told me about how they feared her. She's more equine and like yall, but y'all still feared her because she was something you didn't understand. How do you think they would act seeing a being like me walk out of the everfree, which, as far as I have been told, is avoided at all costs." I rebuttal, which was a bit of a gut punch to applejacks argument. I retook a seat Rarity is next to put in her two cents."yes it is true, but it's only because of rumors spreading, but I swear to you darling if you accompany us we will make sure that Ponyville knows your no monster but a hero who saved the life of three fillies. Please just give Ponyville a chance. They might be cautious at first, but they will come around." I rub the bridge of my nose, trying to think this over. I look at Zecora. She nods to me, and I sigh. "Fine, I'll give it a chance, but I have a few conditions. I'm staying in the everfree. I'm not living in Ponyville if and only if things are safe and I'm accepted, I'll set up my camp at the edge of Ponyville and the everfree. Second, your princesses, if they want to meet, they need to come to me." I'd rather have them meet me in my territory where I'll have a chance to get away if they are some kind of dictators or religious icons, but I know that's probably not gonna happen. The best I'll get is in town. Twilight perks up to what I say. I guess she feels she's got a hoof in the door now. "okay! I can work with that. Don't worry, you will love Ponyville. It just maybe take a bit till everypony gets used to you." She says it with a look that has a more positive outlook than I'm feeling. "For my sake, let's hope so." I try to pull this conversation in a different direction now. "So, I'm done eating. Let's get this whole measurements thing done since I can tell ya won't take no for an answer." I get up and go to the main living area. Turning my back to them, I start to remove my torn, blood-stained shirt and pants. After I had taken off my socks and shoes, one looking more torn up than the other, I left my underwear on. When I turned around, I saw them looking at me. I looked down at my very apparent scars. "Yeah, I guess they look pretty bad, don't they." they look away, mainly Twilight.

I can still see a hint of guilt behind her eyes. Zecora, though, is the only one who isn't as upset. She seemed more disappointed I didn't take the scar treatment she offered last night. After getting ahold of her gaze, Rarity floated a measuring tape out of her saddle bag to me. "Kinda strange to keep a measuring tape with you in a bag, isn't it?" I say to Rarity, trying to lighten the mood. She chuckles. "Arms up darling." she says, wrapping the measuring tape around my waist and mumbling a number to herself before finally answering back. "when you are in the fashion business, it's good to always keep your profession close at hoof." I straightened out my arms in a t-pose so she could get the necessary measurements. It felt weird being in front of these mares in my boxers. I look over at Twilight, which seems to be sketching something.

"What are you doing?" I asked with a look of puzzlement. Her ears flick, then she looks up and sees me looking at her. "Oh, I'm just documenting your anatomy now that most of your clothing is gone. These will be a great addition to the notes I gathered so far! Ooo, I can't wait to write a whole study on your species and culture!" Twilight's wings fluttered a bit in her excitement while I was worried I was going to end up getting asked a hundred more questions. "Yeah, maybe we can save the whole studying me thing till after I meet your princesses." Twilight then gasps. "oh my Celestia you're right! I need to prepare everything and send them a letter about the situation. Pinkie, Rarity, can you both help me set the library up for when they arrive they will probably head to Ponyville as soon as they get my letter!" She says in what I'd call a panicked prance in place.

Pinkie pokes her head out of one the masks on the wall and pops out and then stands on her hind legs doing a salute. "Oki doki! Operation princess twilights princesse's princess arrival party is a go!" She marches up to Twilight's side. Rarity gets one more measurement. "there, that should do for now. Thank you, I feel inspiration welling inside me." She says, flicking her mane as she trots next to Twilight.

I get my clothes on quickly but then turn to Twilight after I do. "Wait, you want me to meet your princesses tonight? Don't you think that's a bit short notice for rulers?" A bit of discomfort built up inside, and I hoped I had more time to get a better idea of how these princesses were. Twilight, though, has noticed my uncomfort. "Don't worry isaiah, things will be alright. We will come and get you when everything is set this afternoon." She says, giving me a smile the others around me agreeing.

"Okay, guess I'll be seeing them this afternoon then, though might want to tell them about well." waves a hand over my face, gesturing to it. "This situation so I don't go scareing anyone." Twilight coughs into her hoof. "Um, i-ill uh mention it to them yes...well why don't you and the girls learn from each other and each other's culture? A great learning experience I'm sure. let's go, come on, Pinkie, Rarity, we got an arrival and meeting to set up for the princesses and our new friend." She trots out pinkie pie giving me a wave before I watch her tail shut the door behind them. I look over at the others "why did she call me a new friend we barely know each other." I say now i see them giveing me a look like I talked backwards.

Applejack rubbed the back of her neck, and her stetson slightly moved up and down with a look of befuddlement. "What ya mean partner? I'd say we all are friends now, including after ya know what happened with ya last night." She stated it as if it was a done deal and that we are somehow friends now. "I'm sorry, but why does that make us friends?" Rainbow Dash Flys up to be eye level with me. "what, how does that not? What happened to you was pretty messed up, and I mean, after what you been through. out of anypony, you would need a friend the most!" She says her muzzle scrunched in frustration. Fluttershy lightly taps my leg I look down at her. I kneel down so I'm not towering over her, which seems to help. "um, isaiah, do humans not become friends easily in your world? I know what you described about how humans see friends, but well, in a way, there is still some kind of mutual friendship." She says, having that look of concern for me. "No, we do. Look, I'm not sure how it works for yall, but most humans don't just become friends with others at the drop of a hat. It takes a bit, too Uh, how do I put this? Make sure the other person doesn't have alteriar motives. Or at least that's personally how I pick and choose friends." I see them look between each other.

"seems mighty strange. I mean, I know not everypony is always trustworthy like them flim flam brothers, but everypony should have a chance. Do ya species really have trouble trustin others?" Applejack says to me as confusion on her muzzle is apperient. I wasn't sure how Applejack and the others didn't quite understand this. How innocent are the ponies also? Who the fuck names their kids Flim and Flam? "I'm not sure how everything works, but seeing as Twilights told me about your societies years of peace. Peace doesn't last that long in my world, and there are bad people that do some bad things. I'll leave it at that. Now I have to go and take care of that Manticore." I stand fully and head to the door.

Rainbow, on the other hand, flies right in my way again. "whoa there buster, you can't just go out there on your own you're still hurt." Rainbow says, one forehoof on hip and the other pointed at me. I hear the other two trot up behind me, and Zecora speaks up. "it would be wise to rest and fully heal even though you are full of zeal." I look at them and then Rainbow. "I just want to make sure that Manticore didn't die for nothing. I have a firm belief that what one hunts, they use every part of it, and though it was self-defense that I killed it, I still will not waste them." I see Rainbow Dash cringe a bit at the thought that I'm gonna dismantle every part of the Manticore. "Then I'll go with you." We all turn to Fluttershy honestly, I didn't think this little pony could be so bold. "Really?" I asked, and she nods. Applejack steps up next to me. "Seein' yer as serious as a starvin fruit bat swarm, I reckon we better go with ya ta make sure ya stay outta trouble. besides, Twilight did ask us ta get ta know ya and yer culture."

