Chapters There he was, sitting in a chair staring at the neatly polished table. He was exhausted and honestly wished he was in bed right now, but with recent events he wasn't able to go home, nor did he want to.
"Well, what happened?" The guard asked in a stern yet understanding tone.
He looked at the guard for a moment, everything for last few days come back to memory and attack his mind again. "You want a short or long answer?" Was his reply, in a groggily tone.
"Which ever helps with the current situation."
"Longer explains more but isn't directly connected to this case."
"Let's go with the longer; if anything we can use it for motives."
"The longer makes the motive clear just it happened two days ago." He takes a breath as the guard prepares to take notes. "So two days ago, I was taking a casual stroll around town. Nothing new, shops shouting about the new local deals and to get customers. What I did see out of the ordinary was a grown stallion who looked like he was drunk or high and hasn't slept on a comfortable surface for a few days was talking kind of harshly, as it appeared to Scootaloo who was with her friends, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom. All three looked frightened, and as I got closer I heard him say, 'You are coming with me right now!' Knowing that he was a stranger and picking on three fillies something was clearly up. I walked over calmly and asked what was going on, the fillies too scared to comment with the stallion present. The stallion told me that it wasn't my business. I told him I was making it my business since the three fillies were friends of mine and I wasn't going to let a stallion pick on them. He told me that he was the biological father of Scootaloo and that he was taking her home. I told him that he needed evidence to have such a claim and that he needed a place of residence that would pass a inspection along with the proper income to be able to care for her. He said he did, I didn't buy his words so I asked him to show me the papers that prove he is biologically her father. That's when he turned and attacked me. At that point I smelled the alcohol in his breath since I was more level with him. After a short while he stopped and told me to watch my back for he was coming. Last night was when he saw his opportunity to make his move against me."
Author's Note
Well I'm new here to this wonderful site though story writing hasn't been new. This is just the first I'm allowing all you boys and girls read. The reason I chose Lyra over all the other characters was because the fact she isn't involved in many stories as a main character. I also may have other characters that weren't tagged in this because of the limit which should be a little higher than 5. Art will be coming soon, once I have free time this weekend to generate one.
Chapter 2: Six Months Earlier
"That was smooth." He told himself as he heard the door slam. This was the fourth fight this week and it is still a Tuesday. Brandon was known for many things, on earth and on Equestria, relationships weren't one of them. He ponders this as he sits on the couch, "I need to be more honest and more open to talking about my past, especially to someone or pony, who seems to take strong interest in you and your past life. Probably should go talk to Fluttershy. She should know how to open up to another." With that he takes a breath and heads out himself to go see Fluttershy. But he opens the door and there she is, frightened at the door that opened before she could knock.
"Oh, hey Fluttershy, nice timing, I was going to come see you actually."
"O-oh, y-you were?" She replied in that cute soft voice. Brandon learned how to make out what she was saying even if no one else could. Thanks to lip reading and general sounds that can be heard.
"Yeah, wanted to get some advice, please come in." He speaks, standing aside to let her in. She nods and walks in carefully, always fearfully, for some reason. Brandon could never work out why she always was fearful with everything she did. She made her way to the couch and sat down. Brandon sat on the other end.
"So why you here Flutters?" He asked.
"I-I actually came to give you advice, actually."
"Probably what I was going to ask you anyway. So uh, what is this advice?"
"It's about Lyra. You know you two won't stay together long if you won't let her in."
"That's the problem, I want to, but I don't know how and the memories she asks about aren't exactly flowers and rainbows."
"Try to forget you are talking to her and are actually just speaking about the memory to yourself, that way she can know. I doubt your war stories will scare her."
"How do you know about my war stories?"
"Dash, she fantasizes about those almost as much as Daring Do."
He sighs, "I should have known Dash would talk about my stories like they were Daring Do's."
"You know she likes that kind of stuff more than anypony ought to."
"Yeah, guess it's my fault thinking Dash wouldn't do much with a story I tell that is more action filled than Daring Do."
"She does avoid the unnecessary details. Probably because they shouldn't be shared."
"I never went in depth, no one should know the full details of war."
"Will you open up and tell Lyra what she wants."
"I will try but she acts weird around me anymore. More than normal, still crazed over the hand thing."
"Only way to know is ask. I don't know her well enough to give a answer for attitude."
"Alright. Thanks Flutters, you were a big help today." She smiled and let herself out. Which left him alone again. He begins to think back about when he first became friends with Lyra. It was a weird day when that happened, and sad. She was in a local band which kicked her out. Soon she had no choice but to find a place to live as she couldn't afford her place anymore. Luckily for her Brandon had a spare room in his house so she could crash there till she got back on her feet. She gladly accepted his offer and spent the entire night asking goofy questions about hands and human appendages. She found herself a job working with Rarity as a model. Which was a good thing, previous experience with needles ended with a trip to the hospital when she accidentally stabbed Brandon in the arm with it. It went all the way in and too small to find. Brandon could have used a magnet to pull it out but for the risk of infection and a tiny hole he choose hospital. She was fired from there as well as she tore dresses in weird way and was too costly to keep repairing them. Though being the element of generosity she gave Lyra a really generous severance pay on top of her normal weekly pay. She and Brandon talked that night about what she might do.
"I don't want to feel like a burden to you, if I had a income it made me feel like I was paying my way here. Keeping the costs down that is, since you refused to accept rent." She spoke sipping tea.
"I'm gone most of the day and most of my work is really physical and I earn more than I spend in three weeks. That's why I never charged rent." Brandon said after taking a bite of apple pie.
"So what can I do? I don't know where else to work."
"There are plenty of chores I neglect here because I am so busy during the day and too tired in the evenings to do. You would be more capable than I at keeping the place looking nice."
"I never wanted to be a house wife or maid. Not yet anyway."
"Well, I honestly can't think of anything else that you could do."
There was silence as Lyra realized she really had nothing else to do in town. Working on Sweet Apple Acres wouldn't for she neither a earth pony nor able to move large masses of apples. Didn't have skill in any other ability that she didn't already work at.
"Alright, what all needs done daily?"
"Shopping mostly. Possibly meals if you don't mind cooking. "
"Doesn't sound so bad."
"Just stuff I neglect to do, mostly because the shops close before I can get to them and too tired to make a decent meal unless it's a Saturday or Sunday."
