With A Wrench In Hand

Chapters

Now or Never
Strange World, Stranger Beginnings
Communication is Key

Now or Never

Now or Never
Chapter: 1

You gather around a nice toasty campfire with the rest of trekkers on your mountain climbing adventure. Your guide has you all sit down next to the amazing fire. You warm your hands once you sit down and your guide begins to speak.

So, you want hear a story, huh? Well, I’ll give you one, and you better not interrupt me! HAHA! I’m just messing. Some time ago, in lands not too far from here, there lived a man who wielded a brilliant mind and extremely powerful technologies. He could create just about anything from compact jetpacks to advanced weaponry. He was first a weapons manufacturer, but now lacks a purpose. After uncovering a strange light in the night sky, he will be tossed into a world that would fulfill that yearning for existence but for a cost. This man’s curiosity for answers will lead him to powerful things. Our story begins here with that man, Felix.

*Slow Collected Breathing

Ok, this is it. I've calibrated my systems, packed my provisions, and set the defensive systems on my house. I’m going to find out what it is and where it goes.

*Deep Breath

*Another

*And Another

For the past three weeks, every night, a strange ring of light pops out of the darkness for twenty minutes and twenty-seven seconds, on average. I presume that that thing can move at speeds up to 300 miles per hour but has heightened agility and maneuverability.

“There it is”, Felix spoke to no one but himself. The ring in the sky became visible. It was a mysterious light that would appear daily near the dwelling of Felix. “I have you sighted and locked into my HUD. I’ve seen your patterns of loops, turns, and spins. I will find out what you are tonight or risk failure.” Felix’s speech helped get his mind straight for the task at hand.

Felix’s house, being located off of a high cliff on the western seaboard, made the perfect spot to jump. With one swift spring from his legs, he was off the platform like roof and plummeting through the air. As Felix fell, he checked off all his supplies on his list displayed inside his flight mask.

SUPPLIES CHECK
K-BAR: CHECK
CL4-STOCKED RIFLE: CHECK
M1911 SIDEARM: CHECK
AMMO: CHECK
GUN CLEANING KIT: CHECK
KNIFE SHARPENER: CHECK
MEAL PROVISIONS: CHECK
COMPACT SLEEPING PAD: CHECK
HIGH STRENGTH ROPE: CHECK
FRAG GRENADES: CHECK
STUN GRENADES: CHECK
I-POD NANO: CHECK

SYSTEMS CHECK
POWER SUPPLY: HIGH
JETPACK TEMPERTURE: OK
ELECTRONIC CONNECTIVITY: HIGH
AIR INTAKE STATUS: HIGH
MAIN JETS: NOT ENGAGED
TURBO THRUSTERS: NOT ENGAGED
GPS STATUS: HIGH
STABILIZER STATUS: HIGH/NOT ENGAGED
AUTO-PILOT: NOT ENGAGED
FLIGHT SUIT: HIGH/FLAWLESS
SYNTHETIC MUSCLE SUIT: HIGH/FLAWLESS

WEAPONS CHECK
REAR MOUNTED MINI-GUNS: ONLINE
POD ROCKETS: ONLINE
THERMAL SIGHTS: ONLINE
DROP BOMBS: LIMITED/ONLINE
SKY MINES: LIMIT/ONLINE
ENHANCED AUDIO PICK-UP: SLEEP MODE
ZOOMED OPTICS: INCOMPLETE/OFFLINE

All the systems checked out perfectly. Felix began to activate his pack’s stabilizers to even out his falling. He fired the main jets and initiated chase of the flying object. The HUD targeted the object and highlighted its movements.

“Activating turbo thrusters,” Felix spoke to his computer systems. “That flying object is faster than first anticipated.” His turbo thrusters exploded to life and propelled Felix faster through the sky.

I’m gaining on it. I’m right there.

Just as soon as Felix finished the thought, the flying object flew hard right over the forested area that surrounded Felix’s home. Without missing a beat, Felix knife edged to stay with the object. Again, the object made another hard right but dove straight for the earth. Felix, still keeping the object in his sights, fell to the earth to continue the chase.

This thing knows I’m chasing it. That’s interesting.

Both the object and Felix continued their flawless aerial dance. Felix was always just out of reach of the object. It seemed to be hidden within the night’s sky as well, but Felix’s thermal sights showed a piercing red image to make for easier targeting. The object dashed onward giving Felix’s skills a run for their money.

Oddly enough, this flight reminds me of my old job.

Felix had mighty career as a weapons developer. His mind was great, brilliant even. His superiors had him use that mind for weapons creation and development of some of the most technological advances up to date. Felix ended up creating ultimate fuel sources, high powered weapons, flight packs, armored mechanized suits, enhanced body armor, cloaking suits, and countless other weapons and materials.

Felix’s contract had run-up a few years after his inventions made him a success. The job gave him some purpose. This saddened him that his superiors wouldn't re-up the contract. Felix decided that if he couldn't have his job, he would retire. For his extremely early retirement, the company gave him a major kick back. His current home was paid for, any material he wished to have for new inventions would be granted to him, and he had permission to use the sky as his own personal highway. This had been granted due to the fact that the U.S. Military uses his inventions. Once he discovered the ring of light that would appear in the sky, he set out to make his most advanced jet pack. With the new intention, Felix sought out to study the ring of light. An early retirement meant a lot of free time of Felix’s hands. Luckily, he used his spare time to hone his skills in land tactics and aerial combat.

I’m probably boring you with his less than exciting lifestyle, aren't I? Well, back to the main story then.

Their flight continued. With loops, spins, and aerial maneuvers, it seemed to be like an air spectacle. Felix was getting frustrated. He wanted to know what this thing was and how it eluded him for so long. As Felix gave chase, the target dodged and evaded every advance he threw at it.

