Bond’s between worlds ch 4

By Foxgear

(July 4th, 1988 Nico’s log

A month and a day have passed, which is oddly specific really, my relationship with Ms. Applejane has… changed, significantly. I think after saving her I have unintentionally gained her affections. Many a morning I have found her curled up on my side after a late night visit. I’m not sure her parents know of our relationship as I have not informed them of it and neither has she from what I can tell. Mr. Bailey might know. I see him give me a knowing grin when he sees us together.

Lately, Applejane has been preparing for the local rodeo held in the city this weekend. The Fourth of July rodeo is what it’s called and it is a very big deal to all the folks on the farm and in town and the entire country from what I hear around the yard.

Applejane has seen it fit to bring me along to the rodeo, as a helper officially, but that’s not the main reason I will be attending.

I think Luna will be there, Applejane said she invited both Luna and Celestia, but Celestia had somewhere else to be. Luna said she was bringing a special friend. Applejane seems worried about that for some reason.

As of yet, there have not been any monster attacks, but there’s something in the air, I can feel it. There’s magic in the wind and it makes me worried about what is to come.

Till then I will try to enjoy my first rodeo, for Applejane’s sake.

End of log)

The doors of the Chevy truck slammed shut as they all climbed out into the rodeo stables. The air was electric with competition and there were cowboy hats and boots as far as the eye could see. Nico touched the brim of his new hat, a gift from Applejane; she said he would need it if he didn’t want to feel out of place. She was right. He would have felt out of place in anything else.

“Let’s get Abi out and ready to go,” Applejane shouted over the noise of the arena as she led the mare out of the trailer. Abi was the mare stationed next to Booster, the stallion Nico helped tamed. Booster has been asking if he could be set with Abi when the mating season rolled around. Nico pitched the idea to Applejane and she seemed ok with it.

They walked Abi to her stable while Bailey went to park the truck and trailer. Nico carrying Applejane’s saddle and other gear.

“Applejane, Nico, over here!” Someone yelled over the crowd. They both looked through the throng of people to see Luna waving excitedly. Applejane grumbled and sighed while blushing at Luna’s outfit, which was drawing a lot of attention from everybody, male or female, though defiantly more male. Luna wore white cowgirl boots, a short white skirt, a white vest, white hat, everything was white.

Under her breath Nico heard Applejane say, “Celestia isn’t here, why is she wearing that ridiculous outfit?”

Luna and Celestia had a theme of wearing clothes that contrasted their skin tones, Celestia mostly wore black, while Luna wore white. Applejane didn’t mind their little theme, but Luna’s clothes… just stuck out too much, especially with that short skirt.

“Hi Luna,” Applejane said as Nico set the saddle and gear down to open the gate to the stall. “You’re looking… good.”

“I guess I went a little overboard,” Luna replied embarrassed, pressing down the hem of her skirt. It was clearly new, as was the rest of her outfit.

“Why are you so dolled up? A pair of jeans and a button up would have been fine or some short shorts if you thought it was too hot. Also white stains easily and this a rodeo… so what’s the occasion? Does this have to do with your special friend you invited?”

Luna’s face was completely red as she pulled at the edge of her skirt, “You could say that. You remember when…”

“Hey AJ!” A frilly blur came fly by and tackled Applejane or at least tried too. The farm girl was able to hoist her would be attacker up with a small amount of effort. When AJ set the person aside two things were clear, one the person was female and two she was rather clingy.

“Cherry Jubilee! I told you not to do that! You almost made me pull on Abi’s reigns!” AJ huffed angrily at the red haired girl. Cherry gave her a buttery lipped pout as she folded her hands between her skirts and leaned forward, showing off her assets, “Oh I’m sorry Janie, I was just so certain you’d catch me, please forgive me?”

“You know that don’t work on me,” AJ frowned at the redhead. Cherry Jubilee was her neighbor/classmate/rival when it came to selling their wares. Her family sold Apple’s, Cherry’s family sold cherries; it was a friendly rivalry, but a rivalry none the less.

Her temper waning Applejane noticed Cherry wasn’t wearing her riding clothes; instead, she wore an old western style blue dress with white frills and a small hat. The whole ensemble looked straight out of little house on the prairie.

“Are you not competing this year,” Applejane questioned, “Also you trying to look like Ann Oakley or something?”

Cherry smirked and twirled to show off her dress, “I’ll have you know that I am competing this year and I will win looking like a proper western lady. This dress also doesn’t do badly for our cherry pastry sells either. The boys just can’t seem to get enough of me.”

(That’s because you have a window right over your chest!) Applejane grumbled inside, stealing glances at Nico, who wasn’t seemingly overly interested in Cherry. (I don’t get why I’m so relieved, but I am.) Her relationship was a bit strange with Nico, she couldn’t really say they were dating or maybe they were, they have seen each naked and slept in the same bed… but they only went on one date technically… ugh, she really didn’t want to think about it right now.

“Is this your new ranch hand I’ve heard so much about?” Cherry said turning her attention onto Nico. She stood on her toes, barely reaching his chin, and stared into Nico’s eyes. “Hmm… not overly handsome, but more handsome than most of our farm hands, Mr. Bailey talks about you a lot when he’s at the café for breakfast with my dad. I must say there is something… different about you.”

Nico stepped away from her, uncertain how to reply, “Um… thanks… Ms. Jubilee.”

“Oh, you can call me Cherry or Jubilee or Jubi or June or even Cherry pie if you want.” She said excitedly leaning closer to Nico.

(I want her to ring her neck so bad right now!) Applejane mentally raged as she got between Nico and Cherry.

“Alright that’s enough, Nico and I have to get Abi ready to go, I’ll see you in the arena Cherry. Nico, Luna, let’s go!”

Luna quickly grabbed AJ by the arm, “Wait! My… um, guest isn’t here yet! This is where I told we’d meet!”

