“Hell, it’s about time”

The sound of a voice dragged Twilight out of the darkness. She groggily came awake, groaning as pain raced through her entire body. She hadn't felt this bad since Rainbow Dash tried to give her flying lessons. Levitation and magic were just no substitute for real wings and pegasus maneuverability. Her eyes hurt from the light, her body ached like a massive bruise, even her hair seemed to hurt! Again she groaned, trying to get up, and blinking against the light in the room.

“Hello, Twilight.”

At the sound of a strange voice, her head shot up and her eyes snapped open to reveal a horror before her. There was a creature unlike anything she had seen before. It was pale, almost hairless, as if it had been shaved. Standing on two hind legs, and it’s front legs crossed in front of it, it stared at her with what looked like a smile on its face. A short patch of fur, not even a proper mane, and a patch lower down was the only significant bit of fur. More bizarrely, it seemed to have it’s tail on backwards, hanging in front of it’s body.

She quickly scrambled back, knocking over a candle and several books in her panic. “W-w-what are you! Don't h-hurt me! LEAVE ME ALONE!”

Shaking his head, the creature began to chuckle softly, “I’m not gonna hurt you Twilight Sparkle”, using her full name to great effect. “And as to what I am, you should know. You seemed to have summoned me after all.”

“I didn't summon anything! I-it was a viewing spell. How do you know my name!” the young mare was still panicking. She tried desperately to remember what happened. The spell was perfect, what could have gone wrong? How did this THING get here? Who was he.. it seemed to have a male voice, and how did he know her?

“A viewing spell eh? Seems you were trying for a window, and made a door instead. As for how I know your name, that’s kinda... complicated.” He sank to the floor, making an attempt to come down to her level and appear less intimidating. Years of dealing with kids and animals had taught him a thing or two about earning trust, and appearing friendly. “Lets just say, I know alot about you. At least... I think I do. I’m still not sure this isn't just a really fucked up dream. It ain't a flashback, never was one for drugs, but this is just too damn weird to be real.”

The purple unicorn stopped shaking, trying to gather her courage to face this strange creature. What he said made a mad kind of sense. What if she HAD opened a door? But a door to where? The spell should have only shown her a far part of Equestria. She sank to her rump with a groan. ‘Dear Celestia, what have I done?’

“Well, if I wake up,” he continued, “then I know it was a dream. Never was a fan of reality, so I may as well enjoy this fantasy while it lasts.” Rubbing his chin in thought, and idea came to him. “Oh I have an idea! Quick, give me an order! Tell me to do something!”

“What? Why?”

“C’mon, just do it, I wanna test a theory.”

“Umm... how about you go away and leave me alone?”

Grinning, he replied, “How bout you go fuck yourself, pony! HAH! That kills that theory!”

Her hears shot back as she grimaced at the profanity. “That was totally uncalled for, and not very nice.”

“I’m sorry, I apologize. You are totally right, but I wanted to test something. Lotsa stories I have read about creatures being summoned say that the summoner gains control over the summoned being. Looks like you don't control me, so it’s a good thing I’m friendly.” Looking around the room at the strange runes, something between Celtic runecraft, and kindergarten pony drawings, he realized that his nearsightedness had also gone, replaced with strong eyes to match his stronger body. “Either you did the spell wrong, or forgot a binding geas or something.”

“I told you, it wasn't supposed to be a summoning spell. I was only supposed to have a window to see far away.” She stomped her hoof, earning a jolt of pain from her abused body. “Ugh... I hurt all over.”

“Sorry, still trying to figure this all out.” he replied.

“Yea, well when you do, please let me know. This is one parasprite damned mess I’ve gotten into.” She laid her head on her hooves, sighing.

“Well it could be worse. You could be in another world, naked, and talking to a strange creature from a cartoon.”

“A cartoon? What’s a cartoon?” She perked up a bit, always eager for knowledge.

“Umm... dunno if you have them here. Let me try to explain. In my world, we have ways of taking lots of drawings, filming them in sequence, and playing them back, like a moving picture. It is called animation, or a Cartoon. I got a zinger of a revelation for ya Miss Sparkle. In my world, you are a creature from a story, and they made one of these cartoons about you. Also Ponyville and all your friends. He rolled his head back, staring at the ceiling. “That is why I think I must be dreaming, because you can’t be real.”

