Six friends and a invader

Chapters

1 - Arrival
2 - We Have Demands
3 - Agenda

1 - Arrival

Rendezvous Point

Entrance to Sweet Apple Acres

Before Sunset

“Oh, Twilight I’m so sorry. Please don’t hate me” Fluttershy whispered in her tiny voice as she arrived.

“Sorry for being late.” Apologized Rainbow Dash who was accompanying her. “It’s just that Fluttershy stopped for a family of bunnies back there…”

“It’s ok Fluttershy, I understand.” I replied, trying to avoid getting into a pointless discussion. “The important thing is that you’re here.”

“So, have you discovered who we’re waiting for?”

“Not exactly. I did read that letter in front of you, so we both know it was very ambiguous.”

“I don’t like it Twi, I’d feel better if I knew what exactly we’re expecting.” asked Applejack

I opened my saddlebag on the picnic blanket and used my magic to pull out the strange letter to take another look. “It’s supposed to be unmistakable. But just in case;” I around turned to face Rarity. “Rarity, did you made the banner as the letter instructed.”

“Of course Twilight.”

She used her own magic to pick a roll as long as the height of each one of us and opened it for all of us to see it.

On top of the letter it had what was apparently a royal seal. A snake around a sword in a defensive stance over a white background occupied the left half of the symbol. On the right side was just a striped pattern of bright red and green at about 45 degree angle.

“I do believe it would be better if I just…”

“No Rarity!” I interrupted her. “If we make a change to it, it may be perceived as an insult. Remember, we don’t know anything about who’s going to come. He, or she, might be temperamental.”

“Don’t worry Twilight. If they believe they can get tough on us, they’ll get a big surprise.” Rainbow kicked the air confidently.

“That’s why we have the elements here, isn’t it?” asked Rarity

“We’ve had the elements with us since Discord first disappeared just in case. Has the Princess told you anything about it?” Applejack questioned.

“She said the royal guard have had no luck In finding anything about Discord’s whereabouts or any leads to him. Even the guards on duty that night recall nothing. He could be anywhere. ! He could be planning his revenge and we wouldn’t even…”

I felt something on my back. It was Applejack’s hoof. Without noticing it I had started hyperventilating. Her pats on my nape broke my growing desperation. A quick gaze and a smile was enough to thank her.

“But the thing I still don’t understand.” I rubbed my hoof against my chin. “Why they were so specific about all the details of the meeting, and yet very vague about who or what we were encountering? All it said was that they will identify us by the sign.”

“Maybe he is just timid.” Fluttershy suggested quietly.

“Maybe they want to give us a surprise!” Pinkie Pie bounced.

“Darling, don’t you think if they wanted to gives us a surprise, then they wouldn’t have announced it in advance?” Rarity again

“What worries me is that they said they: “want to prevent future anomalies”. Whatever that means. And will make use of any means necessary to ensure the fulfillment of their mission.”

“So? I’ve told you. They try anything out of place, we use the elements and boom! It’ll be like nothing ever happened.”

Rainbow was so confident. Let’s hope she is right. On second thought, I hope she is wrong. I don’t want to start a war accidently. I have so many questions and I don’t know if I should be eager to ask them. Who are they? Where did they come from? How long have they know about Equestria? Why reveal their existence now? What is that noise? Huh?

The rumble grew in intensity accompanied by a tremor also increasing accordingly. My first thought was another cow stampede, but before I could figure out the direc…

I opened my eyes. Shrouded in a dust cloud, feeling dizzy and confused, I looked to regain my feet. One leg, then another. I rocked back and forth steadily regaining my balance. Partially, the brown mist dissipated enough to give me some reference point. The tree beside me and the mountains on the background, they were circling around me. And a shadow. It was Pinkie Pie. She shook her head, like Winona when she gets wet. As soon as she regained consciousness, she did what I just did and gasped like the first time we met.

A huge shadow emerge after the dust settled. The claws of a gigantic reptilian clung to the ground in order to make the massive weight above them come to a dead stop. Over them rested the body and legs of a great cat. Coupled with a prehensile tail of a monkey ending in a scorpion sting. And the head of an eyeless lizard. All kept fastened together by a thick, seamless, metallic skin the tone of molten lead. The thick skinned creature slowly lowered its massive skull towards us to take what it seem to be a sniff. I recall Fluttershy once told animal tend to identify by its surroundings and acquaintances the smell. I ducked and closed my eyes. No sudden movement was the only thing in my mind. I somehow felt the nostrilless muzzle above us creeping over us.

The silence was broken by the voice of rainbow Dash. “Hey!” the creature soared its head in response to the pegasus interjection. “Leave them alone!” exclaimed before diving full force to kick it. She gave a kick as strong as a kick could be. There was a hit and a fall. Rainbow landed in front of us. “Rainbow, are you ok?” toward her we galloped. With her teeth tightly closed cause by the agonizing pain.

The shadow grew larger. Standing in its back legs, it raised like a bear for to gain energy to squash us like little bugs. Applejack took Rainbow on her ba…

“Halt!” was heard howling over our commotion. Everything stopped. Followed by a strong silence. Calmed down. That thing lowered again to make the front paws reach the ground. It took a few steps back to give us some room. I wasn’t sure what happened. My element. Where it was? My eyes dashed back and forth in search for an escape route in case we needed it.

As it drew further away from us. We got a better overall look. All its body was covered with bags. Not just saddlebags. From the shoulders covering up to the very top and possible the same all the way to its rear. From its dorsal area emerged a long shadowy figure. Rising above the pile of baggage. It had a mask that covered its eyes and a cape worn like a cloak. The stranger walked in two legs. The beast then lowered its head to make a ramp for its master to walk down to ground level. With a helmet that covered its eyes and down to where, I believe was supposed to be his nose. And a cape. Worn like a coat around its body. It stepped down the muzzle of its beast and came to us. Walked steadily and stopped about two feet from me and stood there. Staring dead straight at me. Very quiet

“Are these our allies? I have to say I am quite disappointed.” I thought as I stared at the multi-colored equines

“We’ve joined efforts with the oddest of creatures in the past. I don’t know what makes these ones different.” answered the voice in my head

“Just… look at them!” I answered with frustration

“I can see through your eyes but not your point. The purple one seem to be the leader. Or at least is what we’ve deduced. I suggest you introduce yourself so you can get to what’s important. That’s what you want, isn’t it?”

“Okay” I grunted

“Greetings.” I kneeled to an eye level. “Apologies for that. Refer to me as Zorskel. I have been sent to meet you. I assume you have been noticed of my arrival.” Louve translated every word I said as I made gestures with my hands to try to improve the understanding.

“Yes, I was” She cleared her throat. “My Name is Twilight Sparkle. And these are my friends:” with her hoof she pointed at each one respectively. “Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Rainbow Dash over there.”

