Peter Williams

So, good news, I finally got a job, governmental protection, and a new suit out the whole thing. Bad news, Princess Celestia left before I got all my questions answered. Fortunately, I now had a new wellspring of information in the form of the illustrious Princess Twilight Sparkle, whom was to be my first student in the field of political science. I was both incredibly nervous and excited, a feeling coined as "nervos-cited" by Pinkie. When the meeting was concluded, we agreed to meet the following day to discuss the plans for her lessons and my public reveal. Princess Sparkle would organize an event with the mayor, Mayor Mare (really?) where I would introduce myself as the first intelligent human in Ponyville (and as far as any one else knew the first in the world). After that Pinkie said she was going to throw me a nice party to officially welcome me to town. On paper I will be working at the palace as a research subject/ assistant, but in practice I would be grooming Twilight for a future in the realm of politics. All in all the immediate future looked bright for me.

Once Derpy and I returned home, picking up Dinky along the way, I changed out of my suit and set into making a lesson plan. I wasn't a certified teacher by any merits, but I was familiar with how to introduce the subject of political science to a novice. Deciding to put my phone and it's miraculous charging abilities to good use, I began transcribing and paraphrasing many of the works I had saved on it. This managed to lead on deep into the evening, as apparently phone batteries last much longer when they're not constantly searching for signals and data. Once I was sufficiently tired (and Derpy took the phone away) I laid down on my couch and curled up with a blanket to rest.

That night I dreamt of many things, confusing but masterful. I was in an apartment from earth, with all the amenities they would usually have, but Derpy was there, as was Dinky. They were both still ponies, but carried on their activities like they really lived there. I was playing the role of a husband-father figure before departing to commute to my job at a university. There I was apparently a professor teaching home economics of all things to Elizabeth II if England, Emperor Hirohito, and Pope John Paul II. After I had taught them to balance their checkbooks on a stack of clean dishes the class was over and I returned home, somehow thwarting an alien invasion with a toaster pastry. Once home I greeted Derpy and Dinky politely and sat in front of the TV to watch the news where I was suddenly declared the President of Space due to my contributions to agricultural theory.

It was at this point I awoke, got up, and promptly ran to the bathroom to take care of my morning rituals, and seriously contemplate the ramifications of attempting to eat "hay fries" for dinner.

Dinky Hooves

When I got out of bed I could hear the shower running in the bathroom, so I knew Mr. Williams was already up. I went to the kitchen, hoping to get some breakfast before getting ready for school. When I saw Mommy wasn't there an idea hit me. I was getting really good at controlling my magic. Mommy was worried she was gonna have to send me off to some fancy unicorn school, but I was already learning a lot from the other unicorns in class, and I was even going to be tutored under Princess Twilight in a few years, when I was old enough. I bet I could make breakfast for everyone, no problem. I would need a few things, frying pan, some hay bacon, some flour and butter and milk, and... Maaaybe a few fruit bowls will be enough for now.

I levitated the apples, melons, and a few other fruits out before going in for a knife to cut them with. Mommy says I'm not allowed to use them, since i might cut myself, but if I use magic, then she won't have to worry! I started to hum a little while I cut. The apples were really hard, but the bananas were easy after I peeled them. The melons were my biggest problem. Mommy always cut them into wedges and then cuts off the peel, but was really hard to make the first cut. I had to push the knife down with my hooves, but really carefully, of course! I managed to get most of the melons cut up before Mr. Williams came in wearing his non-buttoned white shirt and black pants. He gave me a big smile before walking over to the counter and pouring some of the fruit I'd cut up into a bowl and sitting at the table. It was still pretty funny seeing him try to fit into chairs that were really way too small for him. He ate quietly, not like I really expected him to talk, though. So far he could only talk with his note pad or hums and grunts. It was actually kind of funny, and he did hum some really nice tunes sometimes.

Mommy came in soon after Mr. Williams and was really impressed. I decided not to tell her about what I had to do with the melon. Momma told us that she was going to pick me up from school early today so I could be at Mr. Williams' big ceremony. I was looking forward to going so much! Momma still looked a little upset, though. She said that some ponies wouldn't accept Mr. Williams, or would say he was a fake, but he didn't care. He said that even where he came from there were people like that, who would refuse to believe something even if real proof was right in front of them. We finished breakfast and went to school after Mr. Williams got in his fancy suit. All the way there ponies were looking at him funny. Some looked curious, others were scared, and a few looked at him with the fluttery eyes that Sweetie Belle's sister makes sometimes when shes talking to a stallion. Mommy shot those ponies some nasty stares, even though Mr. Williams didn't seem to notice. I would have to ask what that was about later.