Like all events, they must come to an end. The object sought for the safety of the light ring. Felix wasn't about to let this opportunity pass him by. He was going to go through the ring with the flying object. The object did something spectacular, something not seen in this world. A streak of light, rainbow colored, began to form around the object. It showed a silhouette of a small creature with wings, a tail, and a petite form. This creature caused an explosion of light blasting it through the ring. The ring was shrinking after the creature penetrated the light.

NO! YOU’RE NOT ESCAPING ME!

“Activate S.T.R.E.A.M.E.R., NOW!” Felix shouted into the HUD’s microphones.

His HUD responded “Are you sure?”

“YES, DO IT NOW!” Felix roared with blasting volume.

Felix’s jets opened and interlocked to form one massive jet engine. The power this jet possessed had enough potential to tow a Super Hornet while retaining the size of a human’s upper back. Felix and his jet pack ripped through the night sky. His target was closing at a steady rate. The ring had to be thirty inches in diameter, and Felix knew he’d be cutting it close. By the skin of his teeth, he made it through.

Felix hadn't simply passed through a ring of light but a portal instead. On the other side of the portal, a whole new world was waiting. He couldn't help but be taken back by the sight to see. The beautiful landscape and the crystal clear air proved to be overwhelming. Felix was snapped back to reality once gravity began working again.

WARNING
JET MALFUNCTION
WARNING

The air intake is damaged and the left wing stabilizer is blown out. Felix was no stranger when it came to malfunctions, but this was different. The jets were propelling him too fast through the air, and he needed to slow down. He deactivated all propulsion systems causing him to glide through the sky. Felix was still too fast, and he needed to make sure his landing would be as cushioned as possible.

“Deploy chutes!” Felix said with an anxious tone, “COME ON, DAMMIT! DEPLOY!” Felix shouted as he soared at high speeds.

The parachutes deployed after a few tense moments. The chutes flew open catching him from his free-fall. They helped plenty to slow Felix down, but weren't enough to prevent a crash landing. Felix had crash landed into a dense forest. He was entangled in vines and was hanging upside down from the tree canopy.

“Great. Well I better cut myself loose if I expect to get anywhere.” Felix spoke a loud.

Ok, let’s recap. I flew through a portal at night. Now, it’s the afternoon. This forest is different from the one surrounding my house. Where the hell am I?

After the thought, Felix reached for his K-BAR and began to cut the vines that suspended him in the air. As the final vines snapped from Felix’s weight, he flipped and landed softly on his feet. He began his march through the dense forest.

I wish I’d brought my machete. I’d be easier to cut a path through this dense foliage.

An hour and forty three minutes of hiking had lead Felix to what looked like a large tree engulfed by a house. The house stood out a hundred yards from the tree line.

Felix made his way to the door but had been stopped by a pack of wooden animals that had been trailing him. He couldn't believe his eyes. Five dog like creatures made of freaking wood! As soon as Felix recovered from the initial shock, one of the wooden dogs took a lunge at him. Felix simply rolled out of the way. He wasn't impressed.

“So that’s how it’s going to be. BRING IT ON!” Felix barked at his wooden foes.

Two of the wooden dogs charged at Felix with open jaws and sharp claws. Felix took his K-BAR and dug it deep into one of the charging dogs. He grasped the other around the head and with one twist broke the wooden neck of the creature killing it instantly. The first dog to attack went for a crippling strike at the back of Felix’s leg. Felix jumped into the air and took hold of the branch above him. He climbed on to the branch only to jump back down crushing the wooden dog. The last two began to circle Felix for an opening. One stood in front of Felix and the other behind him. The one behind him charged in expecting to make the kill. Felix spun around and round house kicked the animal in the jaw. It snapped completely off. Once Felix spun back to the front one, it had pounced onto him. Felix immediately ripped the animal off his body and threw it into a nearby tree. The impact broke the wooden creature’s spine.

“You know what? I’m going to keep a kill counter for this.” Felix stated triumphantly. With that said, Felix's HUD recorded five kills.

After his display of flawless combat, he faced towards the cozy home. Felix walked up the dirt path leading to the door. It had a green color and looked to have a lot of weight. He knocked on the door.

*KNOCK

“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPP!”

Right after the first knock, a fearful scream escaped the house and rocketed to Felix’s ears. He cupped his hands over his ears trying to keep the piercing squeal away. The shriek stopped after a few seconds of ringing out. Again, Felix knocked on the heavy door.

“…….Who’s th-th-there?” spoke a frightened, almost inaudible, feminine voice.

Felix gave a confused look at the green door and whoever was behind, “Hello?”

The door creaked open slowly. It became ajar with a small rabbit in the door way. The bunny turned around and chirped as if it were talking to someone. The door shut but only to be re-opened after the door chain was undone. The door swung open revealing a cowering, small, winged horse. Felix’s primary thoughts were of a petite woman after hearing the voice, but seeing a small horse was different, extremely different. The small creature looked up at Felix with large, light blue eyes. The creature shut her eyes in sudden fear from seeing Felix’s form. The small horse dropped as far as could possibly go to the floor covering her head with her hooves. Felix dropped down to one knee hoping to show he wasn’t a threat. He reached out his hand to gently touch the creature and hopefully shake her from her initial fear. Immediately, the bunny jumped up on Felix’s arm, looking fierce, giving a blood curdling glare.

“I’m not here to harm anyone or anything, little friend. You’re hostility isn’t required.” Felix gently spoke to the protective rabbit. He removed his flight mask with a hiss.

Removing my flight mask might help ease the situation.

Felix’s flight mask had been crafted to mimic the armor plating of a beetle. Imagine a sheen black mask smooth and clean. Felix removed the flight mask placing it on his holster. The rabbit stood on Felix’s arm with an intention to attack.

I need to get this rabbit to chill if I wish to continue.

“Please, my little friend, I need help from both of you. I am not here to cause strife.” Felix explained to the fierce critter on his arm.