“Acknowledged” She stared at me awkwardly. Was she asking for herself: Is that it?

“So, where are you from?”

“It does not matter. Where I will stay?”

“Oh, right. Applejack?”

“Sure thing.” she tipped her hat

I pulled the reins and we followed the orange one. She took us to a red building made of wood.

“There ya’ go” inside there were three hay beds. “I didn’t know how many were come so my family and I set up these.”

“Thanks.” I nodded. “Now if you excuse me. I will proceed to unpack.” I gave them a hint with my head

“Don’t worry. We’ll help you.”

“Denied.”

“Why not?” Asked the blue one suspecting something. She was pacified the leader

“If we help. You can finish earlier and go to bed. I believe you’d be tired by your trip. I bet it was a long trip.”

“It was.”

“Well, then let us be useful. Please. Allow us to show the traditional Equestrian Hospitality.”

At this point. I was standing sideway with my hand tightly around the grip of my knife. But I couldn’t move it.

“Don’t do it.”

“This is annoying.”

“These are not our enemies.”

“Then what?”

“It wouldn’t hurt you to use your brain here and there.”

“It is just. I will like to do it myself. You know. To do some inventory. Make sure I didn’t lose anything. Then to pile them in order. You know. I am somewhat paranoid about that.”

“I understand. I hope you sleep well. I have a whole day planned for tomorrow.”

That was close. With a short goodbye afterwards. Between us. And among them. Finally leaved for their respective homes. And for me to start unloading. For some hours, I took equipment and supplies and placed them orderly inside the barn. As they refereed to this building. Louve made a model to maximize the usage of space.

Louve was originally installed in my brain as a program to read my brain and translate, organize and categorize the collected data for further studies. With time he developed a simulation of a personality from his experience. I know he doesn’t have feelings but sometimes, I forget about it.

“Are ya’ sure don’t want any help?” the farm resident asked. It was late at night and the moon was high and the air was cool.

“I am pretty sure I am fine.” I continued my labor but not without noticing she did not go away. “You heard me. Right?”

“Yes. But thought you may want some apple juice. It’s a hard work to do it all by yourself.”

“Appreciated but I pass,” I nodded and continued with my work. Again. I turned around to see the pony was still there looking at me. “I do not require help.” I told her firmly.

“I know. I’m not helping. Do you mind if I stay around?”

“As long as you do not interfere. You can suit yourself.” she nodded in response. She sat down and started drinking one of the boxes of juice. Then, for the third time. I resumed what I was doing.

“That’s a lot of bags. I thought my friend Rarity packed a lot. It seem we’ve finally met her match.”

“Why she wants to talk?”

“If she want, why not let her? Besides, she might have important something to say.”

“I highly doubt it.”

“She may have her reasons.”

“Maybe. Most of it is pretty much dresses and other stuff. Considering we are mostly naked”

“Says the horse with the hat.”

“Pony” I was interrupted. “We are ponies, not horses.” she stomped with her foreleg.

“Okay then.” replied with a box in my shoulder. I entered the barn and placed on top of some similar ones.

“What’s all this stuff anyways?”

“Mostly equipment.” she gave me a confused look. “You know. Science stuff. You do have science here. Do you?”

“Sure. My friend Twilight knows a lot about it.”

“The purple one?”

“Yep. She’s the pony.” her tone changed. Now she sounded more confident

“Excellent. A native researcher contributions will be of great use.”

“Uh, what now?” now she was totally lost.

I stopped and placed my load on the ground. Then turned around. Walked closer to her. I kneeled about 2 feet away. With slow and paused articulation, I tried to explain. “I need someone who lives here and know of about the meaning of smart sounding words.” I mocked her.

“Hey!” she shouted. “I may not be a genius but I’m not stupid!” I stared at her with disbelief “But yes. Twilight is the smartest pony I know.” She smiled.

“Continue.”

“She is the apprentice of Princess Celestia. She lives in the library. There she studies magic, friendship and you science thingy…”

It is good to know this world priorities are in line. “Why do you came here?”

“I couldn’t sleep and I just though…”

“The truth.”

She lowered her head. Took a breath. Now armed what I think is courage. Proceeded to explain. “Not so long ago. I took a task that was too big for me to handle. At the time. I was just too stubborn to accept it. I promised my brother and myself that I’ll finish the job by myself.” she took her hat. Which Louve classified as a Stetson in her chest and lowered her head. “I was working too hard but I wanted to keep my promise at all cost. In the end my friends taught me I didn’t have to do it alone.”

At the end of her little narration I asked. “What’s the point of all this?” waving my hand in front of her to call her attention.

“I couldn’t sleep thinking you were right in front of my house. Working so hard and I was in my bed doing nothing about it;” She putted her headwear back on and suggested. “So, Zor…” She shook her head. “Mister. You need help. And we will not be a proper host if we don’t offer it to you. So I’m not moving from here. Until you allow me to it give to you!”

I have to admit. I am quite impressed. If this was the truth, is was a little underwhelming. I was hoping to become a scheme to grab important Intel.

“She’s telling the truth. Her vital sign are in range.” still, I was skeptical.

“I promise not to break anything.” She clarified.

“Is that it?” I had a short, soft laugh. “Do not need to worry fellow,” I tried to deepen my voice after that last sentence. “I put all this stuff together. I can put it back down. You may rest peacefully now. Knowing that everything is following its own path.” whatever that means

“I’m not moving until you let me help.”

“Then I hope the ground is comfortable because you are going to stay there all night.” I smirked at her

“Is that a dare?” she answered defiantly

“I will tell you what:” I turned around. In a dash, I hopped and reached up to a canister at the top. At this point I was more or less halfway through finishing. Unlocked it and told her. “I will drop this…box. And you have to take it into the barn. If you fail. You will turn around. Go to your bed and have sweet dreams. If you succeed. You are allowed to do the same with the rest. A lose-lose situation anyway you see it. But you want to back out now. I will understand…”

“That’s all? I accept.” she must be kidding

And as was said. I released the lock that kept the box in place. Immediately after, it precipitated into the ground, making loud metallic sound as it collided. She gulped. Something really heavy must be inside. She is so stubborn she may think in there is nothing she can not handle. With her head. She was trying to push as hard as she could. But the object proved to be too much for her.

“You know it is not too late to back out”

“Heck no!” she replied. “When an Apple make a promise. We’ll fulfill that promise!”

“Do as you please.”

“Is that one of the armory lockboxes you just gave her?”

“Yes. Why do you ask?”

“It’s DANGEROUS equipment!”

“And heavy and with a security system to prevent unauthorized transportation. It will keep her busy. After all, it is a lockbox. She will not break it. Now where was I?”