Rainbow puts a foreleg around my neck. "aaaand you get to hang out with the fastest flyer in Equestria. I can tell you about the best flyers, the wonderbolts!" I look at her, then slowly remove her foreleg from around my neck. "That's great, but how about ya keep from giving me unwanted touching, including around my neck." I say, letting go of her for leg once it's not around my neck. Rainbow just gives me a weird look. "why is it a culture thing I don't see the big deal ponies touch and get close all the time." I scratch the back of my neck "it's not a culture thing it's just a me thing alright but let's save the questions for after I get that manticore back to my camp." I say, heading to the door hearing the clopping of hooves behind me and the flapping of wings, I tell Zecora goodbye so do the three mares. I promised Zecora I'd return for a check-up with her in the next few days to ensure I'm doing alright. I lead the way to the corpse. The mares were talking casually for most of the way id answer some basic things for fluttershy though her questions like normal body temperature and where certain organs were made me think I was being questioned by a doctor or would she be a veterinarian? When the corpse was in view, I stopped as I saw the Manticore's body.

The mares went completely quite at the site it's face was almost completely stripped of flesh, an eye hanging out of its socket the other already had flys around it. the smell wasn't pleasant either. The chest was caved in a bit where I kicked it. The wound on the paw i threw my hatchet into was deep in the bone. The singer still pierced in its jugular. I approached it, but the mares didn't even take a step near. I first grip the hatchet handle, and a crack of bone is heard as I rip it out of the leg. I hear hurls behind me, looking over my shoulder. I see Rainbow Dash throwing up in a bush and Applejack looking slightly green. Fluttershy was the only one who wasn't looking ill. Still, I could see the sadness in her eyes at the state that the Manticore was in. The worst part about killing this Manticore is that it felt wrong. I let my anger control me, acting on emotion, something i promised myself I would never do again. Maybe there might have been another way, but I'm alive. I guess that's all that matters now. I looked at the hatchet in my hands, my reflection in the blade, the handle stained in dried blood. that moment I took its life, I became just as monstrous, if not worse, and when I killed it, a part of me died with it too. As I put the hatchet into my vine belt loop, grabbed its midsection, and threw it over my shoulder, I was determined to use every bit of this creature. I grab my mask and hand it to Rainbow after she's gotten a hold of her stomach.

"Can you hold on to this for me I'm gonna need both arms to carry this back to camp." She looks at me then the Manticore and finally her eyes look at the mask she takes it between her front hooves. Fluttershy trots next to me. I look down at her "I'm sorry you had to do such a thing...it's one thing for a animal to kill for food and another to kill to survive...it never really happens except in the everfree most ponies don't understand that there's laws to nature that aren't very nice but is needed...I wish it could of gone different between you and the Manticore..." I keep my eyes ahead looking around for movement as I have been for the past week I been in this forest. "I do too..." Applejack I notice mainly averting her eyes from the corpse and my hatchet. Honestly, I feel maybe I should have done this alone but it's their fault for insisting to come with me. We finally get back to my camp; everything is sorta where it should be except that pot I broke in my anger. I drop the corpse next to a tree and grab some spare rope I made. Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Fluttershy take a seat on the ground by my cold campfire. I started to make a smoker using long sticks in a tipi pattern and cordage to make a rack in the middle with enough spacing for smoke to get through. I tie down ferns as a canopy to the small tipi, which I set up over my fire place. Rainbow finally was confused enough to ask about my little project. "What the hay are you even makeing?" I look at her with an excited grin on my face. "A makeshift smoker it's been a week since I've had anything but fish and if I dry out the meat, it'll last longer, though not sure if the meat is still good, but I'm willing to take the risk." I noticed fluttershy wanting to say something so I let her. she was quite for a seconed as if not used to being allowed to speak up or something?

"W-well um that shouldn't be a problem since manticore venom not only paralyzes its pray but helps it preserve the flesh of its pray so that way it can store food so it doesn't have to go and hunt every day." Fluttershy explains with a certainty of a Profesional I just grin to myself at the convince "well glad something is going my way this week I guess thank you for letting me know. wanna help be properly dismantle this Manticore?" I joked to the mare the other two looked more green when I said that. "O-oh well I can help by pointing you where to cut to help get the most out of them." She says in a helpful manner that Rainbow Dash and Applejack seem taken aback by it.

"Fluttershy how in tarnation do ya know how ta do that?" She asked her shy friend in a weary sense as if she was talking to a serial killer which I thought was amusing as the three chatted.

"Oh well remember that mantacore with the thorn in its paw we met while looking for the elements? He would visit and learn a lot from him to help care for him. He once got in a very bad territorial fight with a meaner manticore...I had to help patch him up reset ribs and dislocated joints." Rainbow was looking at her long-time friend as if she was told a secret that they were not who they were. "Whhhaaat?! Are you telling me you do like surgery and stuff on animals? No wonder your so calm seeing..." she glances over at me with my knife as I use a rope to hoist the Manticore up with rope a tree limb to hang so I can skin it easier. She catches her vomit in her mouth and hard swallows Applejack, averting her gaze towards my direction." ugh...that."

"Hey I have feelings too you know." Rainbow rolls her eyes in annoyance to my quick jest."not you!" Fluttershy seemed embarrassed with all this new attention from her friends. "W-well yes... there are not many ponies in Ponyville who can help animals with life threatening injuries, I learned over many years, and sadly, not all animals I was able to save...but I guess I just never really thought it was much of a thing you girls really want to hear about since it can get kinda messy."

Applejack looked at fluttershy as she sits on one the logs next to the fireplace. "Well sugercube sure might not be uh pretty." I see her glance over her shoulder as I make the first incision at the gut, gliding my knife down careful not to puncture the stomach. After seeing that out the coner of her eye she quickly goes eyes front looking back at her friends trying hard to ignore the sound of flesh being cut and hide being peeled off. "B-but it don't mean we don't want ta learn more about ya now ah know if Winona gets hurt badly ah got a reliable friend ta help." Fluttershy smiles at Applejack and Rainbow as they then hug. It was a little mushy for me, so I just kept focusing on my skinning till I heard Rainbow Dash holler at me from the camp fireplace. "hey big guy where ya get this mask anyway did ya carve it or something? Looks exactly like a timberwolf pretty sweet you could make a living if you're this talented at carving." She says looking at it between her front hooves as she sits on a log across from the other two. I chuckle at the thought of being that good at carving wood. "No its not a carving. It's the face of the timber wolf that pounced at the fillies. Lets say i made a trophy out of them."

