Chapter 4

You know those moments in life when everything goes slow motion? Usually when crazy things or something stupid happens? Well, I’m here now watching as my fist slowly drift it’s way towards the Princess of Equestria’s face. I watch as the Princess looks at me with a confused look and slowly begins to step back. I see Twilight and her pet gecko look at me with shocked and horrified expressions. In the corner of my eye I see Kurt lunging at me, with outstretched hands it also appears to me that he’s yelling something but I don’t hear him.

Turning back towards the Princess I finally realize one thing, what I’m doing right now is a major mistake. And it finally dawns on me, that right before I cocked my arm back Kurt was telling me not to attack the Princess. But  I continue watching as my fist was just merely inches away from connecting with her jaw knowing that it’s too late to even try and stop myself, until I felt something wrap around my arms causing me to bring my right arm back away from Celestia’s face. Instantly the world spins back into normal speed, gasping I look down and see that Kurt is holding me in place.

“You’re scum! You hear me? You’re all scum to me!” I shouted through clenched teeth, “I just want to strangle you! I want to wrap my hands around your putrid throats and squeeze every bit of life out of you!”

I fought against Kurt’s hold, glaring at the Princess with pure hatred, but to my avail I failed. Kurt has always been the stronger one out of the two of us. “Lee, Lee just chill the heck out man!” Kurt shouted at me, I turned to face Kurt beads of sweat slowly making it’s way down my forehead, taking a few deep breaths I felt my heart rate calm down. My ragged breaths became smoother, taking one last  deep breath I felt Kurt let go and I dropped to my knees.

“Please Lee, forgive me for breaking this to you.” Said Celestia who was approaching me, “But you must understand that I can fix this.” This statement brought my attention back up to the monarch, “If you can give me one month, I might be able reenact the spell and send you two home.” I felt myself push off the ground as I stood back on my feet, wiping my chin with my sleeve I glared at the Princess,

A month... I’m going to be stuck in this God awful place for a month.

With a sigh I glanced over at Kurt, who nodded his head in agreement with the Princess. Turning back towards the monarch I nodded, “Don’t think this’ll change anything between us.” I said, “But thanks anyways.”

Celestia nodded, “I can understand why you’re angry.” I turned away from the Princess,

“Just please, leave me alone for now.” I said turning away from the Princess, “I don’t want to try and punch you again.” Celestia took a deep breath, looking down at Twilight she said,

“I believe it’s time I need to go Twilight, I have things I need to attend to back at Canterlot-”

“Yeah, like getting us the Hell out of here.” I snorted, glancing over at Twilight I saw that she was giving me a disapproving glare. I shrugged, “Hey, it’s true.” Twilight shook her head and turned her attention back over to the Princess,

“I understand Princess; I can take things over from here.” She said. Celestia tilted her head towards me and Kurt, “It’s been a pleasure to meet you Lee and... Sorry, but what is your name again?” She asked Kurt, who stood there looking dejected.

“My name is... Kurt.” He said. Hanging his head low, taking my gaze back over to Celestia I saw her mouth twist into a tiny smirk.

What a jerk!

With that she turned back towards Twilight, giving her one last nod. Her horn flared to life, seconds passed as the white aura that in wrapped the door and windows began to dissipate. The sight of the colors fading into nothing astound me, I’m never going to get use to this magic crap. I thought, with that the Monarch gave each of us one last nod before leaving.

Once I heard the door shut, I dropped to my knees and cradled my head in the palms of my hands. Taking a deep breath I brought my arms down, so that they swung limply at my sides. “Were going to be here for an entire month.” I sighed, “An entire month... Heh, what are we going to do now?”

“Where are we going to stay?” Kurt asked, Twilight sighed,

“Well... I believe I have some room in my basement.” She said, I raised an eyebrow at that. “But I don’t think I have enough space to house both of you.” I rolled my eyes,

“Well now, this just brings up a whole new problem. Where are we going to stay?” I asked, looking up at Twilight who was now standing by the staircase. I saw her slump down onto her haunches, letting out quiet hmm every now and again. After what felt like an eternity her face lit up,

“I believe Appleja- wait no... That wouldn’t work...There is Rarity-”

“No! I’m not going back over to her place.” I snapped, Twilight winced,

“What’s wrong with Rarity?” She asked. I sighed not wanting to think back to earlier I said,

“You don’t even wanna know. I get that she’s your friend, so let’s just please drop the subject before I say something I’ll regret.” Twilight looked slightly bewildered, but continued nonetheless.