After a good few moments of quiet battling, the rabbit jumped down letting Felix move freely. Felix out stretched his arm and gently touched the quivering yellow ball of fluff. She shot her head up looking face to face with Felix. A few moments passed with nothing, but the gentle touch continuing in silence. Felix decided it was time to break the flow of silence.

“My name is Felix. What’s your name?” He spoke to break some of the fear from the creature.

“My name’s Fluttershy…..” The small creature spoke behind her mane like a shy child. Her voice was so delicate it could not reach Felix's ears.

“I’m sorry. I couldn't make out what you said.”

“My name’s Fluttershy.” Felix still couldn't make it out.

Again, he asked but still got that too quiet and delicate voice. The rabbit intervened this time breaking the deadlock. The rabbit went into the cozy looking home and retrieved a customized notepad. It had some calligraphy etchings to show whose property it was. Felix read the name Fluttershy.

Her name is Fluttershy. Why am I not surprised by this?

“Nice to meet you, Fluttershy.” Felix stated “I hope I hadn't frightened you…… Did I scare you?”

She looked down, nodding, confirming a yes. Felix went from a knee to crossed leg sitting position.

“Why? Why did you kill the timber wolves? Why not run away?” Fluttershy looked a little hurt.

Not knowing what to say, Felix sat and looked to the dirt. “I’m sorry. I wouldn't have killed ‘em if not given a reason to.”

The memories washed back over Felix as if it were yesterday. One day, Felix had gone hunting with a few of his friends in Wisconsin. While they were sitting in their blind waiting for something to shot, Drew, one of Felix’s friends, had gotten sick. Two of the men in the group grabbed Drew and took him back to the cabin where they were staying. Felix and Scott, another friend and being the remaining two of the group, stayed back and broke down their set up. Scott went back to the truck leaving Felix to carry the rest of the equipment. As Felix was returning to the truck, he heard wails for help and the snarling of dogs. Wolves were the only thing he could think of. Felix dropped his bundle and grabbed his hunting rifle. He ran towards the truck. Once he reached the vehicle, he jumped into the flatbed. There had been eight wolves all standing around Scott. Each one was ready to strike. Felix immediately opened fire blasting one of the wolves away. Two wolves began bark and trying to snap at Felix, but the height advantage of the truck was winning that battle. Felix drew back on the bolt of his rifle and shot again killing another wolf. He primed his rifle again and fired. Three wolves lay dead. Felix was running out of bullets. He had used some to shoot the ground to startle the wolves and drive them back. After two more shots and two more dead, Felix was out of ammo. Three wolves remained. Felix’s adrenaline was still coursing through his veins driving the idea to jump down and strike. Felix drew his hunting knife ready to defend his friend. Felix walked into a pocket created by the presence of the remaining wolves. The action caused the wolves to surround him. One wolf pounced blasting Felix to his back. The wolf appeared to have pinned Felix on the ground. He rolled the punctured animal off of him. Felix sprang to his feet ready for the next one. The next wolf charged in snarling. Felix waited for it to approach. Felix had left his rifle strapped to his back. He removed it and held it as a club. All that time in high school playing baseball was finally paying off. The wolf was in range. Felix let his arms fly crashing the rifle into the side of the wolf’s skull. The beast died once the rifle stock impacted, caving in the skull, and crushing the brain inside. The last wolf didn’t do anything but stare. The stare between Felix and the Wolf felt like an eternity. After a few seconds, the wolf simply turned and walked away. Felix remembered Scott. As Felix pivoted to see Scott, he turned ghost white. Scott was slumped over on the driver’s side door. A massive laceration had severed his leg’s main artery. Scott lost too much blood. He was gone. Felix’s heroic actions were in vain.

“Scott?” Felix called out with a whimper.

No answer.

With a blood drained face, Felix vomited from the panic.

One of Felix’s best friends was dead.

Author's Note

So, hear it is! As said in the description, this is my first fanfic. I'll do my best to make it worth reading.

Strange World, Stranger Beginnings

Strange World
Chapter: 2

The name in Felix’s head kept ringing out echoing his mind.

Scot….Scot…Scot…

Fluttershy’s bravery welled up enough in her to poke Felix in the right thigh. Felix wagged his head shaking the last bits of the flashback away.

“Are you okay?” Fluttershy asked partial scared but with genuine concern.

“Yes. I’m fine. Just memories.” Felix was fearful to delve into his past. He did many things that he was not proud of. It scared him to look back like the women that looked back at Sodom. When she’d looked back at the destroyed town, she turned into a pillar of salt. Felix might not turn into a pillar of salt, but the memories petrify his body to do the same.

“Fluttershy?” Felix was now the one to question.

“Yes, Felix?”

“Would it be any trouble to spend the night here?” Felix hoped the answer would be…

“Not at all.” Fluttershy said with a partial smile.

Woah! That was unexpected. I need survey my pack and find out how bad the damages are. I hope that I can repair it.

“Before I let you inside though,” Fluttershy began, “I need you to gather some firewood for the fireplace. It can cold on these early spring nights.”

“No problem.” Felix spoke, but then had reality come crashing in.

WHAT?! EARLY SPRING?! IT WAS LATE FALL WHEN I LEFT!

“I’ll be back in a bit.” Felix promised.

“Thank you.” Fluttershy said over her shoulder as she returned to her home.

Alright. Just gotta keep cool. Before I went in, it was night. When I went through, it was late afternoon. I can get some answers from her, but for now I’m going to play it safe to avoid freaking Fluttershy out or any other people.

Felix went to the small extension of the house which appeared to serve the purpose of a shed. He opened the door finding a hand ax, a shovel, some stores of animal feed, and surprisingly a small glowing generator. Felix grabbed the hand ax. It was dangerously dull. He reached into his storage unit on his pack and retrieved the blade sharpener. Felix simply placed the blade within the grip of the sharpener. With three small beams firing simultaneously at the blade, it sharpened almost instantly. Felix took off one of his flight gloves and tested the sharpness with his thumbnail. The blade glided over his thumbnail shaving a small layer of his dead proteins.

