Author's Note

Well here's chapter 3 longest Chapter I've written in quite a while. I hope you like it and we get to see a little of how Jake interacts with the girls. We also get to see why some of them are less than worried about him. That said ONWARD!!!!!

Chapter 3: Settling In

Morning came all too quickly for me and Nightmare Moon. We both stretched out our limbs, though I felt as if I’d gotten more sleep than I’d ever gotten back home. Nightmare Moon however looked exhausted as if she’d been fighting sleep all night. I raised an eyebrow and she said “It was hard to sleep while feeling the moon in the sky.” I nodded in understanding and popped my back then she asked “So what’s the plan for today?”

I shrugged and said “First you need to don your disguise, and then we’re going to see if we can get you a job at Sugarcube Corner, after which I will go to the library and see if Twilight Sparkle needs any help.” She slowly nodded and donned her disguise once again. I watched as her cutie mark turned back into the moon with the whirlwind around it and the two of us headed back to civilization. First we walked over to Sugarcube Corner where Pinkie was handing out cupcakes to a hungry populous. She saw us and gasped then rushed over. I chuckled and held up a hand to stop her saying “Easy there party pony. Yes we’re new, no you haven’t thrown us a party yet, yes I’m one of a kind, no we aren’t ready for a party till we have jobs. Speaking of jobs we need you to talk to the cakes about my friend Moonlight Breeze,” At this I paused and pointed at her then continued “getting a job here.”

Pinkie stared at me and said “You’re good.” I shrugged as if to say ‘I try,’ then she continued “Does your friend know anything about baking, serving customers, or working for a living?” I glanced at Moonlight, who blushed slightly and shook her head looking downtrodden. Pinkie smiled and said “That’s ok; I can help you learn all of the above. That is unless of course you’re a meanie pants who will do nothing but cause trouble.” I thought “She was until I changed her attitude a little bit. Now she’s a bit more humble.” Pinkie seemed to read my thoughts from my expression and said “We’ll give her a week of training and see how she does, if the cakes agree to take her on. Do we have a deal?” We both nodded and she quickly ran off to ask the cakes about hiring on Moonlight for now with Pinkie as her personal trainer.

I glanced at Moonlight and asked “You going to be ok here by yourself while I go see if I can get a job at the library?” She nodded and I kissed her cheek causing her cheeks to darken in a blush then walked for the door. I nodded politely at every pony I passed; not wanting to start any trouble and they all seemed pretty accepting of me. Then again this was Ponyville and they were used to the strange and unusual since they were so close to the Everfree.

However it seemed there was more to them accepting me on one look than just being close to the Everfree. It was almost as if they had heard of or seen humans before, that or the doctor had been telling stories. I honestly wasn’t sure which it was, but I decided to not let it get under my skin as I walked to the Golden Oaks Library. I opened the door and walked in since it was a public institution and I was looking for a job not to just spend time with the mare who lived within. I walked up to the front desk and coughed. I glanced around for a bell or something but there was nothing. I knew however that they were open because the door had been unlocked, and you don’t leave a door unlocked unless you’re open or very trusting.

After a few minutes a figure walked upstairs from the basement carrying a stack of books that blocked their vision. I coughed again and they said “Hang on a minute, I just got some new books from the basement and need to place them down. I’ll be right with you after that.” I merely nodded and leaned on the counter as the figure, who turned out to be a small purple baby dragon with a green underbelly and green spikes, who must have been Spike, walked past and set the books down. He turned to me then blinked and yelled “TWILIGHT I THINK NIGHTMARE MOON MANAGED TO BRING A STATUE FROM THE GARDENS IN CANTERLOT TO LIFE AND BROUGHT IT TO TAKE US OUT!!!”

I heard a groan from upstairs and someone replying “Spike, I told you Nightmare Moon didn’t take over the palace, she went straight to the castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. Even if she did go to Canterlot I doubt she’d bring to life any of the statues. I think you just had a nightmare.” The owner of the voice, a lavender mare with a navy main with a pink stripe walked downstairs as she spoke not looking at me but staring at Spike who looked at me in terror. I sighed and started banging my head on the front desk. The rhythmic thump of my head hitting the desk seemed to attract Twilight’s attention then she stared at me in surprise and said “Oh.”