We got to school and my classmates all looked at Mr. Williams. When momma and him left they all started asking about him. I didn't know how much I should say since mommy was still iffy on him being so open about everything, but if Mr. Williams was going to let everyone know at the big event later, I guessed it wasn't a big deal. I told my classmates all about him and how smart he is. I even told them about how he was supposed to be from another world! Not everyone believed me, but like Mr. Williams had said, a lot of ponies wouldn't believe him even with proof, so just saying he was a person and not a pet would sound really crazy. I told them about the big event I was getting out early for, and they got so jealous! At least until Miss. Cherilee came in and said we were all getting out early to go see it. Not everyday a princess has a proclamation to deliver, after all.

We sat through class until recess, when I noticed something. Diamond Tiara hadn't been picking on Applebloom or her friends all day. When I looked around I realized she hadn't even been at school. She was so hard to notice when she wasn't being all mean for no good reason. I wasn't going to ask about it until the Crusaders themselves came to me. They asked if I had seen her, since they hadn't since she and Mr. Williams talked. I didn't know, and they really weren't that concerned either, so we started up a game of tag.

Before long it was time to go, and Miss Cheerile brought us to the front door of the school so we could leave for the field trip. Momma and Mr. Williams picked me up and we went to the town square together. On the way more ponies were looking at him and whispering to each other.They must have heard the big announcement is about him. I couldn’t make out what they were saying, but they kept making faces like I saw earlier today. When we got to the square I saw a platform set up that the mayor and Princess Twilight were already on. They were looking through some papers and talking to each other.

We walked up to the stage, where Mr. Williams stepped up and was told to stand while they got ready to introduce him. I wanted to stay there with him, but Momma said that we didn’t need to be up there for this. I remembered Momma doesn’t like to be in front of big crowds of ponies that much, so I went with her as we stood close to the big stage. The crowd talked really loud until Miss. Mare tapped the microphone and got everypony’s attention.

Derpy Hooves

“Fillies and Gentlecolts” Mayor Mare began. I was nervous for Peter. We really had no idea what this would do for him. The princesses already assured him he would be okay, but there are always ponies who don’t follow the princesses orders. I quickly scanned the crowd, most ponies were curious, but a few who had seen Peter’s fight against the other human looked scared. I knew first hoof rumors could be more powerful than any laws, and fear could drive a pony to do crazy things. Even if Peter wasn’t scared about the future, I was.

“Today we have a special announcement from our very own Princess Twilight Sparkle!” The crowd cheered and stomped their hooves as Princess Twilight moved in front of the podium with a stack of index cards. The ponies of Ponyville had great pride in their resident princess, even if Mayor Mare griped about her castle technically being in a commercial district of the town layout. A number of stallions had even volunteered to join her own personal guard until she decreed she didn’t need them, and that Princess Celestia’s Solar Guard were more than enough to keep peace and order.

The princess cleared her throat to silence the crowd and pushed her cards in line against the podium, “Citizen of Ponyville, I have come before you today to introduce our newest and perhaps most peculiar addition to our fair town. Today I present to you Mr. Peter Gregory Williams!” The crowd watched silently as Peter confidently strode forward with a smile plainly on his face. At the front of the stage he took off his hat and gave a deep bow like the one he’d done the previous day when introduced to the princesses. He stood back up, putting his hat back on as the princess continued, “Mr. Williams may look like similar to the humans we know, but this ’Human in Black’ as I’ve heard many citizens refer to him as, has provided sufficient evidence and testimony to prove he is not only smarter than the average human,” I saw many ponies in the crowd nod in agreement, “but is, in fact, a fully sapient being from another world!” There were gasps of shock and a slight air of panic among the crowd, as well as scoffs of disbelief.

“Mr. Williams is an educated and respected member of his society, and wishes to return with due haste, but has requested that he be treated respectfully while he is here. Princess Celestia and I have already promised him as such while we search for a way to return him home, and we ask that you, the honorable citizens of Ponyville, do the same.” Princess Twilight finished, looking to Peter and receiving a nod of gratitude. They both looked to brace themselves at the next statement, “We will now accept questions on this matter.” Almost as one, reporters and newsponies from across Equestria swamped the stage with microphones and camera flashes.

"Princess Sparkle! Princess Sparkle! Do you really believe this human could be sapient!?"

"How are you certain he is from another world!?"

"Is he actually a science experiment gone horribly wrong!?"