“Uh, okay... Well, Pinkie has a lot of work going on at the moment, with baking and taking care of the Cake twins.” Twilight took a deep frustrated breath,

“What about Fluttershy?” Said Spike who was making his way over to the statue I dropped earlier “She’s always willing to take in some new animals.”

“Hey, we aren't animals.” Said Kurt, causing the dragon to sigh.

“What I mean is she will take care of anything that doesn’t have a place to stay.” Spike said, picking up the statue. He frowned at the sight of the broken ear. Looking over at Twilight, she nodded taking the statue in her magical glow. She then lifted the earpiece off the ground, bringing the two together she squinted her eyes in concentration. Within seconds the magical aura that encased the two objects began to glow brighter and brighter. Seconds passed, when the unicorn was finished she placed the statue back on the table looking good as new.

I stood there bewildered, Now only if I had some magic back at home. I wouldn’t need to buy so many Xbox controllers.

“Do you really think Fluttershy would allow either of us to stay with her?” Kurt asked, knocking me out of my amazed state.

“I don’t see why not.” Twilight said, standing back up. She made her way over to a nearby bookshelf. Snatching one of the books off the shelf she began flipping through the pages, “If you want I can go and ask her.”She asked without glancing up at either of us. Kurt smiled, scratching the back of his head he said,

“That would be great.” Slamming her book shut, Twilight placed it back in it’s designated location.

“It’s official then. I’ll go ask Fluttershy while you two stay here, and make yourselves comfortable.” Twilight’s horn flared to life, but before anything happened. It died down and she looked at the two of us with a serious expression. “One last thing before I go. Don’t. Touch. Anything!” Kurt and I flinched. “Besides the books,” She continued, her magic returning. “Even then, put them back when you’re done!” With that a bright light enveloped Twilight and she was gone. Leaving Kurt and I alone with the Dragon who sat by the statue, stretching his arms he stood up.

“I think I’m going to go to bed.” Spike said, scratching his back he looked over at us. “Just warning you two.” He said, “I would seriously not touch anything. You don’t want to see Twilight when she’s angry, trust me.” With that the Dragon stretched his legs and began heading upstairs. I sighed, unslinging my bags off my shoulder. A tremendous wave of relief swept through me as their weight fell off my shoulder. Taking a deep breath, I sat on the hard wooden floor and rubbed the sides of my temples. I was distracted by the sound of childish giggles to my right. Raising an eyebrow I turned my head over to see an overly excited Kurt.

“What’s got you all riled up?” I asked, massaging my shoulder. At the sound of my voice Kurt stopped, looking over at me. I could see the expression on his face go from excitement to instant serious.

“Eh, wh-what I mean- Ahem.” He said pounding his chest. “N-nothing.” I rolled my eyes. He was having one of his Fanboy moments, I could just tell.

“Alright,” I said standing up, “I’m going to go have a look around. You... You just go do whatever you bronies ever dreamed of.” I said turning away from him I began heading towards the stairs. After a few strides I placed my foot on the extremely small step, which obviously wasn’t meant for human feet. I began heading up the steps, but was instantly stopped by Kurt’s voice,

“Whoa, whoa, you can’t go up there!” I glanced down at Kurt frowning I shook my head and decided to ignore him. “I’m being serious Lee, what if she has some type of secret or something up there!?” He pleaded, while following me up there.

“Well, she’s been keeping secrets from us for over two weeks now.” I said, Kurt stopped.

“Okay you gotta point there. But that doesn’t change the fact where trespassing in someone's room.” He said. Moments later I stood on the second floor of Twilight’s library, which wasn’t much. To my left was another set of stairs that led up to a bed that I assumed was Twilight’s. In front of me was an arched doorway that led to another room. Above that arch was again Twilight’s bed, around me I saw a few more bookshelves, a globe and other nicknacks. While observing my surroundings, my nostrils were struck by a peculiar odor which seemed to come from the room that had the arched doorway.