I looked up with a bit of blood leaking out of my forehead and said “Hiya, name’s Jake Wolf. I’m here for a job…and maybe a bandage because I don’t really want to bleed all over the books.” Twilight gasped and ran down the stairs then ran up to me, she stood at about my mid-chest in height, unlike Nightmare who stood a few hands taller than me and had her shoulder about equal with my chest and said “I’m a human, obviously, and Time Turner said you may need help. I can probably reshelf books or well I can do something. You can break in at any time.”

Spike gasped and pushed Twilight away from me then glared and said “Stay away from her you murderous statue brought to life by Nightmare Moon.” I stared at him as if he wasn’t quite all there in the head and he blew a flame at me causing me to jump back and pat my pants down to be sure they didn’t catch fire. He smirked and said “Yeah that’s right, I’ll protect Twilight from you, statue.” I was starting to get really tired of Spike calling me statue, but I was unwilling to harm the little bugger because I didn’t want to make a bad impression on my hopefully future boss.

Twilight seemed to sense my growing agitation as she lifted Spike up in her magic and said “Spike just because he has a remarkable resemblance to the statue doesn’t mean he is it brought to life. Also he said his name’s Jake so let’s call him by his name.” Spike struggled against her magical grip then sighed and she asked “Going to behave?” He nodded grumbling and she set him down then he glared at me and I raised an eyebrow asking what his problem was with my eyes. Twilight ignored our little back and forth with looks and said “Hello Jake, I’m Twilight Sparkle. Why exactly are you looking to work in my library?”

I smiled feeling that we were finally getting somewhere and I said “Several reasons. One I always liked books. Two I’m working on becoming an author and a job that wouldn’t leave me exhausted at the end of the day would really help me be able to work on my stories after it’s all said and done. Three I have always wanted to work in a library, kind of odd but true. Four I figured you and the element bearers would want to keep an eye on me, not that I intend any harm, but you know better safe than sorry and all that.” She nodded and I said “That’s really it. If you don’t want me to work for you I’ll understand and work for Time.”

Twilight seemed to think about my answers then asked “Do you plan on respecting the books if you work with them?” I nodded and reached into my pocket then pulled out a pack of gum and took a piece I offered her and Spike one each. Twilight took and unwrapped hers while Spike stared at his curiously. I blew a bubble with my gum and popped it causing Spike to start and look at me while Twilight slowly started chewing hers. She studied me and said “Do you always just randomly give out gum to strangers?”

I blew another bubble then sealed it with my teeth and said “Yes, yes I do. I feel sharing gum is fine so long as the other person wants it. Why do you think I shouldn’t share the sugary deliciousness that is gum?” She shook her head and I said “So there anything else you need to know before you decide if you’re willing to hire me or not? If so what can I do to alleviate your fears, and what would you prefer I didn’t do?”
She seemed to be in deep thought for a bit then said “I need to know if you’re willing to tell me more about humans, we have the occasional story of them from the past but only the princesses know if there were ever any in Equestria. I also need to know that you’re willing to follow my directions and not fight with spike just because he and you don’t get along. Other than that things I prefer you wouldn’t do is eat in the main library, we have a dining room for a reason. Set fire to anything in the kitchen that might spread. Eat meat where I can see it, fish is fine but regular meat is not. That should be everything other than when can you start and do you need a place to room and board?”

I thought about it and said “All your demands are reasonable. I’m willing to start whenever you want and I don’t really care if I can’t eat meat although fish should help my diet. If I have to eat meat I’ll go out in the woods and hunt then stay out there a few days while telling you ahead of time. As for a place to stay, I don’t really have one. I spent my first night in the Everfree and my second in the park. I have a friend who plans on working at Sugarcube Corner, and we’ll be getting an apartment as soon as we saved up enough.”

She slowly nodded in understanding and said “We can let you stay in the guest room. I just ask you keep it clean.” I nodded in understanding not really wanting to mess up her home anyway then she said “Anyway if you’re going to start today please man the counter while Spike and I go out and get groceries and what not. If no one comes in, look for my latest reshelving day list and you can start on that since we need to get that under way sooner than later.” I nodded and stood behind the counter as she walked off to get her saddle bags. Spike stared me down and I raised an eyebrow at the baby dragon knowing he had something to say, and that if he had his way I wouldn’t be here.