“I’m right here Lunie,” A low voice drawled, a familiar voice that had Applejane and Nico staring wide-eyed as Ferocious of all people stood before them with his hands in his pocket, his leather coat tucked under his arm, and a cigarette in his mouth. He gave the two of them a halfhearted wave as he wrapped his arm around Luna’s shoulders. “Long time no see you two, how have you been?”

Applejane’s jaw was hanging wide open as she looked at Luna’s burning face and Ferocious’s crooked grin. “Oh god, you cannot be serious! Are you going out with this guy? Does Celestia know?”

Luna huddled closer to Ferocious trying to hide behind the tall man like a child being scolded by their parents. “Not exactly… what I mean is yes were dating, but no Celestia doesn’t know… can you not tell her either? I kind of want to do that myself.”

“When will that be?” AJ asked crossing her arms, making Luna squirm under her daunting stare.

“Soon… sometime… before August maybe…”

“Right… you do remember how we met this guy right?” She looked to Ferocious. “No offense, but you look like trouble, I also didn’t really like having a knife at my throat and then watch a gun being shoved down someone’s throat very much.”

“In my defense, your boyfriend there pulled the gun,” Ferocious retorted. Much to AJ’s charging.

“Nico’s not… I mean we… ugh! Just go take your seats! I got a horse to get ready!” Applejane took Abi’s reigns and headed for the stall.

After the gate closed, Nico, Luna, Ferocious, and Cherry looked at one another awkwardly. Cherry coughed and quietly excused herself, as she also needed to prepare for the rodeo. Nico picked up Applejane’s saddle and gear and walked to the pen.

“I’ll meet up with you guys after I help Applejane get set up.”

Luna nodded, “Ok, we’re in the first row in the middle on the west side. Come on Feri, let’s get some snacks!”

Nico waved as the two walked off, opening the gate to the stable and found Applejane brushing Abi’s mane with a burning red face. Wordlessly he went to work setting the blanket and then the saddle on Abi’s back, they never said a word to each other the entire time. Maybe they didn’t need to either. Giving the strap one last good tug Nico locked the saddle in place and double-checked everything. Satisfied he began to walk to the gate when Applejane called out to him.

“Thanks… I mean thanks for coming along and helping, it means a lot to me.” She pecked him on the cheek and went back to combing Abi’s mane, Nico found the scene oddly beautiful.

“Happy to help AJ, good luck out there,” Abi whinnied and he smiled, rolling his eyes, and patted her neck, “Good luck to you too Abi.”

Nico made his way to the stands passing by the bullpen, he caught a flash of white next to one of the bullpens. A brown haired man stood by the pen, the bull raging inside. Nico’s eyes narrowed on the man’s back, something didn’t feel right about him. He fought through the crowd, rushing towards the man but two cowboys grabbed him.

“Whoa boy, you can’t be back here unless your staff and you buddy are no rodeo clown,” A towering giant of a man chuckled as he pushed Nico out of the area. Nico leaned around the man trying to spot the man in white, but he was already gone.

“Who was that guy?”

The big man frowned as he looked back at the bullpen, seeing no one, “What man?”

“The man in the white coat,” Nico said impatiently to the big man, who was looking both amused and annoyed as he gave Nico a good shove. The equestrian staggered back, barely catching himself from falling over. He stared determinedly at the giant blocking his path.

“Look, buddy, it was probably one of the lab techs from the college studying the bulls, so there’s nothing to worry about. Now move along before I make you move along.”

Must have been his mind playing tricks on him he figured backing away from the big man, Nico resumed his walk to the stands. His mind plagued by the image of the man in the white coat. He didn’t know why it bothered him so much, but then again he didn’t have much love for the ponies in white coats, why should he have any more for men in white coats?

For a moment his mind wandered back to the night he arrived on earth, the night he drowned Madhoof in the river. He was certain he’d kill the mad doctor. After all, he only survived because he was found by the Apples. The first thing he did was he was able to walk was check the river and ask around to see if anyone saw anyone matching Madhoof’s discerption. No one saw him and there have been no rumors. Madhoof by all accounts was probably dead, but… Nico still had doubts sometimes. Madhoof wasn’t a foolish pony after all.

“Hey, Nico! Over here,” Luna shouted from her seat. Apparently, he was so lost in thought he didn’t even realize he was in the stands. Luna’s waving became frantic, so he doubled timed it over to her, spilling over one bag of popcorn and two sodas along the way. She sheepishly waved to his victims as he took a seat next to her and Ferocious.

“You maybe didn’t have come that quickly,” Luna said meekly as the people who had their snacks overturned continued to glare, “They haven’t even started the national anthem yet.”

Music began to play over the speakers and everyone began standing, removing their hats and placing their hands over their chests. Some people Nico noted stood differently with their arms flooded behind their backs, many of them wore caps or patches with the words veteran written on them, leaving him uncertain what to do as he wasn’t a veteran of this nation, but people thought he was.

(I suppose I should just stand normally, in a crowd of this size no one will know the difference.) He removed his hat and placed his hand on his chest as the announcer spoke through the speakers.

“Good evening and welcome to the twentieth annual Canterlot fourth of July rodeo! I remind all to stand if they are able and to remove their hats well the colors are flown. Here singing tonight’s anthem DUSTY TRAILS!”

A man on a horse began to parade around with a large red white and blue flag with stars and stripes as a man in a white cowboy hat took the stage. The man in white removed his hat and began to sing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZXcutxPxs0

The song was somber, the lyrics depicted a crystal-clear vision of the songwriter's vision, which was further capitalized on as fireworks lit up the evening sky. Next time Nico ran into Bailey he would defiantly ask the origins of the song.