Rainbow fumbles with the mask. "T-timberwolf?!" She drops it on the ground after a second or three. She pokes it, but seeing it not move, she glances over and notices Applejack smirk. I couldn't help but laugh, and so did Applejack. "Don't worry, it's not going to bite well not like it can without its bottom jaw." I say as I finish skinning the Manticore. I see Rainbow Dash, her face scrunched in annoyance. "Hey, I didn't know timber wolves could ya know be actually destroyed." Rainbow crosses her front hooves, and Applejack goes over to give them a light, hoof punch? On their forelegs shoulder "heh heh don't worry dash ah won't tell yer fan club." Applejack teased as she sits with Rainbow and fluttershy helps me dismantle the Manticore by pointing where to cut to get the most meat. After I strip it down, I get started on cutting the meat into strips and getting them ready to be smoked, hopeing this will work out and that it be done by this afternoon before I meet the princesses. That I wasn't really looking forward to it. The thought of a whole town's eyes on me makes me get anxious.

Im useing a flint flake with jagged edge in a downward bend to strip the meat from the hide. it's been a few hours now, and my tannins should be ready by the time I strip the meat off to make sure it doesn't rot during the drying phase. I noticed that the girls seemed well a bit bored, except for Fluttershy who watched me work. I cleared my throat I decided to try and make conversation it's been a bit since I talked to anyone other than Zecora. "Do you girls know why I make sure to use every part of the animal I kill? And there is a cultural thing to it, but there are a lot of humans who don't use everything." I say as I continue to scrape the manticore hide of bits of fleshy membrane. Applejack and Rainbow Dash look at me now a bit more attentively; it seems they have gotten used to seeing me doing this. They don't seem as literally green in the face as they were. More questions to ask Twilight later I continue to my pony audience. "The reason I do it is becouse of what my dad taught me a lesson in. When I was around nine, I got a bb gun for my birthday." Rainbow Dash had a look as if I said something in French. "what the hay is a bb gun?" I guess they might not have guns here. Probably a good thing in a sense actually I try to explain it best I can. " A little hard to explain here. I'll draw a shape of it in the dirt." I grab a stick and draw a crude drawing of a BB gun in the dirt. " it's a long metal tube with a wooden stock, and it shoots little metal pellets with a spring or compressed air, depending on the type." Applejack scratches her head, looking at the crude drawing in the dirt. they all were around me like some kind of story time for kids it was kinda cute as they look up at me while I sit on my stump. "An they gave that ta ya when ya were a colt? Seems mighty fine way to lose an eye or get hurt." The southern mare says, disapproving of my parent's gift choice. "If you're not careful, yeah, it can be dangerous. My dad taught me how to properly use it, but there are more dangerous weapons than that that I'm not going to go over anyway. Now that you girls know what it is, let's get back on track."

I pick back up the hide and continue my work as I tell them more. "I was excited when I got it. Most kids my age wanted a BB gun by that time, and well I couldn't wait tto use it so after my dad showed me how to load it and proper safety he let me go out and shoot some can targets. While I was shooting, I saw a squirrel on a tree and thought it would be funny to scare it. unfortunately, my shot was off and instead of shooting next to it I shot it right in the head, killing it." Fluttershy gasps from that as if it was a horrible accident that took the lives of a whole family. "oh...that poor squirrel and their family..." she looked ready to cry, thankfully rainbow dash had already started comforting her "yeah I thought the same thing too I was bawling my eyes out. I took the squirrel to my dad and told him what happened. That's when he reminded me of one the rules he told me never point a gun at anything you don't intend to kill. As a punishment, he made me use every part of that squirrel so that its death wasn't in vain. We used the meat in biscuit gravy for gravy and biscuits. The hide we turned into a sheath for my knife my dad got me my last birthday and the organs we minced up and fed to the cat. We ground the bones and put in the soil for my mom's flowers.

That day, I gained a new appreciation for the things that die and to make the most out of their death since they can no longer with life." As I finished up my little life experience, Fluttershy seemed to be at least happy that the poor squirrel didn't just rot where it lay. Applejack looked as if she had a thought then made it known "that's nice I guess? But uh what's biscuits and gravy? I know what a biscuit is, one of them fancy things rarity eats, right?" After hearing what she said, I stopped scraping and slowly turned my head to her. "I'm sorry, but what did ya say?" I ask her. Looking at her intensely, she looked a bit nervous now. "I mean, uh, just wondered what gravy is heh..." she gulps. I'm now looming over Applejack. I put my hands on her shoulders. "You have a southern accent and look as southern as a pony probably can, and you don't know what biscuits and gravy is?...." I say, looking her in the eyes. She let's out a soft "n-no." I take my hands off her shoulders and I stand up. "as soon as I have the ingredients and a kitchen I am going to make you biscuits and gravy just like my momma used to for me and you will eat every bite.

I know a vegan recipe my mom sometimes makes for vegetarian friends I had that substitutes lard with coconut oil. it won't be the exact same, but the experience is the same." Applejack nodded. "Okay partner." she says, a little shaken. She probably thought she insulted my mother or culture.
Rainbow Dash just shrugs off my weird behavior and takes a nap. Applejack goes into telling me a story about her past as we all pass the time together.she told me about how she lived with an extended part of the family called the oranges, who were very high class, and she realized what she really wanted after a rainbow lead her back to the apple farm. Seemed like a bit of a fairy tale story, but I didn't say that. I was at this point done with the hide and was setting the skull of the Manticore down, but it took a long time to strip it mostly clean of flesh. I put it in a large clay pot, gonna fill it with insets later to eat the flesh I couldn't get to. I'm sure zecora might have some in a jar or know where to get some.

I put the hide in the pot full of the tannins water to soak through it. The organs I put in a pot to rot and become fertilizer mixed with the smaller bones I crushed into powder. I'll maybe see if I can get some seeds from Zecora later as well. The larger bones I'm going to make into tools and maybe a club from one of its leg bones. I stretch and pop my back. It looked to be about late afternoon. I gather up the smoked meat and put that in a pot next to my bed, which I tie up with rope to make sure the lid doesn't easily come off don't want anything intruding on my base while away. I kick dirt onto the barely alive fire and wake up the girls. "Okay, time to wake up. Think y'all loitered in my camp long enough." They wake up a bit groggy, mainly Rainbow Dash. I was going to say that she looked like shit, but that's when I heard the call of Twilight just outside my camp before the three mares trot in. "There you all are. Zecora told us that you girls left with isaiah. Is every pony alright, isaiah you didn't get attacked again, right?" She says with worry and a hint of impatience in her voice. "I'm fine, so I guess it's time then to meet your princesses. All right, let's get this over with." I say, but I am stopping by Rarity who's mane looked a bit messier, and she had a pencil in her hair as well.