He narrowed his eyes and said “I’m watching you. If you cause any trouble I’ll be on you like gems on a cake.” I raised an eyebrow not really understanding the analogy since I personally didn’t eat gems. He didn’t seem to notice as he continued “If I have to I’ll write to Celestia and get her to protect Twilight from you, human.” I shrugged at that as if to say ‘Go ahead little dude.’ He seemed to get my message as he said “I doubt you’re as harmless as yous seem. I mean no one in ponyville is exactly what they seem.”

I shrugged and said “In a place this close to the Everfree, when I admitted to staying in the Everfree two nights ago you really think I’m going to argue? I’m amazed the ponies here seem as normal as they do with the way things go. I mean me and Moonlight Breeze, the friend I mentioned to Twilight about, are far from normal. I don’t plan on causing any trouble while I’m here Spike, I have no reason to and if things go according to plan though I’ll be out of your hair in less than a year Spike.”

He nodded and muttered something that sounded like ‘See that you do.’ I smirked as he walked out the door with Twilight then turned to the door and waited patiently for anyone looking to check out a book. I had a feeling I’d be waiting quite a while in a small town like this. After all the library back home wasn’t perused that much and it was a county library which meant it was a bit bigger than a local library like Twilight’s tree. I yawned and blew bubbles with my gum, occasionally blowing them so big they’d pop loudly and startle me out of my reverie. Eventually a tall red stallion with a green apple cutie mark came in. I looked at him and asked “Looking for something?”
He nodded and said “Eeyup.” I raised an eyebrow waiting for him to go on. He didn’t so I just stood there getting slightly aggravated at the fact he was wasting both our time by not coming out with it.

I sighed and asked “Looking for something on farming?”

He said “Nope.”

I raised an eyebrow and said “Know what you’re looking for?” He nodded and I asked “You sure it can be found in the library?” He gave another nod, this time slightly quicker but not by much. I sighed and said “Are you messing with me big fella?” He shook his head slowly and I asked “Care to tell me what you’re looking for?”

He nodded and said “Eeyup. I’m looking for a few mystery novels to read in my spare time.” My god I got a whole sentence. I was so stunned it was almost like he said went in one ear and out the other. I slowly shook my head to right my brain into action then got up and started looking for mystery novels. I found a few and pulled them down then checked them out for him and he put them in his saddle bags before bidding me farewell. I bid him adieu and closed the door behind him then stood back at the desk realizing it was sized for ponies, who only came up to about my chest minus the big red fellow who came up to my shoulder, Midnight Breeze in her Nightmare form who was almost as tall as me, and probably the princesses.

I yawned and stretched then pulled a chair out of the kitchen and sat down at the desk humming as I waited for the next purveyor of the library. Eventually a stallion, I could tell by the shape of his jaw, walked in and asked “Got any texts on basic magic control?” I shrugged and looked around to see then pulled out what he was looking for and checked it out to him. He smiled and said “Thanks big fella. You’re a real life saver.”

I chuckled and said “No I’m just assisting the local librarian. I’m nothing special.” He shrugged at that and walked out then Twilight trotted in with Spike on her back and raised an eyebrow. I said “I didn’t want to screw up the library so I just sat around and waited for people to come looking for books. I loaned out a few mystery novels and just loaned out a book on basic magic theory. Hope you don’t mind.”
She raised an eyebrow and said “You’re saying you think I’d mind you lent out library books?” I nodded slowly and she sighed then said “If they were my personal books I’d be worried but anything in this part of the library belongs to ponyville. I don’t keep my personal books down here, so you have nothing to worry about.” I nodded and stretched then got out from behind the desk, which Twilight moved against the wall and she asked “So, ready for your party?”

I blinked confused and she continued “Pinkie is throwing you and your friend a party since you’re both new to town.” I stared at her hoping she was joking and she said “No I’m not joking, yes you have to go especially because Pinkie will be distraught if you don’t, and I’m not leaving you at the library while I go because Spike wants to go.” I was confused as to why she wasn’t leaving me alone in the library this time and she explained “I have no problem with you being here alone during work hours, but until I know I can trust you I won’t allow you to be alone in my home.”