"Do you know what his intentions for Equestria are!?"

"Are we to seriously believe this human is supposed to be an equal member of society?"

"Do you have a response to the rumors that you've taken this human in to be your lover!?"

"Is this human the scout for an alien invasion!?"

"How are the local police forces expected to respond to the fight between this human and another with your new proclomation!?"

"What proof of sapience does this human have!?"

"Is he considered evidence of the rumors of super-intelligent humans living in the Everfree Forest?"

The questions, both appropriate and inappropriate, continued to fly until Peter stood on the edge of the stage and opened his arms, silencing the crowd. He lowered his arms and looked to the princess, who nodded. She stepped down, quickly replaced by Peter, who retrieved a large notepad and his pencil from his pocket. Princess Sparkle lit her magic and cast a spell that projected the notepad on a large magic screen behind the stage.

"Mr. Williams will answer any questions you have." The princess said, "Unfortunately his voice was stripped of him by whatever force has brought him here, so he will answer via written responses." Peter nodded to her once more, then looked out on the befuddled reporters. He scanned over them for a moment then pointed to a pegasus stallion with a wicker hat and a camera around his neck.

"Uh... Ink Well... Hoofington daily... ah... H-how do we know that he-you are in fact... ah... an alien... or, ah... even sapient?" He stuttered. Peter was ready for such a question, and immediately threw himself into writing a response that could be seen by all.

I can prove it through this simple, but effective form of dialogue, as well as many artifacts that came with me from my world.

He pulled out his various belongings and displayed them on the podium, broadcasting it to the large screen. beneath each one he added a small description on the pad beneath. When he was done he let the setup sit for about fifteen seconds before collecting his items and tearing off the page to begin anew.

Does that answer your question?

The stallion seemed to surprise the stallion, who just nodded and slid back down. Before another could be picked, though, a unicorn with a notepad of his own magically scribbling away rose up to shout, "How do we know this isn't some elaborate ruse? I mean really? An intelligent human? This must be one of the latest pranks of Discord, or some hoax by a powerful enchanter and a well trained beast."

Peter's eyebrow rose, showing off his range of emotive expressions. Before he could write a response Princess Sparkle stepped forward. "Those avenues were explored, we've looked for transformation or control magic, but non seem to be present, and Discord himself was questioned, but denied any involvement. He is currently investigating a possible lead, but we must take Mr. Williams at his word." Peter nodded at the satisfactory response and the stallion sat down, his pen scribbling faster than before. The reporters grew more bold and began being called on to question. Peter pointed to a dark blue pegasus mare floating a little above the crowd.

"Quick Jot, Cloudsdale Cronicle, Are you truly from another world, and if so, how did you come to be here?" She asked quickly in a professional tone. Peter smiled and nodded before beginning his response.

I am alien to your world. My home is called Earth, in what I suspect is another dimension. I don't know how I came to be in your beautiful land. I awoke in your Everfree Forest about five days ago dressed only in my suit and what I had in my pockets, where I found a young lost filly and was chased from said forest by a hungary beast. Since then I have been living with Mrs. Hooves and her daughter. My people had no technology capable of this, so I can only speculate as to the cause of my transition. Does that answer your question?

"Yes, thank you." The mare said before taking a quick picture of Peter at the podium. The scene continued like that for some time, where Peter would accept a question and answer in that polite, but drawn out and flowery language that must have driven the reporters nuts with how long it was taking to get their quick comments for their columns. I didn't mind that he mentioned me, we discussed it and agreed it wouldn't be long before ponies found out where he lived anyway, and it was better than having them stalk him to and from work. When asked about his new role, he informed them he would be working for Princess Twilight at the castle as an aide to her research. He even managed to advertize Miss. Rarity for her fashion shop when he was asked about his full body attire when compared to the local humans.

As the afternoon bore on Dinky was getting more antsy. She wanted to go play with her friends rather than sit around while the big ponies talked, so I let her go with Applebloom and the crusaders to have fun while I waited for the press conference to end. Peter was starting to look a little rough too. While the autumn air was cool, it was still warm for him to be standing there in his suit all day, and he was beginning to sweat. His hand was beginning to cramp from all the writing he was doing, and he had started to visibly lean on the podium for support.

Princess Twilight must have noticed it as well, as she moved forward to nudge him aside after answering another question. "Thank you all for your questions, but I think it's time we wrapped this up. I'll answer one more question before this conference is concluded and we can all go home."