"Yeah your two days off which no pony else does."
"I work like three jobs though. Technically it's one, but it could be separated into three."
"Point made."
Brandon went around Ponyville looking for Lyra though she was nowhere to be found. That was, till he saw something hanging out of a bush, a mint colored tail from what it appeared to look like.
"Lyra is that you?" He asked, he heard crying which stopped for the most part once he asked the question. The figure came out, which was Lyra, she had been crying for a while based on her bloodshot eyes and tear trail.
"I'm sorry for shutting you out like that. I'm no good at talking about my past. Mostly because I'm ashamed of it."
She sniffles and wipes her eyes, "W-why? You have a interesting past. Why are you ashamed of it?"
"It's the harsh memories and stuff I used to do that is what makes me ashamed. I know things that most didn't know were physically possible. I used to be a bad type of human then and have spent a lot of time trying to stop being him."
"The memories are what remind you of what not to do again."
"I know, just the memories are painful."
"If a anything I know is true is that pain never stopped you before."
Brandon stares a moment "Dang it Dash. She's going to be the death of me, I know it." Hearing this Lyra lets out a giggle, which makes Brandon smile, he really meant what he said but the fact Lyra wasn't sad anymore was a relief to him.
"What makes you say that?"
"I can't win every fight. Dash is going to make that fight happen, I just know it."
"She means well though."
"Possibly. Though if I may ask, why do you behave different around me?"
She is taken by surprise by this, "What you mean?"
"You almost turn into something else, as if some emotion or something starts working in you. I do know it isn't the fact I have refused talking about my past."
She blushes a bit as she wonders herself what would make her act differently than normal around him. She then looks at him a moment and pays attention to what she feels. She gets a answer in a few moments, "It's because it's a emotion I never felt before."
"What emotion is it?"
"Lust or love. One of those two."
"I think the latter is more it. Lust is more of a sexual desire and would have gone away by now."
She ponders this a moment before nodding in agreement.
"Shall we head home?"
"I would like that."
He smiles and they walk together back to the home.
Once home they enjoy a meal together and move to the couch.
"I remember that hole." Lyra says as she points to a tiny hole in the arm rest of the couch.
"The day you almost took my head off." Brandon comments recalling the scene. He was enjoying a Sunday afternoon and reading the paper when Lyra walks in. He didn't see her for the paper was in the way.
"Hey Brandon what is this thing?" Brandon folds the top of the newspaper over to see Lyra holding a military grade M4 with her magic. He quickly rolls off the couch just before "BAM" the sound of the gun going off and hole where his head used to be resting on the couch. In fear and fright she drops the gun to the ground. The gun does nothing more except ding the wood floor. Brandon looks at the couch and then to the rifle. Finally looking at her,
"Now I think you understand why I said to not mess with what's under my bed?"
"Yeah." With that Brandon picks up the M4 and flips the safety back on.
"Why do humans have such a dangerous tool?" Lyra asks after recalling the incident.
"Because we are not perfect and we fight a lot. So it's about the bigger better weapon."
"We don't want war so why you have such things here?"
"Because I had them on me when I got teleported here. Though I hope I never have to go dig them out of the attic."
"Why not destroy them? They obviously aren't needed."
"They are a good deterrent. The object that comes out is faster than Dash doing a rainboom. So ponies think twice about going against such a weapon. So scare tactic gives it a safe use, but if they truly intend harm then the weapons can give a decent amount of harm."
"I noticed such. Since the object lodged deep into a thick wooden armrest."
"Better there than going through the wall into someone else's house."
"Good point. Say, uh, is it fine if I slept with you tonight?" When she asks the question she looks shyly away and blushes.
"Why? Just out of curiosity."
"I get lonely and well, since you know, love each other..." Her blush deepens and looks around nervously.
"Why not, as long as you don't play with my hands too much."
"It was one night!"
"I know, I just like teasing you about it."
She glares at him, not amused but not angry either.
"Come on, let's go to bed. Got a busy day tomorrow."
"Tomorrow is Saturday."
"Is it? Doesn't feel like a Friday to me."
"It is Friday, so you have no reason to get up early in the morning."
"True."
With that she smiles and heads off to get ready for bed. Which only consisted of brushing her teeth. Ponies didn't need to wear clothes for any occasion if they chose. So normal activities they wore nothing. One thing Brandon was jealous for, but it kept Rarity in business with him needing occasional work clothing or fixes. Though in his room was a mannequin that was custom made for him. It wore the clothes he wore the day he ended up in Equestria. Which hasn't been worn since and almost none know of its existence. The outfit being a black denim pants and black button up shirt with a dark brown natural skin leather hooded jacket that dropped down near the ankles.
"What is this?" Lyra asks while looking at the odd get up.
Brandon soon walks in with only gym shorts on, "That was my old work clothes when I was on earth. It's history is tied with the nickname I have."
"So what was the purpose of it?"
"Two things, one was stealth. Earth had many places to hide and I worked a lot during the night. The second was to be a unique look so any that saw if knew who they were dealing with."
"Like how the Wonderbolts have blue spandex uniforms for work clothes?"
"Yes, just this was more universal for me and more scary than the Wonderbolts. Seriously the Wonderbolts are just kindergarteners compared to the man that I am when I wear this."
"Really? You can outdo them that easily?" She carried excitement to actually here something about him that was based on his life earth and could actually beat the heroes of Equestria.
"Dash wouldn't idolize them when it comes to fighting."
"Wow, do the Wonderbolts know this?"
"Don't know, let's hope they never have to meet Ghost."
"Ghost? Who is this?" She was confused at this name, wondering why she never met him or heard of him earlier.
"I'm Ghost. It was a name I used while wearing that."
"Makes sense now." Pieces clicking together in her mind.
"Now, enough of a old costume, let's get some sleep."
"Okay." She hops into bed and waits for Brandon. He gets in and under covers and that is when she gets under and snuggles up to him.
When Lyra snuggles into Brandon he was surprised at how soft and warm she felt to the touch. Softer than anything he ever felt before and not matter what he could sleep feeling this kind of warmth.
"Wow, I never knew pony fur could feel this soft." He commented, blushing himself at saying this out loud.
To his surprise she blushes to it as well, "Thanks, it a compliment not many mares get."