I sighed and nodded then said “Alright, alright, lead on Miss Sparkle, lead on.” She nodded and headed out the door where I followed her humming the death march. She studied me as we walked motioning for me to walk alongside her and I slowly did so. She glanced at me out of the corner of her eye every now and then; having turned back to the road after her studying and motioning of me then I asked “See something you like?” She blushed and muttered something unintelligible. I raised an eyebrow and said “That was lovely, but I didn’t understand a thing you said. You sure you’re an articulate mare?”

She glared at me and said “I’m very articulate. I just don’t know how to respond to a rogue like you asking me such a thing. I don’t even know why you’d ask that.” I smirked at her and she glared saying “You jerk, you were teasing me?” I nodded and she hit me with magic I laughed feeling a light tickle as my body absorbed the magic then winced as my arm went numb from the elbow down, where the blast had hit. She studied me curiously and asked “Something wrong?”

I nodded and said “The magic you used numbed my arm. It’ll pass, but I think I’ll refrain from pissing you off.” She snorted as if to say she wasn’t pissed and I said “I know you’re not really pissed, I just had to tease a little bit, and you’re more flustered than anything.” She blushed realizing she’d overreacted and I said “No worries Twilight, I understand. A mare shouldn’t be bugged about her fantasies by a rogue human who hasn’t even known her a day. You’re a bit more sociable than I expected when AJ said you lived in a library. If I didn’t know better I’d say you were rather used to talking to new people and ponies.”

She smiled slightly and said “That’s thanks to my friends. I’ve only known them a few days but they already brought me out of my shell.” I nodded and blinked as we walked into a party that was midswing.

I was tackled by a pink blob who said “Hey you’re late mister.” I blinked confused wondering when I said I’d be at a party and the blob, that turned out to be a pink pony with a poufy mane, who I realized had to be Pinkie Pie, continued “You were supposed to be here like an hour ago. Then we were going to surprise you and Moonlight, but no you miss the surprise so we had to just start the party and what fun is a surprise party without the surprise? I mean yeah it’s still fun since it’s a party, but it’s not a surprise party anymore. Anyway hi I’m Pinkie Pie, but you knew that from when you came in with Moonlight. So who are you again?”

I laughed and said “Jake. Jake Wolf. I’m a writer. I’m also wondering if you’re giving Moonlight a room or if I’m going to have to find a place for both of us to stay.” Pinkie smiled at me and I smiled back then noticed everyone staring at us and said “Eheh, I guess we made quite the ruckus. Ah well, not like I can do anything about it. So what now miss party pony?”

She smiled and said “Well to answer your first question, yes Moonlight gets room and board as long as she works here. To answer you second, we’re going to have fun.” I nodded and she hopped off me then got on the dance floor where she busted a move. I chuckled watching her go as I climbed to my feet and Twilight dusted me off with her magic. I smiled in thanks and Pinkie suddenly popped up in front of us again and grabbed my hand with her mouth dragging me into Sugarcube Corner. I chuckled and followed her deciding it was best not to fight against her.

I was dragged onto the dance floor and slowly let the music move me. The ponies stopped and stared for a bit then moved in around me. I chuckled and said “Well this is fun.” The ponies nodded and Pinkie popped up to drag me back over to Twilight who was talking to Applejack, a marshmallow white unicorn with a violet mane and tail, and a butter yellow Pegasus with a pink mane. I smiled as Pinkie dragged me over and said “Hello Twilight, Applejack, and who might these two lovely mares be?”

The Pegasus blushed and hid behind her mane while the unicorn smiled and said “Why hello Darling, I’m Rarity and this is Fluttershy. It’s nice to meet you. I see you need a help with fashion though.” I snorted but nodded anyway to make things move along smoother. She smiled and said “Drop by my boutique and I can promise that I’ll be glad to help make you a new outfit, first one’s even free of charge.” I smiled as Midnight walked up to all of us and engaged Rarity into conversation distracting her from me and allowing me to study Miss Fluttershy.

