Love Unwhole (Part 1)

This might be uncomfortable. Ready? OK. One... Two... THREE!
>With a quick jerk, you could feel the bone popped back into its socket, the male pony grunts in pain.
There we go, that wasn’t so bad.
>The pony writhed for a minute still, his eyes still squeezed shut. Poor fella took a spill through the badlands getting here and popped his leg out of its socket.
>Walking over to the medicine cabinet, you grabbed a bottle of pill and began to ration out a week’s worth of pills into another small capsule.
Alright, take these twice a day, every day for a week starting today. It’ll help strengthen the cartilage and tendon.
>The pony was finally becoming accustomed to the dull pain, “Thank ya kindly sir.” He grabs the pills and places them in his satchel.
>He looks back up to you, “How much sir?” You just smile at him.
Whatever you want to pay is fine.
>You turn your back and begin to clean up your work space, “Well, I’m afraid I don’t have much sir. It’s not much but I have a wife and colt back home you see...” You glance at him and nod at him.
I understand.
>You didn’t say anything else. He nods “Thank you sir. I won’t forget this.” He leaves the building as the door hits the bell and jingles the same pitch as it always had for the past three years.
> Three years.
>Three long years you’ve been living in Oatasis, a seemingly lively small town that’s been thriving well on its own.
>It dealt as a pit stop between Los Pegasus and AppleLoosa, but it had resources (mainly grains) and thankfully an underground water reservoir.
>For three years you’ve been playing doctor for the people here. It was strange for them to accept you as someone that knows how to treat ponies, but you let your actions speak for themselves.
>The Mayor and Sheriff of the town were kind enough to give you a place to stay in exchange of your services and also gave you some money as well.
>It wasn’t a high paying job, but that wasn’t the point.
>Anyone that wanted to pay was free to do so, you didn’t extort nor shame anyone that didn’t pay. Most of the time, your patients were generous in giving you money.
>Did some ponies take advantage and not pay? You better believe it. They were mostly the kind that were passing through town and knew they would never see you again.
>The folks in this town paid you what they could for your kindess.
>Kindness...
>Something not too many ponies have shown you. The folks here were nice enough, but being a human they were a bit unaccustomed to your kind here.
>That was nothing to hold against them, at least you have a place to stay and you can keep yourself feed.
>The large chunk of the remaining money you have was spent on medical supplies that a local Pegasus delivery service was kind enough to bring at a reduced fee.
>But more recently, someone you knew showed up.
>It was that unmistakable flirt of a pony you met back in AppleLoosa; Cherry Jubilee.
>Needless to say, even though you remembered what she did that night you were glad to see a familiar face. She came to Oatasis because a relative lived here and they bought a share of land that would be good for growing an orchard.
>Ms. Jubilee hoped to get here business up and running by the end of the year once everything started to grow.
>Apparently in the previous 3 years she tried to start a business in AppleLoosa but ran into some debt. She assured me it was all cleared up and thanks to her family she is starting anew in Oatasis.
>That was a couple weeks ago.
>You’re building were you helped injured and sick ponies was an old General Store, but you spruced it up and turned it into your place of solitude.
>You sold medication as well, but usually asa reduce cost since folks here weren’t the richest.
>The town’s main source of revenue was mainly crops and tourism.
>What did Oatasis have to offer? Aside from Devils Spike (a large igneous extrusive rock formation, almost like a mountain), there was valley of Hoodoos that ran down the valley and at the end there was a cave formed by natural water erosion.
>It leads to the underwater reservoir for the town, but town hall figured it’s time to get a pipe line from Los Pegasus to bring the town into a modern setting, especially if tourists plan on staying for a while.
>At least this place was modern enough to have electricity.
>Either way it didn’t concern you much. You kept to yourself most of the time and the ponies were nice enough to leave you be.
>Over the years you’ve grown stronger; stronger from the physical work you’ve done helping around the town. Your features became more rugged and you earned the nickname of being the town hermit.
>Not that it bugged you, but you recalled what a hermit was.