"oooh, no no, you are not meeting the princesses in those disheveled clothes! It took every part of me to get these done in the limited time we had but I think I outdid myself." she pulled out an outfit from her saddle bag that was casual and classy, I'd put it. It was a blue vest, a white dress shirt, sleek black dress pants, and, to top it off, a red bow tie. "I made you an outfit that would fit that hat of yours and tie the whole thing together perfectly. I made it a bit loose-fitting since I wanted to make sure it fits comfortably for you. Seeing as your normal clothes seem slightly bigger, I assumed you liked them to be not as restricting." Rarity may look a bit of a mess but she did a great job. But do I really need to wear such fancy duds?. "Wow, um, thank you rarity, but I'm not sure I should wea-" Before I can finish, she stomps her hooves and looks at me with a psychotic expression. "Wear it!!" She screams at me, her eye twitching. Her sudden scream at me makes me jump a bit. "Ah, Jesus fuck okay!" startled a bit by her outburst and the crazy look in her eyes. I quickly go behind the other side of the camps wall to change out of view of the ponies. As I'm down to my underwear, I hear a sound behind me and see Twilight in a bush with a scroll and quill being to obvious. she gives a sheepish smile as I give her a glare. I pick her up and place her down at the entrance of my camp. Slowly, I slid her back into the camp with one leg. "Oh, come on, it's for science!" She yells in defense as I give her a annoyed look. i go back to the other side of the wall, quickly changing into the new clothes before twipeeper can look.

I will have to say these clothes were very comfy, even for how classy they looked. I thought it was going to be suffocating. I step back into camp. They give some ooo's at the outfit rarity clapping her front hooves. I go and put my hat on, and Rarity gives me a mirror. I look like an Irish man who's been in a fight with a bear. "Wow, well, thank you rarity. You really know how to make some comfy clothes." She smiled at me, and she started combing her hair with a brush she got out of her saddle bag." oh, you're welcome, darling. I enjoyed the challenge and the new body type. It's just what I need from the day-to-day design". Rarity had that look of pride in her work, which she should. "Well, I guess it's time to head out lead the way." I say apprehensive about being seen in town. Pinkie pie jumps onto my back and pats me on the head "don't you worry auntie pinkie here to help ponies see how much of a nice big softie you are!" I slowly take her off me and put her on the ground "pinkie please don't touch me unless I'm okay with it." Pinkie gives a smile up at me "okie dokie lokie!" She bounces to lead the way which strangely made a noise with each bounce I'm going to lose my fucking mind within the month I just know it. Twilight looks up at me and trys to give me some encouragement. "Don't worry isaiah. I promise it may take a bit, but the ponies of ponyville will get used to you in no time." she says optimistically, but my gut says otherwise. "Let's hope you're right, and I'm just being paranoid."

30-minute hike later

We finally reached the edge of the forest, and as we left, the sun was on the horizon and I see a sight that took my breath from me. It was a huge town in the far distance. Its homes had mainly straw roofs, but some buildings were a bit different here and there. A stream from the forest passed under a bridge leading to the town. the sun set really helped tie it all together like a fantasy. Applejack, I saw me looking at the town with a held breath. she had a huge grin on her muzzle. "Welcome, ta Ponyville sugercube that there yonder bunch of impressive apple trees is the edge of sweet apple acres where my farm is." She says with her head held up in pride. As we walk closer towards the town, Fluttershy points at a little hobbit home as we pass by. "That's my home where I take care of all the animals that need a home. You can stop by any time you like too we can chat and have some tea. Oh, I should introduce you to Discord sometime." Twilight gives a nervous look. "Uh heh um fluttershy maybe best we wait to do that." she says. I found her unwilling Ness to meet them concerning. Fluttershy gets a bit embarrassed, and her ears fold down." O-oh, well, I guess that's fair. Discord is very unique." I just decided to ignore this for now and continue our walk. As we go through a field just outside of Ponyville, Rainbow Dash taps my shoulder. "hey, big guy, if ya look up you will see my house. It's pretty amazing, I know." I looked up and saw a strange cloud, but I couldn't really see its details, especially how high it was.

"I'll take your word for it. I can't really see it that well from here doesn't help. I'm nearsighted and currently blind in one eye." Now that I think about it, my nearsightedness has improved over the last week I've been here, which is another thing I'll need to figure out later. Rainbow throws her hooves up. "What, oh come on! fine then I'll just have to give you the full tour twilight can use a cloud walking spell on you or something." She seemed a bit upset I couldn't see her house, and probably inflate her ego further. Twilight cuts into the conversation. "actually, I'm not sure if that is possible. We have no idea if spells work on him, including with isaiah being from another world where there isn't magic, which reminds me, any chance I could do some tests sometime?" She says, looking at me with eyes full of curiosity. "maybe I have been wondering what's happening to me." I may regret that because I saw an almost scary look on her excited face. I mean, I'm not gonna get cut open, I'm sure, but still.

"Yes, don't you worry. If there's one thing I'm good at, it's science and magic!" She says a bit more pep in her trot now. As we went into town, what I was scared of happening was blatant. There was no one in the streets, all doors and shutters closed I noticed a mother quickly pulling their filly and colt inside the home. "Girls gonna just say I feel like an outlaw that just walked into town in an old western movie." Pinkie jumps around me and then points at a home that looks like a huge gingerbread house. "Oo oo oo, that's where I live and bake tasty cupcakes and cakes. You should meet Mr and Mrs's cake! Oh, I bet you are a chocolate kinda human or maybe a chocolate and vanilla best of both classics. Oh, and you should meet Gummi! They love to meet new friends!" She kept going for the next few blocks, and I quickly tuned her out, lost in my thoughts, mainly with the looks of the ponies I saw peeking out the shutters of their homes. As soon as we locked eyes, it's been the same. Fear or caution some with what felt like anger but mainly fear. It doesn't help that I look like a James Bond villain. I came back to the present when I noticed a building that looked like it was a kinda fancy pink circus tent. It was very different from most places in the town, with its own personality, like Pinkies home. "Huh, this is a pretty unique building." It really catches one's eye.

"Oh, why thank you, it's really eye-catching, isn't it? This is my home and store, the Carousel Boutique. You should come in sometime tomorrow. I'll make you more casual clothes for your day-to-day." I felt Rarity would go out of business if she was too generous. " I'm not sure I'd want to be given any more handouts. How about I work for you or do a favor in exchange since I don't have any money." Rarity didn't seem to like this, her nose up in the air. "I'm sorry darling, but I simply will not ask for payment or make you work for me. Please let me help. At least see it as a gift, and if you insist, you can pay for the next pair." she seemed as stubborn as a mule, which probably shouldn't say that it might be a slur here. "Ugh, fine, I don't think you're going to take no for an answer." she gives a satisfied hmph and soon we get to the meeting place.