2 - We Have Demands

Sweet Apple Acres

Apple Family Barn

Early Morning

For quite a while, Applejack has been fighting with the box.

“You can stop now.”

“I almost...” She cut right in the spot when she came into realization.

“It doesn’t matter; as I have already finished.”

She was shocked to see the beast his guest came on was now totally naked. Except for a single saddlebag, held in place by a sole belt rather than the harness it originally worn. In disbelief, she ran to the barn to refute was she was seeing. All the baggage was unloaded and inside the barn. Placed in an elaborate arrangement to maximize the space. Almost as they were meant to be placed in that way. So much, each one of the box had a label at the end for quick identification. She was sure that if any of the box was retired from the pile. The one on top won’t fall over because of the missing space.

“But. How?” She asked in incredulity.

“While you were busy wasting your time playing around. I decided to continue on my own.”

“How could you? I didn’t heard ya’.”

“I did it quietly. Didn’t you notice the pile was getting smaller every time you saw it?” he was now on the seat. He pulled the reins as well as he made an auditory call. The sleeping leviathan came to live. It shook its head and stood up.

“I thought we had a deal!” she stopped angrily at the ground

“And by its terms. I demand you return to your bed and get some rest. Hya!” with the signal. He and his beast went off like a bullet at the end of a barrel. They both were launched by the creature’s strong legs and disappeared into a cloud of dust. Only rivaled by the one made during their first meeting.

First, he went deep into the orchard. Quickly disappearing from the owner’s line of sight. Doing his best not to disturb any of the trees nor the precious product they held. Maybe to avoid any complains by the owner too. He opened one of the saddle bags to uncover a series of spears, arranged like the arrows on a quiver. He took one of them and pulled out. With a firm and steady hand. He took aim and as experienced lance would do in his place. He launched the long weapon which landed bullseye in a circle displayed by his HUD. Immediately after the spear left his hand. The other one ordered to take a quick narrow, quick turn. He’ll repeat the process at various spot marked throughout the whole orchard. The farm itself covered most of Ponyville’s southeast outskirts.

While moved to the west, he noticed a slight change of scenery. Nothing special he concerned about but enough to catch his attention. The tree stopped having the red fruit hanging from them and the branches somehow became pointier. The crusts exhibited twisted patterns and even in the darkness of the night. The sea of darkness became more abyssal. The atmosphere as a whole obviously contrasted to what he left behind. Even with his gas mask put on. He knew the air smells grimier.

“How this place can exist ‘here’?” he refused to belief. Not being a stranger to these kind of scenery. “Generally is either one or the other.”

“There is a dirt road just ahead. Turn right and follow it.”

He did as told. He turned to his right and went right down it. Not much different from the forest thou. Obviously was meant for the much smaller residents of the area. Finally reached to a cliff where he ordered his beast to leap and landed just beside some ruins.

“Why you take me here?”

“This was marked as a point of interest. One earlier variation came from this place. It’s also on the list of thing you’ll need to gather further intel about.”

“This place seems to be abandoned for decades.”

“Just place the sensor and move on.”

Again. He obeyed and turned around the way he came. Just after he passed the cliff. The sensor he just installed picked up something.

“The other one picked up a peculiarity towards this direction. Now I’ve triangulated its position more precisely. I told you this place was important.”

“Let us find the source and proceed. We can not waste the whole day in a single zone.”

They followed the signal to a nearby cave. Oddly, it had a relatively well rounded entrance. Almost as it was dug.

“Maybe this was a canceled project,” he thought as dismounted. The entrance was too small to go inside while riding. “or a secret escape in case of an attack.”

The feeling of a regular cave. Specially one in this forest once again was reversed. As he when deeper and deeper. A natural light source, made the use of night vision unnecessary. The display removed itself and allowed for direct vision. With the retreating darkness, a peculiar tree revealed itself. Not made of common wood but most resembling a crystalline structure. It appears more to an ornament than an actual living specimen. With the trunk showing an odd symbol. And the branches grew around like a fan. From them, strings and rhomboid crystals hanged as opposed to leaves. But, what sunlight may them, rather than its own.

“What is that and why is it here?” He shook his head. “Never mind.” he placed another sensor right beside one of the roots. Among another kind tangled around the main one. These ones were darker. With green spikes on them. He didn’t gave attention to them. “One more thing to add to the things to ask about list.” thought to himself.

Back out the cave. He noticed the sun started rising. In a matter of less than two minutes. The moon passed from hanging from the top of the sky to hide below the horizon. Soonly after the sun took its place. The process from midnight to noon went as quick ad changing clothes. He moved on.

“Do you remember the last time something like this happened?”

“Moltiz KG-9 has a day of about 5 hours. HH-10672392 was hit tangentially and stopped its spinning. The record states the surface of the planet was flattened by the immense sheer forces caused by the sudden acceleration forces.”

“We have to finish faster”

They returned the way they came and headed to the north. On their way to exit the dark forest. Fluttershy was in her cottage. She liked to get up early so she can properly distribute breakfast among all the animals she was living with. She went to feed her chickens. After she finished she went to a nearby tree. It was the bird’s turn. She whispered to their nest to wake them up. As well to a hole in the trunk to awake a woodpecker and his family.

“Hello my friend. Did you had sweet dreams tonight?” she softly spoke to her birds. The feathered chirped joyfully. She smiled as she saw them taking off. The flock flew merrily, singing joyfully as they performed a small choreography. Accompanied by fitting song. A tune Fluttershy didn’t hesitated a second to join. She found an unparalleled joy in singing. Even if her signature shy behavior didn’t allowed her to do it in public. The fauna of her home was more than sufficient for her. This holy moment was interrupted by a gigantic grey gush. Out of the shadows of the forbidden forest. It came without warning.

“Oh goodness. Is everyone ok? Birds?” she went desperate.at least until. Eventually, every bird answered her call. The head count was completed. No one was apparently hurt. Except maybe for Fluttershy. A sensation she didn’t felt since she faced the dragon that harassed her friends. She began to the culprit.

She flew off at vigorous speed giving chase at the top of her wing capacity. It took a sharp turn to the right by the side of the road. It left behind a pole with a box attached to it. Nailed firmly into the ground. she didn’t payed much attention to it and more to the next sharp turn to the left as they reached the clock tower, east to her cottage. Now heading to the north and passing over the pink tree plains. These trees were not aligned. The constant variations in course help Fluttershy close the gap. Yet not by much. Once they passed and his target left another of those poles. The sea of trees ended near the Saddle Lake. And with open grounds. Her objectives began accelerating. Gradually. The distance between the two began growing longer and longer. Despite being a large target. Specially compared to a pony. Fluttershy visuals contact didn’t last long. She was now left in the fields angry and empty hooves.