>At least the oldest term meant a person who secluded himself from society to seek God or become enlightened.
>You’ve met neither.
>This whole pilgrimage made you feel good that you were helping others, but a part of you was still empty.
>All the alcohol and the occasional sex from mares who got their kicks from sleeping with you was bittersweet in your life.
>In your room, you still had that picture of Pinkie.
>You lived out here long enough to know that the folks here were kind hearted, but you avoided any relationships. You couldn’t risk something like that happening again.
>As you closed up for the night, you did a quick count of the inventory and counted the money earned today. You headed up into your room and looked at the picture.
>You know what this day was. You grabbed the picture and brought it to the kitchen.
>Turning on the light, a single light bulb buzzed lightly over the kitchen table, just barely lighting the dim room.
>You went to the fridge and pulled out a single cupcake. Placing it on the table between you and the picture of Pinkie, you stick a single candle into the small cake and light it.
>You turned off the light, only the glow from the single flame remained.
>It was her Birthday today.
>You looked at her picture and hummed Happy Birthday quietly to yourself. Remembering all the times you shared together, you couldn’t but feel tears in your eyes.
>You could still remember the look in her face when you were blackmailed to give her up. She said she forgave you, but you still clung to that image of her.
Happy Birthday...
>You blow out the candle; the light of the moon pours through the kitchen window. The smoke slowly snakes and whispers off the wick.
I’m so sorry Pinkie...
>That night as you fell asleep, it happened again.
>You were back at the lake, the sky was a hellish fire colour.
>Fluttershy was holding a knife to Pinkies throat in the middle of the lake in a boat.
>She didn’t say anything, but grinned menacingly. You run out to the water but someone holds you back.
>It was Lyra.
>Her hoof grabs you by the hair and feels like she was going to rip your scalp off. You struggle with all your strength to get to the water’s edge.
>It was too late, Pinkie was already over the edge and the entire lake fills with her blood. You tried to scream but no words come out of your mouth.
>Forcefully you were turned to face Lyra, the face that has haunted you to this day. Her left eye was hollow, but writhed with maggots and puss, half her face burnt and peeled back.
>Fire surrounded you as Fluttershy closed in, “THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING” Lyra garbles in her throat.
>Intense fire seared your flesh as you watched their faces melt; you could see Pinkie slowly sink into the murky abyss.
>”You did this...” is all Pinkie said.
>You shoot out of your bed, your chest burning and a cold sweat poured down your face. Slamming your first into the bed, you were pissed.
>You got out of bed and opened the window, it was still dark.
>Grabbing a pillow you screamed into it. These nightmares weren’t getting any easier.
>Not that every night was filled with unpleasant dreams, but these ones were painful reminders.
>Looking at your nightstand, there was the picture of Pinkie. Still smiling, still happy.
>You remember the last moments when you took her to the hospital. If only you got her there sooner...
>Looking at the clock, you still had a few hours left until your store would open.
>As you prepared to open your store that morning, you hear a commotion.
>Looking out the store window you could see ponies running out of the Salt Lick, the local saloon.
>This wasn’t good.
>A pony comes running to the store, “Anon! Cherry Jubilee is in trouble!”
What’s wrong?
>”Somep0ny and his gang are harassing her over something about a ‘debt’ I think. They’re gonna hurt her. You have to do something.” He urged
>Shit, you should’ve known she was lying.
OK, go get the sheriff and find shelter.
>You head into the back of the store and open a closet. There hung a scythe.
>Although you promised to yourself when you were younger and naive that you couldn’t kill anyone, Fluttershy and Lyra taught you something.
>If anyone was willing to hurt those you love, you’re better off getting them first.
>Grabbing your hat and duster set, you take the scythe in hand. This scythe had a folding and locking mechanism at the tang, made it easier to look more like a staff.
>One minor detail you left out; not only did you play doctor but you also guarded this town.
>This scythe was designed by you, and thanks to the local blacksmith and his skills, he helped to build you it.
>It was more effective as a deterrent, but it’s seen its fair share of blood.
>You jog to the saloon and was first on the scene.