"Here we are, the princesses are inside waiting." I saw a large oak tree that was similar to Zecoras's home, and the design was very pleasing to the eye. It looked more vibrant with its leaves and even had a balcony. It's good to know the drop wasn't that far down. It's a good place to leap out of to escape if these princesses do turn out to be dictators. I noticed a golden chariot and two white ponies in golden armor standing at the door, holding spears as well. We locked eyes, and I noticed them quickly pointing their spears at me. My hand goes immediately to my side for my hatchet. "Halt monster don't you dare come near!" One on the right screams at me. I glare at them, but Twilight gets between us before anything else can happen. "I-it's ok, he's with us. This is Isaiah, the one the princesses are here to meet." the two slowly bring their spears away from me. "Enter." he says. They watched me like a hawk as I passed by them and ducked under the door to get inside. It was a more roomy space. I guess it had to be large, doubling as a library. I first saw two larger ponies, one white and the other dark blue. Both had wings and horns and crazy wavy manes and tails. The white pony had a colorful mane with pink, aquamarine, and a bit of blue, and the blue pony all I could say was it looked like a night sky full of stars.

I think Twilight called them alicorns. I might have been staring at the blue one for a bit, something...something about her seemed familiar, a part of me telling me to run for some reason. I hear the white alicorn giggle. "I know we both look beautiful, but it's rude to stare." I blink and shake my head. "Sorry, I'm just still getting used to seeing sapient beings other than humans. It's a pleasure to meet you. Twilight has said a lot of... impressive things about you two. It's almost hard to believe." I say to them. I take a seat in front of them on the decent-sized couch. The girls I notice bow to their rulers, and Twilight gives me a look as if I should be bowing to guess it is time to test these princesses. I look back at the two rulers. "I apologize if I don't bow, but where I'm from, we bow to no one, not even to those who are in charge of the country. We beholden to no one." I already looked for escape routes as we walked in case these two were dictators and threatened my life. The white one chuckles. "oh, interesting, you will have to tell us more about your home world later. honestly, we wish Twilight and her friends would stop bowing so much; they might hurt their backs. It's kind of a bad habit of theirs. I told them last time we met that they didn't have to bow to us, including in private, but I guess old habits die hard, huh?" they giggle behind a wing. I look over at the girls who have embarrassed or sheepish looks. I wondered if she was putting on an act, but she was a lot harder to read than the smaller ponies' expressions.

"you probably already know my name, Twilight I noticed seems to like to be very informative. I'm sure she's already shown you those drawings she did of me this morning while I was almost bare." I joked at Twilight's expense, who, out of the corner of my eye, was embarrassed. Both alicorns giggled at this. "Yes, there is quite a lot of information that Twilight has provided on thee. We felt as if studying for an exam." the blue one said; her voice sounded very familiar to me. "Oh, I'm so sorry. We know you, but we haven't properly introduced ourselves. My name is Celestia, and this is my sister, Luna. We would like to officially welcome you to equestria." her face takes on a more sorrowful look quickly. "we are sorry for what has happen to you...twilight told us of your...struggles." I rub the back of my neck as Celestia says that I should have known Twilight would tell them. I was hoping she would only explain my injuries. "So guess you know what I did then?" I say I'd be living if I didn't feel nervous including now that im not sure if these two are actually dictators or just really good at hiding it. "We understand that thou is nervous, but we are not going to throw you in a dungeon. It's not something that happens now in these times but back then your actions would of been sung and praised to slaying such a vicious beast." Luna says though her way of speaking was very old-fashioned. Celestia though gives me a firm look "do you plan to hurt my little ponies? Or as far as take a life?"

The question came out of left field not expecting it. Including how light-hearted things started off as I give a firm look back. "no, I don't plan to hurt or kill anyone. Still, if they threaten my life or try to take it, I will show just as much cruelty. I plan to get home alive even if I'm not the same. I would hope that it's not only the lives of your ponies that question applies to." I was determined to get home. If this alicorn has some preference for her ponies over others, then I already know it was a bad idea to come here. Celestia gives me a deep look as I give one back the girls probably holding their breaths. But then Celestia burst out laughing which kinda threw me off a bit, giving a confused look at her. "Oh my, haha you are very different then my little ponies or most of the diplomats that I have to see on a daily basis. You are quite determined one I can see that you have a good heart, though your words and exterior give off a different story." She laughed a bit more. Luna was also chuckling a bit before both controlled themselves. "that was quite refreshing you know I have never had any creature look back at me with such a determination when I have given them that look most fold like a colt who got caught with their hoof in the cookie jar. it's nice to be seen and talked to, not as a ruler but as nothing more than just another pony.

I want to say I appreciate more than you think." I was trying to rationalize what she said there for a second. "wait, hold on..what?" Luna laughs behind a silver-slippered forehoof. "Oh my Tia, I think thou may have confused our guest." I was now getting a bit embarrassed. This whole thought of these two being dictators was starting to dissolve. "Heh yeah I uh guess that's pretty reasonable including when your ponies think you both can move the sun and moon guess getting put on that high of a pedestal makes it hard to brake those delusions huh?" I laughed, but they didn't laugh with me. I notice that they both float a tea cup over and take a sip, a sly grin on their muzzles. "But we can, though sometimes we wish we could step away from such responsibilities." Celestia sips her tea. I blink now, even more confused. "I'm sorry, but that's a joke, right? you can't move something that massive; that's just not scientifically possible. I don't care if magic is real here. That's just too ridiculous." Twilight was now quickly at my side. " ahhaha! That's a joke. He's joking, of course!" She leans in, whispering to me. "what are you doing?! You can't say that the literal princesses of the sun and moon are not scientifically possible; are you crazy?!" She was rather close and uncomfortable, so she looked like she was about to have a panic attack.

"Why don't we show thou an example then?" Luna suggested, about as smug-looking as Celestia. "that is a great idea lulu. Why don't we go to the balcony and show him." I saw they were thinking maybe I was gullible they will just make it look like they did I bet with a little light show. "You know what that sounds like a great idea let's see this in action." I say, the girls getting anxious it looked, but right now, I want to see these two try their parlor trick. Celestia got up with her sister "splendid you know this is a rare occasion to see only during the summer sun celebration do ponies get to see us raise and lower the sun and moon." She gave me a wink as she passes by me and I was now determined to call them on their bullshit don't care if I might go to jail I don't think they kill me over it now. We go upstairs the girls following closely behind Twilight; giving me a look, I could feel it boring a hole through the back of my head.

