Don't Hesitate

Chapter 14

Alex stood in in a spot light surrounded by darkness. It was thick and swelled in wisps that scrapped along the edges of the light, like a fog that had been tainted with chemicals. He craned his neck fearfully, searching the darkness. His eyes were freakishly large as they continued to their futile search, for anything that might bring his situation into light.

Sadly he was unwilling to move into the darkness so his choices for information gathering were extremely restricted. The most he could do was observe the sickly black fog as it slithered around the spotlight. A low hiss was continuously emitting from all round him. It was not like that of a snake, but that of pressurized gas escaping through a breached container. It's odorless mists threatening to overtake him.

More and more Alex felt his paranoia rising as he thought of the "what ifs"

"W-What the..."

Alex. A feminine voice addressed.

He wiped around to face the new voice but was only greeted with more dark mists.

"Who's there?! Show yourself!" He demanded into the thick fog. "Where am I?!"

Alex felt a cold sweat drop down his face and the hairs of his neck stand when another voice spoke.

A Human. A deeper voice noted.

Alex turned to face this voice as well but was quickly distracted by another.

Alexxssss'.

Soon He was assaulted by many more. Each and every one a different pitch and tone, but all terrifying. They seemingly came from every direction at once. Like he was in the center of a twister of insanity.

Hu-aman? Alex~

Rare. Alex?

Alex. A new Human. Alex.

Alex desperately wanted to flee but the only source of light was the one he was currently standing in. Like a child that was afraid of the dark he refused to leave it's center. It gave him a false sense of security.

"SHOW YOUSELF!" he shouted again with a cracked voice.

The voices continued to say his name from the shadows. Knees quivering he dropped down to the floor and covered his ears in horror. Despair had already been setting in and accelerated when he could hear them in his head.

"No,no,no..." He whimpered, tears welling in his eyes. "Please...stop..."

Helo' Alex.

Hello... Greetingsssssss'

Hi~ Hi Alex.

Hi... Wel-come.

Alex tears blurred his vision and gather on the floor. He could already feel how sore his throat was from sobbing. His vision blued further, he was going to blackout.

Farwell... SSSo long. Bye Alex.

Goodbye. Later.

Goodbye Alex.

Bye~

Goodbye Human.

*****

Alex sprung to life, launching the sheets that covered him. His breath was quick and heavy, like he had just run a marathon. He felt wet as if he had gone swimming in his sleep. He hoped he did not wet the bed, but soon realized he was sweating profusely and...

He lifted a shaking hand to his face. "Crying..."

The single tear he wiped away tuned into a small trickle. No matter how hard he tried it would not stop. Like a tap had been turned the salty liquid flowed freely.

"It was just a dream," He shakily reassured himself. "just a horrible, horrible dream."

A creak of hinges brought his attention to his right. He saw a purple head with green spines peek inside.

"Umm..." The reptile averted his gaze to the floor. "Twilight wanted me to tell you breakfast is ready."

"*sniff* Ya just... Let me get dressed." He tried to wipe away the tears again, before picking himself off the mattress he was sleeping on.

He quickly found his clothes next to him on the floor and dressed himself. "... I don't remember undressing."

At first he nothing of the words that left his mouth. He often talked to himself and thought out loud, more then once had it gotten him in trouble. However his mind further processed the sentence till finally he stopped himself.

"We will have words."

Alex stumbled out the door after dressing himself. A pleasant aroma wafted into his nose as he did so. The strong fresh sent of flowers, possibly lavender, emanated from his black hoodie. Upon further inspection he found out that written on the back in bold white letters was "Tail.", with a large arrow pointing directly into his crack.

"..." Alex flushed with embarrassment. "And I wore this all day yesterday..."

Reluctantly he kept it on and walked out the door, not bothering to put on his bandages, but stuffed a roll in his pocket regardless.. There was no point to hide it from Twilight but that did not mean he was going to expose himself to everyone's eyes.

"It's always good to have a backup."