She was as I said before a butter yellow Pegasus with a pink mane and tail and blue eyes. She had slightly smaller wings than most Pegasi, but I could tell she could fly. I smiled at her and she blushed hiding more. I sighed and said “Do I scare you?” She nodded timidly and I stretched then pulled up a chair and sat down. She studied me carefully noticing the chair and looked at me questioningly. I smiled slightly and said “I’m not going to do anything to you. I’m just going to sit here. If you want you can walk away, or come closer, whatever you feel is better for you.” She smiled slightly, which I barely caught behind her mane then slowly stepped closer. I smiled and said “There we go, that’s a good girl. It’s alright I’m not going to hurt you, nor is anyone else.”

I seemed to be soothing her, just like a skittish horse. It was a talent I had, one I rarely used anymore, but it wasn’t like I’d needed it in quite a while. I stroked her mane as she walked over and looked at me up through it. I smiled and she said softly “Hi there, mister.” I smiled and stroked her mane and she continued “I was wondering what you are exactly?”

I smiled and said “Well my name is Jake Wolf. As for what I am, I’m human. Though it appears the only one like me is a statue in the Canterlot gardens from what Spike said. Though if there is a statue of a human in the royal gardens, I wonder why.” I shrugged that thought away and said “So miss Fluttershy, is there anything you’d like to talk about?” I continued rubbing her mane as I spoke surprising her friends and calming her even more. She stood about equal with my chest if not a little below it putting her close to the same height as Twilight Sparkle.

I yawned as she said “Well I like animals.” I raised an eyebrow and motioned for her to go on. She smiled slightly and continued “I’m the local veterinarian, and I also pair everyone up with their perfect pets. I’m also trained in medicine to a degree but my main degrees are in veterinary science, zoology, and biology.” I nodded smiling the more I learned and kissed her ears causing her to blush and shy away.
I stretched and said “Sorry to startle you. You’re just so adorable when you’re talking about your animals.” I held up my hands showing I meant no harm and continued “It’s like a friend of mine back home when she talked about music. She lost herself in her work whenever she was working on a new song. It was cute to see her face get a faraway look and her mind turning as she focused on the thing that made her life so fun for her. You’re talking about animals was just like that. I used to play with her hair when she got like that, and in your case I just couldn’t resist playing with your ears in my own way.”

Fluttershy nodded and slowly approached me again then I went back to stroking her mane as she turned to Applejack and said “So how come you aren’t surprised by him, huh Applejack?”

Applejack scuffed up the floor then said “I met him at the farm last night. He came looking for work, but I sent him into town because of his unicorn friend. We don’t need no magic on mah farm. We just need hard work, and honest ponies that are willing to do that work.” I chuckled at that and Applejack glared at me causing me to stifle my laughs and just nod. She gave me the stink eye as she continued “Mah farm just needs a boost in sales. I mean our primary exports are apples, cider, and zap apple jam, but Cider season and the Zap apples are both far away.”

I tried to think back to the episodes of my little pony, which weren’t much help then whistled softly and said “Zap apples are rainbow colored apples grown close to the Everfree right?” Applejack nodded surprised and I said “Man I’m curious what those would taste like. Especially with the kind of magic needed to grow them.” She smirked at Twilight who looked lost as to what I was saying then I continued “Of course I also want to try Sweet Apple Acres Cider. I guess I’ll have to wait for that though.”

Twilight snickered at that and said “I‘ve heard good things about Sweet Apple Acre hard cider, and regular cider from Gleaming.” The others looked at her confused and I smirked realizing that my being here had changed things from in the show more than I thought. Twilight noticed the others looks and said “Gleaming is my older sister.” I sipped some punch as she went on to talk about her sister who was best friends with Cadance. I was surprised she had a sister instead of a brother but otherwise it matched up. Twilight glanced at me and said “Jake do you plan on heading back to the library when I do or staying a little after I leave?” I shrugged and glanced at her as if asking ‘Why?’ She smiled slightly and said “If you stay after I leave I’ll have Spike leave the door unlocked when we get in, but if you come with us then I guess we’ll lock the door behind you.”

