What If: My Second Life

CHAPTER 18: Death Is A Tease

Twilight was pacing back and forth in the library. She just couldn't convince herself that everything was Ok. She and the others have seen what Coal is like at his worst. She was worried that if life got too hard on Coal; he would snap and take it out on Scootaloo. She had to stop and just contemplate on that. Coal came across very sincere with her about taking care of Scootaloo. Maybe he would do a good job she hoped.

"I hope Coal knows what he is getting into..." Twilight's train of thought was interrupted by a blue blur busting in through the front door; making Twilight yelp in surprise, and fall over.

"Sup Twilight! Oops...sorry to scare you." Dash helped Twilight up with an apologetic smile and chuckle.

"Hey Rainbow. What has you in such a hurry?"

Dash blinked a couple times "...oh yeah! Is Coal here? I was actually hoping I could talk with you in private."

"No Coal has already left for work. What is up?"

"Well...you know how Scootaloo is living with that old bat of a mare right?"

"Y-yes...I know" Twilight was nervous at the mention of the filly's name.

"Well get this; she kicked Scootaloo out last night! She showed up for work today going on and on about how tired she was of her. She left a note for Scootaloo last night that wasn't there in the morning. She apparently told Scoots that if she wanted a home to return to; she would have to stop being friends with Sweetie Belle and Applebloom! Can you believe that!?"

"That...that is awful Rainbow, but...why are you telling me this?"

"I was hoping you had a spell that would teach that awful pony a lesson! How dare she do that to just a little filly!"

"Rainbow I can't do that. It would be wrong; even if she does deserve it."

Dash sighed and sat on her haunches. "Horse apples...What should I do Twilight? I want to help Scootaloo, but I don't think I could raise a filly. I...I'm just too selfish for it."

Twilight sighed and put her hoof on Dash's shoulder. "Don't worry about it Rainbow...she is in good...hands."

Dash looked up at Twilight. She was very confused. "What do you mean Twilight? Do you know what is happening with Scootaloo?"

"Yes...yes I do Rainbow. Coal...Coal is basically adopting her. Nothing official, but he is going to try and get her a room at the inn in town. He then hopes to save up enough to buy a house that they can share."

Dash's eyes went as big as saucers and she jumped back. "Are you serious!? Coal!? When did he ever meet her!?"

"Calm down Rainbow...I'll tell you all about it."

Twilight then told Dash about that morning and everything Coal had said and done. By the end of it Dash couldn't even look at Twilight. She was too busy thinking about how unbelievable it sounded. "And that is all that happened. Coal really cares about Scootaloo, and is going to do his best to take care of her."

"That...that is good news...I think. I'm worried Twilight. Coal...Coal has a lot of problems you know? Can...can he handle raising a filly?"

"I don't know Rainbow; we'll just have to keep an eye on them I guess."

"We?"

"Yes...I can keep an eye on Coal if you'll keep an eye on Scootaloo. She really looks up to you. I'm sure she would tell you if something had happened."

"I see...alright Twilight. That sounds like a good idea. I hope we're just overreacting though. I was kinda looking forward to hanging out with Coal sometime. I don't want to find out that he is a...filly-fooler or anything..."

"I understand Rainbow, but if it makes you feel any better...I don't think he is. I think he just gets really passionate about ponies he likes."

"You're probably right Twilight. I'm glad I stopped by...thanks." With that Dash took off out the library; leaving a tired and worried Twilight behind. (Copy-Pasted from the original Old Wounds chapter because DIS SHIT BE IMPORTANT)

* * * *

Oh.My.CELESTIA. This is so boring! Yesterday I wake up with the worst hangover I've ever had, I come home, work on a bit of mixing, and then go to bed. Now, I have nothing to do. WORDS! Words, words, words!

You know what, buck this. I'm gonna go work at Sweet Apple Acres. No stupid wounds are gonna hold me back! I haven't been doing much but sitting on my ass these past few weeks. I need to work off some this fat I've been building up. I honestly have not worked out in the month that I've lived in Equestria!

“Honey, I'm going out to Sweet Apple Acres and talk with Big Mac about some things. I haven't seen him in forever and I wanted to see what's up.”

“Alright love! I'll see you later! Have a good time!” Vinyl smiled at me from the kitchen and turned tail to go back to cooking.

Outside! I'm FREE. Not that I want to get away from Vinyl or anything, I love that mare to death but, I gotta go do something!