Finishing the tour at the outside of the little town. It was now time to enter it properly. They passed the hospital and the train station. Followed the tracks to the south. They eventually reached a small wooden building with a bell tower.

“What are those thinks in the backyard?” he questioned

“I believe they’re used for recreation.” a comparative image was displayed in the HUD. Along with an animation of their proper use.

“And judging by the even smaller equines. Then I can think of this place as an indoctrination center.”

“Close enough.”

Just beside it. There were apple trees. They were already there, so naturally went to the other direction. Precisely were the youngsters were heading from. Consumed by panic. Some ducked and other fled. By some kind of miracles, gracefully, none of them were harmed or even touched for that matter.

Once crossed the bridge over the stream of water. They encountered a fountain with a statue on top. Then turned left ad followed the arced street to the north. The Town of Ponyville had a general shape of three eights of a circle. The plan was to cover as much by following its circumference. Then head one street closer to the center and ride in the other direction. This was not an easy task. Opposite to the town. They were civilians. Still very few because of the early hour. Most of them immediately stepped aside when they saw the huge bulk heading at great velocity towards them. Run back to where they came from and in seek for a place to hide. One or two unfortunate ones were always effectively dodged. At the cost of a possible emotional trauma.

“Here we are. Late but here.” he said as the reached their final destination.

He stared at the town hall. The place where the righteous leader of the town resides and perform its political duties. He signaled his beast and a mighty roar was unleashed. Shaking the partially sleep town stronger than the town stampede once stopped by Applejack.

“Mayor!” he jumped down and shouted at the building. “Wake up Major!”

The ponies were still afraid yet some curiosity grew within them. As they went closer to have a better look at the situation. There is not every day that a creature such as these came to the town and start calling in the mother language.

There was a flash of light and Twilight appeared. “Zorskel? What in the name of Equestria are you doing!?” she demanded an answer.

“Ah. Greetings purple one. Can you tell your master to come here? I do need to have a word with him.”

She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Purple one? Master?” she tried to put herself in peace and her words in line. “First. Purple One? Really?! My name is Twilight Sparkle. Second. She is not my master. I am Princess Celestia’s apprentice and protégé. And third. Why you came steamrolling everything in your path like a mania?”

He counted his answers accordingly. “First. Understood Twilek. Second. I assumed you was his butler or something like that. Third. Worry do not. Casualties are none.”

“There y’are!” was shout from within the crowd. The accent made obvious the owner of those words.

“Applejack? Is something wrong?”

“I’ll tell you what’s wrong. Twilight,” she advanced toward him. “This dirty scoundrel did some kind of trick with me.”

“What exactly?”

“I told him if he was to stay in my farm. He’ll have to allow me to help him. Then he did some kind of thick…” she was abruptly interrupted the accused.

“Your statement is incorrect.”

“Don’t think big word will get ya out of this one.”

“He’s telling you’re lying?” Twilight interrupted. She doubt for a second. She returned to what she just said. Was his really accusing the element of honesty of lying? Afterwards. As recording was played. The conversation the two had earlier was heard among all the presents. Most astonished of all and maybe the only one surprised was Applejack, who heard her own voice coming from that source. She knew if she said anything out of place would have been revealed and will be mostly irrefutable.

“Well?” his displayed a smile to Twilight

“You just proved she was telling the truth.” before he could answer back. Another intervention made presence.

It was Fluttershy this time. Who she right next to him in order to face him for the damage done to her birds. Before she could strike a word. She came to realize the realization of her fear. In suspended animation. Fluttershy froze in midair before backing down a bit and shrugged. Trying to hide her face in her pink colored hook-shaped mane.

“Fluttershy. What happened?” Twilight was put in a drastic change of mood. Passed from mildly annoyed to deeply worried.

“Oh. Twilight,” she raised back her head as she regained her confidence. She explained the situation. “I was feeding my friends the birds.” her voice became more broke “Then he came out of the Everfree forest…” she made a pause. Looked down and made circles with her front hoof.

“Fluttershy. Please tell me what happened.” she didn’t wanted to force her but she really needed to know what happened. She must keep an eye on her to prevent an emotional surge she knew her friend was so susceptible.

“It’s ok sugar cube. You can tell us.” The farm pony helped with the consolation

“It’s just. Just… he almost ran over us.” almost enter in cry

“That’s it. No pony or whatever you are will harm my friend and get away it. Where did he go?”

While they were distracted asking for the situation. He did something useful to him within this time gap. As with ponies doesn’t have thumbs. Knobs were mostly aesthetics. And the doors were usually held in place by friction. Or maybe magic. He went in without forcing the lock. Checked his sensors and swiftly moved into a favorable position. With smooth sleek movements. Cornering and trapping of the defenseless mayor was almost fateful. He exited the front door with the mayor over his shoulder. Her efforts to free herself were more than useless. As she violently beat her legs against her abductor. Her desperate cries for help were not missing.

“Zorskel. That’s enough. First you swindled Applejack, then you almost roll over Fluttershy. And now kidnap the major. You’ve got too far.”

“Twilek. Calm down. Now will be explained”

She thought this sentence for a second. “This is your last chance.”

Applejack looked at her. Then back to the kidnapped. “First, put her down before this get ugly.” Applejack demanded.

“I know what you are thinking and no. This is not the moment.” Louve’s warning erased his smile.

“I can make her swallow her words in no time.”

“Take a deep breath. Count to ten. Do what you must. But do not break into raid. Stick to the mission!”

He slowly agreed the mayor in the floor. He kept eye contact with the two ponies as the third one was hardly seen after she screened herself. There were prepared for any sudden move. Twilight lit her horn and Applejack bought her lasso just in case she need it. He moved the pony over his shoulder. Holding her by her legs. One hand for each pair. He lowered until her back touched the ground. A dead silence floated into the air. The tension was worthy of a dramatic Manehattan play.

“Now release her.” Twilight told him slowly. He hesitated for a second before accepting her demands. Maybe something passed his mind during that split second. He rolled the pony over his shoulder and placed back first on the floor. He released his grip on her all four hooves. The mayor rolled over and succumbed to her fears by immediately fleeing the scene. Leaving a small dust cloud behind. He hid his hands under his cloak and stood up.

“There you have it. No without any more delay…”

“Twilight. I suggest we tie him up and take him to the royal guards or somethin’.” Applejack strongly suggested.

“Let his have this one” she kept her friend from attacking him. “Go ahead!”

He nodded. “People of Ponyville!” He declared to the gathered crowd. “My code name is Zorskel. I come from a faraway land beyond the stars in your night sky. We first say you in a similar way you see the stars above you with a spyglass!”

“It’s a telescope.” Twilight corrected him

“What?”

“You use a telescope to see the stars.”