Once we are on the balcony, the two alicorn get into a majestic pose. "are you ready sister?" She says to her with a smirk. "Yes, lulu let's begin let's show our guest a sight to see." After that, I watch as both their horns glow, the sun slowly lowers, and the moon rises as day becomes night. I failed impressment. "wow, that's amazing. Hard to believe such a power to move celestial bodies exists." I say, but they may have noticed my lack of belief. "Oh, Tia I think we may of been off with the position of the moon we should try again." I look, wondering what she's trying to do it's at this point rather fruitless to do anything. What is she gonna do, move the moon a inch more in the sky? "Your right lulu we should try again so sorry this usually doesn't happen." I grin. "no no go ahead. It's not a bother at all. Not every day, get to see a sunset twice." I may of said in a condescending way, but she smiled. "you are quite right." Celestia and Luna started doing their magic again, but I completely froze. when i See the sun come back up over the horizon, I watch in disbelief "now now don't stare at the sun it could hurt what little vision you have left." giving me a shit-eating grin. The sun lowers, and the moon comes back but shifts out of its place to the right, and I notice the stars change shape and, like a painting, make beautiful patterns in the night sky. My jaw was hanging open before Pinkie slowly closed it for me and pats my cheek I honestly wasn't able to focus on the personal space violation because my mind was racing at what I saw "h-how wait that...you can't hold...I...what! How that...that completely defies the laws of gravity and physics!" I say I think I'm about to have a panic attack. I hear Rainbow laugh behind me "pfft I think he's about to have a twilight moment." I turn and point a finger at Rainbow. "you be quiet!" I turn to the alicorns. "you two explain?!" Celestia gives a fake surprised look. "oh my well we could do it again if you li-" I cut her off. "No no I can only handle so much in one day!" I try to breathe. "oooh, what the fuck ugh my head hurts." if I needed any more proof, I wasn't in the same universe. There it was.. I take another breath trying not to let myself faint. "I think I need to sit down." I say as I go back downstairs. I get to the couch and sit. I grab the teacup that was sitting there for me but now Luke warm I drink it in one go Wishing it was whiskey or something strong something I need right now is to get fucked up. They all came back downstairs and took their seats the girls on some pillows on the floor.

" we hope we didn't scare you we only wanted to play a jest on thee to see thous reaction." Though it did scare the shit out of me a bit, not like I could really get mad over it its how their world works. Though now I know I'm pretty much talking to two living gods in a technical sense. "Ugh, it's fine. I just wish something here was at least somewhat normal what next? going to say the weather needs to be controlled too?." I hear Rainbow Dash pipe up with a raised hoof. "Uh, actual-" Suddenly, there's a zipper over their mouth. I was not expecting that, but I looked to see Twilight giving Rainbow Dash what I call a wide-eyed, shut-up face. Celestia gives a cough into her hoof. "But anyway, um, I'd like to talk to you about a specific matter. Twilight has told me in her letters that you come from another world. I know everything is a shock to you with how our world works, but please try to keep an open mind. It may help lessen the blow to your sanity. Now I have a group of talented ponies working on the way to help send you back home to your loved ones, but I'm not sure how long or even if we can..." She says that last part as if there was personal pain behind not just hers but Luna's eyes too. "But if any pony can find out if there's a way it be Twilight, she's the most talented student I have ever had." Twilight I look over who gets a bit of pink on her cheeks. "t-thank you prince- I mean Celestia, heh." She says sheepish. these ponies have their cute moments.

"Another thing I wanted to ask about is that your absolutely sure you want to stay in the everfree? I know my little ponies can be.. skittish and...suspicious of those they don't understand, including with a unique creature such as yourself, but please forgive them. They don't usually see many different species this close to equestrias capital." She says, picking her words carefully in describing them, but I already got an idea when I went through town, so it's no news to me. "I'll keep that in mind and yes I think it's best I stay in the everfree till the town's pea-ponies get used to me." I was very sure that some bad rumors will crop up soon I rather not be in town in case one of them starts throwing stones. herd mentalities can be dangerous when one believes it the rest soon follow. "it has been quite the experience to meet you isaiah, but we must tend to our nightly duties." Luna says, and Celestia follows up. "yes, it has been nice to know you won't hurt my little ponies. I leave you in twilights, and her friends care. hopefully, you can tell us more about your world and yourself next time we meet." I shake the two outstretched hooves of both the alicorn mares, and at the same time, I feel a strange numbing tingling go through my hands. their manes stop flowing. I feel a burning sensation in my head, and I see a flash of images and voices. It's them but they are being released from these huge thorny black vines next to a crystal tree, and bright light emits from it. It ends suddenly when I feel a sharp pain to my head. I blinked my vision clearing. I was looking up at the ceiling now. "what...I...what happen?..." I was dazed. I sat up and looked to see the two princesses looking worried, and so did the girls. I felt a trickle of something wet land on the back of my hand and looked down to see blood I reached to my face and felt more wetness.

Pulling my hand away there was more blood on my fingers. my nose is bleeding. I was still a bit in a daze, trying to figure out what I saw. Twilight had to shake me to get my attention. "a-are you ok y-you scared us.. as soon as you took the princess hooves in a hoof shake, I noticed that their magic was being drained, and your eyes rolled back. It was horrifying...the way you twitched and started saying something in a language we didn't know. I had to push you away from them with my magic." She described the whole thing to me, but I felt like I was still in a daze. "I uhh...i thought you said magic doesn't work on me?" Fluttershy gives me some tissues and helps me clean my bloody nose and blood on my hands. I didnt dare wipe the blood on my shirt or pants i can feel the tension comeing off Rarity.

"W-well, It didn't before you met the princesses... oh I'm so sorry I should of looked more into how your body reacts to magic before setting up this meeting." Twilight was in a panic, but the two princesses were calm as if it wasn't an inconvenience to them. "Twilight, please do not blame thyself everypony is fine as for you, Isaiah we hope you are not injured." I was still stuck on what I saw, but I tried to forget it for now. "N-no im fine just didn't expect a simple han-hoof shake would do that to me." I stuff the cotton balls into my nose that Fluttershy gave me to stop my bleeding. "I'm sorry we should have taken more precautions and looked into you more. Twilight did mention your resistance to magic. alicorns have much larger magical cores than most species on Equus." She explains I'm only half listening but then looks to her. "I uh don't know what most that is, but right now, I think we should avoid physical contact until what's going on with me is figured out." I say a bit unsettled by this magic shit affecting me now. "Thou is right. Best we get back to Canterlot, and Twilight should come with us we have to get ready for the summer sun celebration." Luna says I notice their manes start to slowly flow again. Celestia takes Twilight under her wing, seeing a bit of sadness in Twilight's eyes. "Do not worry Twilight. All of your friends will be in Canterlot in the morning to help with a few preparations. I would hope you as well isaiah?" I wasn't sure I wanted to go all the way to Canterlot; besides, something in my gut said I needed to stay here in the everfree. "I'd rather not go to the capital when I'm not even sure I wanna be in a village of ponies. Doesn't sound like a good idea to me." I didn't want to leave the comfort of the everfree.