Hmm, the wind is starting to pick up some, gonna have to order some winter clothes from Rarity one of these days. Probably won't be a big deal with the money, since I am practically rich.

Upon entering Ponyville, I get greeted like usual, getting a wave from Nutmeg as I walk past the cafe and a couple of 'good mornings' from some friendly ponies. Wait, what's that? Is that Coal? It is!

“Coal! You just getting off work?” Coal had turned to face me and smiled as I approached.

“Yeah, I worked a bit today. You heading to the farm?”

“Yeah, I wanted to spend some time with Big Mac because last time I saw him, he was apologizing. I never really had time to talk with him about anything. So, I'm just going over to hang out for a bit.” I am a sly liar. My poker face is set, and working like a charm.

“Well, glad to hear it! I'm heading back to Twilight's for a few more nights before actually moving into the farm. You really need to stop by more often.”

“That's what I've been telling myself! But I never really had the right mind set to actually go do it.” I shrugged and Coal nodded.

“Completely understand man. Just stop by anytime. I'm sure Twilight would love to have you come over more.”

At that, we both parted ways and headed off back to our destinations. It was nice to see Coal again, not in some fancy stage setting or anything, just walking down the road. It made me feel good that I could stop and talk with my friend just casually and not always have to go someplace special to meet him.

I was so lost in thought that the walk to the farm wasn't that bad. I poked my head around the farmhouse and the barn but couldn't find Big Mac or Applejack anywhere. Oh well! I should get bucking. Oh god, image of me having intimacy with a tree, OW. THE SPLINTERS.

* * * *

Well! That talk with Jace really boosted my spirits a bit. I really hope he stops by more often, that would be nice. "What can I do...hmmm..." I was walking around Ponyville enjoying the weather; just trying to come up with something I could do as a second job. I really needed the bits, and I couldn't just work double shifts or so at the farm. They have a lot of work they need doing, but they don't need me that much. I would just be hurting them in the long run.

I made my way past Rarity's Boutique when I heard some yelling. It was faint, but in the peace of the town I could just barely hear it. I opened the front door and looked around. The boutique looked like there had been a fight. There wasn't a lot of stuff everywhere, but there were definitely signs of a struggle. I could hear the yelling coming from up the stairs. I slowly made my way up them and noticed that a bedroom light was on. All the other lights were off, and I could see shadows moving past the light. I crept up on the door and what I saw horrified me.

The large grey stallion that I recognized as Rarity's ex-colt friend was there with Rarity bound and gagged. She had a look of hate and anger on her face, but more of fear and worry. She had been crying. I could tell because of all the makeup that had dripped from her eyes and stained the gag. He was pacing back and forth yelling at her. It wasn't screaming yelling; it was more of a monotone. That is probably why it was so quiet from outside.

"I give you everything! I give you my time, my attention, my love; everything! And what do you do!? You kick me out because I couldn't stand that stupid little dragon friend of yours! Do you want him to please you instead of me dear Rarity!? You never did let me have what I wanted you filthy skank! I really did love you! But you clearly never loved me! I think I'll be taking back my love from you now! You owe me and have no reason to complain! Just lay there and enjoy it! I know I will!"

He pushed Rarity over and pulled her flank over the edge of the bed. He started to position himself behind her, and I could hear her starting to sob.

I lost it. With everything that had happened...I finally snapped. I quietly walked behind him and I stood over him. I cast a shadow that engulfed his entire form.

"What the buck is making that sha...." He turned around and saw me. I never even gave him a chance. I immediately grabbed him by the throat and forced him to the ground. I jumped on top of him and started pounding into his face. Though, he got smart and started to kick at my back with his back legs, knocking the wind out of me and then giving him chances to beat me in the chest good. He knocked me over and was now the one beating my face in. “Motherbucker! Shouldn't have come here!” My nose was starting to bleed and I could feel the sting of some wounds.

The stallion got off of me after a while and smashed a vase and grabbed a sharp piece of the pot and was trying to stab me with it. He actually got me once good in the stomach, and I was bleeding bad. Another time he slashed my chest, and I was getting dizzy from blood loss. My shirt was torn and it was turning from white to a dark crimson. I soon sidestepped the crazy ass and kicked him in the stomach. He flew across the room and hit a wall, dropping the vase and he was gasping for air. I walked over and started beating his face again, soon getting to a point where his face was barely recognizable.