“Just said for illustrative purposes.” He resumed. “We do know a certain... Event happened recently. Something of great relevance and had its epicenter. In the same soil you are standing on.”

“Discord, the spirit of chaos escaped his stone prison. He threatened to turn Ponyville in the world capital of chaos. He was defeated by us and the use of the elements of harmony.” Twilight explicated.

“Apparently it was enough to call the attention of my superiors. And apparently. It was relevant enough to force the decision. To take action.”

“Still need to hear more? Twilight, I’m tellin’ ya. He’s dangerous!”

“Sure I am.” He felt pleased. He almost said it. But Louve muted him in advance.

“So I was tasked to travel here. Meet with the figure in charge and explain the situation at hand. But since she an incompetent coward!” shouted at the direction where she was last seen. “I believe you will have to do.”

“Who told you can talk about the mayor like that!?” Applejack again objected

“Stay calm. And do not let her affect you.”

“I was also given a number of objective to fulfill. Most of them are to collect data of the zone. They will use the information to take a more thoughtful decision.”

“Decision about what?” Twilight questioned this time.

“About the future. What will the relationship with you land will be like, Do further intervention is required, Do we need a plan of action. But that does not concerns me. I am more focused of fulfilling my mission and get back to my homeland as soon as possible. And as far as I can see. I am not very welcomed here either.”

They both exchanged looks. Without saying anything. They’ve both agreed to calm down. At least for now.

“If what you are saying is true. Why you tried to kidnap our mayor?”

“To do precisely this. Explain everything. Now I have lost valuable time.”

“Oooh. What’s happening?IsthereashowIdon’tknowabout.BecauseIloveshows.Speciallywith popcorn.Ilovepopcorn…” Pinkie Pie voice was ignored by the two who had a visual confrontation. Which by other means will be an interrogation. Applejack went to Pinkie to calm her down.

“If I let you got. What will you do next?” she asked ignoring her friend’s noise.

“I will go and continue to pick data.”

“What kind of data.”

“I have a list. As I said before. I do not know any of the reasons.”

“Ok. I’ll let you go this time,” She pointed her hoof at him. “But I warn you. If you do something. ANYTHING. Bad again. I won’t doubt to use the elements against you.”

“There are the so called elements again. I will have to figure out why are them so important. Does not it?”

“If you want to send someone to keep an eye over me the do it. A do need a local expert for assistance anyway.”

“I and my friends will do it”

He turned around to mount his beast. Who now laid asleep as Fluttershy tried to call its attention. “Denied!”

“You’re doing scientific research right? Then there nopony more prepared for the task than I.”

He grunted and mumbled fiercely. “Fine!” he kicked his creature who instantly was instantly awaken. “Go to the red building in the orange one home. I will tell you the schedule there. And bring something to take notes.” he whipped with his reins and as soon as he appeared out of nowhere as Fluttershy said. Now he was vanished. Last seen heading to the farm.

“Twilight are you sure this is a good idea, sugar cube?”

“I’m going to give him one last chance. But just in case. I’m going to tell spike to write to the Princess to send us the elements just in case we need them. All we can do is to hope we don’t need them.”

“I’ll go back to the farm to do my chores. I hope you’re right Twilight.”

“Me too Applejack. Me too.”

3 - Agenda

Sweet Apple Acres

Sweet Apple Acres Barn

Morning hours

“I still can’t believe I’m doing this.” Twilight told to herself as she walked down the road leading to Applejack’s house. And more specifically. To the barn were they had her guest. She reached the front entrance marked by the vine with the red flowers around the white wood frame. And the apple sign hanging from there. She looked around but her fend was nowhere to be seen. Therefore she asked for her presence. “Applejack?”

“She will not come.” Somepony answered from inside a newly placed tent. Placed just outside the barn. Served like a porch before entering the main building.

“What have you done to her?”

“I told her to go around and bring me some specimens of each class of fruit in the farm. I was planning to start since you were taking your sweet, sweet time. But now she is the one delaying me.” He said as he stepped out the tent. He pushed aside the hanging section that served as a door and approached Twilight. “Now you are here and she is gone. What an inconvenience. Is not it?”

She could breath. At least for now. Up to this point she have only heard bad news from his mouth. “Oh, in that case we’ll have to wait for her then.”

“Or we could be somewhere else doing something. You know, making progress”. He demanded.

“You told me back there you have to explain something to me. You can use this time to do so.” She said in an effort to calm him down.

He pulled a hip flask from beneath his cloak, took a quick shot and hid it back inside. “Did you bring something to write?” Twilight levitated both. A notebook and a pen. “I prefer pencils. But anyway” He crouched in front of her with one of his elbow over the front knee. “First of all. Units. Name a unit of length and mass.”

“The foot and the pound.”

“Just as expected. Also, foot? Really?”

“Maybe they got from the same place they’ve got foam fingers on the sport store we passed by earlier.”

”Ok then. Listen up. Because I hate having to repeat things I have already said. One Vl is equivalent to 0.692ft,” Twilight wrote accordingly. “And one Vl is divided into sixteen equal parts called fr. One Mw is equivalent to 1.896lb. Which, by the way is ten times mv. The base mass unit. I do use the same units of angle as the gradian system. And one t is equivalent to 0.704s. To complete the next unit. We use 100 rather than 60. An octal systems replaces the decimal base you use. But you are not likely to require conversion in most of our studies. If you are as smart as you claim. You can figure out the rest of them.”

“May I ask you something?”

“You just did.” He answered quizzaciously.

She frowned “How do you know exact value of our system?”

“A very legitimate question. I was looking forward for more curiosity. Yet this is acceptable. You should answer. She looks like she can handle it.” How Louve did came to that conclusion. Will always be a mystery to him.

He frowned within the privacy of his mask and spoke. “Remember when I told we say your people from the sky?” She nodded affirmatively. “Something appeared very particular to us.” She raised an eyebrow. “So we compared the information we have got with the archeological data gathered from another distant planet. In fact, we have confirmed significant similarities between the two cultures and we were just scratching the surface. So we assumed the rest of you culture to be an exact replica. And if you omit minor variations. You are mostly a carbon copy. That is how I know you language. Among other things.”

“I am not completely sure why you thought this was a good idea. But if she freeze from the shock. Maybe it was worth it.”

“So, you cleared your doubts?”

“No” much contrary to his chafe “in fact. It raises many more question. Where is this place you say about? What it is? Do the ponies there are like us? Why…”

“Stop it!” He backed up suddenly. “If anyone here must be making any question must be me. The strange similarities does not bug me as much as the differences. Why you can levitate stuff being on top my head at the moment?”

“It’s because of my magic.”

“Is that really what you are rolling with?” First silence, then he freaked out. “Not shit. That is not an answer. That is an, anti-answer. I could have said to you: it is because science. I know you hate me but can at least stay professional?”

