It’s been around a week since I left the hospital and I’ve been under house arrest pretty much. Fluttershy won’t let me do too much due to the doctor’s orders she got when I was in the Grimoire with Dissy and Demon guy. Speaking of Dissy he decided he liked the Grimoire so much he stays in it constantly, that and the princesses’ spies are always nearby. I keep sensing three distinct ki’s nearby but they’ve been keeping a good distance from Fluttershy’s cottage. I also like that Dissy has a lot to do with annoying the crap out the demon which works for me in keeping the bastard out of my head.

Back to my week though. It’s been pretty good other than have to hobble around on a cane. Fluttershy does let me help with feeding the animals and I helped out with a bit of cleaning here and there but she won’t let me do more than that. She’s been the sweetest thing ever. I can honestly say I have developed feelings for her at this point. I won’t say it’s love but more like a crush. Once I get over this bum leg I have plans to ask her out on a date and if things go well then I’ll ask her to be my girlfriend.

Speaking of girls, they’ve all taken some time out of their days to come and see me. I’ve actually been permitted to come into town today, with supervision of course. Fluttershy let me come in town with Harry the Bear, he let me ride in on his back, while Nero took up her spot on my head. I was on way to meet up with Rarity for some clothes and then it was over to the Library to see my little buddy Spike. I had a party that was thrown by the ‘Pink One’ and it was fun. Thanks to Pinkie’s efforts I met the rest of the colorful town. I also ran into some of the most trouble causing fillies according to the townsfolk and their sisters. Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo or as they referred to themselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Come to find out ponies have a special mark that describes their special talent in life that appeared somewhere on their bodies. It was usually on the upper shoulder area or upper back.

Harry, Nero, and I made our way into town with a cart to pick up some feed for the other animals. Most of the ponies cleared off the street at hr sight of Harry. Then you have the Pink One who hopped right up to us.

“Hiya Harry, Nero. Asta. What ya doin? Ooo, did Fluttershy finally let you out to have some fun?” Pinkie giggled. “Were ya gonna stop by stop by Sugarcube for lunch?”

“I don’t see why we can’t Pinkie. As long as we stay outside of course.” I smiled. “Th Cakes won’t let Nero or Harry in and I’m not allowed to begone from them for too long either.”

“Well of course silly. I know Harry and Nero are your bodyguards slash babysitters right now. Well see ya later guys,” She started to hop away before she turned around to say one more thing. “Beware of the shadows.” Pinkie then bounced away.

‘What the hell does that mean?’ I thought as Harry waddled down to Rarity’s Boutique. He helped me off his back before making his way to the side of the and curling into a ball for a nap. I made the trip to Rarity door and walked in. I heard a small bell above my head as I walked in.

“Welcome to the Carousel Boutique Where everything is Unique, Cheque, and Magnifique.” I heard from the back of the store in a sing-song Englandisc accent as Rarity walked in the room completely underneath a pile dresses. “So sorry darling. I’m moving dresses out for my newest line. I’ll be with you in just a moment.” She set the dresses down on the nearest table while pulling up a Manichean with her magic. “Now how may I help you,” She turned around. “Asta, good to see Fluttershy let you come to town.”

“Yea. She let me come but do have chaperones,” I pointed to Nero who flew over to the Manichean. “Harry stayed outside.”

“You came with the bear,” she reeled back in shock and fell onto some sort of odd looking couch.

“More like I rode him into town,” I remarked walking over to her as I leaned on my cane. “I have a few ideas for some outfits for me. You made me some everyday clothes and I’m grateful but I’d like you to make some of my designs. I can help out here in the shop to help pay for them,” She started to refuse but then looked around her shop to the massive pile of order and then the dresses. “It’ll only be for the next week, or so. At least until I start work at Aj’s place, but once the harvesting is done I’ll still need to work if you’ll let me.”

“Alright, I could use the help and I’d love to see your designs,” She walked over to a nearby drawer and pulled out a pair of red-framed glasses and measuring tape. “Follow me to the dressing rooms, darling. Please strip down once you’re in and don’t frit to call me if you need help.”

“Alright,” I sighed walking behind the curtain and dropped all my clothing but my boxers. “Ready,” I called out with a little crack in my voice.

“Coming,” Rarity sang as she came in but froze when she saw my body. Again my scars were my own not the ones Asta got in the Anime and manga. “Oh, my Asta. Those scars. I had no idea how badly you had-”

“Relax, Rarity. These are from old injuries that I got back home,” I handed her my cane. “If you need help with sewing your dresses let me know and if I’m not busy I can help you out. Have to warn you though, I’m not all that fast but I am thorough.”