"Perk to having a human as a lover then. You get here all the uncommon compliments."
"You never agreed to be my coltfriend though."
"I didn't? Guess we better change that status."
She giggles, "Well that makes this night more romantic then."
"Right, because nothing romantic about snuggling a boy in bed."
"You are taking it out of context, that's not fair." She taps his shoulder in protest and cutely at the same time.
"You misunderstood the fact I am teasing you."
"Wasn't all THAT funny."
"Maybe." He smiles and rubbing her back. She gasps at this as she didn't expect it. She blushes and stretches out a little to better enjoy this new feeling of affection and pleasure.
"So what was your childhood like? If you are ready to open up."
"It was normal and ordinary till I joined the military. Which is like the Royal Guard just more fearsome. I spent a few years in training and moving up the ranks, not much combat till I became a elite fighter. Then I got to see plenty of action. The last mission I did ended with me getting captured and interrogated and tortured. Finally got out and found that my family was all dead from fires. Family of six only has one member and all others died the same day. The day I got back from fighting. I watched all siblings and parents get dumped into the grave along with my brothers families. A major loss and I had no one left. It was just me, friends moved on without me and forgot my existence on earth. So I spent many months in a rage and depressed. This latter story is why Scootaloo comes me for advice. For she has been down this road more recently than me. So I tell her how I dealt with the pain."
"She has no family?" Lyra interjects curious about why Scootaloo would ask him advice.
"A drunk washout father last she knew of was still living. Mother died from a illness on Hearth Warming."
"That must make the holiday sad for her."
"Yeah, doing better though thanks to following advice Dash and I gave her. Anyway, after this series of events I dropped off the face of the earth. Went to a remote island and stayed there wondering what my purpose was. That's when Ghost was born, a man with no history and no one to use against him. A man to fight the wrong in the world. Spent several years experimenting the best way to accomplish this. The first few are the darkest, next to the military ones."
"How dark?"
"You can't sleep and think the only way out is to end your life."
"How did you get past it?"
"Started doing good. The good things and decisions block out the horrors that used to haunt you."
"That help in the long run?"
"It did. I could keep it from getting too bad but the horror never leaves. But the thing is, I actually retired and passed the name onto someone else to carry. On earth I was nearly fifty years old but when I got teleported my age reversed and I am now eighteen again."
"That is odd. Never heard of that side effect of teleportation."
"Yeah, but at least I have a long life to live."
"That too, what did you do after you passed on the torch?"
"Did a honest man's work. I fixed a type of machine called a automobile."
"What are they?"
"Like trains just more smaller and can travel on anything. I might have a picture of one on my iPod."
"iPod?"
"The metal rectangle that is shiny and small."
"Ah that thing. What is the noise it makes?"
"Earth music, we used a more broad variety of musical instruments that used electricity to make sounds."
"Ah, ok. Is the guitar you have such type?"
"It is." How the guitar and amp ended up in Equestria has been as much a mystery as how he managed end up there. Brandon didn't complain too much though he didn't play the guitar much since he came here. Ponies probably wouldn't enjoy the style of music that dominates earth. A few exceptions being Dash and Scootaloo, both want to play the guitar but lack the ability to hold the notes with hooves. But they accept it and they enjoy hearing him that much more.
"How does it work?"
"The strings vibrate at a certain speed which is recorded by magnets that send the pulse to a speaker which plays the same vibrations."
"Is that why it small and light?"
"Yes, because it doesn't rely on the hollow wood that a acoustic does."
She yawns before speaking, "How about we get some sleep?"
"Alright, night Lyra." He kisses her cheek, which blushes after he does so. He doesn't say anything but she tasted like mint gum. Which made him ponder the idea if color coats make certain ponies have a smell or taste a certain way.
"Night Brandon." She lays her head on his chest and falls asleep in a few moments. Her soft fur and warmth soon drug Brandon into a peaceful sleep.
Author's Note
Yeah, not a long chapter, nor as descriptive, but it fills in some blanks about Brandon.
Chapter 4: Love is on the Move
The following morning Brandon awakes to a still sleeping Lyra. Laying completely on him and snuggling him. She looked so cute and adorable like this and her gentle heart beat and breathing being felt made it even more so. He knew that this kind of breathing and heart beat isn't a normal rest rate, this is a rest rate but it's one that belongs to one that has true inner peace and security. The fact she admitted to liking him and now can enjoy each others company while sleeping probably is why she is resting contently.
Not wanting to disturb her rest he didn't try getting up. He just moved his hands and rubbed behind her ears. Her subconscious making her adjust to better enjoy this feeling. She smiles and mutters something inaudible which only makes Brandon smile. He never realized how attractive she actually was. The thoughts making him blush which he was then glad she sleeping. So she couldn't see the blush. He soon began to embrace her. The soft fur and the warmth more enjoyable than anything he could think of. This truly was going to be a day to remember for the two of them if this morning was so enjoyable.
She awoke to the feeling of him scratching behind her ears, "U-oh this is so enjoyable." She quietly mutters as she adjusts herself a little, keeping her eyes closed and head still.
"I thought so, based on your reaction when I started." He smiles to her, though she can't see it since she never opened her eyes.
"Can you do a rub to my shoulders? They feel a little stiff." She blushes at this but sleeping the way she did was a un-normal position for most ponies.
"Sure thing." Brandon commented and moved his hands to her shoulders, rubbing them firmly yet gently. His fingers going into her fur and close to her skin. This makes her shift a little and moan softly. Her blush brightening as she never felt anything this good before.
"That's it, just like that." She spoke softly, feeling herself relax and melt into him. She didn't know a pony could feel this good because of a rub. As he continued she moaned softly and stayed still, letting him do his work to her. "I've really been missing out haven't I?"
"This is the only thing new to you because of hands. The rest shouldn't be new."
"So soothing though."
"I know, just relax and let the rub do it's job." At this she nods and adjusts a bit more.
"Can you do the same everywhere?"
"I can, if that's what you want."
"It is."
He smiles to himself and moves his hands to her upper back which makes her moan and hold him tightly. Her back getting soothed was truly amazing and no other type of massage could deliver this kind of result. She, in her mind, was giving him more and more reign with her though he did not know this. Just she would let him do more to her that normally wouldn't happen. Nothing could ruin this moment for the two of them, only thing missing would be a romantic song or two like the fancy restaurants have playing. Though in their minds they both knew that the music would only distract them from enjoying this to its true content.