With the song now over people returned to their seats and the staff began quickly setting up barrels and other obstacles as the singer from earlier sang a different song to keep the crowd entertained. It didn’t take the crew long to finish and as the song finished the announcer came back on the speakers.

“Thank you, cowboys and cowgirls, for your patience. Let’s give a big Canterlot welcome to this year’s competitors for the barrel races! Please give a hand for these younglings as they put their horse riding skills to the test! First up in alphabetical order is last year’s runner-up! Applejane Abigail Apple!”

“Applejane’s first huh,” Nico mumbled as he watched Applejane trotted around on Abi, smiling and waving to the crowd.

Luna playfully jabbed him in the side, “Well duh! Her initials are AAA! You can’t get any more first than that when going alphabetical order. It does make it harder for her though since she sets the base score for everyone else, it gives everyone behind her a chance to do better.”

“She got runner-up last year, so she just has to beat the winner from last year, right?” Ferocious said looking mildly interested in Applejane’s routine. He wasn’t much of a rodeo-goer, but he could applicate the obvious skill Applejane was displaying.

“Yeah, but Cherry was the champion last year and she and her horse May are really good!”

Nico ignored Ferocious’s and Luna’s banter and kept his eyes on Applejane and Abi. The two were running hard into the final stretch towards the high jump and Abi was tiring out. Applejane had pushed Abi too hard too early to shorten her time, but if she screwed up the jump she would be docked points. His fingers twitched, sparkling with magic as he debated on helping or not. A little jolt of energy was all Abi would need to clear the jump but… it would be cheating if he did that. Applejane wouldn’t want that, it would make her hard work worthless.

So… maybe he could do something else.

Standing up Nico took a deep, deep breath! His chest puffed out and filled to the max with air! Sucking in one last breath he let loose a loud deep roaring whinny! It was so loud that it rose over the noise of the crowd bringing the whole stadium to silence for a moment and then he sat down before anyone was the wiser. While many stood, staggered and confused he sat smugly as his whiny had the desired effected on Abi. The mare was running mad scared and she cleared the last hurdle with an inch to spare.

He chuckled in amusement as Abi continued to run, Applejane doing her best to ease her down to a trot, which Abi finally did after realizing there wasn’t anything chasing after her. The two came flying by, Applejane screaming, “Did ya all see that!” As she passed them. They waved and cheered as she returned to the starting position allowing the next contestant to go.

“Whooh! Go AJ!” Luna cheered excitedly. “I’d like to see Cherry beat that time! Did you see how fast Abi was going there at the end? That was amazing!”

“That it was,” Nico nodded in agreement, he looked to see Ferocious’s reaction, but the redhead’s yellow eyes weren’t aimed at the arena but at him. Ferocious looked… puzzled… maybe he saw what he did? Tipping his hat down Nico paid Ferocious no mind, it’s not like they could talk in the roaring crowd anyway. It would be a good idea to avoid doing anything with magic for a bit.

They sat through the rest of the competitors, each one trying their best to match Applejane’s score, but everyone falling short. Applejane’s win seemed assured until Cherry Jubilee trotted into the arena, the crowd went wild as she waved and blew kisses.

Cherry stood position at the start line and when the starting gun was fired she was off like a rocket! She and May were perfectly in sync as they weaved between barrels and cleared the low jumps with ease. It was clear she was pushing hard to beat Applejane’s score and it was becoming clear that she put herself in the same predicament Applejane did in the final stretch. May began to stagger halfway down the last lane, Cherry urging her faster, but the horse didn’t have it in her, she jumped, the edge of her back hoof tapped the bar. Cherry came to a stop staring at the scoreboard as the final scores were tallied and she came up second.

Gracefully she bowed from her saddle and Applejane rode up to meet her and extended her hand. The two girls shook and Applejane was called up to receive her medal.

“And this year’s winner is Miss Applejane Apple! Please, everyone, give her a big hand and to our other competitors! Now everyone please wait as we make room for our final and main event, bull riding!”

The crowd went wild and staffers quickly began throwing the barrels and obstacles onto a trailer to make room for the bull ride. While they were doing that Applejane trotted over to Nico and company with a big smile on her face and a gold medal in her hand.

“I won! Can you believe it!” She laughed trotted in circles. Nico smiled back, happy that she was happy. He was gonna have to keep his help a secret, not that she would believe him even if he did.

As the staff crew exited the arena Applejane followed suit after performing one last victory lap and was on her way to the gate when something unexpected happened. A loud bellowing moan came from the darkened entryway making Applejane call Abi to a halt. Her hands tight on the reins as she warily backed away from the gate. The crowd fell into a hushed murmur, wondering what was going on.

A bull, a big white Texas longhorn bull, came charging out of the entry way. The cowboy guarding the gate quickly leap out of the way as the bull blew through the gates and broke into the arena. It snorted angrily looking around, it’s gaze landed on Applejane and Abi, it kicked up dirt and went charging at them! Applejane spurred Abi ahead to get away, but the mare was tired from the competition and the bull was full of energy. The bull ran up close and swiped with its horn, catching Abi’s back leg! Abi fell and so did Applejane trapped beneath her horse.

Luna gasped and screamed, “APPLEJANE!” As the rodeo clowned tried to go and help the trapped girl. The bull snorted and sneered, but it didn’t go after the clowns, but instead turned keeping its attention on the trapped farm girl. Luna turned in a panic, “Nico what are… Nico? Where is he?” Ferocious stood and turned Luna back towards the arena where Nico already cleared the side and was jumping into the arena.

Applejane flinched as the bull snorted close to her face, it moaned in disgust as if the smell of her bothered it and it waved it's horned wildly around, knocking her hat after her head! She whimpered and hugged Abi’s neck tight, trying to keep her head down as possible. She’s seen what those horns do bull riders! She did not want to suffer the same fate as them!