“You’re crazy.”

“Well, I will give you that.”

“B-but, how? How can I be a story in another world? Have you been watching us with your magic? And what ARE you anyway?” The young unicorn was irritated at this.

Looking back at the purple pony, the creature stared right into her eyes, giving her a chill. There was an odd intelligence in that gaze, despite the strange appearance and small eyes. They still burned with a light unlike anything she had seen.

“Are you sure you really want to know this?” he began slowly. “I will warn you only once. I never lie, for any reason. What I tell you may not be what you want to hear, or want to believe, but it WILL be the truth.” Suddenly smiling softly, “Or at least the truth as best as I know it.”

She gulped, suddenly unsure after the dire warning. “Yes. I want to know. I need to know.”

“Very well” he began.

I am a human. I come from a world we call simply “Earth”. Well most of us do, since there are many different people and cultures, and languages I only know the language I was born into. Seems that whatever brought me here made me able to understand yours as well. We are a race of creatures, that our great minds say evolved from apes, although others don't believe in that. Nobody knows for sure.

Anyway, my name is Drax. Well really it’s Draconis Maxmillian, but my friends all call me Drax, since I was a kid. The world I come from has no real magic. Instead we have technology. We harness the powers around us through machines and invented gizmos. One such invention lets us see pictures from far away, and many of us use them for learning and entertainment. Recorded shows and information is sent around the world for others to see. Another device, we call it a computer, is used to store and process vast amounts of information. We have millions of them all over the place, all linked together, sharing information. We use them to communicate, learn, teach, solve problems, and many other things.

Well, in my world, there was a group of people that made toys.. They made lots of toys for children. One of them was a line of pony toys, and they called them “My Little Pony”. Then, to sell more toys, they made a story, and animated it about the ponies. It sucked. Lots of little girls liked it, but most boys didn't. Eventually it lost popularity, and they stopped making the show.

Many years later though, they made another version of the show. It didn't suck. This time the characters had real personality, and many people loved them. Even boys, and grown men were suddenly watching a show for little girls. Thousands of people around the world watched the show, and fell in love with the ponies. Fans drew art of them, wrote stories about them, even made music.

And that show was about you, Twilight. You and your friends.

“And now here I am, talking to a pretty little unicorn from a an imaginary story I love to watch and read about. So, tell me, am I crazy? It sure seems that way”

Twilight stared, her mind reeling at what she had heard. The story this creature was telling was far to amazing to possibly be true, but she had no way to prove otherwise. Her head swam, she felt dizzy, and then suddenly it all snapped back into focus as what the human had said sunk in.

“You.. think I’m pretty?” She blinked, her mouth falling open.

“Well, yea. I may not look like much to you, but to me you are a beautiful creature from a dream world in my head. And I’ve learned to admire beauty in many places.”

Shaking her head, “I don't understand. You are weird. I’m not even very pretty by pony standards. I’m just a shy bookworm that has some talent at magic.”

“Don't sell yourself short Twilight. You are special. That is why you have such great friends, and Princess Celestia cares for you so much. I told you, I never lie. You just need to believe in yourself.”

“I dunno, but it still seems weird coming from somepony like you”

“Yea, well I AM weird.” he chuckled. “Actually, I wanna know something. Could you.. turn around for me?”

Suddenly nervous about taking her eyes off the human, she stood up. “What? Why?”

“I just wanna get a good look at you. Just turn in a circle so I can see all of you” He grinned suddenly, adding, “I tell you what, I’ll do the same next so you can get a better look at me. So whaddaya say, you show me yours and I’ll show you mine?” He laughed.

Clearly not getting the joke, but not able to think of a reason not to comply, She slowly started to turn, wincing as her body protested the movement. The pain was getting better, but she still felt sore.

As the pretty pony turned around, Drax sighed sadly. “Yep, I’m definitely going to hell for this.” He noticed that, dream or not, cartoon or not, the pony was anatomically correct. ‘Damn you evil thoughts! It’s a friggin child’s cartoon, ya weirdo!’

Hearing this, Twilight stopped and faced the human, who was now looking down and covering his eyes, as if in shame. “What? Is something wrong?”

“No.” he said sadly. “At least not with you. But there is definitely something wrong with me.”