“Perfect.” Felix spoke to no one but his prideful self. He loved his crazy gadgets.

Felix went to work by chopping some small logs to make them into manageable pieces. After an hour of chopping and precise cutting, he had gathered a sizable amount of firewood for Fluttershy.
Felix returned to Fluttershy’s cozy home after a short walk.

“Oh wonderful!” Fluttershy said cheerfully, “That should be plenty. Go and set the wood down on that rack next to fireplace. I’ll get us a fire going.”

“Allow me. I owe for allowing me in your home.” Felix said gratefully to his hostess.

Felix began by building a log-cabin-style wood pile. It worked best for Felix when building fires. After getting the wood into place, Felix reached into his coat pocket and retrieved a silver Zippo lighter. Felix flicked the extinguishing cap off the lighter, gave the sparking wheel a flick, and started the amazing fiery blaze. Fluttershy stood in wonder as Felix flicked the cap back into place snuffing out the man-made fire.

“How did you do that?” Fluttershy said slightly wide eyed. “ I've never seen anything start a fire besides lightening or magic.”

“Wait, magic?” Felix said annoyed. “Magic exists?”

“Why, yes! It does! The generator outside is what is powering my home as we speak. It’s what’s powering the lights. We’ve had such advancements develop only recently.”

Felix was stunned.

Magic?! First, crazy wooden dogs attack me. Now, I’m being told by a winged horse that magic exists. I’ve almost had my fill of craziness.

Having enough, Felix blurted out, “Where am I?”

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked quite puzzled.

“Okay. Let me tell you. I’m not from here. I flew after an object in my realm, went through a glowing ring, trudged through a forest, killed those dog things, and met you. Where am I? I mean this place. Where did I go to once I flew through the ring?”

“I’m not sure what you’re asking.” A bit of a pause filled in the gap of time. “Wait, I think I understand. You’re in Equestria.”
Felix was even more confused but at least he had a name to this place.

“Equestria?” Felix simply spoke.

The name is weird, but I shouldn't judge. I’m probably a huge freak to the rest of the beings in this realm.

Felix asked a different question. “What does the population consist of? I mean, what are you exactly?”
Fluttershy cocked her head sideways. She gave a suspicious look, and Felix was actually a little scared to have asked his question. He didn't want to hurt, anger, or scare Fluttershy, but he didn't know how to ask his question in a better manner. Felix was usually blunt.

After a few moments of questioning herself, she spoke. “I’m a Pegasus.” Fluttershy was now growing curious. “Can I ask the same of you? Where are you from? “What are you?” Fluttershy asked.

Oh snap. I was not expecting that.

“I’m from Earth, a planet that makes up our solar system. On this planet, there is a land mass that people live upon, much like you. The one I’m from is called America.” Felix spoke very carefully and clearly throughout that answer. Finishing his explanation, Felix concluded. “To answer your second question, I’m a human. We’re bipedal creature with increased intelligence.”

Fluttershy gave the exact same expression Felix gave earlier. They were both puzzled by each other’s origins. Still, Felix pressed on.

“I know I might seem dangerous or suspicious with my odd questions. I apologize. I’m so confused with what the portal in the sky did.” Felix admitted that this had messed with his thought process and logic. Felix believed himself too smart to not work out a problem or situation.

Fluttershy wanted to help Felix. She knew he was dangerous, but this isn’t the first time she dealt with new, dangerous, and exotic beings. Fluttershy knew that a friendship with Felix would help him adjust to being in a strange place.

“It’s alright.” Fluttershy reached out her hoof to touch Felix’s hand. “You’re new to this world, and I will do my best to make you feel welcome.”

Felix smiled. He felt a weight lift off him. “Thank you. I will not be a burden to you, and I will aid you in any way I can.”

“It’s no trouble at all! Are you hungry?” Fluttershy asked kind of motherly.

Felix was about to protest, but his stomach grumbled a low and long growl. Fluttershy took that grumble as a ‘yes’ to food. She flew into the kitchen to prepare a meal.

Felix stood there like a bump on a log until Fluttershy called out from the other room. “Felix, you can make yourself at home. You don’t have to stand there waiting for me.”

Felix did just that. He began to remove his jet pack with the cross straps that held the pack in place. After the straps were loosened, he undid the magnetic locks that firmly kept the pack on his back.

*ZAP

The pack fell loose dangling from the pack’s straps. His flight jacket unglued from his back. The undershirt, muscle suit, and flight jacket were the medium that acted as a cushion between the magnets on the jet pack and the magnets in Felix’s back. With the pack and flight jacket removed, Felix set them aside next to one of the walls of Fluttershy’s living room. He took out his blade and sharpener. Just like before, Felix attached the blade sharpener to his K-BAR. The blade was sharpened ready for use. He sheathed the blade. Felix removed his pistol making sure it slid properly on its tracks. Thankfully, no damages came to the pistol. Felix holstered his weapon then pulled out another. His CL4-STOCKED rifle was the next to be inspected. Unfortunately, the front sight was busted due to his crash. It’ll be extremely hard to accurately shoot until he straightens it out, literally. Next, he surveyed his pack. Felix reapplied his mask. The mask fired a green array of beams to scan the pack. Felix’s HUD light up telling him the status of the pack.

That’s not a good sign.

The left flight stabilizer was damaged from using S.T.R.E.A.M.E.R. Also, the air intake for his right jet was clogged with debris. That was easy to fix, but the stabilizer wasn't. The wiring was fine but the mechanism itself was damaged too greatly. It needed to be replaced completely.

Felix groaned as he thought.

Ah shit. I have no clue how advanced Fluttershy and her kind are. I could be in luck or very screwed.