When her upper back seemed to have relaxed as much as it could Brandon moved down to the small of her back and started rubbing there. The sensation sent chills through her spine and made her shiver and blush. She also moaned a bit more audible at the sensation.
"Are all humans this good at rubbing?"
"I can't answer that accurately. But, I can say that some know how to rub better than others."
"You would go unmatched if you did this for a living."
"No thanks, I can only take so much of the upper class jabbering about being better than the rest."
"Not all are like that."
"I know, I met a few of those that are nice. It's the other types I try to avoid."
"I understand. Say, you do you know any romance songs on the guitar?"
"A few, why?"
"Could you play one for me, that isn't too bad."
"Sure. Though I think I know the perfect one to play first."
"Oh? What is it called?"
"It's a goofy one called "Pre-ex-girlfriend" by a band called Five Iron Frenzy."
"What makes it goofy?"
"The lyrics to it. Makes anyone ask why she is his perfect girl to date."
"I see, can't wait to here to it then."
Brandon has his Dean Vendetta on his lap and is adjusting the slightly out of tune strings on it. It's been at least three months since he played it last. Mostly because Rainbow kept bugging him to play it.
Soon he begins to recall how the song and starts picking the song on the guitar. Lyra sitting in front of him, smiling. He plays the song and does his best to imitate a female voice for part of the song which turns her giggling into laughter. If the song wasn't silly enough his attempt at the voice was priceless. He barely manages to finish it without joining her in laughter.
"That was definitely a great choice. I never knew such a song could exist. Did the original artist do the female voice as a male?"
"No, the band had a female member so she did that part. Glad you took amusement at my wonderful female vocals."
"They truly are wonderful."
"The sarcasm is strong with this conversation isn't it."
"Possibly." Her stomach interrupts with a hungry growl.
"How about we eat."
"Sounds good to me."
Author's Note
Just a little notice that I own not the song or run the youtube channel and all rights belong to their respectful owners.
While eating French Toast Brandon somehow ended up reading the fashion magazine, which he wasn't really reading as he was looking to see if Rarity managed to end up featured in it. Two or three of her pieces were listed. One of which was a denim dress that was inspired by that of earth. "Looks like all the farm mares have a new dress." He muttered to himself, almost chuckling at it. Knowing how durable and easy to clean those things are any farmer would get one to wear about. The price wasn't too bad either, compared to several others it was really affordable. Rarity will have her work cut out for her with orders of this dress.
Soon after finishing their meal Lyra speaks up, "You get a chance to read todays article?"
"No, why?"
"There are missing ponies." She shows him the article which has a list of missing ponies. The article points out that no one saw or heard anything and that they disappeared at night.
"Huh, odd. I never noticed anything odd while out and about the last few days."
"How did they disappear?"
"Kidnapped professionally. Got in and out silently without disturbing anything."
"How would you go about tracking them down?"
"Find the next target and track them back to the hideout."
"Says that all victims are mares that are attractive and single seem to be what they are targeting."
"That narrows it down very slightly since it seems there are a lot of single pretty mares."
"Yeah, am I a target?" She seemed slightly fearful and looked a little worried.
"No, been seven months since you moved in, no one would consider us single at this point. You are safe, besides they have to deal with a very unhappy me to get to you."
She smiles and hugs him softly, mostly hugging him because he would fight for her safety if he had to. "Thanks."
"It would be my personal pleasure to teach the intruder a lesson or two."
"How do you think the kidnapper is getting information about the possible targets?"
"I know where I'd be if I wanted to see many marks at once without suspicion."
"Where?"
"The most public cafe would be a good start. Cheap coffee and a lone outside table. No one thinks twice about those at the outside table."
"You going to help those poor ponies?"
"Guess so, the Royal Guard wouldn't know where to look."
"Does this mean that you are going to wear the outfit in the bedroom?"
"Yup, time to bring Ghost back out of retirement."
"I so need to see what he looks like."
After several minutes Brandon walks out in the outfit, face covered by the hood and two swords hidden by the jacket. "Here I am." He says in a distorted voice.
"What's with the change in voice?"
"Part of the cover. I change the voice to keep myself from being recognized."
"I see. Well, come back in one piece."
"I may be slightly damaged, but nothing that bad."
"I will hold you up to that."
They smile at each other and he walks to the most public cafe with the name "Ponyville Café." He chuckles at the simplistic name and takes a seat where he can view the entire town square. If this kidnapped was going to scout out marks he would have to head through the market zone at least once. The waiter soon gives him his requested beverage of unsweetened tea. He was going to wait off on coffee till later in the day.
Hours pass and nothing appears out of the ordinary, that is until he looks on the roof and sees a griffon on the roof of a building across the street. He appears to be staring right at Brandon who returns the stare from behind the hood. That is, until Brandon hears tussling and ruffling as he is getting approached by something kind of fast. Brandon stays where he is and sips his tea. Soon he is surrounded by four griffons and a stallion that has a tan coat and beach blonde mane and tail. They all stare at him as he sips the last of his tea.
"What are you doing here?" The pony asks.
"Giving the cafe some business and enjoying this wonderful Saturday."
"No, you are scouting the area."
"Yes, I am, I'm looking to buy some apples from that stand over there." He points to Applejack's stand.
"Why haven't you then? Stand looks like it has little business."
"Waiting for the right time to approach, can get them cheaper if you wait a bit before going up to the stand."
They ponder his comment. Not sure to believe the mystery being or not. "I don't fully buy your story. What do you know?"
"That a pretty boy stallion with a bad dye job is interrupting my peaceful time drinking tea. By the way can you tell the waiter I would like my coffee now."
The stallion growls at being insulted like this, "You know who I am?"
"Nope. Nor do I care."
"Name is Sugar."
"Isn't that a mare's name?"
"That's it! Take him!" With this they pounce and pin Brandon down. Brandon not even fighting them a little, though if they could see his face he was smiling as his plan comes together nicely.
"Umph!" Brandon moans as he kicked in the gut by the earth pony from earlier. "No, you are doing it wrong, you need to follow through, put some meaning into it." Brandon comments, just saying stuff to keep them busy. Brandon was chained with his hands up in the air to keep him from blocking the kicks. Though he was unaware that there was a pony in a cell to his left watching this closely.