Jubilee!
>You called out as you enter the saloon, but you were greeted by a large buffalo that head butted you back into the streets.
>Tumbling head over feet, you regain your composure and get back on your feet.
>There stood a native buffalo, but soon followed a second one. Then three stallions came out, one of them was holding Cherry Jubilee hostage.
>You assumed the stallion that steps forward was their leader. He spoke with a peculiar accent while trying to give off a sense that he was sophisticated, “Well, aren’t you just a tough little critter?”
>He looks back at the buffalo that charged you, “You’ll have to forgive my associate, sir. He’s strong, but not the brightest.”
What do you want with Ms. Jubilee?
>She struggles at this point, her feisty nature not dampened. “Anon, these brutes are-“ but she was interrupted by a cloth being wrapped around her muzzle.
>The leader spoke, “What she means to say is that she thought she could bamboozle us out of her debt but in AppleLoosa. We’re just her to get what is rightfully ours and we’ll be on our way.”
>You looked at Ms. Jubilee with a certain disdain, but you had to help her nonetheless.
If it’s money you want, you can take what I have. But she’s not going anywhere.
>Reaching into your pocket, you pull out a small sack filled with bits. This was all of the profit you made that month, but money was the least of your worries.
Here...
>You toss the bag of coins, and the leader picks it up and lightly tosses it up and down in his hoof. “This feels a bit light, sir. But I’m afraid it’s not enough, she’ll have to learn the hard way.”
>You take a step forward.
I’m giving you one last chance to stop this. Let her go, and I’ll pay you back the money she owes.
>”Sir, you’re generous and kind nature is what whores like this varlet needs. But I’m afraid it’s not just about the money.”
I’m warning you, don’t test me.
>You know you were in over your head, especially against something like a buffalo. But you weren’t going to let them hurt Cherry Jubilee.
>The leader chuckles, “My oh my, this little monkey thinks he has the gall to warn me?”
And this monkey is about to jam that sack of money up your ass if you don’t leave.
>He looked disappointed, “Shame really. And here I thought you were going to be civil about this.”
Nothing civil about you harassing a nice mare like Jubilee over money.
>The leader raised his hoof, one of the stallions leapt from the walk board of the saloon and charge you.
>You side-step and like a golfer winding up for a hit, the blade of the scythe extends out and cuts clean through the stallions legs.
>The gang stood in shock as they fallen stallion screamed in agony, but eventually grew silent from shock. The gravel road was stained a rusty red.
>The leader look more flustered, you just stared at him. He raised his hoof and the two buffalo charged.
Shit...
>You could see the leader and the other stallion drag Jubilee back into the saloon. You had to deal with these two buffalo first.
>Taking off as fast as you could run, you run down a small alley way. You could find your way up to higher ground and get them from there.
>But the buffalo were much quicker than you thought.
>Charging down the alley, one of the caught up to you. You tried to ready the blade, but you ended up being plowed and stuck on his head.
>The other followed suit as your hanging off this buffalos head. You ready your scythe, the metal, still stained with blood, gleams in the light.
>The buffalo makes a quick stop and you end up flying down the street towards the blacksmith.
>You smash through the wooden door, and you dropped your scythe through the crash.
>Splintered wood littered the blacksmith workshop, you cough and spit out a nail.
The fuck...
>But before you could react, a buffalo stamps down on your chest with enough force to almost break your rib.
>You wince in pain as you try to forcefully push him off. The other buffalo finally makes it to the party.
>You look around for your scythe, but it was nowhere to be seen. You were just beside the forge, a large open coal pit with several tools still lay there.
>Grabbing a coal shovel, you swing it at the buffalos face. He barely flinches, but he was pissed.
>Pressing hard onto your chest, you could feel something pop.
FFffffuckk...
>”Check it, this weird creature doesn’t have a cutie mark.” The other buffalo said.
>The one pinning you down was grinning, “Why don’t we fix that?” he chuckles.
>The other buffalo grabs a hot iron rod that was sitting in the furnace; its glowing white hot tip sizzled.