“I don’t hate you” She hesitated for a moment. “This is the way the things are here! Here unicorns can do magic, pegasi can fly and earth ponies are on the ground. So could you please calm down! I’ve had enough of your temper.”

“When you asked me I was direct. Is asking for the same too much for you?”

“Let’s do something” The situation settled a bit. “I ask you then you ask me and we roll it on from there. Does that sounds good enough to you?”

He grabbed his chin as a sign of thinking. “As long as you don’t ask anything confidential. I believe we have an agreement.” He offered his hand. Twilight did the same with her hoof to close the negotiation. At least until the next time she need to. After tranquilized, he sat down back where he was before “So answer.” He demanded.

“Wasn’t it my turn to ask?” She protested.

“Maybe. But you did not gave me an answer. Remember?”

She grunted. Took a breath. Made her words and calmly explained. “Here there are three types of ponies. Earth ponies, pegasi and unicorn like myself. Unicorns are born with a horn that allows them to cast different types of spells. These spell are learn through rigorous studies, most spells are very simple and can be pulled off by almost any unicorn. Like the levitation spell you just saw.” Again, she lifted both object from the ground to show her point. “In some cases, like my own, where my special talent is magic. I can learn more complex types of spell.”

“Special?”

She stopped him before he could complete. “It’s my turn now.” She grinned.

“The question was: What is magic?”

“Don’t worry. We still have time. We’ll get there. One way or another.”

“You said you compared our culture with some archeological records. What do you mean?”

“Our land. Or in this case. Our space is vast. When you see the night sky. There are as star in the sky as sand in the desert.” He spoke as inspired like Rarity when she have one of her ideas fashion.

“What’s you point with all of this?”

“Sorry. I am digressing. Anyway, among all those planets. We found this little rock orbiting a nine planet solar system. It appears in the past it was populated with a sapient civilization. But something happened. I don’t care very much what. And they were no more. The site is now an excavation site. The studies revealed information about their culture and technology. The one I said. Match your own. Proof of that: I am speaking your language. Surprised yet?”

“I don’t know if this is amazing or tragic. You are saying they were other ponies like us and they were all wiped away?” She was very worried. “Without leaving a trace?”

“if that was the case. The situation here will be very different.” Making reference to the explanation he just gave. “And they were not exactly like you.” He clapped his hands breaking the whole mood. “Now, what you were saying about you special talent?”

She could not find word for this abrupt change of atmosphere. She tried to calm herself down again and replied. “At some point in his life. A filly finds what his or her special talent is. For example:” He tried to make himself comfortable. All this exposition was boring yet he needed to pay attention. She spoke about the Summer Sun Celebration. How this inspired her to study magic. And led her parents inscribe to the School for Talented Unicorns. Where a mishap happened during her admission test caused her to be discovered by the Princess of the Sun and the appearance of a mark at her flank. Symbolizing her talent with magic and love for star gazing. She concluded by repeatedly shouting the word yes ad whimsical and joyfully as possible. While hoping around the stranger in a similar matter.

He waited until she passed right beside him to deliver a quick backslap to her cheek. Bringing her back to reality. “Ouch!” she kvetched “That hurts!”

“Admit it. You needed it.”

She shrugged. “Sorry. A get a little emotional when I tell that story.” She blushed.

“That’s our Twilight” Applejack arrived. Along with two basket on her side. Filled base to top with an assortment of apples of different kinds.

“Where have you been? And more importantly. You told me she was still nowhere close.”

“Anyway. This conversation wasn’t a total waste as you though. I’ve already made the respective adjustments to our agenda.”

“We have even more questions than before.”

“But also you’re not as lost as before.”

“Ok mister. I’ve got your apples.”

“Thank you very much. You may leave them there. Twilek!” He most certainly pleased. “We will have to defer our interesting session.” Ordered Twilight as if she was one of his subordinates among his ranks. “The task of the day: We study alimentation. You may take me to the primary sources of food in this town. We take samples and we bring them here for analysis. Then I send the results to my superiors.” He ordered as like a vulture. Circled around his soon to dead bodies.

“Wait. What? Why?”

“No idea. My only guess is it have to do with the common expression: what you eat is what you are. Or something like that. I am a soldier not a scientist.”

“See. This is one of the main things that bugs me.” Twilight interjected. “If your mission here is to make scientific investigation. Why don’t send a scientist?”

“In case you were hostile. Is not the first planet we make contact with you know” He grinned back and her. He took one of the baskets and went to his tent. “Come in. we have work to do.”

“I still don’t trust him Twi.”

“I’ll be fine Applejack.” She comforted her friend. She was used to it. She had done it along the day.

“Yell if you need any help Twi.” She tipped her hat and headed back to do her shores. As well as Twilight. She turned around to follow him with the second basket sustained by her magic. Then entering the tent he build so fast between the incident at the hall and her arrival at the farm. Inside the waterproof fabric. He has mounted a small laboratory. Beakers, Bunsen burners and Erlenmeyer flask were some of the equipment she was able to identify. With the red dorn of the barn serving as the back wall.

“Come here.” She obeyed “Now. Here is the procedure. First, mark the apples. Pick a number and mark all the apple of the same kind with that number. Then, the second number indicate the number of apple of that type. We good until now?” She nodded in affirmation, so he continued. “You give them to me in order and I will place them in this box. This will take a volumetric picture or in other words. Take a picture from all possible angles at the same time. Then there is the spectrometer. Step four, there is the syringe. Extract the juice and place them in these test tubes. I will place them in the chemical analyzer after we finish. Then it is cutting time. Peel the fruit and place a small, thin section of the crust on the microscope stage and cover it. Obviously, of course. Place it in this slit and close the door. This is a microscope. Press this button to take a picture. I have previously calibrated the equipment and it works automatically. Repeat with the seeds and the peel. Got all that? Any questions?” She declined. “Then let us get started. You do the first and last step. And remember to wash the syringe between samples.”

He pointed to Twilight and as prevised. She found further inquiring to be unlikely. After her curiosity was left ignored. She temporally gave up. And did as instructed. She was no stranger to these procedures. As in the school for gifted unicorns. Lab class had had similar practices. And if the modus operandi was similar to the one she spent so many hours in Canterlot. And many more in her library in Ponyville. She may not get into trouble. She gave herself to the isolation habits. She had prior to her arrival at her new town. The closing off the self that allowed the concentration required for her studies and to exceed in every subject in the field. Before she noticed it. They we already done and cleaning their working area. Both left the tent and his improvised lab as she found it.

“Where are we going now?” He broke their taciturnity state. “I may take your suggestions.”

“We can head to sugar cube corner.” She answered. Coming back from her trance like state. “Is the closest to the farm and is frequented by almost everypony.”