The pony kicks again and Brandon grunts in pain and spits out blood. "Oh yeah, that was pretty painful. How was that for you?"
A griffon walks up to him, "What were you doing at the cafe? You didn't do a good job hiding that you were investigating."
"Investigating? No, I go there, just to breathe, take in the scenery and enjoy a cup of tea."
The pony kicks him again. "No, you have training, what were you? A Guard? Some sort of secret task force?"
"Guard? No I was a boy scout once, hey take these restraints off and I'll show you how to tie a slip-knot." Brandon winks after saying this.
"No, you have some sort of special training, you have counter intel training."
"Maybe." He yawns, "Sorry you guys are so boring you make me sleepy."
"Throw him in the cell with the other." The griffon orders.
The pony and another griffon release him from the chain on the ceiling and drag him into the cell.
Brandon stands and limps and sits slowly against the wall. He groans a little and spits blood again. He then chuckles as things seem to go well for him so far. The mare that has been watching this stands and walks over.
"Let me help."
"Nothing you can do. Bruises and cracked ribs can't be fixed. Blood is from when the griffon punched my face earlier."
She sits near him, "You sure know how to take a hit."
"I've been hit worse. That should say something about that earth pony. Since they supposedly have the strongest legs of the three varieties."
She giggles, "What he gets for having a mare's name."
"He isn't ashamed to say it is he."
"He never told me, I heard his name called by the griffon that was questioning you."
"I see."
"You caused quite a stir though, when their informant said there was a mysterious figure at the cafe where their scout normally sat."
"See I hit a nerve then."
"Why did you let them take you?"
"What?"
"I know you could have kept them from taking you. Everything about you says that you could easily take them all out."
"True but I wouldn't learn anything. Want to know why they are taking mares and what they plan on doing with them later."
"So you get caught and have them basically tell you?"
"Pretty much."
"Stupidest plan I ever heard."
"Should hear some of my other ones that have worked without a hitch."
"You are either a genius or a fool."
"Both." He chuckles.
"You have a name?"
"Ghost."
"Highly doubt that is your name."
"What's yours then?"
"You know not who I am?"
"Not off the top of my head, but of course I probably have a concussion so my memory may be foggy."
"Decent point, I'm Daring Do."
"Yeah, that's not your real name either. I do mine for protection of self and others. You do it for the story."
"That so?"
"My line of work tends to make super dangerous types target just me. Like a addiction. Can't stop till I die."
"You don't plunge into dungeons then?"
"Most of the time it's a formal party, where you gear up to be in the wilderness, I put on a suit and wear a pretty smile."
"Sounds dull."
"It is, but sometimes you end up with more excitement than you'd like. Take this for example."
"So you use camouflage?"
"Pretty much."
"What's this outfit for?" She gestures to his jacket.
"It's my work clothes. What I wear when using the name Ghost."
"Just like how I am known for this outfit."
"Yes, just mine is stealth and intimidation."
A pony guard walks into the room with the cell in it.
"Hey Daring, time to go for the direct approach."
"What do you mean."
Watch. Hey guard can you come here?"
The guard walks over, annoyed he has to put up with prisoners. "What?"
"Who's the next victim?"
"Why do you want to know?"
"Dead man's wishes. Not going to survive this so why not know?"
"The mare you are with will join the others and the new target is a rust and purple pegasus named Scootaloo."
"Thanks." Brandon then grabs the pony and pounds his head against the lock, only once. The pony falls to the ground unconscious and the lock badly damaged. Brandon then kicks the door and the lock breaks. A griffon flies at him as Daring collides into him. Though he sinks his talons into her sides as they hit the ground. Brandon quickly runs over and chokes the griffon who only continues to push his talons deeper into her. Brandon resolves to punching the griffon which combined with the choking knocks him out. Brandon pulls the talons out of Daring carefully and quickly.
"How bad is it?"
"Pretty deep, you need a hospital fast." Brandon spots a towel on the nearby table and ties it around her. "Don't move, I'll take care of the situation."
The earth pony Sugar walks in on the escaped prisoners and runs over, he tries to throw a punch but Brandon grabs his hoof and counters by redirecting his hoof and putting it behind him. Brandon then puts him on his stomach with the hoof being held on his back. Shoulder near being dislocated. He whimpers in pain and Brandon finishes the job and dislocates the shoulder. The pony cries in pain.
Brandon heads through the door the pony came through and sees a big cage full of mares. He finds the keys and opens the door, "Go get out, and take the mare with the towel tied around her to the hospital immediately." They nod and run.
Several ponies arrive at the Ponyville Orphanage and ask about Scootaloo.
"We are sorry, but she was taken out to dinner by one of her close friends ten minutes ago." The receptionist replies.
"Have a name of this friend of hers?"
"No, he never left us his name, but Scootaloo knows it and likes being with him."
"Have a description?"
"Tall and oddly today, limping and bleeding from his mouth."
They frown, "Thank you."
They leave and head to the market where they see Brandon and Scootaloo at the table Brandon was grabbed from. They try to sneak up on him and her.
"Took long enough." Brandon replies as they just become visible to him.
"Who are you?" The one asks.
"Ghost."
"Bu-" Scootaloo tries to interject but is shushed by Brandon.
"Alright. Ghost, hand us the filly and we let you walk."
"Considering your army is licking its wounds because of me I would tell you to leave or I will kick butt."
"You don't scare us."
Brandon grabs the bowl of sugar cubes and throws one at the leader.
"Stop it."
"No." He throws another.
The pony just growls as Brandon pelts him with cubes and soon lunges at him. Brandon counters by grabbing his hooves and making him land on his back. Then the other flees, fearing his life.
The other surrenders as a member of the Royal Guard comes to investigate the scene. After giving the guard all the info Brandon takes Scoots back home.
"You know I saved Daring Do today, twice."
"You did?"
"Yes."
"Dash will be all over you if she learns."
"When, no way Daring won't put this in the next novel."
"Yeah. Is she safe?"
"Yeah, in the hospital right now. Was going to check on her in the morning."
"Alright. May I join you?"
"Why not. See you at eight."
"Alright, bye Brandon!"
"Bye." Brandon then heads home where he meets a concerned Lyra.