The bull bellowed, she closed her eyes and buried her face in Abi’s neck, the bull’s hoof stomped on her hair, which had fallen loose from her braid. She felt the bull’s hoof raise up and she tried to get out from under Abi but the horse’s weight had her pinned!

“Come on, girl, get up! Get up please!” Applejane screamed patting Abi’s neck. The horse lets out a weak whiny and she tried to stand. Applejane’s leg gained a little room to move, but Abi fell back to the ground before she could free herself. Peering up Applejane stared into the raging eyes of the bull as it raised its massive hoof for another strike. She quivered fearfully and hugged Abi because there was nothing else she could do, she couldn’t get away! In the background, she heard the screams of her friends and the staffers running to try and help her, but none of them would get to her in time. She closed her eyes and waited…

…

…

A moment passed and then another and then a full three more seconds of nothing. No pain or anything. Maybe she died? Did the bull crush her skull and that was the end of it? She wiggled, the weight of Abi still pressed firmly against her leg, so she wasn’t dead, that was a relief. Opening her eyes, she looked up to see what stopped the bull and much to her shock and surprise Nico stood over her, his hands firmly gripped on the bull’s horns as he held the massive monster back! The bull kicked and bellowed, but Nico did not budge. He snarled right back at the bull, a primal snarl that didn’t sound remotely human or like anything Applejane had ever heard before.

Something wet touched her cheek, she wiped it absently mindedly with her finger, not totally sure what she was seeing was real. After all what man could hold back a one-ton bull? The wetness was saliva, Nico’s saliva, she could see it falling from his mouth. It was kind of gross, but then she took a closer look at her savior and realized that holding the bull back was not an easy feat. His muscles were bulging to the limit and she could see the vein in his arms, head, hands, anywhere there was skin. As amazing as Nico’s strength was it wasn’t going to last. He looked at her with glowing blue eyes and a tight jaw.

“GET HER OUT OF HERE!” He screamed straining against the bull, his boots skidding in the dirt as the bull began to gain the upper hand. Applejane struggled to pull herself from under Abi, but she couldn’t gain any leverage on the mare in her position. From behind them, dirt crunched as Ferocious jumped into the arena. He ran up to Applejane, hooking his arms under her armpits and lifted and pulled as two rodeo clowns rolled Abi off her leg.

She was free!

“We have to get out of here!” Ferocious yelled carrying over to the side of the arena, where to staffers quickly pulled her over the side gates, Ferocious and the two clowns climbed up after her, leaving Nico alone with the bull.

“What about Nico!” She demanded as paramedics rushed to her. She climbed towards the side, but Ferocious grabbed her and roughly dragged her back.

“I think he has this under control,” He said as they sat back and watched as Nico began maneuvering the bull away from Abi by twisting its horns. Nico continued to slide in the loose dirt and the bull pushed his advantage. Pushing Nico across the arena. The bull slammed him into the side making Nico lose his grip on the horns. The bull whipped its head catching Nico in the side and ripping his armored coat sending broken links of chain mail into the air.

Applejane held her hands to her mouth and screamed, “NICO!”

The bull lowered its head and charged, Nico standing his ground as it did, he lowered his stance and started running at the Bull much to the surprise of everyone. You did not charge a charging bull, it was hands down the stupidest thing you could do. The bull and Nico were nearly about to hit when Nico did the unexpected, he didn’t jump to the side like everyone else would have done, no, he jumped up stepping on the bull’s head and running up its body, then fell onto it’s back and slipped his hand into the rope wrapped around its neck and began to ride the mad bull like any foolhardy bull rider!

The only words Applejane could utter to describe what she just saw were, “holy shit!”

(Get off me! Get of me you damn bastard! I’ll kill you! I’ll kill all you two legs!) The bull screamed as it tried it’s hardest to buck Nico of its back. A feat that was proving very difficult as Nico used magic to max out his strength to beyond human, his grip was flattering anytime soon. Giving him plenty of time to figure out what the hell was going on. Starting with the fact he could understand the bull. Not only that but he could see wisps of inky purple/black magic seeping out of the bull’s skin, someone or something had infected it.

Gathering a sphere of blue magic in his free hand Nico slapped the bull’s shoulder, sending a zap of lightning into its body. The bull bellowed and buckled madly as it tried even harder to throw him off. His attack did have the desired effect as part of the bull’s body was clear of the infection.

“Sorry about this!” Gathering a bigger charge Nico slapped the Bull again and this time the bull’s legs gave out as it fell twitching to the ground, spazzing erratically as the electric shocks worked through its body. The bull’s chest heaved heavily as its eyes were wide open with fear.

Then it stopped moving.

Carefully Nico knelt next to the bull pressing his hand on top of its heart as it gave a final beat. He gave it too much of shock and sent it into cardiac arrest, a heart attack. The purple ink fell off the bull’s body and sunk into the ground. Nico clawed at it, his finger brushing the gunk, it felt tainted, like poisoned swamp water. He stood up searching the crowd for a similar energy, he spotted something that matched in the stands near where the bull had broken in.

A man in a white coat flashed into his view, but when he looked back, he was gone.

“Good show young man! Good show! I have never seen a bull ride quite like that in my entire life! If the clock had been running you just might have won gold!” A burly bearded man in a white suit and hat said, he kind of looked like the guy on the ad for that chicken restaurant he and Applejane stopped to eat at. The man took his hand and shook it with great strength, pulling Nico close, “Just go along with what I’m about to say, now what’s your name?”

“Nico Vega.”

“I’m Colonel, play along now.” Colonel whipped around to face the crowd, a big jolly smile on his face. “What a show ladies and gentlemen, what a show! Please give a hand for the talented bull riding talents of Nico Vega! Have you have seen such a feat of strength and skill displayed by a tumbleweed size of a man? Now that the preview is over, we’ll get right on with the bull riding here in just a moment! Please be patient. Old Blanco here is a little tuckered out.”