Suddenly worried, she took a few steps forward, but suddenly stopped as he started to get to his feet. He was TALL. For a pony, at least. Almost as tall as Princess Celestia. And.. something was different about him.

“Well, I guess it’s my turn.” he said, slowly turning in place.

Then she noticed... his tail wasn't hanging anymore. He finished his rotation, and she noticed he definitely didn't have a tail where one was supposed to be. However, the one he had, had gotten larger, and was starting to point outwards.

‘Umm... what is wrong with your tail? And why in Celestia’s name is it in the FRONT?”

Laughing loudly, he shook his head. “My dear Twilight, I certainly hope you are not that sheltered. I do not have a tail. I am, for lack of better description, a male of my species. If ya know what I mean.

“Oh? OH! OMYGOSH!” As comprehension dawned on her, she turned deep red and turned her head away. “Eew! Why is it hanging out? You’re not.. umm...?

Laughing again, “No, trust me. This is normal for my kind. Unfortunately nature was not as kind to us as many other animals, and our.. umm.. junk, is permanently exposed. We usually wear cloths for that reason. You should see the females. Breasts are permanently enlarged, instead of only during pregnancy. Oh how I love me some boobies!”

“But.. how do they WALK? I mean, always having them hanging down there?” the confused mare boggled, sneaking a peak back at the human’s member, before glancing quickly away again.

‘Well, for one thing, humans have their mammies on their chest. You may have noticed my nipples up here.” he said, tapping his own chest.

She slowly glanced back, trying not to below the waist. “Oh, umm.. Yea, that makes sense, I guess. But, why is your... umm, it’s kinda pointing at me.” Turning completely around to avoid the sight.

Dropping back to the floor to hide the offending appendage, he rubbed his neck embarrassed. “Yea. well that's why I am prolly gonna go to hell. And that's why I am weird. And that's also where it gets a bit complicated. But before we go there, could ya help me by finding something to wear? As much as I like to think of myself as a nudist, it’s pretty damn inconvenient to talk to a girl with my weather vane pointing in the wind.”

Glad to find a distraction from the uncomfortable subject, the unicorn trotted off to find something. ‘Umm sure, I think I may have a blanket or something you can use.”

“That’d be awesome.”

She returned shortly with a small green blanket, a spare she kept for Spike, but big enough to wrap around a human frame. Standing, he slowly turned away, and she turned her back, again feeling her cheeks grow hot with embarrassment.

“Thanks, I think I can make a makeshift kilt from this.” Wrapping the blanket around himself, he managed to secure it tightly, so that it wouldn't fall at the wrong moment. He made a mental note to find some way to secure it more permanently later. Then in a horrible Scottish accent, he drawled, “Och, I be a haalanda noo! Thee kin bee onleh ONE!”

Giggling at his oafish antics, Twilight turned back to find him a bit more presentable, the embarrassed flush fading from her muzzle. ‘Yer silly!”

“Yea, well I try!” Grinning stupidly. Then sitting back down, making sure that he was covered now, he sighed heavily again. “Ok, here is where I really weird you out, and possibly make you hate me. Don’t feel bad, I get that reaction alot, and I’m used to it.”

Sitting on her rump, the mare looked at him quizzically. “It cant be that bad, can it?”

“Oh yes it can.” He rolled his eyes. ‘Here goes nuttin!’

“Ya see, I was never very popular growing up. I was always a lil too smart, a lil too slow, a little too .. something, to fit in. I was teased alot. My dad was abusive. I saw alotta things in other humans I didn't like. how they treated me, how they treated each other, how they treated the planet, ect, ect.”

“That’s sad. Your parents were cruel to you?” the pony tried to sympathize. It was hard though, she had always had loving parents and caring teachers. She never had many friends until recently, so some of this she understood.

“Meh. My parents were average. That wasn't the problem. Even at a young age I noticed I was different, and it took me a long time to accept it. Alotta pain and angst was felt until then. But hey, what kid doesn't have angst, right? But anyway, I finally accepted I wasn't average, and never would be. But in the meantime I had developed a distaste for my own kind. I tried, but girls usually rejected me. Eventually I grew to not care at all. I started to collect art. pictures, drawings, things like that. I found drawings of non-humans, and felt closer to them than my own species. I watched ALOT of cartoons as a kid, and grew up seeing cartoon animals as friends. Intelligent, friendly, and NOT human.