“Do you smell that?” I asked, ignoring Kurt’s previous statement. Kurt came up behind me, sticking his nose in the air he took a few sniffs.

“Yeah, what do you think it is?” He asked, knitting his brow and obviously growing curious.

“I don’t know, but I think it’s coming from back here.” I said cautiously making my way towards the arched doorway. Above me I heard an obnoxious snort. “What the heck was that!” I jumped back startled.

“Shh!” Kurt hissed, looking back I saw him crouch down. Pointing upwards with his index finger, I gazed upwards to see the dragon lying in what looked like a doggy bed. “He’s sleeping.” Kurt whispered. Looking over at Kurt I replied,

“You don’t think I already knew that?” Above me I heard Spike moan, turning my attention back over to the sleeping dragon I saw him rolling over in his bed.

“Keep your voice down!” Kurt hissed, “Now let’s go back downstairs before Twilight get’s back and notices we’re gone!” I waved my hand to the side silencing him.

“Not till I figure out what the heck that smell is.” Rolling his eyes Kurt said,

“Does it really matter? It’s just a smell.” Sighing I replied,

“Yes, it does matter. What if it’s some type of perfume, that none of her friends know about or something?” Kurt gave me an unconvincing look,

“Really now? And what are you going to do if it is? Blackmail her?”

“Of course!” I said a little too loud. Above me I heard Spike grumble something in his sleep,

“Shh!” Kurt shushed, shaking his head he asked, “Why?”

“Because she's one of the reasons why we’ve been here longer than we should have!” I said, Kurt face palmed.

“No she isn’t! It’s Celestia’s fault, and even then she said it was an accident.” He said, “Plus Lee, I don’t ever remember you being one that hold grudges.” I turned away from Kurt,

“Well then you haven’t known me long enough.” I said quietly making my way into the room while trying not to wake the sleeping dragon.

The room I entered was something beyond my wildest dreams. It was decently sized and filled with weird machines. Tables lined with bottles full of colorful liquids, a brewing table to my left sat in a corner. To my right was an Alchemy table that looked like something out of Skyrim. In front of me, however, was what caught my attention the most.

A lone test tube filled to the brim with a dark purple liquid, which was constantly bubbling. Even though the test tube had a large cork on top of it, it still released a strong odor. The tube was held up by a small stand, curious I decided to go and inspect this potion of some sorts. “Lee!” Kurt hissed from the other room. Turning back I said,

“What!”

“What’s in there?” He asked, pinching the bridge of my nose I took three deep breaths.

“Well I dunno?” I said sarcastically, “How about you come in here and tell me!”

“Come on man,” Kurt groaned, “you heard what Spike said, we don’t want to see Twilight angry.” Groaning in frustration, I looked over at the test tube then back over to where Kurt was.

“You know Kurt, you’re never going to accomplish anything in life if you don’t learn to face your fears.” I said, hoping that this cliche would actually give him the motivation to actually come in here and stop being a pansy.

“Fine,” I raised an eyebrow, wow it actually worked. I thought. “I’ll come in there but if anything stupid happens I’m blaming this all on you.”

“Go ahead, but what’s a small purple pony going to do me? Snuggle me to death?” I said rolling my eyes,

“Oh it’s not the pony you should be worried about.” Kurt said finally stepping in here, “It’s me you should be worried about.” He said giving me a stern look. I grinned,

“There’s the Kurt I like.” I said, turning away from him I turned my attention back over to the tube that laid idly on it’s stand.

“So that’s where the smell is coming from?” Kurt asked, nodding my head I began to approach the purple fizzy potion.

“What do you think it is?” I asked, bending down for a closer look.

“I dunno. Could be some type of love potion, or a poison, or something that can make zombies. Jesus I dunno Lee can we go now? We had our fill let’s get on outta here, before Twilight get’s back!” I glared at Kurt,

“Hold on, I’m not finished.” Reaching up with my hand, I went to grab the tube. Only to have my hand smacked away by Kurt.