The crowd looked uncertain how to respond, but a wave of laughter and cheers erupted. Staffers quickly drove out in a truck and trailer and used a hoist to get the dead bull into the trailer, the men on the side moved the bull’s legs, trying to give the impression it was still alive. In the stands, Bailey herded Applejane and the others away, he looked at Nico and pointed up to the big glass box up in the stands.

“Come on kid,” Colonel said wrapping his arm around Nico’s shoulders, “We got to get this worked out. Don’t look so depressed either, smile for the crowd. They came to escape troubles and have a good time, we don’t want them to worry now do we?”

Uncomfortably Nico smiled and waved, none of what was happening was sitting well with him. From the look in Colonel’s eyes, he wasn’t happy about it either, but he still smiled widely.

Colonel led Nico up to the observation box where Bailey was waiting for them with Applejane, Luna, and Ferocious. A medic attended to Applejane while Bailey leaned against the wall looking upset. When they entered, Bailey walked over to the Colonel and glared down at the man, towering over him.

“You call my granddaughter almost dying a show Colonel?” Bailey spat grabbing the man in white by the collar, two staffers went to intervene but the Colonel held up a hand and stared down Bailey.

“I know old friend, but I didn’t want to drag the rodeo into a public debacle, I assure you I have no idea how old Blanco got out or why he was so crazed! He’s a rodeo bull sure, but he broke through his gate, the gate after that, and the gate after that! He was like a bulldozer without a rider there was just no stopping him! I was getting the gun ready when this young man jumped and… well, you saw him! I’m just trying to protect my people Bailey, you’d do the same.”

“I DON’T LIE!” Bailey lifted Colonel off the floor, the staffers began to move, but a hard glare from Bailey made them freeze in their tracks. Bailey was old, but he was a big solidly built man and it was clear he still processed a great amount of strength.

“Grandpa!” shouted Applejane suddenly, Bailey dropped Colonel looking ashamed as he kept his face turned from his granddaughter. However, anger seemed to run in the family as Applejane grabbed Colonel by the collar. “Ah don’t care about me, Ah’m fine, but what about mah horse!” She demanded her accent coming on thick with her rage.

“She’s fine!” Colonel shouted. “I have my best vets working on her, no charge, of course. she’ll live but I can’t say for certain if she’ll be able to compete like she used to, but she’ll still be a good breeder at the very least.” Applejane let him go and stepped back. “I want to see her.”

Colonel nodded, “Of course, my people will take you to her.” Applejane followed the man with Luna running after them. Colonel sighed as he pulled a cigar from his pocket and lit it. Taking a few calming puffs he sat down and looked at Bailey with sadness in his eyes. “You know I would never want this to happen, Bailey. I admit I love profits, I may embellish things now and then, but I would never, ever, want harm to come to any of my people or the competitors or any in the crowds. Old Blanco put a few riders in the ground, I knew that when I bought him, but for the five years I’ve owned him I made sure he didn’t get one foolhardy cowboy, not one! He was wild in the arena, but he was docile outside. I…I…do not know why he went wild, but you need to understand, I did NOT set this up! I am NOT my father! He ran a crooked show, but I do NOT!”

Bailey took a deep breath, his shoulders stooping as he sat in the chair across from Colonel. “I know,” He said, “I know. You wouldn’t do this. You’re not your old man.” He looked at his hands and closed them. “I try my best not to be mine. Nico take your greaser friend and go check on Applejane and I don’t know… go take her town or something, anything to take her mind off Abi. I’ll get things settled here. Just go… be young, but keep her safe. Not that you need me telling you that, you seem to be doing a pretty good job of it.” He said with a knowing wink.

At the stable they found Applejane and Luna tending to Abi, the mare’s leg was wrapped in a cast, Applejane stood brushing Abi’s mane whispering assurances in her ear.

Luna saw them approach. She came running down the alleyway wrapping Nico in a tight hug! “Oh, thank you, thank you, for saving AJ! You too Ferocious!” She chimed giving the red head a quick peck on the lips. “Come on, let’s go see AJ! She’s just over here.”

The three peered into the stable stall Applejane flashed them a soft smile and waved, before resuming her brushing. The weight of the attack finally hitting her as she mindlessly went about her task.

A nudge from behind sent Nico forward into the stable, his boots crunching the straw that lay on the floor. Gently he took Applejane’s hand and took her brush. “I think her mane is straight enough, let’s get you out of here. Bailey said he’ll watch after her.”

“Yeah, we were going to hang out after the rodeo remember?” Luna said cheerfully, her smile dipping after a few seconds. “I meant if you still want to…”

“We can go to my family’s restaurant, get some food, relax, even dance a bit if you want.” Ferocious chimed in. “It’ll be fun, and it’ll get your mind off things.”

Applejane touched Abi’s neck, there wasn’t much else she could do for Abi, nothing that would help her. But she still didn’t want to leave her. She reached for her brush, but Nico held it over her making her jump for it while he whispered into Abi’s ear. The mare whinnied, nodding along with whatever Nico was saying to her, and suddenly nudged Applejane out of the stable.

“What’s gotten into you girl?” She demanded as she tried to fight her way back in, but Abi was having none of it butted her head against Applejane’s chest, keeping her out, the mare snorted and stomped a hoof against the ground. Not giving any ground as Applejane tried to force her way into the stall.

“She says she fine and that you should go,” Nico said, gently pulling Applejane away from the stall door. Abi snorted and nodded in agreement, leaving Applejane flustered. It’s not every day your boyfriend and horse conspire against you.

“Alright, I’ll go,” Applejane said conceding defeat, at the same time as her stomach let out a loud growl. She turned red has she held her hand against her stomach. “I guess I’m a little hungry anyway.”

Everyone shared a laugh at her expense, even Abi, who let out a happy whinny as they walked away.