>You struggled and strained against the weight of the brute, but he was far heavier than you were capable of moving.
>You started to kick and punch, but the buffalo socked you in the face and pinned you on your front side.
>The left side of your face was on the floor, but they were bringing the fevered iron rod closer to your face.
>You looked out of the corner of your eye as the rod came closer, the intense heat and light becoming stronger.
>”I think he’s scared.” The buffalo taunted as the rod was almost on your face.
>You closed your eye as the metal came into contact with your face. You could hear your skin sizzle and cook as the rod was pressed against your brow, eye and cheek.
>You let out a scream in pain as you felt the burning sensation tear into your very being. You could even feel your eyelid start to melt and burn.
>”There we go; now he’s got a pretty mark for that mug of his.” He laughs.
>The other buffalo takes his foot off you. Big mistake.
>You seized the hot iron rod and thrust the tip up through the buffalo’s skull and sent the tip right into his brain.
>The buffalo staggers for a moment before toppling over; smoke pouring out of his ears and you could hear a sizzling sound coming from within his head.
>The other buffalo immediately delivers a blow to your face. You felt a tooth come loose.
>He stands over you and raises a hoof to smash your face in.
>”YEEEEHAAAAW!” someone yelled from behind the buffalo.
>It sounded familiar.
>You see a lasso snatch the buffalo by the neck and pull him off balance. An orange pony sporting a brown hat hops on its back, “Get along little doggy!” she yells in excitement.
>The buffalo bucks and rampages through the blacksmith workshop and smashes his way through the wall and out to the street with the orange pony still holding on.
Applejack...?
>The sheriff gallops into the workshop and helps you to your feet, “You OK son?”
>You reach up to your face, the blistering pain still tightening its grip on your face.
I’m fine, what about Jubilee?
>”They locked the door, Anon. All we could hear was screaming.” He sadly reported.
No... I’m not letting this happen.
>You get up to your feet and stumble to the streets. Running to the saloon you up to the third floor where another deputy was outside still pulling at the doorknob.
Stand back.
>You rear up your leg and kick the door down. There was Jubilee, lying on the bed beaten and sobbing. The other two stallions were gone, an open window greeted you.
>You look outside to see two stallions running down the alley.
>You rush downstairs, hoping to stop them before they get too far.
They’re getting away!
>You look at the deputy
Make sure she’s OK.
>The sheriff comes with you and you run out into the street, but you all you could see was the two stallions and the buffalo heading off into the distance.
>You stand there gasping for air.
Fuck...
>You cursed under your breath.
>But another thought just crossed your mind, one that made you even more worried.
>You turn only to be greeted by a pair of pretty green eyes. It was AppleJack.
>To say her expression was shock would be an understatement, but she was clearly exhausted from her tussle with the buffalo.
>”Anon...?” was all she could say before fainting.
Shit...
>The sheriff looks to the fainted pony and to you, “You know this young mare Anon?”
Kind of.
>Picking her up and holding her in your arms, you tell the sheriff to have Jubilee come see you so you can tend to her wounds.
>Going back to your store, you place AJ on a patient’s bed and place a cool pack on her forehead.
>This was not good. AJ’s seen you. After three years and she had to come to Oatasis.
>You hang up your duster set and put on some proper clothing for treating patients. The deputy came into the store with Cherry Jubilee.
>”Thank you kindly, sir.” Jubilee weakly spoke as the deputy left her in your hands.
>She didn’t look in good shape, her face was bruised, blood trickled from his nose and she had cuts all over her body.
>You reach down to pick her up and lift her onto the table, but she bats your hand away “I can take care of myself, thank you very much.”
>That’s Jubilee for you.
>She struggled at first to get up on the table, but in her efforts she falls backwards. She laid in a heap and cried softly to herself.
>I extended my hand out to her, but she grabbed on tight to me and hugged for the longest time.
>They decided that beating and raping her was fair enough payment for the debt she owed. Through her tears and sobs, she buried her face in your shoulder.
>You just held her and stroked her back.