“Didn’t you hear Twilight and Spike earlier!? They said, ‘Don’t. Touch. Anything!’” I brought my hand back rubbing it. Standing back up so I was back at eye level with Kurt I said,

“Come on man, I just want to check it out and quickly put it back. She won’t even notice. Trust me.” Kurt grasped onto my shoulders, looking me in the eyes he said,

“Lee we are talking about, an extremely OCD unicorn. A mare who organizes everything, and knows every single one of her books in this here library by heart. I think she’ll notice if someone touched one of her experiments.” I gently pushed myself away from Kurt,

“Come on, you read to many online stories.” Turning my attention back over to the potion I reached out to grab, again only to have my hand smacked away again. I sighed in frustration,

“Goddammit man, would you just chill out! Seriously, nothing bad is going to happen!” I snapped, Kurt sighed.

“I’m not willing to take any risks.” He said, making me pinch the bridge of my nose. Taking a deep breath I glanced outside the window that sat above the table. An idea forming in my mind, smiling I pulled on my best acting skills. Acting shocked, I pulled the most cliche trick in the cliche trick handbook,

“Oh crap! Is that Twilight outside!” Kurt spun around in shock,

“Oh no!” He said, quickly my arm flung towards the potion. Instead of grabbing it the top of my fingers bumped into the stand. Causing it to wobble, I could feel the knot forming in pit of my stomach. I watched the test tube wobble back and forth, every growing second I grew nervous. Praying to the All Mighty God himself, hoping that it wouldn’t fall. But before anything could happen. I saw Kurt reach out and grab it, stopping it from falling. I let out a sigh of relief,

“Phew, that was close.” I said rubbing my forehead with my sleeve, I felt an explosion of pain erupt out of the side of my stomach. All air was sucked out my lungs and I crumpled to my knees, “Ah!... God... Dangit!” I wheezed,

“That’s what you get for tricking me! And you almost caused the potion to fall!” He said, trying not to be too loud.

“Okay...” I said, gasping for air. “I... Kind of... Deserved that.”

“You think!?” Kurt sighed, “You know what, I’m going back downstairs.” Kurt said waving his arm at me, he began heading towards the door “You do whatever.” Clambering back onto my feet I glanced over at the potion, to my own astonishment. Something was happening, it began to glow slightly, whatever happened when I bumped it, must’ve stirred it or something. The odor that filled the room earlier seemed to grow thicker, stronger than it was before. Kurt stopped, “Do you smell that?” he asked. Looking at the now glowing potion I took a whiff, frowning I said,

“Smells alot like gasoline.” Kurt turned towards me confused, turning I met his gaze.

“Why would it smell like...” Kurt trailed off into silence. His eyes growing wide in fear,

“What,” I said turning to see what he’s so scared of. “Does the smell of... Gasoline... Terrify you...” I trailed off into silence, the now brightly glowing test tube blinded my eyes. I could now feel an immense heat coming off of it, for some reason it began to let off a low hum. Stepping back I shielded my eyes.

“Lee, I think we should go now!” Kurt said no longer hushing his voice.

“Yeah I think we sh-” I was cut off by a loud bang, an intense wave of heat and energy threw Kurt and I back. Wooden tables were now splintered projectiles, along with shards of glass and scrap metal from the machines. Lucky Kurt and I were standing in front of the arch way, because we were thrown into the other room and not into a wall.

Landing on the wooden floor with a thud, I groaned in pain. My body was sore and a few parts were burnt, bringing my hand up to my forehead I was lucky my eyebrows weren’t burnt off. “What in the name of Celestia was that!?” Spike shouted, now wide awake due to the explosion. Beside me I heard Kurt groan, pushing himself to his feet he began to say,

“Let’s go look around they said, let’s touch the purple potion they said! Exploded it did!” He moaned,

“You touched what!” Spike said, “I told you two not to touch anything!” Forcing myself up to my feet I said,

“Come on guys, it can’t be that bad.” I said grasping for straws now, turning around I continued, “Let’s go observe the damage and we... Oh crap...” In front of me was a large hole that was looking over a field that led to a forest in the distance, which was now littered with debris. Spike came down the stairs and made his way up to us.

“Oh, no, oh, no, no, no. This isn’t good! Not good at all!” Looking over the wreckage I sighed, glancing down at the young dragon I asked,

“Got any duct tape?”