As they walked Applejane wrapped herself around Nico’s arm and laid her head against his shoulder. This would the second time he's saved her, hopefully, it didn’t become a habit, but she found comfort in the fact he had been there.

“Thank you for saving me, and Abi.”

Nico smiled as he leaned his head against hers, “Anytime AJ, anytime.”

Ferocious’s family restaurant was so much a restaurant as per say a bar… on top of that, it was a biker bar. Motorcycles lined the outside, men and women were dressed head to toe in leather and there differently at least one if not more, clearly identifiable biker gangs present. Making it a very awkward meal as the underage Applejane huddled close to Nico. Glaring at her friend who was obviously not upset by their surroundings, meaning she’s been here before.

“So… Ferocious… when were you going to bring up that fact your mother ran a biker bar?” Applejane asked with clearly restrained worry and fear, with a little anger mixed in. At least the food was good and at half price since Ferocious was the owner’s son. “Oh, also that you were twenty-one? And Luna why did you not feel the need to tell me these things beforehand!”

Luna shrugged, “I didn’t think it was a big deal. I mean how old is Nico?”

“That’s not relevant to this! Nico is not part of a biker gang!” She hissed softly.

“Biker club,” Corrected Ferocious, earning a glare from the farm girl. “Look there is a difference.”

“Oh really? Please explain to me the difference between a club and a gang, because I am clearly not seeing it. And please be very precise because I am fairly certain that guy over by the jukebox is a Hell’s Angel.”

Ferocious opened his mouth to speak but quickly closed it, his brow frowned in thought. What was the difference between a club and gang again… he remembered some guy in a green bandana explained it to him once. One of the Boozefighters if he remembered right.

“Ah… let me get back to you on that.” Music began to play and couples and those looking to score some arm candy flirted with the women standing on the side. Ferocious grabbed Luna’s hand and quickly dragged her off towards the floor. “Let’s go dance for a bit Lunie!”

Applejane sighed resting her cheeks on her hands, “He ran away. Question dodging bastard.” She looked at Nico. “I don’t suppose you want to dance?”

He chuckled as he stood up and offered his hand, “I can’t say I know how, but I’ll muddle through it with you.”

She smiled as Nico lead her out to the dance floor. The music was a fast paced rock song, one her mother would say she’d go to hell for listening too, but the rhythm was right for a simple two step dance. She took the lead showing Nico the steps at first. By the time of the second song he got the hang of things and took the lead from her, spinning her around and doing more advanced moves that some of the more experienced dancers were doing.

The music played on and Applejane’s laughter filled the room as Nico twirled and spun her around. He dipped her low at the end of the song and they remained frozen in place. Her chest was heaving up and down at a mile minute as sweat dripped from both of their bodies, making her wonder just how long they’ve been dancing. Her thoughts came to a sudden stop as she felt Nico’s lips on hers, the entire bar let out a wild cat call, giving rise to the fact that she and Nico were the only ones left on the dance floor. Her face was flushed from being a public spectacle, but she leaned in or leaned up? Into Nico’s kiss, wrapping her hands around his neck. The bar let out another ‘WHOOP!”
And he finally let her up.

Still flustered Applejane waved to the crowd of hollering bikers feeling strangely at home with the leather-clad crowd. From the bar, Luna smirked as she raised a glass of what Applejane hoped was soda or water.

“Let’s go sit down,” She said pulling Nico towards the bar. People continued to wave and comment on their dancing and their big finish. One gray-haired biker couple stopped them and drunkenly told them they reminded them of themselves when they were young and all that. The gentlemen drunkenly told Nico he better treat her right. To which Nico saluted to the man and the man saluted back.

As she fought through the crowd Applejane couldn’t help but realize that this was probably the first romantic thing she and Nico did together. Their first ‘date’ was when she started to really feel something for the strange farmhand. At first, she thought it was just the fact he saved her from getting her throat slit, to which she rewarded with a kiss and much more…

Admittedly she had been a wreck of emotions that night and when she woke up that morning in Nico’s bed out in the middle of the woods she didn’t know what to think. Her mother had been very strict about wanting her to wait for marriage, which was impossible now, but she hadn’t felt shame… ok, she had felt a little. The guilt had really nagged at her as she snuck back to the house that morning. To make matters worse she had left Nico asleep in bed and to add on top of that Grandpa Bailey had met her at the door.

He teased her. Mercilessly about her unleveled hair, ruffled clothes, and the stink. She had wanted nothing more than to crawl under her sheets and never come out. When he finally stopped, he stood in front of the door with his arms crossed and his face stern demanding to know who it was she fooled around with. When she told him, Nico, he smiled and said, “At least you had a better first pick then your mother.”

To which her ears burned like the sun as her Grandpa’s smirk returned. She begged him to keep it secret from her mom, and he agreed to do so if she got back to Nico’s before he wakes up. She was running the moment the words left his mouth, she hadn’t even noticed the bag of muffins he had slipped into her hands until she got back to Nico’s shack. Nico had just been getting up when she barged in with an arm full of muffins. He looked at her with surprise and confusion. She finally noticing the muffins, held them up and smiled.

That had been their first breakfast together and perhaps when their relationship started as they’ve been all but living together when she comes home from school.

Taking the bar stools next to Ferocious and Luna, Applejane and Nico found their drinks waiting for them. Applejane was given a nonalcoholic cider, ironically made by her family, while Nico was given an apple whiskey, also made by her family.

“I didn’t know we sent out cider orders this far,” Applejane commented as she sipped her cider, it wasn’t quite as good when it was fresh, but it was still good.

“Mom is a huge fan of the stuff. She always buys a keg just to have around, says it’s how she and dad met.”