"That is a shame, but I understand you will need someplace to stay till morning. It would be best if you didn't lose your other eye." she chuckles. I grin didn't think this monarch could make morbid jokes. "Yeah, not sure want to go through that again, so I guess I'll need to stay with one of you." Pinkie jumps up and down rapidly. "oo oo oo me me me! Stay at sugercube corner! It will be like an awesome sleepover. We play games, and you can tell me all your favorite things. -gasp- we can tell ghost stories ooooooo!" she says, flickering a flashlight under her for effect." Um, Pinkie, where did you get that flashlight?" I ask, very perplexed I didn't even see her get it. "oh well i stash flashlights all over for spooky occasions and normal occasions!" I was trying very hard not to think about it. "right, how could I forget? uh look Pinkie don't think your landowners would approve of me. besides was thinking more outside Ponyville so ya know ponies don't have to feel like they have to hide." I state blatantly that I know they weren't blind to why none of the townsfolk were out. "O-Oh I uh guess you're right, but don't worry as soon as everypony gets used to you we can have a super awesomerific sleepover!" She was bummed at the first bit of that but quickly switched gears back into a bubbly mood. Applejack steps up. "why don't ya stay with me and my kin least ah can do, includin since I still owe ya for savin Apple Bloom." I thought about it for a second, seem reasonable and I know what the feeling of being indebted to someone was like. I usually want to pay that debt as quickly as possible, and if she is anything like me might help get a load off her barrel. "Sure sounds fine by me your farm might feel a little more homely anyway." I notice Applejack ears perk up a bit.

"Were ya a farmer back on your world?" She asked with genuine curiosity; the princesses and Twilight and others all looking to me with interest, i guess, towards new info about me. "well, sometimes. my uncle Donald owned a farm and I'd help him out with it during the summer with my job on top to get extra money wouldn't say it was my career, but I say I'm a bit of a jack of all trades." I learned a lot of different things since I was a teenager from my dad and family from basic repairs to plumbing, even some of my side hobbies for which I had a lot. There was metal detecting, drawing, and some blacksmithing, which I learned from my Uncle Donald and my bushcraft survival skills. I learned a lot of different things but never truly mastered any of them. "Well now, if ya really got experience with so many different things ah'd say ya won't have hard time finding some honest work heck if ya need some bits ya can help out on the farm there's always somethin needing fixin." I smile to her offer Applejack seemed far more honest then most I met guess she really deserves that element thing or whatever."ya know I think I'd like that thank you. Though think going to need me some proper working attire don't think wanna wear this while working." Rarity makes her opinion quickly know "oh you will certainly not mister I'll have something more day to day and that's more resilient for you tomorrow I'll drop it off at applejacks when we all come to meet up before we all take a train to canterlot." applejack ears perk with a look of realization "oh that's right will a be ok ta get back to the everfree on your own?"

I could see applejacks and the girls concern written on their face. "I can handle myself. Timberwolves aren't as bad as a manticore." they give me a nod trusting ill be able to handle any trouble I run into now that I'm back to being my healthy self, well with a shit ton of scares but at least not dead. "Well sugercube we best get goin ah like ta get up pretty early. See yall tomorrow in canterlot." She says to the princesses and Twilight. We all leave the building, the guards still eyeing me as they strap up to the chariot. I wave goodbye to all of them as we all go our separate ways, watching the princesses and Twilight take the chariot into the air. "I'm not sure I'm going to get used to seeing ponies pulling ponies on a chariot. Kinda ironic." Fluttershy giggles at that as she trots down the road since her home is in the same direction. Rainbow, though, zoomed off ahead, talking about catching up on all the naps she missed out on all day.

"How else would ponies get other ponies to places?" I was about to say cars, but stop remembering that they don't quite have the technology that my world does. "Huh ok point taken." Soon fluttershy waves goodbye telling me to take care of myself and visit anytime. It was now just me and Applejack. As we walked, we chit-chatted about this and that, just small talk, till we got to her orchard of apple trees. I had never seen apples this big and red. Soon, the farm comes into view, and I see a large red pony on the porch. He was pretty bigger than most of the ponies I've seen, not quite my size like the princesses, but definitely could hurt if I get bucked by him. Applejack shouts out to him as she trots ahead of me. "Big Mac, I'm home tell granny to set up another spot at the table!" she shouted. When he looked in our direction, I saw panic grow on his face before it switched to anger with a snort; he was already charging at me. "Look out, Applejack behind ya!" He yells in a deep voice I couldn't react as he spins in front of me on his front legs and bucks me in the chest I flinch but was shocked when the huge guy was shakeing like he hit metal before falling on his face. "That...wasn't expected thought I'd be going flying is your brother sick or something?" I ask now just confused. "Big Mac what in tarnation do ya think yer doing?! this is isaiah the human fella I told yall about the one who saved Apple Bloom might I remind ya!" She said, looking bit pissed at her brother. Big Mac gets up, shaking his head a bit to get his eyes to stop spinning. "S-sorry applejack" he says shortly before getting fully up. Applejack looks at me past her brother.

"ya alright sugercube? Getting full on buck from Mac here is somethin even fella yer size would cringe in pain from." She asked as she looks me over i pat myself down. Don't even think I got a bruise it didn't even hurt actually. "Strangely...that didn't hurt at all." They both look at each other and then back to me. "that is mighty odd. Might need ta have Twilight figure ya out. first magic don't affect ya now it does then ya can take a hit from big Mac here like it were nothin don't sound normal ta me." Applejack states with big mac following it with an. "eeyup" I rub my temple. "yeah, nothing about me has been normal since I got here." I said with slight annoyance that I got no clue what the fuck is happening to me and I'll probably have to wait a day or two till Twilight could have a look or plain experiment on me. Applejack chuckles. " sugarcube, nothing around here in Ponyville usually is so just keep that in mind." She trots towards the farmhouse and I follow both of them inside. She hollers out to the rest of the family
"Granny Smith! apple bloom! We got some company let's get a spot set up at the table for our guest!" We go further into the house luckly this house was just big enough for me to fit a bit comfortablely. I see a green old mare with gray mane and tail was at the stove and that same filly I saved in the forest was setting the table she drops the spoons she had in her mouth at the sight of me. I could see a bit of fear in her eyes but that quickly changed to that of surprise then... joy?. "Is that you mister?! What happen to yer face?!" She blurts out. Applejack glares at her. "apple bloom that's rude ya don't just say that!" Apple Bloom looks at my face then back at her sister and points a hoof at me. "I mean somethin must of happen his face wasn't like that last I saw him." she says tilting her head not seeing why pointing out my ugly mug is rude she then gasps as a realization comes to her ears, folding down. "Oh no!...d-did the timberwolves do that ta ya..." she says guilt displayed in her face.

i chuckle and kneel down to not be towering over them. "No no those were very easy to handle i got these scares from a manticore. Another good reason not to be out in the everfree." I explained her eyes were wide with wonder. "Wow mister, you fought a manticore I gotta tell my friends at school tomorrow that ya came ta visit!" She was jumping around giddy but Granny Smith finally turned to us. She squinted at me. "so yer the one who saved our apple bloom well sonny imma make ya an apple family feast ya won't be goin hungry for a week!" She declares in elderly vigor. I take a seat at the table. Though the chair was small it supported my weight well enough. The one that was helping granny Smith cook was Big Mac. Applejack and Apple Bloom sat across from me. Apple Bloom looks at me and still has a big grin on her face. "this is so excitin. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle will be so jealous." She giggles to herself before she then looks at me with appreciation. "and thank ya for savin me and my friends we uh...should of listen and not go inta the everfree by ourselves.." ears drooping, I guess realization of what could happen must have been playing in her head over and over guess it's true some need to learn the hard way. "It's no problem I'm just glad you three were able to get out safe." She beams an adorable smile. I never really enjoyed being around kids but she seems alright, not a snot-nosed brat like most are. Applejack looks to me with a kind smile. "partner I hope ya like granny's cookin because she wasn't joking about the feast ya getting she's been prepping for days ah was gonna invite ya over ta the farm but seems everything worked out."