Fluttershy witnessed the beams fire and Felix’s annoyed groan. She approached Felix saying dinner was ready. He followed her into the kitchen where some vegetable soup, fresh bread, and a cup of tea were present on the table. Fluttershy and Felix ate their shared meal and conversed a little. After the meal, Fluttershy began to clear the table. Felix shot up from his seat to help Fluttershy clean.

“You don’t have to help. You’re my guest.” The hosting Pegasus said with kindness in her words.

“Please allow me. I wish to help.”

Fluttershy was hesitant her being a humble hostess, but was soon relieved. She was happy to have the help once the cleaning got started. There were a lot of dishes used for their shared meal and previous ones throughout the day. With the kitchen clean and the fire stoked forming a beautiful glow, the two retired to the living room to sit and relax. After about an hour, Fluttershy yawned making it clear it was time for sleep. Felix went to his pack and placed his pistol and knife next to his pile of belongings. Fluttershy made her way up the stairs leading the way to the guest room. She pushed open the door to the small room. A small night stand, an empty closet, and a relatively small bed were all that sat in the room.

“Thank you.” The grateful man said to his hostess. “One thing?”

“What is it, Felix?”

“The bed doesn't look to be for someone of my size.”

“Oh dear, I’m sorry. I don’t have any beds bigger than this.” Fluttershy said apologetically.

Even though Felix didn't want to rude or a burden, he was right. Fluttershy’s head only came up to the bottom of Felix’s sternum. Her body size was not very large in comparison. If Felix had used the bed, his legs would hang off the side. Felix had an idea.

“Wait right here!” He called as he jumped down the stairs.

Felix ambled to his back. He retrieved the compact sleeping pad housed in one of the packs compartments. It was no bigger than his fist when not in use, but can easily be expanded to fit him comfortably on top. Once he retrieved his pad, Felix sprint up the stairs and approached the sleepy Pegasus. Felix situated himself on the far wall away from the door. Felix deactivated the pad compression so it can expand and come loose. Fluttershy asked if he needed anything else for the night. Since he didn't, she closed the door and went to her own room. Fluttershy snuggled into bed underneath her soft warm blanket. Felix decided it was a good idea to sleep. He lay down on the pad for only a minute before sleep overcame him. His nights were always dreamless.

*Quiet

*CRASH
*WOOD SPLINTERING

“AAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!” A loud feminine shriek rung out!

Felix shot awake. He looked about the still dark room. It was around two in the morning.

Was it only a dre…?!

*MORE WOOD SPLINTERING

“SHIT!” Felix arose from his pad and ran for the door. He burst through a few doors in the hallway before coming onto Fluttershy’s room. He busted in looking frantically throughout the room.

“Fluttershy!”

The window was open. Felix ran to the window seeing the scared Pegasus huddling her chickens, in their fenced in coup, trying to prevent a new band of timber wolves from devouring them.

“HANG ON!” Felix shouted.

Felix sprint through the house, grabbing his pistol and the hand ax he left beside the fireplace on his way out the front entrance. He took four steps outside and was immediately greeted by two of the wolves. He opened fire with multiple loud bangs ringing through the air. The wolves broke into pieces from the impact of the bullets crashing into their wooden bodies. He checked his ammo. He still had two rounds in the magazine. Felix didn't want to waste his bullets. Felix’s memory of failing to protect his friends and allies appeared in his head. A few seconds after concentrating his anger his muscles contracted then relaxed. His pupils dilated. He ran to the next wolf with rage in his eyes and ferocity in his swift movements. Felix went into a fury of rage. He swung wildly into the torso and back of his wooden foe. The wolf was brought down after Felix’s final bone crushing swing impacted the base of the neck. He swung for the same spot again. This time the swing decapitated his final wooden foe. Felix’s adrenaline ran dry after his moment in combat. His fury dimmed leaving him in a state of deep but controlled breathing. Luckily, there were only three wolves to kill because Felix, exhausted, dropped to a knee. He began to feel some pain in his right forearm. There was a broken claw jabbed into his skin. Felix gripped it with all his might and ripped it from his skin. He pulled out a roll of gauze tape and wrapped his arm to prevent bleeding.

Fluttershy was petrified from having to protect her chickens from those ghastly beasts. She lay in front of her chicken, hooves covering her head, and eyes clenched shut hoping that she wouldn't be next on Felix’s list. He walked up to Fluttershy with his pistol and ax holstered. Felix knelt down and hugged her.

I’m not going to let you get hurt. Never again.

Fluttershy rose slightly. She was a little stunned seeing Felix hugging her. She felt comforted by his embrace, but was still recovering from her frightful experience.

“Are you okay?” Felix asked worried for the small Pegasus’ well-being.

“I’ll be alright. Felix, you’re hurt!” Fluttershy said a shakily.

“Don’t worry. The stuff I wrapped my arm in will heal the wound quickly. I’ve had cuts and gashes that practically healed over night with this stuff applied to it.”

“Alright, but if you start to get worse, I’m taking you to the hospital.”

Felix said with a chuckle. “I can tell you guys don’t have many humans living here. I doubt they could really fix me.”

Felix, still holding Fluttershy in his arms, looked about the area. Two of the chickens had gotten killed by the timber wolves.

“I’m sorry for not getting outside sooner. I could have saved them.” Felix said disappointedly.

“It’s ok. You did your best to save them and me. If it weren't for you, I might have suffered the same fate.” Fluttershy looked up at Felix with a half-smile.

“Wait here. I’m going to go see if there are anymore. While I’m at it, I’ll bury the dead.” Felix began to rise.

“Okay, but please be back soon and stay safe.” She sounded genuine with her concern for Felix’s safety.

“Will do.”

I remember there was a shovel in the shed. I’ll go scope the area then bury the chickens. What a mess?