"What happened to you?"
"What? Nothing happened."
"Your bleeding and bruised."
"It's nothing, all in a good days work. Now how about we get some sleep. I've had a long day."
"Alright..."
Chapter 6: Truth or Fiction?
Brandon didn't remember much since he walked into the house. As far as he knew he said something to Lyra and went to bed and passed out immediately. He woke up in the morning and felt the pain from yesterday starting to kick in real good. Didn't help that Lyra was laying on him, laying on his broken and bruised ribs wasn't all that pleasant; though, at the same time her softness and warmth was soothing at the same time. He didn't really know what to do till he remembered that he told Scootaloo that he would pick her up to take her to see Daring Do at eight. He quickly looked at the clock and it said was just past seven. He sighed in relief that he still had time; shortly after Lyra wakes and looks at him, "Hey you feeling okay?"
"Why you ask?"
"You were tossing a bit in your sleep."
"It's the bruises and cracked ribs, makes it hard to get comfortable."
"That all?"
"Yes, yesterday was a easy day."
"Easy!? You call getting beat to a pulp a easy day?"
"Yes, I don't have to do anything to get beat up, just let them hit me."
"Not what I meant."
"It went better than most of my jobs have gone."
"This really what you spent your days doing on earth?"
"No, most of the time I was busy silently and quickly taking out the bad guys. Most lived, some left me no choice."
"Alright, say that iPod thing of yours, have any good songs on it that can get one energized?"
"Motivational music? I may have something on it." With that he reaches into the nightstand and pull out the iPod, browsing the music on it till he comes on one titled Fairy Tail
"I think you will enjoy this song. I used to play it a lot in the mornings back on earth." He taps the screen and the song plays through the built in speaker.
"What's it called?" Lyra asks while listening intently to the song.
"Fairy Tail. One of the best motivational songs that was made."
When the song ends Lyra slides off him and sits up, "You going to take it easy today?"
"Was going to, just got to make a visit."
"To where?"
"The hospital, Daring Do is there and probably would like to able to thank me in person for saving her life at least once."
"Daring Do was involved? Why did you involve her?"
"Why you blaming me? I didn't know she was investigating the same case I was."
"I just am surprised that you two were fighting together."
"It didn't last long. Like six seconds, then she got attacked by a griffon and he nearly punctured her longs."
"I-I didn't to know that last part."
"Probably, oops."
"It's okay, just go check on her. Just beware of Rainbow, she finds out you will never get out of there alive."
"Yeah, I'm trying to prepare myself for that. No way I could talk Daring out of keeping this out of her novel."
"Can't wait to get that one. Read what she thinks of you."
"Probably how hard headed I am."
"You do tend to be that way from time to time."
"Yeah, anyway, I best go get Scootaloo, she wanted to see Daring."
"Don't overwork yourself."
"I have yet to, so far." Brandon got up and got dressed into normal clothing for him, since he was still in the outfit from yesterday, which will need some patch work done to it.
Brandon walked to the orphanage that Scootaloo lived at and waited for her, since he arrived about ten till eight. The minutes ticked by and she didn't show. He soon went inside after fifteen minutes went by, she was being held up by the receptionist. Brandon just waited where they could see him, knowing his presence would speed up the conversation. After saying something to Scootaloo she let her leave and they went to the hospital.
Soon Brandon and Scootaloo were in Daring's room where she lays writing her next novel.
"You putting me in it?" Brandon asks half jokingly half serious.
"I was going to put you in it, yes. Though I was going to leave the name Ghost in it, since I never got your real name."
"Brandon McTavish, though I would prefer to be called Ghost in the story."
She nods understandingly, "Who's the little one?"
"Scootaloo, the filly that was targeted yesterday."
"How you holding up?"
Scootaloo is a little startled at being talked too, she was busy daydreaming about being a adventurer like Daring. "I am doing fine, little shocked that I was a target."
"How did you avoid them?"
"Brandon got to me first. He knows a lot of things, one of which is getting to a location fast. He got me out into public before they reached the orphanage."
"Your lucky to have a hero like him."
"Great thing no one heard that other than what is in the room." Brandon thought to himself. He just smiled slightly and nodded in acknowledgement.
"Your calling him a hero? Coming from you?" Scootaloo mutters in shock of what she said.
"He did save my life twice from those guys. Wasn't for his bold move at the cell door they would have done whatever they pleased to me. Since they outnumbered me and could do something about my attempts. Brandon there, however, knows how to turn numbers into just that." She looks at him, he however was in a flashback to back on earth.
It was a cold October night in Canada. He has been tasked with eliminating a private military outpost from a farmers piece of land. All attempts to remove them failed. Brandon was authorized to use any force necessary to get them off the land. He had been scouting the place several days now, watching them, learning everything about them to be able to expose weaknesses. The one he found was that they weren't very alert at night. Obviously a amateur team in training. Brandon used this to his advantage, he slept of the day and watched their night shifts. He found the routine of patrols and used it to sneak into the base. Once inside he used to a combat knife to silently and quickly take out all the amateurs. Which did have muscle strength on their side, but no where to use it properly. In twenty minutes all the guys were taken out. But what he didn't know was that is was a set up. He looked closer and noticed that guys were teens and closer inspection of the rifles were actually metal air soft rifles with the orange muzzle breaks had been painted black. That was when he heard the noise of soldiers running towards him. He knew he couldn't talk or fight his way out of this, so he ran. He escaped when he accidentally fell into a deep cave. No one dared go after him at that point, knowing it could take days and possibly could be too dangerous.
Brandon soon came back to reality after him falling into the pit in his memory and was quickly caught off guard, along with Daring when Scoot asks them the question, "So, is there such a thing as crossing a line when it comes to fights?"
Brandon and Daring looked at each other a moment before Brandon spoke.
"For me, what I do has a very thin line, almost unseeable. When I step over it, I blank out and everyone that I would consider a threat to me or ones I am close too die. That is crossing a line, I don't kill unless I have no other alternative. If those ponies got to you, I would be at the line, whether I crossed it, I can't say. I have crossed it nearly killed then backed off when I realized what I was doing. Now Daring here doesn't necessarily fight everyday for survival or the great or good of others. In truth I am a death machine. I am trained in the art of killing. I can kill everything in this hospital before anyone could get here. There is a song back on earth called I am Machine and it's chorus is what hits me." Brandon then proceeds to say the chorus of the song.