Alex walked out of the room and into a large open area. Bright light filtered in through the windows gracing the living wood with warmth. Much to Alex's surprise the area was spotless. If he was not here last night he would have never guessed there had been a party. His best guess was some of the others stayed behind to clean up the mess. There would be no way for the ones living here to do it over night.

"Unless..." Alex paused for a thought. "Magic?"

Alex let out a long tired sigh. Rubbing his eyes in hopes to awaking from a dream. No such luck.

The disgruntled man moved through the room with a hand on his forehead in a vain attempt to suppress a lingering headache. Whilst doing so he walked through a large frame to which he remembered leading to the kitchen.

As soon as he passed through the opening a pungent aroma assaulted his senses. It's pleasant fragrance was familiar putting his mind at ease and casing his mouth to water.

"Good morning Alex!" Chimed a pony sitting at the table.

Alex jolted slightly, having been to absorbed to notice her there. He gave her a tired nod before moving to take a seat a cross from her. It was also at that time he noticed another pony in the room.

"The stallion behind the bandages reveals himself." She Teased.

"Can it," Alex grunted pulling back his wooden chair and taking a seat. "I don't want to hear it."

The mare only chuckled in response.

"Whats for breakfast?" Alex asked the pony he recalled as Twilight. "It smells good."

"Really?" She said in disbelief.

"Yes..." Alex answered slowly. "Why? Is there a problem?"

The mare shook her head quickly with her hands raised in surrender. "Oh no not at all! Just surprised that you would eat the same things as we do. I did not know what you would like since I know nothing of your species. Spike was insistent on making pancakes however and-"

"You do realize I ate cupcakes and other goodies last night right?" Alex interjected.

Alex was already beginning to feel a headache coming the second the mare opened her mouth. He was already regretting being revealed immensely to the pony. It was however a pleasant surprise that he did not wake up in a white sterile room strapped to a table surrounded by scientists ready to be dissected. He even counted it a blessing to wake up at all, but he believed that could be remedied at a moments notice. It was still a terrible situation he was in now. He could only hope that before the ponies try something he could find Walburn or Rade. The two of them would no doubt fair far better in this kind of situation.

The two of them together were much more versed in survival then Alex could ever hope to be. The only thing he could do was some mild desk work. Maybe the ponies need some fiances done and would hold of cutting him open. Alex only gave a mental grunt at the morbid humor.

"But you were terribly sick afterwards!" She blurted back, catching Alex's attention once more.

Alex rubbed his temples out of frustration. "That's because I had to much, I am sure."

"I am not so sure." The crimson maned mare spoke. "You look like you were just chewed out by something from Tatarus. You look really pale too."

Alex waved her off. "Alright first, neither of you have ever seen a Human before, so how the fuck do know how my skin is supposed to look? Second, I just had a rough night in terms of sleep, that's all."

Twilight and Fury exchanged a set of worried glances as the pitter patter of a feet approached. A plate containing heaping pile of fluffy pancakes was set down in front of them all. Alex inhaled deeply allowing the heavenly aroma to enter his lungs. Greatly satisfied with the scent he took a fork in hand eager to devour the contents of the plate ware. His fork was mere centimeters from the target with it was caught in a magenta aura. Alex at first paid it no mind and attempted to force the utensil into the delectable item. It did not move.

"What if you throw up again?" Twilight asked with a bit of force in her voice.

"Then I eat something else and hope that stays down... Repeat."

"That is not-!"

Alex noticed the invisible force weaken and seized the moment to grab a mouthful of pancakes. instantly he felt the taste he had been craving quenched. The warm fluffy texture of the golden brown delicacy was accompanied by the sweet thick weight of the syrup that coated and drenched it's insides. Like a sponge, the pancakes had absorbed the delicious sweet substance, creating the perfect blend of sweet. Not at all like those cupcakes that could induce diabetes with a single bight.

"I think he likes it." Spike said who had since then had been content to watch them.