He paused to gauge the story so far, but the purple mare was enthralled, staring at him like children often did when he told stories. It was kinda creepy then, and it was kinda creepy now. Mentally he shrugged. ‘Well, kids love me, animals love me, so why not intelligent talking ponies?’

“So anyway... As I got older, I found the internet. That's the network of machines I told you about. It had lots of pictures. I found. err.. racier stuff. Creatures that looked like the cartoons I knew, but with more.. adult features. I found I liked it. Alot. And I found others like me as well. They called themselves ‘Furries’.”

Taking a deep breath, he forged on, the mare still staring entranced at him. “ Well it seems alot of them are attracted to the idea of being non-human. They pretended that they were creatures, animals, and other such, but intelligent like humans. Sentient. I liked this idea, and started making friends with them. I even dated a few of them, but it didn't work out. Many of the girls I met were even more broken emotionally than me.”

“And then there were the haters. Many people hate anything and anyone that is different than them. They saw Furries as some abomination, thinking that they were people that liked to mate with animals. I’m sure there were some really twisted people that did that sort of thing, but that wasn't what it meant to me. To me it just meant liking someone that was sentient, intelligent, but not a human. Real animals have no say in what is done to them, and that is disgusting and abusive. I wanted to be with a PERSON.

He stopped again., thinking, ‘Here comes the hard part. If she didn't get it before, she will now.’

“So, what I am saying is, I find non-humans attractive. I find the ponies of Equestria attractive. And I find YOU attractive. And that is why I popped a boner when I saw yer Plot.”

“Wait, my WHAT?!” Startled out of her trance, Twilight Sparkle lurched back in surprise and indignation.

Laughing silently as he shook his head, he tried to explain. “Sorry, its kind of an inside joke. Fans of the show joke that they watch it for the plot, when they are actually watching it to stare at cute pony butts.”

“EEW?” She looked back over her flank. “That’s just... you were... at my? Eew. That is kinda creepy.”

“Told ya you would hate me. But I’m used to it.”

Plopping the offending flank on the floor out of sight, she turned back to face him and rolled her eyes. “Well I don't hate you. It’s actually kind of flattering. But it is creepy. And you say lots of your people look at ponies?”

“Well yea, but not all of them are like me. Most just like you because you are pretty, have personalities they can relate to, or make them happy. Most of them don't even know why, only that watching ponies makes them feel good for some reason. Only weirdos like me get aroused by it. Sorry...”

“Don’t be. Everypony is different. Some ponies like different things. My dragon assistant, Spike, is obsessed with my friend Rarity, and drools at the sight of her. I swear my friend, Rainbow Dash, used to date a Griffin. That's no weirder than you. It takes all kinds, they say.”

“That's nice of you.” He smiled. “It’s so refreshing to meet an open mind. There are so few in my world.”

“Yea well that's me, Twilight Sparkle, the great free thinker of Equestria!” beaming proudly.

Drax stood up, stretching his stiff muscles from sitting on the floor. Twilight stood up as well, but quickly regretted it as her body reminded her of all the pain she was in from earlier. She yelped and winced as her abused body protested the quick movements.

“Are you ok? Whats wrong?” Drax leaned close, hovering over the small unicorn with concern.

“I-I’m alright. Something happened with the spell. It backlashed, and now my entire body feels bruised. My muscles are all cramped up.”

“Oh damn, I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?” he fretted worriedly.

“Well, there is a first aide kit in my room, and I could probably use some help getting to my bed. I’m sure I will be fine after I lay down for a bit. Maybe you can help me get up the steps?

“Sure thing. In fact, I’m pretty sure I can carry you. You cant weigh half what I do.” he estimated her weight, realizing she came barely up to his chest, and that she was rather lightly built. Even before he came here and started feeling stronger, he would probably be able to carry the young mare without difficulty.

‘No, no. I don't want to trouble you, just help me walk so I don't stumble, and then maybe you can help me get the medicine.”

“Nonsense!” he scooped her up, as she yelped in surprise. She really was rather light. He carried her effortlessly up the stairs to her room.