I smiled at her and said “Alright no worries, I’ll let you know what I’m going to do before you leave.” She nodded and walked off with Applejack leaving me alone with Fluttershy who I’d yet to stop stroking the mane of. Fluttershy sighed in pleasure as I moved to stroking her ears and said “So Miss Fluttershy, how long have you been in ponyville?” Fluttershy shivered as I scratched a particular itch and looked at me with big doe eyes getting me right in the heart. There had to be a law against such a cute face being used as a weapon even if it wasn’t used as a weapon in a fight.

Finally she said “I’ve been here quite a while. I moved here after flight school.” I nodded and motioned for her to continue as I stroked her ears and mane causing her to let out soft whinnies of approval. She continued “When I moved here I worked on getting my degrees. After that I became the town veterinarian and moved into my cottage on the edge of town where all the little dears can come visit me without trouble or having to see everypony or coming into town.”

I nodded and said “That has to be easier for wild creatures. So, why are you so scared of me of all people and ponies? I mean I gotta be an exotic creature to you, is it the elongated canines?” She nodded shyly and I said “Ah, so it’s because I’m partially a predator. Ah well can’t blame you for that. Well I guess I’ll leave you be Miss Fluttershy.” She smiled and walked off while I sipped a glass of punch and was suddenly poked in the head by a rainbow maned cyan Pegasus. I knew this had to be Rainbow Dash, but I asked “Hello who are you,” anyway.

She smirked and said “I’m just the most awesome Pegasus in Equestria.” I motioned for her to go on looking slightly skeptical and she continued “My name is Rainbow Dash, and I’m going to be a wonderbolt soon enough.” I nodded as if this was something I wholeheartedly agreed with causing her to glare and ask “You making fun of me?” I shook my head slowly then smiled at her. She nodded and said “Good.” I yawned and she reached past me to take a glass of punch then sat down next to me and asked “So what are you?”

I smirked and said “I am a homo-sapien or human. Why have a problem with those who aren’t ponies, you’re not speciesist are you?” She stared at me and I said “What? I don’t know anything about you other than you’re the most awesome Pegasus in equestria. That doesn’t mean much when trying to learn more about someone. If you’re not a speciesist then tell me about yourself, maybe you’re here for some sweet human loving. Well hate to say it but I don’t just jump in the sack with anybody.” She gasped incoherent with my teasing and I said “Sorry Miss Dash had to tease. I doubt anyone in equestria is interested in me that way, especially since I’m such a rarity. Well Rarity as in oddity not Rarity the pony.”

That got her to laugh a bit and said “Alright that last one was pretty good I give you credit. However I’m going to get you back for tormenting me with your strange sense of humor.” I shrugged and made a bring it on motion. She stared at me confused and said “Was that like a gryphon expression, or a minotaur?” I blinked confused and she explained “That motion wasn’t something a pony can do so what did it mean?”

I smirked and said “Bring It On.” She grinned hearing that and we stared each other in the eye. Suddenly moonlight walked up and pushed me over. I yelled out “WHAT THE HAY MOONLIGHT!!!” She ignored me and studied Dash up close and personal getting in her space. I watched and snickered slightly at the look on Dash’s face. She looked to me for help and I slowly pulled Moonlight away saying “Easy girl, let the athlete catch her breath. What’s got your tail in a knot girly?”

Moonlight looked at me then at Dash then back to me and said “I have no problem with the other bearers, but you’re getting to close to the rainbow one for my liking.” I snickered and stroked her ears causing them to twitch and he to look at me questioningly. I shook my head and motioned for her to relax which she slowly did so then turned to Rainbow and said “So what is your problem with my human?” I snorted at the, my part and scratched a bit harder causing her to let out a soft whinny.

Dash stared at her and said “He’s your stallion? Wow odd, I guess it fits though since you’re both new to town. I don’t know what you see in him though, he’s not exactly the kindest guy around, nor is he the most sociable from what I’ve seen.” I snorted at that letting my magic fingers work on Moonlight’s ears then started scratching Dash causing her to sigh in bliss and say “Ok he’s got the fingers going for him. However he’s somewhat bigger than a pony, so what are you going to do when he moves out of the library?”