She nodded then looked a little down with a bit of harshness in her tone she spoke. “Dear, I must ask you. What are your intentions toward dear Fluttershy? You're not just staying with her to take advantage of a place to live?”

“What?!” I was shocked. “Hell no! I would never do that to her. She’s the sweetest girl I’ve ever met and I really really like her. I wanted to ask her out once I get off this cane. I-I-I-I-” My face was red hot at the mention of my thoughts. Rarity simply giggled at my reaction.

She let out a small laugh as she covers her mouth with her hand. “ Base off your reaction I believe you, darling,” She took my measurements. “But you better treat her well. I won’t allow you to hurt her.” She put away the tape. “We’re finished for now. Now, what are your plans, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Alrighty,” I threw my clothes back on. “I’m headed over to the library for a bit then off to lunch at Sugarcube Corner. Promised Pinkie on the way over here.” I walked out of the changing room and Nero flew to my shoulder. “Have to get some feed for the animals too.”

“Be careful darlings,” Rarity smiled snidely at me. “And do ask Fluttershy out soon. I expect her to be most happy when you do. I expect those designs next time I see you.” She looked at me with anticipation.

“Certainly,” I walked out of the shop with Nero. “Come on Harry. Library time.” I got back on the cart with Harry’s help and we head down the road.

We arrived at the Library in about five minutes. I got down off Harry and walked over to the door and knocked on it. Soon the door was opened by an all too familiar purple haired girl.

“Hey Twi,” I waved.

“Asta,” She looked in amazement. “What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to come by and see Spike on the way to to pick up feed for some of the animals.” I thumbed Harry behind me with the cart.

“Oh, okay.” Twilight walked back into the library motioning me to follow, She seemed a little disappointed at what I said. “Hey, Spike you have a visitor here to see you.” She called out. “He’ll be here in a few. He’s probably in the kitchen.”

“Hey, Twi,” She looked at me half-heartedly. “Would you like to examine one of the Anti-magic items?” She went bright and bushy tailed at this comment. “I’ll let you do some testing but be careful.” I pulled out the Grimoire then summoned the Gauntlets. I soon felt an odd faint trace of ki from the window. “Hm. Hey, Twi you got somewhere private you can conduct this examination?”

“Yes, actually. I do all my experiments and examinations in the basements,” Twi moved towards a door to the back of the room. “I can examine your sword there if you don’t mind. I’ll take it there.”

“I don’t think so Twilight,” I put the sword on my shoulder. “This thing can only be moved by me. It’ll drain you of your magic if you telekinesis or physically touch it.” I followed her to the door and down into the basement. I had a time to getting down there with the sword and bum leg but I managed. There was a lot of old looking computer equipment. Looked like the ponies’ technology is way behind Earth’s. Twilight looked at me annoyed that I wouldn’t let her handle the sword. “I’m sorry Twilight. I don’t want you to get hurt. The sword doesn’t have an edge but it’s incredibly dangerous to you kind. Especially unicorns and alicorns. You'll recall that not even your teacher and her sister could touch my sword without being drained of their magic exceptionally fast.”

“I know it’s dangerous but the aspect of studying anti-magic,” She was doing the best she could to withhold her excitement at the mention of the anti-magic. The fervor in her was a dead give away. “Anti-magic was never a real concept here. It only ever existed in theories. At least until you show up with a sword and other stuff that practically is made of anti-magic or can harness it.”

“Twilight, I’m trusting you with this weapon,” I made my way to the stairs. “You may do as you wish with it as long as you don’t put your own life at risk. If you do disregard your own safety over your studying of that weapon I will reclaim it.”

“Asta, I want to ask you,” She was hesitant. “Why are you being so pacifistic? Someone with your powers and strength could easily take over any land on this planet. Why are you so peacefully natured?” She looked at me.

“I never was one for taking control, Twilight. Never was a leader when I was in school,” I walked up the stairs. “I hate being the center of attention to be the one to who everyone turns to. I hate the responsibility of others. I didn’t like violence and only turn to it as a last resort. Since becoming who I am now, in this world I can tell you that my views have changed a little bit. I will fight for my own pleasure if I know people won’t die and are in it for entertainment or to fulfill their own desires.”

“Do you have a desire that you’d need power for?” Twilight looked at me a little distraught.

“My desire for power stems from wanting the strength to protect what I care for Twilight.” I smiled at her. “I only seek out strength to protect my friends and family. But still, if you have no desire to seek power other than power’s sake then you’re doing nothing but spinning your wheels while stuck in a hole. If you seek power for revenge then you’re doing nothing but sending yourself and those who care for you into a downward spiral of destruction.” I sensed another faint trace of ki from outside “I’m going to go see Spike. Remember what I said Twi. And this is only for you and the Princesses are not to have anything to do with the sword or your research on it. If you do tell them anything, I will take it away and destroy your research.” I smiled as she winced at that thought.