Grandpa Bailey had always said their cider was special. Though being a love potion was probably not it, would make good advertising though for valentine’s day. “How’s your drink, Nico?” She asked, having a really good time compared to when the first arrived. Her smile was bright and happy when she turned to her boyfriend, but it faded as she caught him staring ahead like a deer in head lights.

Worriedly she followed his gaze, thinking same other girl caught his eye, a foolish petty thought as there was only a newly arrived group of patrons on the non-biker side of the bar. A funny little feature of the buildings layout, one side for bikers, the other side for everyone else. Turning back to Nico Applejane saw his face contort into rage his grip tightening on his glass, cracking it.

“Nico… are you ok?”

He got up suddenly looking agitated as he threw some bills on the bar counter, “I’ll be right back.” Nico stormed off following the group that just left. Applejane looked worriedly to Ferocious, who also looking angry.

“You two stay here,” Ferocious said getting up and waving to a group of guys playing pool. One of them come over, “Keep an eye on them, Stryker, don’t let anyone you don’t know near them.” Ferocious then stormed up the stairs, leaving Applejane and Luna looking beside themselves as they glanced at their ‘protector’.

“What’s happening?” Applejane demanded.

Stryker took a drag of his cigarette, blowing the smoke away from the ladies, and grimly said, “Best you don’t know.”

Nico followed the group of men in white down the dreary alleyway, garbage and other trash marred the narrow passage that leads to a small square courtyard between the bar and the building next to it. His blood was boiling as he stared at the backs of the men’s coats, he had seen him, only a brief flash, but he had seen Madhoof! He was sure of it!

On top of that, he also felt the same sickly presence from the strange magic he found at the rodeo. Could that have been Madhoof’s doing? Could he have organized that attack on Applejane?

As he approached the open square Nico stopped short from entering, taking deep calming breaths. He couldn’t rush in. If this was Madhoof, then this could be a trap. The others with him could be other equestrians or followers he found in this world. Either way, the situation was not in his favor.

(Besides that, what if I’m wrong? What if it’s just a look alike? I only saw Madhoof’s human face between strikes of lightning and on top of that this world has their own version of Equestrians. This could be the human Madhoof.)

Nico stood with his fist clenched tight. He didn’t like this. He didn’t like this at all. There were too many ifs and what’s, but on the other hand, could he risk not finding out if this was the Madhoof that come through with him? The answer was no, he couldn’t, he wouldn’t. Madhoof was bad news in any world.

He stepped into the square. No one was in sight, a chill ran up his spine, something was differently wrong here. From the shadows, three men emerged their faces partially hidden in the darkness. None of them were Madhoof though.

“Who are you,” Nico demanded as the three men stalked closer. They smelt sick like they were diseased. The same inky purple energy from the rodeo dripped off them. One began to twitch violently, becoming engulfed in purple energy the man’s body expanded and grew becoming more beast like as two giant horns grew out of his head. His friends also changed and Nico found himself trapped between three Minotaurs!

“Shit…” Nico fully transformed, glowing ears, scales, and claws just in time to catch the attacking Minotaurs fist! He grunted and threw the massive hand out of the way and then jumped out of the way of the second incoming fist, but the third caught him and sent him flying against the alley wall. Quickly jumping to his feet Nico let loose a stream of lightning from his mouth hitting the center minotaur, but the other two kept coming! Ceasing his attack, Nico charged ahead and punched one the closest bull man in the stomach! The minotaur didn’t so much as slow down as it continued to plow onwards, slamming Nico against the wall.

The sound of bones cracking echoed in the air.

“Dammit, those just healed up too,” Nico grimaced holding his ribs. The pain was so great he couldn’t even move, but he had too! The three Minotaurs were gathering around him. They were going to kill him!

The three bulls raised their massive fists above their heads, preparing to let down a lethal rain of fists. Nico focused everything he had into his scales, hoping somehow, he’d survive, but he highly doubted it.

Closing his eyes in acceptance of his fate Nico wait for the end, only for it to never come. The sound of metal ringing sung in the air and when he looked up he saw Ferocious of all people standing over him, but that wasn’t what caught Nico’s attention. Nor was it the claymore Ferocious wielded or the patroller's coat with 0756 stitched on it, no, it was the pony ears on top the redhead’s head that held Nico’s attention.

“Surprised?” Ferocious grinned as he forced the Minotaurs back, flames exploding from his blade as he swung it around. “I thought you and I might be the same, you can do the same crazy shit I can, like grow fucking pony ears.” He turned flashing Nico a smile. “I got this, think of it as a thank you for when you saved me.”

Crouching low Ferocious raised his blade igniting it with fire, the Minotaurs looked questionably at one another before deciding to charge all at once! Smiling like a mad man Ferocious lurched forward bringing his sword around, the thousand-degree hot steel cleaved thought the muscular Minotaurs like butter, filling the alley with the smell of cooked beef. The three bulls fell to the ground in a blaze of fire, their bodies consumed by the flame in a matter of seconds.

Sheathing his sword Ferocious helped Nico to his feet, “Come on, let get you somewhere to rest.”

Nico’s vision began to flutter to black as the pain of moving was proving too much, weakly he uttered out, “Who are you?” To Ferocious before slipping into sub consciousness.

“Your friend,” Ferocious smiled as he brought his friend through the back door and climbed the stairs to the second floor to his mother’s office. He laid Nico down on the old mattress his mother kept there for when she didn’t want to drive home after closing the bar. There was also a cabinet with medicine inside. Why his mom had morphine was a mystery to him, but he gave Nico a small dose to deal with the pain. Satisfied with his work Ferocious then looked to his other, less simple task.

“Now… how to explain Nico all beat up to Luna and Applejane and how to explain the three oversized piles of ashes out back to mom.”

Nico awoke, stiff (Not in that way) and in moderate pain. Moderate because anything was better than the feeling of possibility having his ribs cracked again. Which now that he thought about it, he didn’t really feel any pain in his ribs. Strange.