“Very well then.” He nodded. “I will lead the way.”

“You know where it is?”

“After I traveled your streets. I have managed to remember most part of the town layout. But a building made out of food is hard to miss. Do not you think?” He went to the back of the tent and into the barn. Closing the door behind him. Where Twilight lost contact with him. She used this time to reflex. Still was too early to determine if his intentions were sincere. Still, she had the elements if she needed them. Right? She sat down and used this time to think. In what happened in since yesterday’s dusk. Especially during the last hours. She took her notebook to make some annotations and reflex. Gilda came to mind. The last not pony visitor in town. Even with reference given by Rainbow Dash. Things didn’t turn out well. What about this one she knew nothing about.

“Let us go.” He came out with a duffle bag of medium size. Leading the charge like a cavalry commander. Twilight followed him not far behind. “We will concentrate on taking samples. As we did here.”

“Aren’t you taking a ride on. Eh.” She considered something somewhat ignored up this point. “What was that thing anyway? Does it even have a name?”

He vexed and tensed. “Damn it. It does not have a name.” He thought with anxiety.

“Well. Think of something. Is not THAT hard. And NOT that important so relax.”

“I used for transportation. Due to the self-sufficiency, agility and speed. But because this place is so small. We can go walking. Or trotting, in your case.” He pointed as they walked down the dirt road. “So I temporally dismissed from its tasks and let it to roam free into the Everfree forest. As you referred it earlier.”

“You freed it into the Everfree forest?” She was confused. Should her feeling be of care about the creature or relieve for her own and her village?

“Its strength match its size. Mauser is more than capable to taking care of its own.” He smiled.

“So, Mauser?”

“You talk as if you helped.”

They passed the school. As the foal were already in class. Was not excuse enough to ignore passing of these two. The kids pressed one another against the window in an effort to get a better look at the foreigner while Ms. Cheerilee. Despite her efforts. Ultimately, failed to regain their attention back. She gave up and joined the crowd in their affairs.

“What is this place?” He pointed at the red building.

“It’s a school” She waved back at their admirers. “Here we send our little children to learn.”

“Therefore. What is the purpose of those?” He pointed out at the playground adjacent.

“There is where the kids go to play.”

“Okay. This is my question. Why, if they are sent to do something, then you provide to do the exact opposite?”

“Playing is part of childhood. Don’t you remember being child?”

“I was built.” He corrected her. “Beside. The point of education is to guide and correct. The path the follow will determined who they will be. As far as I can see. You are encouraging them to become lazy adults.”

“What are you saying?” Said hypocrite Twilight. “That they should stick to their book the whole day? Without talking to anypony, playing with anypony…”

“You can do it at home during leisure time. It is like filling a library with loudspeakers playing dance music.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. She remembered the time Pinkie gave her a welcome party. The surprise, the unexpected, the rejection. Time changes and one changes with them. Now these days she would join her celebrations any time soon.

“Is important to have a good laugh every here and there. I think you must meet my friend Pinkie Pie more closely. I’m sure she’ll change that opinion of yours.” Just as she did with her and in the same way they first met. With a welcome party. “She’s at Sugar Cube Corner.”

“Would you mind if we rush forward? I am willing to debunk your hypothesis.”

“Not at all.” Knowing there is no point in arguing with Pinkie Pie.

They arrived to Sugar Cube Corner. As she claimed. The place was fairly crowded and the line reached the door. As well as the smell of the sweetened good being baked at the moment by the experienced couple. The inventory for the exhibited samples were mostly gone and with Pinkie at the counter. The cooking speed of the oven was the main restrictor between the ponies and their meal.

“Twlek. Go and seek for the one in charge. Tell him we need to have a word with him.”

“Hey. It’s my friend Zorky. Hi!” She waved with high pitched voice to the dark figure who stood up above the crowd. As for them. When they turned around to see who she was welcoming. They all became a little nervous.

“Pinkers. I assume.” He rushed his way to the cashier parallel to the waiting line. Ignoring the customers who were patiently waiting. “Greetings. Who is in charge?” He asked among the muttered complains of the other customers. “Mr. and Mrs. Cakes are in charge. But they are busy in the kitchen.” She wrapped one of the sweets with exceptional dexterity and velocity. Her experience in the field was more than evident. What was more impressive, was the relative young age to gather the required experience to acquire such skills.

“What are you and what are thy functions?”

“I’m an earth pony. Silly.” The pink pony smiled as she dispatched a package to one of the now pleased customer.

“He means what’s your name and occupation?” Twilight said. Still feeling awkward about the customers.

“I’m Pinkie Pie. Expert baker and professional party planner.” She claimed.

“For how long?” He asked twitching her hair in entertainment.

“I’ve being doing it all my life since I was just a little filly back at the rock farm.”

“Quarry” He corrected. “Mine if you prefer.”

“No silly. It’s rock farm. Like Applejack’s but with rock.”

“Zorskel” Twilight muttered. “Don’t argue with her. I know for experience there is no point.” She suggested being cautious about his temper. “Just go with it.” He nodded.

“So mistress rock farmer. Anything else I need to know about you?”

She got a distrustful frown. Looked around. In order to make sure not to be seen or heard by undesired listeners. She signaled with her hoof to come closer in order to murmur right to his ear. “Don’t tell anypony. But…” She whispered even closer. ”I have a surprise welcome party for you.”

He stared at Twilight in disbelief with a scowl hide behind his mask and a low volume growl to match. “I meant something important about you.” He contained. Knowing he was being observed by Twilight and Louve. Especially by Louve.

“I meant about yourself”

“There’s not much to it. Discord tuned me into a gray grumpy, I have a bay alligator named gummy, I know everypony in Ponyville, I can’t decide to which is better between chimicherry or…”

“Hold it!” He ordered. “You personally know every single one in this town?”

“Well of course. How else will I know their birthdays?”

His frown was replaced with a smirk in a fraction of a second. “If I ask you about someone. Will you show them to me?”

“Of course. Once I finish these orders. I’ll be happy to…”

“Worry do not. Twiliek will take your place until we return.”

“Wait what!?” Twilight opposed to the proposal. He extended behind the counter and grabbed the pink earth pony and pulled back to place her secure in his shoulder. “Twilek, please be serviceable and attend these clients.” He fled at the moment. Right away, Mr. Cake came out the kitchen with a plate saturated with fresh baked sweets.

“Twilight?” He was surprised to see her delivering the orders. “Where’s Pinkie Pie?”

“How could you do this to me?” As they leaved Sugar Cube Corner. An exhausted Twilight kvetch over her temporal employer after saying farewell to Pinkie Pie. “This was probably the busiest day besides Nightmare Night.”