Felix walked to the shed around Fluttershy’s cottage. Once Felix reached the shed, he opened the door and began to look about for the shovel. It was pretty dark, but the moon was at a perfect angle for casting enough light to reveal the location of the shovel. It was located on the wall opposite of the door. He grabbed the shovel and walked back towards Fluttershy. He grabbed the dead chickens and walked out one hundred seventy-three yards from the cozy home. He found a nice clearing and began to hack the earth. Felix dug a semi-deep hole to prevent the smell of decay from luring anymore unwanted guests. Once finished, the lone man placed the corpses into the hole and buried them with the moved earth. Before returning to Fluttershy, Felix crossed himself and sprinkled a handful of dirt over the burial mound. Felix walked back to Fluttershy. He couldn't wait to see her still lying there with her legs underneath her. He feared that she could have been attacked again.

Fluttershy’s savior went to a knee. “It’s still dark. We should rest.”

Fluttershy didn't hesitate with a reply of a deep yawn. Felix took the initiative and walked back to the house. One small problem, Fluttershy struggled to move. She had taken a charge from one of the wolves and had received some damage due to being thrown into the wall. That impact is what caused the first crash that had woken Felix earlier.

Fluttershy had tried to stand but felt extremely sore. Felix turned to see her falter. The man trotted over to Fluttershy and scooped her up into his arms.

I was expecting her to be heavier. No offense.

“I’ll carry you. You seem to be in a bit of pain.”

Fluttershy was relieved to be carried. “Thank you.”

The two went into the house locking the front door. With Felix still carrying Fluttershy, he trudged up the stairs and down the hall leading to Fluttershy’s room. As he approached the archway to her room, Fluttershy stopped him.

“Felix?” The recovering mare asked.

“Yeah?”

“May I spend the night with you? If that’s ok, I mean.”

I’m not opposed to this.

Felix answered by turning around and walking towards the guest room. Fluttershy’s eyes began to grow heavy. She yawned once again this time with a small squeak.

Okay. I've watched her do that a few times, but that time it was adorable.

Felix lowered Fluttershy to his sleeping pad letting her get settled first. He snuggled behind her with his back towards the wall. Felix had stolen the blanket off the bed earlier. He covered Fluttershy in the blanket, but not himself. He was warm enough, and it seemed it was better to only cover her. It seemed awkward at first to her request sleeping in his temporary quarters. After settling next to her, Felix felt like cuddling with the soft yellow mare. He refrained from doing so to prevent a very awkward situation.

Why do I feel this way? IT’S RIDICULOUS! I’m a grown man. Why would I want to snuggle with a plushie-like being in a completely strange world?

Felix lied there awake for a few minutes thinking. His thoughts were broken when the yellow fluff ball stirred, rolled over, and cuddle into Felix’s chest. He almost couldn't contain how he felt. He simply put his arms around Fluttershy. He felt safe with her. Felix wanted to protect her. He wanted her to be safe. His days as a guardian have begun.

Communication is Key

Seems to Be Untrustworthy
Chapter: 3

Felix had a vivid dream his first night in Equestria. He dreamt of waking up in his large bed back on Earth or his Earth. Felix’s eyes opened slowly and saw a certain yellow fluff ball in front of his well-rested body. He reached out touch Fluttershy. He wished to intertwine his fingers with her soft mane.

Ashes.

Felix made contact with her soft fur, but something was amiss. The touch of Felix’s hand caused her form to turn to grey at a fast rate. The grey mass began crumble like ash. Ash was what she was becoming.

Ashes!

Felix lifted his torso, and as he did the bed fell from underneath him. He began to fall. He was falling and with nothing to aid him. No jets, no cushion, just his body. His natural born body was all that protected him. Felix was a split second from the ground, and tears streamed down his face. He knew he was dead.

WE ALL FALL DOWN!!!

“Ah!” Felix jolted awake. His eyes were wide open while he inhaled deep breathes through his nostrils. He was still lying in the cottage next to Fluttershy. She was sound asleep and huddled into Felix’s chest. It was an adorable sight. Felix looked about the guest room. The torrent of light splashed through the window illuminating the room. Felix didn’t want to get up in fear of disturbing Fluttershy. Felix just laid there not a muscle in motion except for his arm. He put his arm around her soft, warm body cuddling her.

She’s still here! Oh God, man! I hate dreams.

In return to Felix’s touch, she nuzzled into his chest and neck. The nuzzling caused her fur to tickle the man’s brawny chest. After a half-hour of lying on the mat, Fluttershy opened her turquoise eyes and yawned deeply. Felix greeted Fluttershy with smile when she looked upon the man. Felix removed his arm from her soft body feeling a little embarrassed. He didn’t want to make her uncomfortable.

“Sorry.” Felix said with a partial frown.

“It’s ok. I don’t mind.” The small Pegasus reassured him with a smile. It was time to get the day started. Fluttershy arose from the sleeping mat. She stretched her body starting with her legs and back. Fluttershy stood up, splayed out her wings, and gave them a few flaps. She rested them back down at her sides folded nicely.

Both Felix and Fluttershy left the guest room and made their way down stairs. Fluttershy went to the fridge to retrieve some ingredients for a nice hearty breakfast. When she opened the fridge, she recalled needing to go into town for groceries. A slightly annoyed sigh escaped the creamy yellow Pegasus’ lips.

“What’s up?” Felix asked Fluttershy as he entered the kitchen ducking under the archway.

“Well, I was going to make us some breakfast, but I had forgotten to go to the market yesterday. I guess we can head into town, eat, and get some shopping done if you wouldn’t mind joining me?”

“Sounds good to me.” Felix said as he went back upstairs to get his socks and boots. Felix furnished his foot gear, and returned to Fluttershy who was equipping herself with pair of saddlebags. The buckle matched the markings on her flank.

Felix feeling his curious nature peaking he proposed his question. “What do those strange markings mean?”