“Oh.. thank you. My Hero!” she giggled. She snuggled up to him as he carried her. “Mmm... you actually smell kinda nice...”

“What?” he replied, startled.

“Oh, nothing. I just... thanks for the help.” She closed her eyes, a calm look on her face.

“My pleasure, M’Lady.” He replied smoothly, “I shall escort you to thy chambers for the eve!” grinning foolishly.

“Oooh, so gallant!” laughing with him.

He lowered her gently to her over-sized bed, then looked around for something resembling a medical kit. He spotted a bright yellow box on a shelf, with a large pink and blue butterfly on it. ‘I’ll be damned, just like the story... That’s gotta be it’ He retrieved the box, which opened with a simple latch, finding basic medical supplies inside. Gauze, splints, rolled bandages, and several bottles with strange markings on them.

“So what do you need?” Not sure what to give her.

“Umm.. the one with the tree on it. That’s willow bark extract. Tastes horrible, but great for pain. I’m gonna need something to wash it down, I think.” She grimaced at the thought of the foul concoction. Fluttershy had given her the kit, and explained the uses of the different potions, but she also explained that some medicines had to be given with a treat, or her animals would refuse the taste. “There should be a yellow bottle with a bee on it. That's honeyblossom. It will make anything taste sweet like honey. “

Retrieving the requested bottles, the human eased them open and offered them to the aching mare. She took a sip of the second bottle, then the first, still grimacing at the bitterness, masked by the sweet potion. She thanked him with a sigh, as the sweetness overtook the bitter, and the pain started to ebb slightly.

“Better?” he said, as he put the supplies away. He noticed something with a picture of a mint leaf on it, and fished it out of the box. “Hmm, what’s this?”

“Yea, a lil bit better. It will take awhile to take full effect.” She looked at the small jar. “Oh, I think Fluttershy said that was ointment, for muscles. She makes it for the spa to use on their customers.

“Perfect!” he said, grinning. “I have an offer to make, and feel free to decline, but it also comes with a warning.”

“Oh? Do tell...” The mare stretched out on the bed, some of her aches starting to feel better. She could smell that scent again. Something about the strange human made her feel so relaxed. She trusted him, and couldn't understand why. He was friendly enough, but the look of him was still a little jarring. But she had to admit, he was growing on her. ‘Hah, like a shaved teddy bear... eew?’ She giggled to herself.

“Ok, one of the , err talents I have, is I am good with my hands.” He held them up for her to see. She blinked at the strange appendages, so like a dragon’s claws, but soft and rounded. “I have been told by professionals that I am a natural at giving massages. And I would probably have made a great one, except that... well I really don't like touching people much.”

She looked puzzled at him, wondering where this was leading, but knowing already to let him ramble in his own way. Besides, he smelled so.. nice.. ‘Whoa there Twilight! What on Equestria are you thinking! Eew! Hes not even a pony! Although he was a male... ew ew ew ew! Stop it.'

“So anyway,” he continued unaware of her internal dialogue, “Hows about I give you a massage? I can help ease some of those cramped muscles and pain you were talking about.”

“A massage? I umm... never had a massage before. I- don't even know you. I dunno...”

“Well it’s up to you, never had any complaints before, but I do gotta warn you. When I am done, you will either be the most relaxed you have ever felt, and fall asleep, or be hornier than you have ever been in your life.” He laughed at his own joke, knowing from past experience, he actually WAS good at this.

‘Oh Celestia, that sounds so good. And it has been a long time since.. NO! don't go there filly, he’s a human! His hands are probably all creepy.’ The mare considered the offer.

Taking her silence as a negative, he gave up, shrugging. He stood to leave. “Well, nevermind. You get some rest, and I am gonna find a couch or something to crash on. I was actually falling aslee...”

“Yes.” she interrupted him.

“Hmm?” he turned back to the reclining pony.

“Yes, I would love a massage.” she said, still uncertain, but still feeling so.. safe, around the strange creature. “Just.. be gentle. I’m still pretty sore.”

“Not a problem. Why don't you roll over onto your belly, and I can start on your back and flanks.” He motioned for her to roll over, and opened the small jar. Inhaling, he smelled.. mint.. and menthol. Maybe a hint of something astringent. ‘Mmmm... home made Ben-Gay. Just what I needed.’