I look past Applejack and see Granny Smith cooking up a storm. Big Mac is barely able to keep up she might be old but she sure as hell got the energy. "Yeah not sure my guts big enough for all that even as leftovers." I lean back a bit in the chair it creeks a bit from my weight but holds whoever made this chair made sure it would last it seems. "So do you all really take care this whole orchard by yourselves?" I Ask wanting to clarify. its hard to belive that this many trees taken care of only mainly two ponies even if Big Mac looks strong. "Ya darn tootin we do! It's family that keeps this orchard here goin though there was a harvest when big Mac broke his leg and left with just me doin the apple bucking that season. I may of been a bit too stubborn and took on more than I could handle. When Big Mac said I couldn't do the whole orchard on my own, I admit my pride got the best of me and caused problems for folks of Ponyville, but I learned that friends help each other, including in times of need. Ya shouldn't deny the help they offer." She seemed quite happy to share this most people wouldn't see the important lesson in this and would probably focus more on their hurt pride. "Heh so guess ya had to learn the hard way that a job like that isn't just for one pers-pony. Sometimes, it's hard to swallow one's pride and admit they need help. Now just one thing what did you mean by caused problems for the town? Not enough apples to sell?" I asked that last part curious how her not accepting help caused others problems maybe for her and the family but the whole town?

Apple Bloom then starts to giggle a bit. "Sis wasn't just hooffling the orchard. She was also helping her friends around town she may of given everypony food poisoning when she made muffins with pinkie pie and caused a stampede of baby bunnies to go wild in town and eat up all the vegetables when she was helping Fluttershy. Then there was that stunt Rainbow Dash was tryin ta do but sis catapulted her across Ponyville right into Twilight's window on her balcony. Also-" she was cut off by Applejack saying her name loudly with a bit of embarrassment her cheeks pink. "Apple Bloom! Ah, think he gets it!" Apple Bloom gives a chuckle and apologetic smile. "H-heh whoops sorry sis." She smiles sheepishly, making a squee noise. I wasn't sure how they did. so many things to ask about later, but at the moment I just laughed a bit at the absurdity of all those things going wrong. "Hahaha embarrassed not laughing at you but kinda funny how not accepting help prevented you from also helping your friends kinda ironic." Applejack started to laugh a bit herself "heh heh yeah guess that's true." Soon after she said that Granny Smith and Big Mac brought a large amount of food to the table on trays laying them on the table it was mainly apple dishes about anything that could be made with apples was laid out on the dining room table. "Alright sonny dig in while it's still hot!" The old mare says before taking a seat in her cushioned chair. I wasn't sure what to even start with the apple pie? the apple fritters? Apple cobbler jeez they really like their apples here there was a dish that wasn't apples at least. it was a salad. Having something that isn't apple related might have been made specifically for me since I saw them mainly take food that had apples in it. I take the salad, and a plate of the various foods granny slaved over the stove for it be rude not to try at least a bit of everything. Before I start to eat, I look to Granny Smith and Big Mac.

"thank you two for the food this is honestly the first meal I've had that I didn't have to catch myself or forage for." Granny nods to me as she watches me take my first bit. "well thank ya youngin I always say food taste better with company, ifen it be friends or family." big Mac chimed in with. "eeyup" I grinned after swallowing my food with a gulp of apple juice. "Wise words from a wise mare." Granny Smith chuckles and we all continue to eat and chat.

Applejack then asks me a question. "so I been meanin ta ask ya about what ya said back at zecora's about yer world and the whole uh...mutually assured destruction. What's that about ya kinda skipped it when ya talked about how ya ended up here." I really didn't want to explain what nukes are to a farm pony. Besides, it is probably not best thing to talk about with a child present. "That's something I think be best to talk about later it's not really easy to explain and it's very involved with history in my world." Apple Bloom looks at Applejack and me confused. "what ya mean by world sis?? Doesnt isaiah live in the everfree?" She asked I could see the curiosity behind her large eyes and interest in Big Macs and granny smith's so I go into explaining to the family how I ended up in this world and the week I had though I did leave out the part about killing the manticore and just left it as I got away leaving out the gory details of my injuries as well with Apple Bloom being present pretty sure Applejack might kick my ass if I gave her little sister nightmares. The night with the apple family was warm and inviting I had thought maybe her family be scared of me. thankfully they were the opposite even if the first interaction with Big Mac wasn't the best it's good I didn't get my chest caved in.

With all our bellies full and it being late, the Apple family turned in for the night they lead me to the couch, and Applejack apologized to me about not having the guest room cleaned and the bed set up since me staying over was last minute. I looked at the couch; it was short for me but it would work. "Don't worry about it Applejack. Besides, it's better then a moss bed I'm sure." I say, trying to alienate her guilt with humor, which seems to work since she gave a light chuckle. "heh yeah, guess a couch I'd an upgrade ya sleep tight sugercube I'll probably be gone by the mornin since gotta catch the first train ta Canterlot to meet up with Twilight ready for the summer sun celebration. Ya sure ya don't want ta come ta Canterlot with us? It's mighty pretty place ta see includin when ya see it for first time it's breath taken ill admit, even though I prefer the coziness of Ponyville." she's trying to convince me to go, probably trying to get me to interact with more ponies but my gut tells me that it just be a bad idea. "No, as much as I'm sure it is, I rather stay in the everfree for now thank you." I see her ears fold down. "if ya say so just...be careful alright, I honestly don't want ta see ya like ya were last night." I can see her fur standing at her neck before she shakes her head. "A-anyway ya have a goodnight sugercube see ya tomorrow afternoon if ya decide ta stay for another night." she says before going up the stares and I'm left on looking up at the ceiling I try to sleep as I fiddle with my necklace arrowhead in my hand. "Under a roof that isn't my home and stars overhead that roof also aren't the stars I know. I'm not in Georgia anymore, am I Winona?" I say to the tired dog next to the couch. She was cautious of me at first during dinner but warmed up to me quickly. She reminded me a bit of my dog when i was younger. She always got friendly quickly with people. i pet her softly. She yawns already going to sleep and soon I do too.

Author's Note

Hello I hope everyone who's been reading so far has been enjoying the story I'm sorry my chapters are slow I have my bf visiting and my collage classes comeing up soon but I been writing a lot already have chaper 5 finished just need to edit it and working on chaper 6 currently so again if yall have any suggestions or advice I'm always open for it hope yall enjoy this chapter. ^0^