Daring is first to speak, "Is that why you haven't used your skill since you got here till yesterday? Afraid of mistakes or past events repeating?"
"Half the case. A part of the problem is that humans aren't exactly a common sight here. Far as I know I'm the only one to set foot here. The other part is that I had a reputation on earth that wasn't a good one. I had to stay in seclusion in order to stay alive. Here I can walk to town and not once get a weird stare or get chased by the guards."
"You showed excellent self control though, I can't see you easily crossing a line. Though I know it exists. I could easily destroy the planet if I wanted, or allow the villain in the stories do it. That would be crossing a line for me."
Scoots now speaks, "Wow, you guys have a lot on your shoulders."
"Yet, where I come from people wonder why soldiers need to see psychologists. They never realize what we have to do, carry and witness. Not many see their best friend beside them with their insides hanging out of their body. That image stays and haunts you, you have nightmares about it. Someone once asked me if got easier to pull the trigger and take a life. I said, no, you just used to it. It never gets easier, it will come back to visit, you just get used to doing it."
"Now it all makes sense about why you have the outfit but never use it."
"I actually handed the torch to someone else on earth. I am not eighteen there, I am forty five. He made his own version of the outfit."
"How did you go back in age?"
"No one knows how I got reversed in age, that is without factoring in the myth of a place on earth called, the fountain of youth. Unless I came across it when in transit to here, I have no logical explanation."
"Sounds like a adventure I would partake on to stop some evil from using to turn all the world into babies."
"It was ruled out as a fictional place on earth. No one found it and that was nearly six hundred years ago that they claimed to know where."
"Could you find it again if you tried?"
"Nope."
"That's good."
At that Rainbow came in. "How did this happen you of all ponies?"
"She may be a hero, but not all can take all scenarios without getting something on the way out. In this case it was a near lung puncture." Brandon commented, as he picked up a random magazine that was brought in, in case Daring wanted to read.
"How come you look fine?"
"All of mine are under the clothing. Bruised and cracked ribs, bruised stomach, cheek used to be bleeding and a black eye."
"How come you aren't in a bed then? Like she is?"
"Because there is nothing the doctors or nurses can do other than give painkillers, which I don't need. Survive a few battles and pain tolerance goes beyond what one thought."
"I know the feeling. Broken a wing a few times."
"Broke just about every bone in my body at least once."
Daring speaks up, "He is quite the fighter, and his interactions with the bad guys is quite amusing."
"What you heard is overused. Though mostly true."
"Better than what I could have come up with."
"I read a few of your books, you have some good ones."
"Stop being modest."
"I'm being honest." He chuckles, "Lame rhymes are lame."
The others giggle at this.
"Well, I'm going to head home guys. I have a mare that didn't quite like how yesterday went and would rather me be home than here."
Daring looks at him a bit curiously, half of her wants to add that to the story, the other is wondering about the mare.
"No mentioning her in the story, Lyra shouldn't get mixed up in what I do."
Daring nods as Dash stares at him, "Thought you two had a falling out?"
"We got over it. Or rather I did. Anyway, I can explain later." Brandon slightly limps his way home. Scootaloo stayed behind with Dash and Daring. Figuring she could witness some fangirl action and watch it go down.
Author's Note
Another notice that I have no rights to the song. Also lame cover art is lame. If you think you do better, which you most likely can, feel free to email me the cover art. If it's good, it will be the new cover and will give you credit in the author notes of chapter 1 and the chapter that I upload when I get the art. I also would like to ask those that dislike this story to say why they did, in a professional manner. Anyone that makes stuff would like to know how to make it better. I love being told what could be done or added to something I do. I'm not the best nor claim to be the best.
After visiting for a short time longer Brandon decided to leave. Rainbow and Daring would have quite the amount of talking going on. They did get along well, after Rainbow stopped being a fangirl around her. Brandon made it halfway out of the front door when Scootaloo ran up. "How come you aren't hanging around your heroes?"
"They were getting boring. Besides she was right. You are one too."
"Yeah, I like that being our secret. Last thing I need is to be chased around everytime I left the house with ponies wanting to either lock me away or get an autograph."
"Why would they want to lock you away?"
"Out of fear that I may be some mindless creature that only goes out rampaging. Some humans thought that about other humans."
"Really? Why would they say or think such a thing?"
"I come from a broken planet. This place is a utopia compared to the best that mine had to offer."
"I see." At this point they were half way through town and Brandon heads over to a stall selling some tea. "Want any?" Scootaloo shakes her head, "I'll have one green tea. No sugar." He pays and shortly later gets his tea. "You don't get any sugar or honey?"
"Honey sometimes, but no sugar. Tea without artificial sweeteners are good for my liver. " He takes a sip of the tea, "Oh, that's hot."
"I never heard that statistic before, about the liver."
"Whether it applies to ponies is unknown to me, as for humans, it carries proteins and vitamins that helps the liver do it's job and repair itself." This time Brandon was careful when he sipped the tea that he didn't burn his mouth again, but it wouldn't have really mattered at this point as he already did a pretty good job at it.
"Ah, okay." Scootaloo was shifting awkwardly as she walked at this point, something obviously on her mind, but unsure whether to talk or not. Finally after a few minutes of silence between the two, "Can I tell you something?"
"Anything. Though if it's about dating I may make you feel awkward before you feel better."
She blushes at this sudden comment and shakes her head, "No, not that. My drunk dead beat father is coming to town."
"How come you don't sound happy to see him?"
"He left me and my mom to fend to ourselves and I had to do a lot of the work as my mom was sick till she died."
"I'm sorry you had a rough time. My time wasn't the best either. I was given all kinds of cool stuff by my parents but they rarely had time or bothered to interact with me. I basically lived an isolated life. I tried a handful of times off and on throughout the years to spend time with them, but I gave up. I eventually left home and when I did my parents were just a memory. They failed me and it became too late. They realized this when I never went out of my way to talk to them. I actively avoided them if I could. They kept trying to shove crap at me about how I wasn't making the right decisions and stuff. Two years of this and I would barely read their messages to me before I would throw them away. Then they asked why I never responded to the messages. I told them this. Because I grew up without one thing, love from my parents. You never saw that I was missing this and now you are twenty three years too late. You can apologize, yet, you can never fix this mistake. This is why I don't talk to you. Because I have no reason too."