*****

Walburn exited with Everfree forest with a smile on his face and a hop in his step. His illusion of a pony beaming with happiness and wonder as he did so. Things had been going extraordinarily well for him. This world he had found himself in was far more vibrant and lively then his own, around every bend was something new and wonderful for him to discover. Over every hill there was something to experience he had never done before. Behind every door was a new person he could become friends with. The possibilities were as vast and endless as the universe. It was so overwhelming when he thought of it, but no less exciting.

As he entered the town again he saw the streets flooded with color and life. It was an ocean of bright reds, blues, pinks and every other color he could imagine, and more. He wasted no time and walked among them scanning from left to right, right to left, trying to take it all in. There were so many others besides him in the open. He felt small, like a single ant among a colony of workers. His father had often spoken of other small communities in the wastes. He said it was when people assemble into larger groups they settle and work together to survive as a whole. Walburn was always overjoyed with idea that he could someday be a part of a community like what his father had described. However the more Walburn looked at the community the more he felt like his father was wrong. They did not appear to be surviving but rather... Living.

Much of the space that could be used for crops or herbs was instead used for stone walkways and flower beds, A waste of space if he ever saw one. He also was unable to spoke and funnels or barrels that might be used to catch water. It was almost as if the ponies did not have to worry about any of the things they would need to survive. Walburn theorized that the ponies must live in a kinder more peaceful land for them to neglect implementing these basic means of survival.

"This truly is a different world." Walburn whispered to himself, amazed. "To be able to live with no worry must be nice."

'I gather your world was harsher?' Sentinel asked telepathically.

'In the ruin of a city I called home, I was alone for most of my life, with only the dead that walked the streets to keep me company. There was many a day I was almost eaten or died of dehydration or starvation. Everyday was a battle to survive, before my father found me and after he left.'

'Your father... Found you? What does that entail exactly?'

Walburn turned his head until his eye locked with those of orange mare behind a stand. He smiled and waved at her and she did the same.'My father and I are not bound by blood. He found me when I was on death's door and saved me. He took me in as his son and taught me many things as he protected me. Those four years were the best of my life.'

I see... That is regrettable to hear. Do you... Enjoy this world?

'Oh Very much!'

'That is good to hear- Look out!'

Walburn collided head on with another body. Walburn body being both heavier and stronger, only stumbled back a few steps. While on the other hand, the other pony fell flat on there rump. A high pitched yelp was heard as she hit the hard stone.

'Is she alright?' Sentinel asked, concerned.

Walburn went to reach out his left hand but quickly switched to his right. "I'm sorry, I was not watching were I was going, are you alright?"

The mare in question nodded but was tentative to grab his hand. "Ah um... ya.. thanks." The mare hid her face behind her long pink mane. Walburn left his hand outstretched for the mare as Sentinel advised it the gentle colt thing to do for a fair maiden, he did not know why though. Many seconds passed without either of the two doing anything.

'Sentinel she is not taking my hand.'

'Strange... The mares in my day always desired a noble knight like figure in their life... Perhaps your attire is having a negative effect.'

'Why would they desire a knight? as far as I can tell they have no fear for danger... What's wrong with my clothes?'

'...Everything.'

Walburn felt pressure on his hand, bringing his attention back. Without further ado he pulled the mare to her hooves.

"Thank you..." The shy mare paused, looking at his face. "Are... you new here?"

'Bow.'

Walburn did as instructed and bowed. "Yes I am. My name is Walburn."

"Wall... Burn?" The mare blinked. "That's... A nice name."

'Ask her name dressing her as milady.'

'I don't know about this Sentinel. I don't understand what you are trying to get me to do and she looks uneasy. I don't think she wants to-'

'Walburn, believe in me. I know the ways on how to woo any mare. If you follow my instruction any heart would open up to you.

Walburn did not respond. His father had taught him many things when he was around. Basic magic and survival being the chief subjects. He taught also taught him that friends were very important. If what Sentinel said was true then he could help him make more friends easier. Without his help it would be much more difficult as he had almost no experience in friendship.Without hesitation he follow his instruction word for word.