I snorted and said “A. We’re not dating. B. We’re heading to Canterlot soon enough, after we get a place here in town. C. I can take care of myself, and D. I doubt that Moonlight meant I was her mate when she called me her human. I believe she meant it like I was her pet or friend, not sure which. If she meant it like pet then she will learn I’m no one’s pet. Just because my name is wolf doesn’t mean I’m anyone’s pet.”

Dash chuckled and said “I like your spunk Jake. Well I’ll see you two around. I’ve gotta get home lots of work in the morning.” I nodded and saw Twilight heading for the door so bid everyone my farewell and walked over to her as she put Spike on her back with her magic and the three of us headed back to the library. When we got into the library Twilight locked it and started for the stairs to put Spike to bed. I followed her up to the guest room then collapsed into my bed, which was a little small for me, but would do if I curled my legs, and closed my eyes.
Twilight knocked on my door about five minutes later and I opened my eyes to look at her. She studied the bed and said “Damn you’re about the size of an alicorn huh?” I nodded she sighed and said “Well sadly I can’t really make the bed much bigger, so you’re stuck with it for now.” I nodded and she continued “Besides the bed how are you doing?” I moved my hand in a so-so gesture and she smiled slightly saying “Thanks for getting along with my friends. I don’t know what I’d have done if you and they had fought since I already promised you could stay at the library and work here.”

I sat up yawning and shrugged before saying “They’re all pretty nice mares. I don’t think I’ll have any trouble continuing to get along with them as time goes on. Rainbow’s a riot to tease, Fluttershy is too nice to hurt, Applejack seems dependable, not sure about Rarity, and Pinkie’s a riot. I just hope that my friend Moonlight can get along with them. Anyway you need anything from me Twilight?” She shook her head no and I smiled then said “Alrigh then, I’m going to go crash if that’s alrigh with you.” She nodded and I laid back then closed my eyes and slipped into a peaceful slumber my mind already plotting on how to get back at Moonlight, and what to do to further tease Rainbow as well as what my job would entail.

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As morning broke I woke up in a cold sweat. I stretched slowly and muttered “Damn night terrors found me again. I hope I wasn’t yelling in my sleep again.” I slowly got up and took a shower in the attached bathroom then got dressed and headed downstairs where Spike was making pancakes for himself and Twilight. I sat at the table and said “Morning Spike. How was your night?” He shrugged and I said “Not feeling too talkative this morning?” He shook his head and I sighed then laid my head down no my arms yawning. Twilight trotted downstairs about three or four minutes later and I sat up long enough to give her a nod of acknowledgement before putting my head back down and closing my eyes.

I could feel pony and dragon both studying me until finally Twilight asked “You alright?” I nodded without lifting my head to high and she continued “You seem kind of down. Missing home?” I shook my head and she sighed then said “You’re not missing home; you think you’re alright, but you have not looked up since I came down. So what’s wrong Jake?”

I yawned and said “Nightmares.” She blinked surprised and I said “I’m just tired because I was suffering from old nightmares. Nothing to worry about, I promise, if they get to bad I’ll let you know and ask for some time away.” She nodded and sat down across from me as Spike dished her up a plate of pancakes. Spike looked at me and said “You’re going to have to get your own breakfast, Jake.” Twilight blinked and started to protest but I held up a hand and said “Easy Twilight. I figured he’d want to stop me from eating, no worries. I’ll make myself something, just relax and eat.” Twilight nodded and went back to eating as I searched the cabinets and made myself a bowl of oatmeal.
Spike snorted at me and dug in seeming to have a grudge against me for something I didn’t do. Ah well it wasn’t like he had turned against me just because I was human, it was more because I had caused trouble when I first arrived than anything. That or he had problems with me breaking into the dynamic of him and Twilight, which I couldn’t really blame since it was all he’d known since he’d hatched. That was of course excluding Gleaming Shield, Twilight’s parents, and Celestia who all had probably helped raise him. Yawning I finished my oatmeal and cleaned the bowl then put it away along with the spoon.

Twilight seemed to be watching me. Spike saw her looking and said “Something up Twi?” She shook her head and the three of us lapsed into silence. Spike studied me and asked “You planning something?” I shook my head no and started for the entrance of the library then sat behind the desk while Twilight walked in and sat down after pulling a book off the shelf then started flipping through it. Spike watched her for a bit then started dusting off everything, and me, well I just opened the door turned the closed sign to open and sat back down waiting for the first customer of the day to come in.