“Oh! You mean my Cutie Mark. It’s my special talent. I’m able to communicate with animals on a level that we can both understand.” Fluttershy stated proudly. She loved her animal friends dearly.

Felix stood there with a smile not knowing how to respond except for a simple ‘Okay.’ After getting situated, Felix and Fluttershy made their way out of the cottage and walked down the dirt road.

“Where are we going exactly?” Felix asked curiously.

“We’re heading into town towards the market.”

“What’s the name of the town?”

“Ponyville.”

“Sounds pleasant. Wait a minute.” Felix stopped Fluttershy. “Won’t the other folks get scared of me like you did? I am not exactly the friendliest looking person.”

“Don’t worry. It’ll be alright. My friends and I have seen some pretty dangerous beings. You’re very kind. I don’t see how you could harm anypony.” Fluttershy stated with a lot of confidence for a shy pony.

A few minutes after they left Fluttershy’s home the man and Pegasus reached Ponyville. At first, the citizens were fearful of Felix’s presence, but once they saw Fluttershy standing next to Felix everything turned out fine. Ponies greeted Felix like he was a long lost brother.

I like these ponies. They’re the nicest folks I’ve ever met.

The duo reached the market area. There were plenty of stalls full of produce and necessities for ponies to buy. Fluttershy pulled a list from her bag and examined it for the first item on the list. The first on the list was lettuce. Luckily the stall had another item on Fluttershy’s list the latter being cabbages. Felix grabbed a couple heads of lettuce and a couple cabbages. They went to the counter ready to finalize the purchase.

“Alrighty, then. The total will be seven bits.” The mare at the counter informed Fluttershy. The yellow Pegasus pulled out a small sack that jingled with metal metal. She opened it revealing solid gold coins.

“You guys use solid gold as currency?” Felix asked with his jaw almost scrapping the floor.

“We call them bits, but yes we do.” Fluttershy replied.

“My people hadn’t used gold for money for hundreds of years. This is incredible.” Felix was filled with awe while he examined one of the golden marvels.

Fluttershy and Felix made the trade with the shopkeeper and continued on with their grossing. Sometime later, the man and his hostess went to a small bakery called Sugar Cube Corner for some breakfast. They entered the shop and were greeted right away by a cyan colored mare with a reddish pink mane.

“Hello Mrs. Cake. How are you today?” Fluttershy asked with a smile.

“I’m doing just fine.” Her eyes went wide once she noticed Felix. “Who’s that?” Mrs. Cake whispered towards Fluttershy. She had a hint of worry in her voice.

“Oh! This is Felix. He crashed in the Everfree Forest yesterday, and he needed a place to stay. I was more than happy to help him.” Fluttershy wanted to leave out his somewhat violent methods with handling the wildlife.

“A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Cake.” Felix extended a hand towards the baker. She ducked a little from his hand. After a second of recovery, she grasped his hand the best she could and returned the gesture of polite introduction.

“What can I get you two?” Mrs. Cake asked getting her mind back on business.

“I’ll have a blueberry muffin, if that’s okay?” Fluttershy asked politely.

“Of course, dearie.” Mrs. Cake turned her attention to the bipedal creature. “And for you, sir?”

Felix looked at the glassed items. There was a wide variety of every kind of treat. After a quick pass of all the sweets he spotted his golden nugget. A lightly glazed, sugar coated, ring of dough sat before his eyes. Its dough was fried to perfection and it glistened in the light. It was begging to be eaten!

“I’ll take that marvel of a doughnut.” Felix said with sheer joy.

“No problem.” Mrs. Cake said while she grabbed the delicious treats for Fluttershy and Felix.

“Mrs. Cake?” Fluttershy asked. “Do you know where Pinkie is?”

“She’s with Rainbow Dash. I saw her leave with a bag of sorts. I suspect she’ll be pranking today.”

“Thank you.” Fluttershy said with a smile. She grabbed her bag of bits, but Mrs. Cake waved a hoof to dismiss them. It was on the house.

Felix and Fluttershy left Sugar Cube Corner with their treats in hand and hoof. They enjoyed it, but none more than Felix. He loved doughnuts with a burning passion. Felix stopped his walk to fully admire and savoir every delicious bite. Fluttershy turned the corner not noticing Felix had stopped. She let out a little yelp as she tripped. Felix shook himself from his indulgence and started to walk again to catch up to Fluttershy. She had been tripped by blue furred pony. He was well built, strong legged, and had a hint of hate in his eyes. He reached down into the saddlebag as he pinned Fluttershy to the dirt. The blue colored thug grabbed the bag of bits and had left Fluttershy on the street side. The blue colored pony turned the corner bumping Felix. The bump caused Felix to drop his treat into a small puddle next to a water spout.

You ruined it! You. Are. DEAD!

“YOU SON OF A BITCH!” Felix roared as he chased the thug down the street. Felix hadn’t notice the fact Fluttershy had been mugged, but was solely enraged by the loss of his doughnut. The thug and Felix were heading back towards the market as they sprint through the streets. The pony hurdled over obstacles to try and evade Felix but to no avail. Felix dodged the obstacles with little effort. The short sprint brought the two into the center of the marketplace. Felix continued to pump his arms and sprint with all his might to close the distance from his target. Felix was two and half feet from the thugs left flank. With a final push, Felix shoulder rammed the pony into the dirt knocking the thug off his feet into a tumble. Felix sprang to his feet and stood over his conquered foe. The man noticed the small coin bag with Fluttetshy’s Cutie Mark embroider on it. Felix grabbed the small sack and began his walk back towards Fluttershy. He saw more of a need to return the coin bag than to pummel his chased enemy. As Felix about faced, he felt a rough push on his upper back. Felix stumped but rolled to recover his standing position.

DO A BARREL ROLL!

Felix was laughing in his mind. Felix finished his roll and faced the now hostile thug.

“Give me the coin pouch, and I won’t bust your skull open.” The gruff thug demanded in a threatening tone.