"And may I have the pleasure of knowing your name Milady?" Walburn lowered his head.

"It's... Um... Fluttershy."

"That is a lovely name," Walburn chimed, taking one of her hands in his own. He then gave the back of her hand a light peck.

'Excellent. Now apologize if you were to 'bold' and make an excuse to leave.'

"I beg your pardon if I was rude but I must be on my way. I need to find the library."

"You could come with me..." The Fluttershy said quietly. "If that's ok with you... I mean."

'...This is going far better then I imagined. You have a natural talent for this.'

'Thanks! With your help I'll make many friends in not time!' Walburn thought happily.

'Yes so long as you... Wait friends?'

"Thank you Fluttershy." Walburn bowed once more for good measure. "Please lead the way."

*****

"So I'm going to reintroduce myself to your friends?" Alex said while he slumped into a reading chair. "are you sure I'm not going to get cut open?"

"I told you that won't happen." Twilight sighed, placing a book on a self. "You are disturbingly attached to the idea."

"I guess I'm just paranoid." Alex snorted, not bothering to hide his sour mood. Twilight had decided it would be a good idea to reveal him to her closest friends, who were apparently "Elements of Harmony". Alex had no idea what "Elements of Harmony" were but Twilight made them sound important. If he were to leave a good impression on them it might improve his current position considerably. Or that's what Alex believed, he had already held one of them at knife point. The fact that she was so adamant on getting friendly with him was cause for concern, but what was most ominous was she was convinced he was someone else.

Someone so famous, so important that she was forget the knife incident. Alex felt a cold sweat roll across the back of his neck. The though on what could happen to him if they realized he was not who they thought he was... frightening to say the least.

'Pretend to be something I have no knowledge of and potentially get caught, or come clean right away and risk losing the only leverage I have.' Alex sighed, weighing the two choices in his head. 'Acting to be this "student" might be my best bet to stay out of trouble, but if... When I am discovered it will only make things worse. I'd just be digging myself a deeper grave.' Feeling a migraine coming Alex started messaging his temples. 'Coming clean my prove myself to them as trustworthy, but then Twilight may act on my violence last night.'

Alex continued to mull over his thoughts. Focusing all his attention inwards, the world around started to fade away. He was completely unaware of what was happening around him. No sound reached him in his deep hypnotic trance. All track of time was lost, for all he knew he was at it for hours on end.

'Alex.'

"What?" Alex jumped at the sound of a soft feminine voice. He observed the room to find no one there. Twilight Spike and the other mare were no where to be seen. In fact Alex was unsure where he was. Last time he check he was in a hollow tree that served as a library and home. Instead of seeing the lively wood walls he saw plain grey panels. The warm natural light was replaced with that of its the harsh fluorescent counter part. The low hum of the electricity running through the bright rods buzzed in his hears.

Alex sifted uncomfortably in his now hard wood chair, taking in his new surroundings. It was a square room with a plain beige couch a coffee table, book shelf and the chair he sat in. Everything in the small room was lit to the point of being painful. The powerful light on head must have been put on the highest possible setting, but for what purpose Alex could not know.

"W-What?" Alex said aloud, blinking rapidly. He rubbed his eyes but the scene did not change and as he regarded the room a small smile crept onto his face. He began to laugh. It started slow and mirthful, with short chuckles with him holding a hand to his mouth to contain them. Then it moved on to something a little more earnest, taking in larger breaths to push it even further until it became hysterical.

"That's it!" He shouted, between labored breaths. "It was a dream! How could it not have been?!" He said assuring himself. "Stranded in a world of Technicolor ponies, after being taken there by a metal giant and a necromancer," He snorted stiffing another laugh. "that's ridiculous! Hilarious even! Too even think I believed for one moment that it was true! How stupid of me, how could I ever have fallen for it!?"

"Because it is true."