I looked to Rarity who had a look of both relief and fear. She was looking at me like I was the bad guy...and that pissed me off. I didn't let her know that she had bothered me. Realizing that this FUCKER may have cost me my job and ruined what I had promised for Scootaloo...I found a new hate and energy in myself. I walked over to his convulsing body. He was trying to yell out for help, but I wasn't having any of it! I picked him up by the back of his head and with my other arm I delivered decisive blows to his chest. He coughed up blood after each blow, but I didn't care. I was seriously starting to enjoy it too. I wanted this fucker to pay for what he was about to do. I wanted him to suffer for potentially ruining me for Rarity. Once his breathing started to soften I stopped beating him. I dropped him to the floor with a soft thud. He was still very much alive...much to my disappointment. His body was twitching and his nose was leaking blood all over the floor.

I turned my attention back to Rarity. This entire time I had not said a single word. I had just walked up behind him and effectively removed him from the situation. It was time for some damage control with Rarity. I started by removing the ties around her body. The gag was last because I was worried she might scream. What she did end up doing though...completely caught me off guard. She jumped up putting her hooves around my neck and kissed me. It wasn't a sexual kiss; it was a thank-you kind of kiss. It only lasted for a moment, but it left me completely dazed. That...or maybe it was from the blood loss...ehh whatever I guess.

"Thank you so much Coal! If you hadn't shown up; that brute would of had his way with me! Thank you thank you thank you Coal!"

I was pretty confused at this point. "He is the brute? Rarity...I'll be honest...I was expecting you to hate me after beating him the way I did. Don't get me wrong; I'm not sorry for it. He got less than what he deserves, but I didn't think you would approve."

"I can't say I'm happy for the mess you've made Coal, but you did it to save me! I can't be mad at you for that!"

"Th-thank you Rarity." When I knew that Rarity wasn't going to hate me; I let up the tension in my body. That...was a very bad idea. With the adrenaline gone the pain from my wounds caused me to seize up and fall over. I was clutching my chest gasping for air. It felt like a million tiny hooks had been dug into my skin and were being pulled away. Rarity started to panic and was now realizing the blood that was pooling up around me. I didn't even know that a person could leak so much blood and not die! All I know is that I'm in a huge amount of pain, and Rarity's screaming isn't helping! Did I mention she was screaming now? Cause she is...and it hurts! The last thing I saw was Rarity running out of the room and the grey stallion passed out about five feet away.

* * * *

“Ow! That one hurt!” I was clutching my chest a bit after I bucked my fifth tree, but shook it off. “Suck it up, you need to work..” I moved to a new tree, positioning buckets under the tree and getting down on all fours, then bucked the tree with all my strength with my back legs. It looked like I was getting ready for hardcore gay sex but, it got the job done.

I was panting at this point, trying to expel the pain from my body. Cripes! What is BURNING so much in my chest!? Probably just my pectorals getting a workout. I mean, I haven't worked out in a month after all.

The next tree I went up too, was HUGE. I looked at it for a bit and positioned buckets under it. “Gonna need more than one good buck..” I positioned myself and bucked hard, the pain returning. I did it again and the pain got worse. Once more and I was on the ground, coughing. I had shut my eyes from the pain at this point and gritted my teeth. “Shit..” I opened my eyes for a second to look at my chest to see some blood stains starting to form. “One more tree..”

I slowly rose and painfully moved buckets under the next tree. “What in the ha- Jace?! What in tar-nation are ya' doing here boy?!” I turned to see Applejack trotting over to me and gasped as I turned. “Oh mah stars! Jace yer bleedin!” I waved her off.

“I'm fine, I gotta get this last...Tree.” I clutched my chest once more before getting back into position, ignoring the now yelling Applejack and bucked the tree with all my strength. Bad idea. I collapsed on the ground, the pain shooting through my chest as I could feel my wounds tearing open. I used the little strength I had left to unbutton my shirt and look at the damage. Some of my bandages had snapped from the strain and the blood was starting to drip off the straggling cloth. My eyes rolled into the back of my head as I passed out and everything went black. The only thing I saw last, was Big Mac rushing towards me.

Author's Note: Yes, most of this was copy-pasta from Coal's story. I changed it around so Jace overworked himself into having his wounds reopen and having Coal his his ass handed to him. The next few chapters and you'll understand why I have them BOTH be mortally wounded.