Scootaloo listened intently and looked around a bit, "Wow. That must have been painful for you."
"You are still young and still have a father in your life. He may not be perfect, no one is. Don't shut him out the moment he tries to come in because of a mistake he made a few years ago. Give him a chance. If you tell him that you forgive him for walking out on you and your mother. Then follow it up with that if he could get himself turned around and be a modest stallion he can get the chance to right his wrong and be your father. Help you when you are down, give you love that is unmatched."
She shuffles more now, "But I feel that from you and Lyra. Dash too, but she is like a sister."
"I can't match the love that your real father has for you. That is a bond only you two have. I can do part of that, but blood relationships are the strongest you two are connected by something more than feelings. I tried to fix my relationship with my parents and they threw it away. Your father at least visits you. Make the best of it. Try to open to him and let him open to you."
"If this fails?"
"It rarely does, but if it does then politely tell him that him visiting doesn't do anything for you and won't benefit him in anyway. But don't say that first time you meet him. Try to know him again."
"I'll give it a try." At this point they finally made it to Brandon's house where Lyra is on a chair on the porch. "Have fun you two?"
"We did."
"Is it fine if I spend the night with you two?"
Brandon and Lyra look at each other then nodd to Scootaloo. "You can, anytime."
"Thanks. Well I'm off to see father, hope it goes well following your advice."
"It will. Normally does." With that Scootaloo went to meet her father.
Author's Note
Yeah, this took forever for me to get too. I apologize for that. Focused on real world issues that prevented me from writing this story. Hopefully I can get to writing more chapters for this.
Chapter 8: Family Ties Pt. 2
Scootaloo wasn't ten feet from Brandon's house and she was already feeling her stomach tie knots from how her encounter with her father will go. She kept walking though, but she was scared and nervous at the same time. Her father in her mind wasn't the kind you'd want to be with. She constantly played everything that Brandon had said to her over and over again, this made her calm down a little bit, rehearing the sincerity in his voice was what was doing the trick. "How can he be so confident about these kind of things?" Scootaloo said to herself, pondering the question how someone who has had poor parenting himself could tell her that her father could be better than she thinks? She made a mental note to ask him when she came back.
Soon she found herself back in town and only a handful of minutes from the train station where she'd meet her father. Now she really did feel her stomach twist and knot as she felt like throwing up. She took a few deep breaths and made her way towards the station; still extremely nervous. She walked to the platform and sat down on the bench that sat against the wall of the ticket office. Many ponies made their way to and fro entering and leaving the train cars but none matched that of her father. Finally she saw him, a maroon coat, purple maned pegasus. He saw her a moment later, he was clean and looked respectable. Scootaloo thought it be to try and impress those around him or something. "Scootaloo, you've grown so much." He said to her.
"You look clean." She commented back, not really paying attention to his comment, of course he'd say that after two years of not seeing her.
"I did it for you. I know I haven't been the best for you. I hope I can do better for you now." This comment came like a wrecking ball to Scootaloo. She really wasn't expecting to hear her father say that to her.
"Really? You are actually going to try to be the father you needed to be years ago?"
"I hope it isn't too late for that." Scootaloo was about to make a comment on that that would have been basically a yes and shove all his mistake at him, but then Brandon's words hit her mind.
"Better now than when it would be obviously too late." She couldn't believe she just said that to him, but she knew it was the right thing to say, even if everything in her screamed it wasn't.
He sighed in relief, "Shall we head someplace nice to eat?"
"I'd like that. I'll lead the way." Scootaloo was still uncertain about this encounter. Why is her father all of a sudden admitting his was the biggest failure. It didn't match him, but then again she hasn't seen him in two years so maybe he did change during that time.
They soon left and ended up at "Miss Noodles Bakery" which was the oddest place in town, name wise, but the food was incredible. "Why is it called Miss Noodles if they don't sell noodles?" Her father asked in confusion looking at the menu. The cashier then looked at him for a moment, then she spoke, "Because my last name is Noodles." He wasn't expecting the comment and looked at her confused then he noticed the manager badge on her outfit and then felt awkward.
"Don't worry, a lot of new customers ask that." With that he felt better about the whole thing and placed his order and Scootaloo did as well. After a few moments their food was served to them and they took their seat at the booth. "So anything new happen to you since we last talked?" Her father asked.
"Well a human now lives in town." This was a shock to him. he thought they were myths that the one mint green pony he met last time he was here was saying were real. "And is dating the mint green pony you thought was insane." That was all the better for him. Of course he would date her.
"Is he nice?" At this point he might as well know as much about them as possible.
"Yeah, he is. He could easily take on the Royal Guard and win if he really wanted to. But he tends not to fight like that much. He just wants a peaceful life and so far has it." Hearing about how he could be a threat to the country was a little unnerving, but the last comment was a little relieving.
"Does this human have a name?"
"Brandon McTavish. That is what he says is his name. It is weird but do know that he comes from another planet." He did find it weird but he knew she was right about that fact. He is from another planet and probably thinks their names are odd to him.
"Do the Princesses know he is living in their country?"
"Of course. He went to the gala with Lyra last year in Canterlot. He was definitely the one popular one then. He mostly just chatted with as many as he could. The Wonderbolts even took him and Lyra out after the gala to talk. Probably about his expertise on fighting. His planet isn't as nice as ours so him being able to fight has kept him alive." Scoots father was concerned but the fact that the Princesses and Wonderbolts haven't really bothered him would show that he is probably not really a threat to anyone unless he was drove to that point.
Not much was said after that they had finished their food and was about to leave the bakery. "Hey dad. I liked this. It was nice to get to talk to you without it ending in an argument and us storming off four minutes later. We should this again soon." Her father beamed at this comment.
"I'll come back when I can." He said assuringly. He really wanted to be there for her now. "But sadly I must leave. I have to be back in Cloudsdale to work." Scootaloo frowned slightly but nodded understandingly. They hugged each other and he went back toward the train station. Scootaloo quickly ran towards Brandon's house to tell him how it went.
Author's Note
Yup, a chapter focused all around Scootaloo and her what would be changed father. Toon in next time to see what Brandon and Lyra did in the mean time.