Why didn’t you tell me? I could’ve helped you pay back the money.
>”I just couldn’t do that, Anon. I thought I was free from those fools!” She looked up to you with those eyes of hers; “Look what they did to your face!” she reached up and held your face.
>Aside from the bruising and almost crushed ribcage, you now sported a lovely burn mark over your right face. It cooked the flesh above your brow, over your eyelid and down to the top of your cheekbone.
Don’t worry about me; it’s you that I need to take care of. But even I couldn’t do something like that.
>Tending to her wounds, you decided to let her sleep in your bed to recover her strength.
>Thankfully no one else in town was hurt. The sheriff came into your store with the scythe in his mouth, he places it on the counter, “Someone told me what happened to that one stallion. That was really gruesome what you did.”
They threatened me and Jubilee, I responded in kind.
>The sheriff sighs, “I suppose, that’s all we can really do out here in these parts. I’ll talk to the mayor and see what we can do to chip in for the next medical shipment seeing as how you gave all your money to persuade those brutes.”
Thank you.
>As he leaves, you continue to look over your body for any injuries. Aside from the burnt mark, you had a few cuts and splinters.
>You felt like soup. Jubilee would probably like some when she wakes up.
>Chopping up some vegetables and setting it into a stew, the smell wafts through the store.
>The smell stirs AJ from her dizzy spell and she looks around the room dazed and confused, “Ugh... where am I?”
>Hearing her rustling about, you were prepared to face the music as you could hear her footsteps approaching.
>AppleJack turned the corner and stopped. Her mouth hung open as she was bewildered by what she saw.
Hello. Glad to see you’re OK.
>She rubbed her eyes and blink “Anon? But... I thought y’all... what... am I in heaven?”
I wish.
>You didn’t really know what to say. What could you say? You faked your own death and have been living in a desert town for the past 3 years?
>”Is that really you, Anon? I thought you were... dead.” She was obviously upset about this as tears welled in her eyes.
>Pulling in a deep breath, you sighed.
AJ, can I at least explain?
>”Explain what!? How Pinkie died and you faking your own death to leave us?” This struck you deep.
AJ, I know you have a tendency to be stubborn but I want you to hear me out.
>Then a thought occurred.
Actually, I want you to tell me what happened after that day. The day my house burned down.
>”Golly, that was a while ago Anon. We thought we lost a friend that day.” She begins.
>You pull up a chair to the kitchen table and motioned her to sit.
>She explains that after the fire, they all found out about Pinkies death. Needless to say, everyone was shaken by her death and losing the element of laughter.
>AJ goes on to explain that you gave her a note before your death, telling her about Fluttershy and the rape. How she was blackmailing you. Obviously, Fluttershy lied her way up and down, denying that any of it happened. She claims you killed Pinkie and killed yourself because you couldn’t stand the guilt.
>You should’ve figured as much.
>AJ tells you how Fluttershy has never been the same, always depressed that you were gone. Nothing was the same without Pinkie. “And I know the two of y’all were real close.” She comments.
Yeah...
>AppleJack demanded you tell her what happened, “Anon, you didn’t really kill Pinkie, did you?” You just looked at her.
AJ, Pinkie was the world to me. I only left because I knew Fluttershy would never leave me alone unless I was dead.
>You recounted to her the grisly details leading up to Pinkie’s death. AJ was disturbed, but she trusted you. She is the element of honesty after all.
And I’ve been living here over the past three years, helping pony folk with my knowledge in medicine. I figured it would make Pinkie happy, if I were to do that same to others. But... I’m also the only one to protect the good folks here, AJ. I’ve done bad things, AppleJack.
>”It’ OK Anon. I understand. You’re only protecting what is dear to you.” She places a hoof on yours.
>Asking her what she was doing in Oatasis, she said it was for two reasons. One is that she had family out her that she wanted to visit and take a break from apple bucking.
>She explained how she strolled into town during the commotion and heard screaming from the blacksmiths. That’s when she saved you from having your Head-Smashed-In.
>The other reason was more concerning, but AJ was sent out on a scouting mission by Princess Celestia to look for a threat.