I came into the kitchen to see Spike fixing a pot of coffee.

‘God I hope he lets me have some. All I’ve had at Fluttershy’s is water or tea. I’m American and I need my coffee.’

“Hey there Spike!” I chimed as he jumped a little at my entrance blowing a scream of green fire at me. I was able to move to the side to avoid the flames awhile Nero flew into the kitchen narrowly avoiding the fire. “Easy there, bro. I don’t need to be sent back to the hospital after I just got out. Fluttershy would flip her lid if I did after she just let me leave the house.”

“Geez, Asta.” Spike held his chest. “Don’t sneak up on me like that. I could’ve burnt down the library. Twi would’ve murdered me if that happened.”

Hoo.

“The hell?” I looked to Nero. She shook her head letting me know it wasn’t her.

“Don’t mind that guys. It’s just Owlowiscious. He’s Twilight’s pet owl, ”Spike pulled out a couple of mugs. ‘Thank You, little dude.’ “He’s also the night time assistant for the library.”

“Makes sense to me,” ‘Not at all’” I said as Nero flew over to the cabinet and opened to get herself a mug for coffee.

“She might be as smart as Twilight’s owl,” Spike pointed at Nero in shock at her action. Nero then poured her some coffee. I smirked as Spike’s jaw hit the floor.

“I think she’s as smart if not smarter as Owlowiscious,” I leaned up against the counter and set my cane next to me. I picked up my cup an took a long sip. ‘Damn that hit the spot.’ “Geez, little dude. You sure know your way around a pot of coffee. I bet you a damn good cook too.”

“Well I do most of the housework around here including the cooking,” He rubbed the back of his head. ‘Nailed it.’

I know the skills one has to develop in order to get by when living with others. Especially when others have a tendency to burn down the kitchen and or you live with one. ‘Big Brother did for a long time before Dad stepped in to show him how. But damn his nachos were good.”

“So why are you here Asta? I thought Fluttershy was keeping you under lockdown,” He snickered at me.

“She let me out today. I came to get feed the animals and see Rarity,” I saw Spike become a little uneasy at the mention of Rarity. ‘Aha, have a little crush on the little fashion designer do you, little buddy.’“I had a few outfits I wanted her to make for me. I can make them if I had time be her hands are much steadier and faster than my own. I also wanted to come to see you, little man.”

“Why?” He tilted his head.

“No real reason bro.” I took another sip on the coffee. I noticed another ki nearby again, three for that matter. “But, if I had to pick a reason…” I tapped on my chin before smiling. “You remind me of my older brother when we were little. You do a lot for others, like he did without ever being asked too. I know it’s not fair to label you as such but I see a lot of him in you but I also see your potential. Spike, would you like to learn how to properly fight in order to protect what you care about?” I pointed at him.

“Really?” Spike looked at me in shock and awe. “You’d teach me how to fight like you. Wait you also had that big sword.” He looked on squinting his eyes. “Does the mean you can also teach me how to use a real sword?”

“Sure I can.” He went slack-jawed again. “But that’s after you learn self-defense in hand to hand combat and got through other physical training to get much stronger. I will teach sword skills but with wooden swords, not a metal one.” I looked into my coffee with a bit if a distant gaze. “Sometime after we develop your baser skill set then will find what sword type and style best suits you.” I set my cup down next to me.

Hooooooo. Nero hopped to the window. I sensed the three ki's move around to the other side of the library. She looked at me and then squinted as she looked to the window. I returned my attention to Spike for the time being.

“That would be awesome,” Spike jumped.

“Of course, this will be after I’ve healed up and started work with Applejack,” I picked up my cane and made my way to the front door. “Thanks for the coffee bro. And no worries about Rarity. I have my eyes on a certain pink haired Pegasus,” His face went bright red. Nero flew back to my shoulder. “Later, I now have to see a pink pony about lunch and a pair of brothers about the feed.” I head out the door off to Sugarcube corner with Harry and Nero.

I sensed the three ki’s move closer to the cart after I lift the library. Those princesses really have some nice tricks to keep tabs on people. Too bad, I really don’t like this tactic. If they’d just talk to me I’d answer them honestly. I guess I’ll have to send a message to them through this private unit. Shadow magic seems more of Luna’s style. These soldiers must be one of her private units. If they keep up the flowing I’ll have to call them out in the open somewhere when no pony is around. For now, I’ll keep up the playing dumb act.