“Nightmare Night?” He shook his head and got back on track. “This is a moment of joyful…ness. In the time you: “Invested” at your temporal job. Pinkers and I made some progress. And we have made arrangements for most of the remaining task. In no time you will no need to hear no more about us. And we will be back home.” He fist pumped as in victory.

Despite all the problems he put her in. Twilight found a sincere happiness in his voice. “You miss you home?” She asked as they headed back to the barn where he was staying.

“Will you not?”

“I guess.” She shrugged. “Since you don’t like to tell me where you come from. Will you at least tell me how it is?”

“You can.” Confirmed Louve.

“I am going to tell the same thing I told to Rars. It is cold, dark, cramped and smell like burnt oil.”

“That’s awful.”

“Add the fact everyone is indifferent about their neighbor and turns into almost pair-a-dice.” He taunted her.

“How can you say that!? It sound so cold, so hostile, so numb. How can you like a place like that?”

“I will allow yourself to answer. How will you feel if this land behave the way I just described you?”

“I think I’ll feel bad” She twitched her ears and lowered her head. “Y’kow,” She sounded like Applejack for a second “Once I used to be different. I locked myself. Immersed in my studies and cared little for everything else.” She sighed. “Then I came here and realized how important was to have friends in my life. And made me question. How could I live like that in the first place?”

He remembered the words said the day before at the farm. They speeches were almost identical and so well acted. He believed they both practiced them in advance. Or the so called school brainwashed them into this way of thinking.

During his field trip with Pinkie. They when to a variety of restaurants and gathered various samples to be classified later. When returning to were Twilight was abandoned as a replacement to the earth pony. The customer traffic was a thing of the past. And she convinced the couple to give some of their recipes to the stranger. Also, Pinkie permitted to holdup the party to a later day. He believed if h was lucky. He will be gone before the agreed date.

As was done with the apples before. They both spent the rest of the afternoon. Repeating the previously explained process. With only minor variations, depending of the aliment type. In most cases. It required to separate independent ingredients. Like the cupcake dressing for example. They also got samples from the local water supply, animal food from Fluttershy. Among other things.

Once they done. They both headed north to the Golden Oak Library. As with Pinkie’s home. A hollow tree was hard to miss. At a walking pace he was able to admire the infrastructure under the now amber sky and grey clouds. The structure stood lone and grand. Probably was there before the town itself. Carved out of the interior of a still living tree. The only thing he could thing about was the time needed to perform such a task. But if the unicorn claim was true. And the artist was a skillful magician. Such feat may not be seen with as much awe. The scenery didn’t lasted long. As with the dawn. The dusk was gone. And the moon raced up to the middle of the sky as if it was chased by the law.

“Here I live. Home sweet home.” She noticed her companion was trying to unravel the mysteries of its construction. “Would you like to come in?” She invited.

“Appreciated. But I will decline your generous…”

The door opened. A short, young purple reptilian came to welcome his master.

“Hello Twilight. How was your day?”

At the first sight of the infant reptile. He dashed forward. Tackling the little reptile and at the same time. Passing somehow through the door opening without tearing it apart from its respective hinge. Spike hit the ground. His body held in place by both of the attacker’s hands and his sheer mass.

“Spike!” She cried.

“You didn’t told me you had pests.” He replied in in monotone.

“Twilight. Help me!” The dragon begged for help.

Her horn lit up. She made an attempt to retrieve his friend from his tight grasp into safety. She summon the spell. A purple flash filled the room. With no change in the situation.

“Please. I don’t know what I did wrong but please. Don’t hurt me!” He continued his pray.

“Zorskel!” Twilight finally stopped him. “He’s my assistant. Release him at once.” She stomped.

Zorskel turned his head to give hear an incriminating stare as if was her fault. Charging her for a future guilt. He let go the terrified assistant. As who, like the mayor, fled in desperation.

“I have to tell you. I’m starting to get SICK of you attacking my friends.” She shouted.

“I was trying to protect you. When these things grow up. Will become fearsome beasts. We still have time to…”

“No.” She barked. “Whatever you’re going to say. No!” Her stare was firm. Her voice were direct. And her blood was probably boiling at this point. “I know you are new around here. But! You’ve almost kidnapped the mayor, almost steamrolled Fluttershy and almost killed one of my closest friends. And I swear,”

“♫and I swear♫”

“Shut up Louve.”

“I’ll not doubt for a second to use the elements to put an end to your rampage.” She beat her hood to his stomach as she couldn’t reach his chest. ”Was I clear Mr.?”

“Remember I do not want to spend more time than strictly necessary in this land. Prison is not among my goals in the near future.” He lied. “What is this place?” He pointed at the shelves that covered the walls, avoiding the question.

“It’s a library,” She explained. “Here books are kept for anypony to come and borrow them. Also, I live here and do my studies.”

He headed towards the rows of literatures that reached the ceiling. Picked one and opened. At first glance, Louve took a look at the symbols printed into the rustic paper resembling parchment. If the alphabet, grammar and words matched the speculation. Then they were on the right track. And as much as they could see. Most sentence do made sense. Good signal they were on track. This one in particular had a topographic map of a zone referred to as the Badlands. To his criteria, was greatly inaccurate when compared to satellite images Louve displayed.

“What are these book about?”

“They cover most topics. From history magic theory. And from poetry to geography. Like the one you have.”

He placed the book back where he picked up in the first place. “How much about you land is gathered in these pages?”

“Pretty much everything you need to know. Right now, a good read about manners will be useful.” The issue flew right at his chest propelled a violet glow around it.

He caught it just after it was dampened by his cloak. “Sleep well then. We will need to be ready early.” With nothing more to say. He waved his robes for add dramatic effect to his retreat. Passed the front door and left with the same velocity he used to attack Spike. Twilight closed the door behind with her magic. Worried, she went upstairs looking for Spike. Her predictions were proved right and she found his trembling under the sheet of his small bed.

“Spike,” She comforted. “It’s ok. He’s gone now.”

Slow and steady. The scared dragon took a peek out of his shelter. Until he finally felt safe enough to talk to his master. “Is he really gone? Why he attacked me?”

“Because he thinks you’ll become a big scary dragon that might eat him.” She caress the top of his head. Feeling much like a puppy. The baby dragon felt safe again under the guard of this motherly figure. She headed to her own bed and introduced inside the coziness of her own sheets. Spike copied her actions as well. “Twilight, what will happen tomorrow?”

“I believe the same as today. We will have a study of Ponyville and if I’m lucky. We’ll finish and he’ll return to his homeland. Wherever it is.”

“Do you believe where he come from everypony is like him?”

Twilight remembered the words he said on their way to her home. “I guess he’s that way because eveypony threatened him that way.” This held her in meditation for a while. Until the sleep beat her and fell into the realms of Luna.