“This isn’t yours, you brutish, asshole. I will do no such thing” Felix clenching his fists ready for a fight.

“I won’t ask again.” The thug replied “Hand it over.”

Felix gave a smug grin. “Make me.”

The commotion started to draw a large crowd. This only built the fire that Felix felt when fighting. The thug charged aiming to ram Felix square in the chest with his head. Felix rolled on his right shoulder to evade the charge. The thug skid to halt, turned around, and was ready to make a second charge. Felix knew what his adversary was going to do. As the thug charged, Felix prepared himself to jump at his foe. The thug was ten feet away when Felix leapt forward and dynamite kicked the brute in his right shoulder and neck. The blue colored pony flew through the air opposite Felix. The kick left the thug on ground. The brute was staggering to his feet. The thug was slightly dazed but wasn’t ready to give up the fight. Felix took the initiative this time and tackled the thug into a nearby wall. Felix allowed the pony to slowly slide off the wall and onto his side. The man knew his foe was defeated. Felix could have demolished this pony into a pulpy mess, but that would be a grievous thing to do especially in the strange world he inhabited. Felix satisfied with his work turned around ready to return to Fluttershy. As he turned, his chest was met with a bright lavender beam that shot Felix through the air. Felix crashed into the wall behind him. The impact had left a huge indent in the solid brick wall. If it weren’t for Felix’s synthetic muscle suit, he’d probably have all his bones shattered or be dead. The man was close to being taken out.

I…must… get… up…must… keep…fighting…

Felix was at one knee trying to resist defeat. Another blast collided with his left shoulder. Felix fell to his back in defeat.

Never mind.... I’m going to take a nap.

Before he fully embraced his sleep, a call out of his name could have been heard.

Fluttershy, I’m sorry.

8 Minutes Earlier: Fluttershy’s Perspective

As Fluttershy rounded the corner of the building, she had not realized she’d left Felix behind. A few steps after rounding the corner, Fluttershy had been tripped by a thick leg. She hit the ground with a small thud and a puff cloud of kicked up dirt. Fluttershy felt a heavy weight press into her side. She couldn’t move. ‘Oh no! Please get off me!’ Fluttershy screamed in her head. The presence of the weight had left her side vanished after a moment later. As the weight lifted, she heard jingling and heavy hoof steps sprinting away. Fluttershy arose from being pinned and looked around the corner after her attacker.

She witnessed the loss of Felix’s treat. He yelled out ‘YOU SON OF A BITCH!’ before chasing the blue colored thug towards the market. Fluttershy feared for Felix’s safety and went right away to find a familiar lavender Unicorn in her tree library. Fluttershy landed at Twilight’s library after her short flight and went right through the door without hesitation.

“Twilight!” Fluttershy called out with a cute and somewhat quiet scream.

“Fluttershy, what’s up?” The words left her mouth before she realized the Pegasus was in a frazzled state.

“Twilight some bully stole my bit pouch and ran off toward the market. You need to help, if that’s ok that is?” Fluttershy explained in a tone of pure exclamation before shying away with her last part of her request.

Twilight didn’t hesitate to aid her friend. She stood with her chest held up high ready for anything. “Let’s go.” Twilight spoke with utter coolness using the coping mechanism taught to her by Princess Cadence.

The Unicorn with the Pegasus in tow began their run towards the market. They ran for about three minutes before reaching a large crowd gathered in the north corner of the market area. Twilight pushed through the cheering crowd. The crowd roared ever time Felix maneuvered out of the way from the charging thug. Twilight witnessed the combat of the brutish animal on two legs. She charged her horn up causing a lavender aura to form around the bone protruding from her head. She took aim and was ready to fire at moment’s notice. Felix slammed the woozy blue thug into the wall and let him slide off the wall. Felix took the coins from his pocket grinning. As he turned around, Twilight let the charged beam fly. Felix took it dead in the chest. Twilight put plenty of power into the blast. She exerted enough force to throw the unknown-to-her creature into the wall making it dent inward. The creature had enough strength to prop himself on a knee. Twilight charged her horn once more and blasted the bipedal creature in his upper left torso. The blast caused the creature to fall to his back and force him to black out.

“Felix!” Fluttershy shouted as he laid there unconscious. She approached the sleeping man. She had tears on the corner of her eyes. Her new friend got blasted, but luckily wasn’t dead. Fluttershy could see his chest rising and falling.

“Twilight, why did you fire your beam at Felix?”

“I’m sorry. You think if you saw a whatever-he-is with your bit bag, you’d assume he was the culprit and the menace of the town.” Twilight said as she approached the Pegasus and the unconscious man. She was sorry for shooting the wrong individual and wanted to make it up to Fluttershy. “Let me take him back to the library. I could heal any injuries he might have, and let him rest there.”

Fluttershy took a second as she looked at Felix’s still form. She feared for his health. Not many beings could withstand a blast like that and not be injured. “Alright, Twilight, please take care of him. I need to return home to my animal friends, but once I’m done I’ll be back for Felix.”

Twilight gave Fluttershy a nod and levitated the man’s limp body along. Twilight gave Fluttershy a hug to reassure her that she will take good care of Felix. Felix wasn’t on the heavy side so Twilight had some ease carrying him. Twilight and Fluttershy went their separate ways for the time being.

Twilight wanted to return home as quickly as possible. She had left a good book to help Fluttershy and wanted to return to it. Twilight was thinking her nerdy thoughts of studying and reading before another idea popped in her head. ‘Felix is like nothing I’ve ever seen. Maybe I can study him while he’s still unconscious?’

With her sights set on studying, the Unicorn was itching to return to her library home even more than before.

Author's Note

I'm sorry it took so long, but I have this chapter, and I'm working diligently on chapter 4. Forgive me for the time I take. I proofread this thing a lot and bounce ideas off my head when I should add or change something. Enjoy.