Alex felt his laughter catch in his throat. Someone was in the room with him. Slowly Alex Brought his anxious gaze upon that "someone." Sitting directly across from him, in the couch that had been until now vacant, was a man. A human. Dressed with a sharp black suit and red tie, he sipped away at the contents of a mug. His bald head offended his eyes as the light glared off it. Giving Alex a long silent stare from behind a pair of circular spectacles.

"It was all very real." He said clearly. "If anything this is the dream."

"Where am I?" Alex stuttered, feeling all the more anxious. "Why did you take me here?"

"I did not take you anywhere." The man took another sip from his mug. "You let yourself in, knowingly or otherwise. But to answer your question you are nowhere. This space has no name."

"... T-This can't be happening..." Alex cupped his head in his hands.

There was a long silence as the bald man took another drink from his mug. "Alex... Truth be told I need your help." He placed his mug down on a coaster. "And I believe I can help you in turn."

Alex did not lift his head. "And what could /I' possible help you with? I have no skills or specialties that could be of any help to anyone."

"Oh on the contrary, you have many." The man stated folding his hands on his knees. "The fact that you were able to enter here with no knowledge or effort proves it. You maybe the only one that can help me." Alex kept his head down but waved a hand for him to continue. "I need you to be someone your not Alex. I need you to be his 'student'."

A long silence and tension droned on after those final words. A silence so silent a pin could have been heard hitting the floor in the hallway. A tension so think it could have been cut with a knife and spread on toast. It continued before Alex chuckled.

"I was afraid you would say that..." Alex said in a dry raspy voice.

"I was afraid you would not listen." He leaned forward. "I need you Alex, you are the only one I can trust with this. What do you say?"

Alex finally lifted his head revealing a pair of tired eyes. "But why? Do you even know me?"

"I trust you infinitely more then anyone else on this world Alex, and I do know you... Just not a whole lot."

"... Do I know you?"

"... Unlikely, my name is Kyle, Kyle Shinz." Kyle reached out a hand and Alex shook it. "I need your answer Alex."

"But I don't know a thing about this 'student' or what he studied to make him so special. I don't think I could fill the part."

"No you can." Kyle assured. "Being Human alone fills out about half the act itself. Then you just need to know a few names and places and everything should fit. We can worry about the major details later, for know we need to convince that Twilight and her friends that you are really him."

"Can't you do it? You are human to after all."

"I am not Human anymore, I can't fill the part. I only Appear Human in this space."

"Ok... Assuming if I take his task and it does succeed. What do you get out of this?" Alex asked sincerely curious.

"I... Want to protect someone. Someone I hold very dear."

"And you would be willing to throw me under the bus to do it?"

The man shook his head slowly. "You don't need to worry about that. If you die then it would all be for naught. The thing I want to protect this person from is not a physical out going threat, but a potentially physiological one. I would be supporting you from afar in a variety of ways, so that no harm befalls you."

Alex thought about what Kyle said. The mysterious man had spoken much on a topic he had been pondering in the library. The timing was a bit too good to be true, but his words seemed sincere and truthful. His goal seemed selfless enough and he did not look like someone who had it out for him. With no other option before him it looked like the best possible solution.

"Alright," Alex sighed. "What do I have to do?"

"You don't have to change your name, seeing as how that would be odd if you did, but you do need to know the name of your teacher. His name is Strider and he taught you for about four years from when you were about seven or eight till you were twelve. He would have taught you how to survive and repair small mechanical devices."

Alex eyes twitched and a thick line of white flash across his vision. It was becoming increasingly hard for him to see as it thinned and thickened like static on a TV about to loose connection.

"Looks ***** are**** Time." The man spoke. "We **** ** Details***** Later"

Alex tried to say something but the static made it hard to think. He was unable to hear the mans words or his, if they even did come out. The last thing he say was a distorted image of the man smiling at him with his sharp blue eyes. Alex was at that point unable hear anything but static but he could have guest what he was saying.

*****

"Your... Welcome..." Alex slurred, his vision returning to reality. The plan grey panels disappeared and in there place the lush brown wood returned. The hard chair he had been sitting in softened to that of the comfortable reading chair he slumped in.