A tan unicorn stallion stood up with a raised hoof and spoke with a thick upper Canterlot accent, " Yes, Princess, Golden Ink, Canterlot Centennial, what exactly will the nature of your research be with your new pet?" The princess recoiled from the question and Peter's eyes locked in on the stallion.

"W-well, Mr. Ink, first let me assure you that Mr. Williams is by no means considered a pet! He is a fully sentient and sapient being, and must be treated as such. He's not an animal!"

"But he is a human, yes?" the unicorn continued, undeterred by the princess' retort, "So he cannot, by the law, have rights. How can a human be considered a person?"

"Because," Princess Twilight sighed, "Mr. Williams is not a human from Equestria. We currently doubt he even has the same biology as an Equestrian human. While he may look the part of a standard human on the surface, he has proven multiple times to be leagues above them in every regard. The scientific name for his race is Homo sapiens, and he is clearly distinct from his lesser cousins."

Golden Ink seemed to consider this for a moment before responding in his accented tone, "But he is still just a human, right?"

The princess groaned and I could swear I saw Peter's eye twitch slightly. "That's enough for today." She announced, "This press conference is called to a close. Any more questions may be sent to the castle for answer." She dispelled the projection and joined Peter as they made their way off stage. the reporters rushed to continue to ask questions, only to be held back by suddenly present Royal Guards. They made their way over to me as the reporters dispersed, clearly unable to get their scoops. Princess Twilight stopped as Peter joined me by my side, "Well, that was... interesting. I'm glad you could make it, Derpy."

I smiled and replied, "No problem, Twilight. I'm glad we could get this all cleared up."

"I'll head back to the castle for tonight, and Peter and I can get to work first thing in the morning!" She smiled back brightly.

"Okay. Anytime in particular he should get there?" I asked.

"About seven should do. That should give me time to get breakfast before we start hitting the lessons." She looked to Peter, "I'm very excited to begin my new courses, Mr. Williams. I'll see you tomorrow!" With that she turned and flew back towards the crystal palace. Satisfied, I called Dinky and we all started back to our house.

Peter Williams

Overall the press conference was... satisfactory. Clearly there would be holdouts, like that Golden Ink guy, but overall the general public was positive, or at least neutral about my intelligence and status. That was to be expected, hell some people in the south viewed blacks as animals even after the World Wars. I would have to cross that bridge when I came to it. In the mean time I would keep helping train Princess Sparkle in the art of politics and maintaining a comfortable living. It was a good plan. Still, even as we walked home and I though of how to introduce the princess to my wealth of knowledge, a single phrase kept being replayed in the back of my mind. It wasn't loud enough to distract me for long, but I did take note of it. Something one of the reporters had said...

'Is he considered evidence of the rumors of super-intelligent humans living in the Everfree Forest?'

It was just a question, one based on a rumor of a rumor most likely. I thought of the bipedal figures in the forest the night of the manticore fight. They may be related somehow. Not enough evidence to prove anything, but enough to make a somewhat compelling case. Coincidence? Probably. Still...

I sighed. Just another bridge to cross or burn when I come to it. If anything I could make it a future research project when my plate wasn't quite so full playing professor. Overall things seemed to be working out for me. A home, a job, and a good set of friends. Not much more a man could ask for, really. We got back to the cottage and I quickly dressed down to my shirt and pants. I liked the suit, and it was incredibly well made, but it was still a suit I had been wearing all day, and it was mildly liberating to be done with the thing. We had a delightful, if tasteless, dinner, I took a light shower to remove the day's sweat, and lied down on my couch. I would really need to get a bed sometime. I can't sleep on Derpy's couch forever. I'd probably need to sponsor a human-sized expansion on the house if I was going to be living there indefinitely too. I'd look like some freeloading bum. Can't do that, no sir. I'm a proud man. As I drifted to sleep, I felt a smile on my face as I settled into what would become my new life.

Author's Note

JEEZUS! I've been away a while! But I'm here! I'm back! And I have a new chapter for you all! The story continues, and we can finally get out of what is the prologue of an epic tale, or the tutorial level of a video game. Turns out I can write out the second half of a chapter if I just sit down and fucking do it!

Also I got really hung up on Dinky's little part. Writing with the child-like voice in my head was hard this go arou7nd, and I'll probably avoid writing in her head as much as possible in the future. Since season five has started, I'll put off writing anything that happens in season five until the season is over so I can make a plan on how it should go, or if I'll even include it. Sudden world building by the show and all (like Griffinstone).

Thanks for reading, folks! Please leave criticisms in the comments and assholery at the door.