:[-]:

“How could you two, cause so much damage in such a short period of time!?” Twilight roared, Kurt and I sat solemnly on the couch, in the library’s main room. Twilight began to pace around the room, “I leave you alone for ten minutes... Ten minutes! And you blew up a portion of my home!” Twilight took a deep breath. Sitting down she looked up at Kurt and I, “That was over eighty hours of research down the drain.” She whispered. Sighing I looked up at Twilight,

“What was that potion anyways?” I asked, getting up from where she sat Twilight made her way towards one of the bookshelves.

“Fertilizer,” She said grabbing another one of her books off the shelf. “I was creating a special type of fertilizer, that would enhance the growth speed of plants.” She explained, making her way back towards us with a book in her magic. She levitated it over to me, taking the book in hand I glanced down at it.

“It’s a fertilizer manual,” I said, “but the question I wanted to ask is, why did it blow up?” I asked handing the book back over to Twilight.

“Fertilizer is very explosive.” Twilight said, “At least my kind, but... It was still in it’s experimental stage. I didn’t even know if it was safe or not,” Kurt sighed,

“Don’t worry Twilight we’ll fix your experimentation room for you.” My eyes snapped towards Kurt,

“We’ll what!?” I asked, Twilight nodded.

“Of course, you will.” I frowned glancing back at Twilight, She knows the meme too? Shaking my head I stood up from the couch.

“Okay,” I said raising my hands. “We’ll fix your house. But the original reason on why we’re all here. Is to figure out who is staying with who?” Twilight nodded in agreement,

“Fine.” she said, I smiled.

“Okay good because I’m staying with you.” I said pointing my index finger at her, Twilight gave me an irritated look.

“Wh-what you can’t just say you’re going to stay with me!” She said, standing back onto her hooves. She shook her head. “I didn't even tell you what Fluttershy said.” I shrugged,

“Well what did she say?” I asked. Her ears flattening she said,

“Fluttershy said, since she’s taking care of a few new animals. She only has enough room to house one of you.” Smiling I said,

“It’s official then, I’m staying with you.” I said patting her on the back, I began heading down stairs.

“Hey, where are you going?” Kurt asked rising up from his seat,

“I’m going to go check out my new room.” I said waving goodbye to them while heading down the stairs.

I’d have to admit, the basement really wasn’t that bad. Despite it being pitch black, and littered with multiple objects, it was nice and cool down here. After about a few minutes of fumbling around in the darkness I finally found what I was searching for. Grasping the small string that hung from the ceiling, I pulled down on it. Only to blinded by the small light bulb above me, shielding my eyes I took a few steps back causing myself to stumble over a few boxes. After regaining my balance my vision adjusted to the lights.

Just as I thought the basement mostly consisted of storage, piles of boxes were stashed everywhere on all sides of the room. I saw an old bed in the far right corner of the room, stripped of sheets and blankets. Just an old stained mattress and a frame, just beside the bed stood what seemed to me as an old dry rotted nightstand. Better than nothing really. I thought,

Approaching the bed, I rested my hand on top of the it. I smiled at how soft it felt, it reminded me of my Aunt Nancy’s tempur pedic back at home. I sighed, the thought of being back home seeping back into my mind. “So... How do you like it?” Asked Spike ripping me out of my thoughts, turning around I grinned.

“Well... It’s not as good as my old room back home.” I said wiping my hand on my black jacket. “But it’ll do for now.” Nodding his head Spike said,

“Yeah, if you haven’t noticed Twilight and I mostly use this part of the house as storage. That bed over there use to be part of the old guest bedroom. Before Twilight converted it into her laboratory, which you blew up earlier. Which by the way I’ll admit was pretty cool.” I smiled,

“Yeah it was.” I agreed, Spike smiled,

"Well hope you have a good time here in Equestria.” He said,

“Yeah...” I said glancing around, “I’ll try my best.” I regrettably said. Before turning away to leave Spike pointed at my jacket.

“Oh by the way, you got grey on you.” He said, raising an eyebrow I glanced down. Only to see a large patch of dust that I appeared to have wiped on myself earlier! Cursing to myself I patted the dust off my jacket. Glancing back at the bed I frowned,

“This place is going to need a makeover before I go to bed.” I said to myself, taking a deep breath I took one last glance around the room, before getting ready to clean up.

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