Fully awake Nico looked at his surroundings. He was in some sort of room, there was the bed he lay on, a desk and chair, lots of pictures, and the sword Ferocious had used and the coat beside it. Wanting a closer look, he sat up, feeling only a small ache from his injuries, someone must have given him some medicine or something. Hopefully, it was some sort of healing potion and not just a painkiller, he really didn’t want to relive healing ribs so soon.

Swinging his legs off the bed Nico finally noticed the soft grip around his hand. Turning his whole head, as his left eye was swollen shut, he saw Applejane sleeping in a chair next to the bed. Her hands tightly woven with his. She must have sat by his side all night… which meant it was morning… her parents were going to be pissed! Bailey probably wouldn’t be able to help them out of this one.

Since there was nothing he could do about that, he returned his focus to the sword and coat, presuming the ones that belonged to patroller 0756, Ferocious’s father. Carefully and gently he freed his hand and limped over to the wall where they hung.

The coat was much like his except it was a long coat, not a jacket, but it had chainmail hidden beneath all throughout making it almost a complete suit of armor. The sword was also very interesting, upon the blade were Equestrian symbols.

“Firebird,” Nico read aloud. That was the name of the sword. He’d have to ask Ferocious about his father maybe… Nico paused suddenly catching a glimpse of a photograph out of the corner of his eye.

The photograph was black and white and old, in the picture stood two men. The man on the right was most likely Patroller 0756. He was a tall man with wild feather-like hair pulled back into a loose ponytail, but it was the man next to him the really caught Nico’s attention. The man was young and wearing a military uniform.

With shaky hands Nico took the photo off the wall and turned it over, on the back written in faded black ink were the names, Bailey Apple and Lon.

(Maybe it’s not Ferocious I need to be talking too…) A slender hand suddenly swiped the photo from his grip. He turned and come face to face with a middle-aged woman with white silvery skin and platinum pink hair. The woman eyed him with steely eyes, that darted back and forth between him and Applejane, she looked… unhappy.

“So… your Nico Vega.” She said, a smile creeping onto her lips. “My son speaks highly of you, seems you’re his new best friend. Thanks for helping him by the way, it’s honor to finally met the hero of Rainbow Factory. I’m Swan, but I used to go by Patroller 0350.” She suddenly embraced him. “Thanks for helping to get me and Lon out of there and all the others too. There are a lot of ponies that would love to meet you.”

Nico stood frozen in her embrace, completely baffled by her words. Him? Legendary? What was going on? “What… what are you talking about? You're from Equestria too?”

Swan looked over to Applejane, then pointed to the balcony door, “I think we should talk in private. She might think were crazy if she wakes up hearing us talking about magic talking ponies.”

“Right…” Nico agreed following Swan out into the cool morning.

She lit a cigarette, took a deep drag and exhaled, “So… how long have you been in this world?”

It wasn’t the first question he’d ask, but it was a logical one he guessed counting on his fingers, “A few mouths, I arrived in the month they call March. How long have you been here?”

Swan chuckled and smiled, “Thirty-eight years, we fell through a teleport in Equestria and landed in Korea. That’s where we met Bailey in case you were wondering, he seems to have a habit of picking up strays from Equestria. He managed to smuggle us here to his home country and we’ve been living here ever since. Ironic that you disappeared first and ended here now, we disappear after you and end up in an earlier time in this world. Magic is just kind of stupid like that.”

“Thirty-eight years and you never found a way home?”

Swan looked at him and sighed, “Look, Nico, it’s not that Lon and I didn’t try. We did. For many years try to find a way home, but our lives… took a different direction. Seventeen years of searching got us nothing but crushed hopes and no life. So, we decided to start living a little, a few months later we had Ferocious and we just kind of just lived our lives.” Sadness glimmered in her eyes as she snuffed out her cigarette. “Lon’s life was cut short though, that made things hard, I think Ferocious was around eight or ten, maybe he was a little older, it’s all kind of blurred together now.”

“What happened to him? Patroller 0756… I mean Lon,” Nico asked. “I know Timber Wolves attacked him, but…” Swan’s humorless laughter caught him by surprise as she leaned over the balcony staring down at the blackened spots of the Minotaurs in the courtyard.

“Timber Wolves, it wasn’t just Timberwolves, it was chimera’s, cyclops, golems, a literal mini army of monsters showed up suddenly all at once! And Lon fought them off himself… well, I guess Bailey tried to help, but humans can only do so much in the face of such creatures. I’m sure the old man still blames himself, it was his farm they showed up on.” Swan took a breath, reining in her emotions. “Look, you probably have questions about what happened after you disappeared and I’ll answer them. But on a different day. Right now my only advice to you is when that girl in there wakes up, you take her home and you stay with her. Don’t go looking for a way home that isn’t waiting for you. I know Commander Sixes would love to see you again, Commander Fury too, but I don’t even know if they're still alive.”

Nico gripped the rail of the balcony, staring down into the courtyard with Swan. She was from after he fell through the portal, she was essentially from the future, yet she arrived in this world before he did or the portal was different. Regardless he had to know, “How many years had passed since the battle of Rainbow Factory? Before you come to this world.”

Swan closed her eyes leaning her back to look up at the sky, recalling memories long buried, “It had been five… maybe six years after you vanished.”

“I see… thank you, and sorry for your loss.” Nico said walking away.

Swan sighed as she took out another cigarette and looked up into the fading night sky, “I’m sorry for yours too.”

Nico stood over Applejane who was beginning to rose from her slumber. She looked at him with wide bright green eyes that reflected his sadness.

“What’s wrong?” She mumbled sleepily, rubbing her eyes.

“Nothing,” He lied taking her hand and helping her up. “I just want to go home.”

Author's Notes:

Late chapter set in 1988