Harry stopped at the feed store called Good’s and Lubbet’s. Apparently, it was a store that had been run by the same family since the founding of Ponyville. They have had a partnership with the Apple family since then too. It was run by the earth pony and brothers Stop and Start Watch. I met them at Pinkie’s Welcoming Party. Yes, there talents dealt in watches mainly but they still ran the family store. I found the two stallions company very strange but enjoyable and I’d have to get used to it if I was going to work for Applejack in the coming weeks seeing as how they sold Sweet Apple Acres product.

“Hey there Asta. What can I do for you today? Ooo, did you find a watch we could tinker with?” Start smirked with anticipation. “If ya do it’s mine this time. Stop is out of town to order stock for the shelves.”

“Sorry Start. I came to get some feed for some of the animals out at Fluttershy’s cottage,” I hopped down of the cart.

“Shame that there’s no watch. Let’s see about that feed,” I followed him into the store. “How many bags do we need for the little critters.”

“I’ll need about four bags of corn and four bags of grain,” I leaned on my cane. The ki’s outside were keeping a good distance from the cart and Harry. I know he and Nero had picked up whoever it is that’s been following us. I noticed them at the library from the way they’d tensed up a bit.

“Here we are,” Start came out with the feed from the back. “I’ll load it up for you.”

"No need," I followed him out to the porch as he pulled the dolly with the feed. “I got it Start. I may have a bum leg but that doesn’t mean I can’t lift and throw a few measly bags of feed. “I picked up the bags one at a time with my free hand and tossed the bags in the cart. I had it done in no time at all.

“How are you so strong?” Start scratched his head. “I heard from Applejack you took a full on punch from her and a Sonic Rainboom punch from Rainbow Dash and was barely even scratch in both situations. Most earth ponies need two hands and another pony on the other side just to left one bag of feed. Even Applejack has a hard time with one bag of feed on her own.”

“That’s just one of my talents” I hopped back on the cart. “Later Start. You’ll be seeing a lot more of me after I start work at Aj’s” I waved as Harry pulled the cart forward. ‘Next stop Sugarcube corner and the Pink.’

Harry pulled the cart down the street while I laid back on the bags of feed in it and looked through my Grimoire. Some of the pages had become readable after the time my mind had spent in it at the hospital. I found an armor, the cane of course, and something called a Bokutō Shard. It had Yu Yu Hakusho Kuwabara Kazuma in smaller lettering under it listing him,’Just assuming it’s a guy from the way the name sounds for now’, as its previous owner. I remember the anime and character from when I was much younger. The guy could project his Ki through a piece of a broken wooden sword.

“Let’s see if it’s what I think it is.” I concentrated on the Grimoire and it became enveloped in its usual aura. A small object roughly the length of my palm appeared. I took a hold of it. It was indeed the tip of a wooden sword. “So it is Kuwabara’s first weapon. I wonder?” Nero hopped off over to me and tilted her head.

Hoo? She hopped up on my leg.

“It’s an item I won that was in the Grimoire.” I felt one of the ki’s move in closer. ‘Must be trying to get a read on what I’m doing.’ Looked to the bokutō piece. “Hm. I wonder?” ‘Kuwabara focused his spiritual power, aka ki, through the piece to produce the Spirit Blade. I think I could do the same. It would give me another edge over the magic users but I think I may hold back my ki techniques for now given that I’m being watched twenty-four seven. If I can pull off this trick I’ll try a few other ki techniques from the same franchise that give me could give me some ranged techniques over my usual close quarters combat styles. I wonder if I can use my anti-magic with the sword piece?’

Closing my eyes I concentrated on the sword piece in my hand as if it were the Demon-Slayer sword channeling my anti-magic into it. I heard a spark and then some sort of ignition. I opened my eyes to see a blade of pure anti-magic. I edge was a deep crimson while the center an all-consuming black. “Damn. Kuwabara can go eat a crow for all I care,” I swung the blade a few times, it gives off a low humming as I do.

HOO! Nero flew over me trying to peck at my face angry at my comment.

“Ow! OWOWOW! Damn it, Nero,” I swatted at the annoying pest with my free hand as I deactivated the solid state anti-magic sword and put the bokutō piece back in the Grimoire. “It’s just an expression from back home.” The cart lurched to a stop.

Groar!

“And Kuwabara isn’t even a real person,” I grabbed my cane and standing up with it I placed my Grimoire in my satchel. “Thank’s Harry. I won’t be long. Pinkie knows we have to get the feed back before the scheduled storm this afternoon.” I hopped down while Nero percher herself on my head. “Lunchtime,” I walk into the store.

Next Chapter: Out and About (Pt2) Estimated time remaining: 47 Hours, 35 Minutes