Which isn’t me I hope.
>AJ shook her head, “No, but her Royal Highness reckoned there was something going on these here parts. Something musta spooked her enough.”
Did she say what?
>”No, but I reckon it couldn’t be good. Have y’all noticed anything strange going on?” You shrug your shoulders.
Nothing aside from the punks that roll through here.
>At that moment, you hear footsteps coming down the stairs; it was Jubilee waking up from her sleep.
You looked back to see Jubilee make it down the stairs, “I thought I smelled something cooking, I didn’t take you for a chef Anon.” She said sounding like her old sassy self.
>AppleJack locked eyes on Jubilee, “Ms. Jubilee, is that you?” And Cherry Jubilee was equally surprised and asked, “Why is that? Is it! AppleJack!”
>The two ponies greeted each other with open arms and chatted it up the rest of the afternoon.
>While they were catching up, you went back to the front of the store when a customer came in for medicine and tended to any other folks that needed help.
>Later that evening, AJ had to go meet her family at the other end of town. She explained that she was to investigate the surrounding area and look for anything suspicious and report it back to Celestia.
>As you were getting ready to close for the night, Jubilee came back.
How you holding up?
>”I’m fine, thank you for asking.” She seemed nervous about something.
Something on your mind, Ms. Jubilee?
>”Please, call me Jubilee. Ms is too formal.” She insisted.
What’s up Jubilee? You seem worried.
>She looks down at the floor, scratching the wooden planks with her hoof, “What happened today made me realize something, about the first time we met.” She glanced up at you.
>You know where this was heading.
Just let me finish closing up, and I’ll see what I can do.
>She looks shocked, “Oh no. Please, I didn’t mean anything. It’s just that, I’m awfully sorry for what happened...”
>Glancing at her, you chuckled.
Not the first time I’ve been extorted, Jubilee. If anything, I’m kind of use to being treated that way.
>Sadness set upon her lovely face, she felt terrible, “Anon, I was selfish and drunk that night. I didn’t know you went through-“
Jubilee. It’s OK. If you want to apologize then apology accepted. If anyone has to apologize, it’s me for not doing my duty and protecting you.
>You continue to put some stuff away for the night, but Jubilee stood there. “Anon, can I... stay with you tonight?”
>Pausing from what you were doing, you looked down at her. Here was a pony that was probably older and wider than you, yet there she stood at your mercy wanting to be comforted.
>It didn’t even sound like she wanted to sleep with you. After what happened today, she wanted to be with someone whose intent is to protect.
You know where the bedroom is.
>She smiles at you before she heads upstairs.
>After closing up, you put some ointment on your burnt scar. This was going to take some time to heal.
>Walking to the bedroom, Jubilee was already under the covers and giving you those bedroom eyes.
You are one tough pony, even after what happened today.
>”They never scraped with a pony from a desert town before, Anon.” She smirks.
>Getting up the cover, Jubilee nestles herself into your chest. Her tiny frame slowly moving up and down with her breathing.
>Her mane smelled nice, like fresh cherries. “Goodnight sugarcube.” She smiles at you lovingly.
Goodnight.
>This feeling felt familiar. Being in bed with Jubilee and cuddling reminded you of Pinkie. It made you feel... happy once more.
>Looking out the bedroom window, you could see the night sky filled with stars and a crescent moon. You still wonder if Pinkie was watching over you.
>You eventually drift into a peaceful sleep for a change.
>The throbbing pain on your face from the burn woke you up not to long after. Jubilee was fast asleep.
>Taking careful measures to get out of bed without waking her, you go downstairs to the fridge and place something cold on your burnt scar. A bag of frozen peas. Perfect.
>After a while it felt better, you reapplied some ointment and headed back to bed.
>But as you head back to bed, something caught your eye.
>Outside your window, a faint green glow was filling the night sky. Almost pulsating in a steady rhythm.
>Looking outside, you could see the glowing was coming from Devils Spike, the tall looming igneous extrusion just past the HooDoo Valley.