The day passed rather sluggishly after a few hours the other element bearers arrived and took Twilight out. I chuckled and waved them off when they invited me and Spike left with them leaving me alone. I thought about reading a book, but the thought of someone coming in and needing help forced me to decide otherwise. Stretching and propping my feet on the table I closed my eyes and prepared to relax while I waited for either Twilight to return or somepony else to come in looking for a book. Eventually my prayers for entertainment were answered as Moonlight walked in and dropped her disguise revealing her true form of Nightmare Moon and said “The pink one is hellacious.”

I raised an eyebrow and said “What about Pinkie is so hellacious that you had to tell me in your true form? Also you do realize Twilight and the others could be here at any moment and if you’re revealed to be Nightmare Moon we’re both screwed over, right?” She nodded and I sighed then said “Tell me what happened and if it’s bad enough I’ll get you out of working at Sugarcube Corner. If it’s not however you go back and you put a smile on your face. You also put up with Pinkie until I say it’s time to leave.”
She glared at me and said “She threw three parties and had me help her with each and every one. Then she dragged me throughout town doing errands for her, before finally allowing me to tend the counter in Sugarcube Corner. Also she wouldn’t stop pranking me.” I raised an eyebrow as if to ask that was all and she continued “She said she’s going to get me involved in more parties just because my magic came in handy in setting up one. I need you to get me out of there before she terrorizes me.”

I snorted and said “Nighty,” she glared as I said this and I continued “Fine, Nightmare Moon, I can’t see the harm in you continuing to work with Pinkie. She’s just trying to get you to smile more. Something you need to learn to do. It’s normal for ponies to have moments where they prank their friends, and you agreed to work with Pinkie thus you have to put up with her quirks. I understand this is hard for you, being a creature of the night, but learn to enjoy life. Soon enough we’re going to be facing your sisters and at that point the only thing between us and the statue garden is the word of the six mares we’re trying to befriend saying we’re ok. However if it’s really so hard, we’ll take our first trip to Canterlot in two weeks when I get paid, ok?”

She nodded and said “Fine,” before resuming her disguise and trotting back to the bakery just as Twilight and Spike walked in causing me to breathe a sigh of relief that they hadn’t been a mere few seconds earlier. I waved at them as they walked in and glanced at Moonlight, since that was the disguise she as using, as she walked toward Sugarcube Corner. I yawned and stretched then popped my neck and motioned for Spike and Twilight to tell me about how their day went.

Twilight said “Well the girls and I just hung out at the café. Pinkie really likes your friend, said she helps out a lot.” I nodded and Spike grumbled causing me to glance at him then back to Twilight questioningly. Twilight sighed and said “He’s just grumpy because Rarity was talking about you more than he thought she should. He still doesn’t trust you despite having no reason not to trust you. I don’t really get it.” I shrugged and motioned for her to continue talking about her day. She smiled glad to see I was interested in her and her friend and said “Well after the café we all went out to the park to relax. Rainbow did a few new tricks, Fluttershy introduced us to her animals, and Applejack and Rarity got into an argument. It was fun but I couldn’t help but feel we left you all alone. So did you have anything interesting happen?”

I shook my head and said “Nope, just saw my friend a few seconds before you came in. Other than that the day was boring. Why, worried I’ll decide to quit if I don’t have something to keep me occupied?” She shook her head and I chuckled slightly then said “Good because other than taking a break to visit Canterlot in two weeks, I don’t plan on leaving ponyville. By the way could you please write a letter to the princess telling her my friend Moonlight and I need to speak with her.”

Twilight blinked and said “You want to talk with the princess? Are you nuts? I can’t just tell her ‘Oh by the way there’s a human living with me and wants to see you in two weeks I hope that’s not a problem,’ at the end of my friendship reports.” I raised an eyebrow as if to ask why not and she stopped herself mid rant to really consider than then sighed and said “What do you think Spike, should we send the letter or should we just leave him to find another way to get a hold of the princess?”

Spike shrugged and said “Depends, would he be turned to stone for bothering the princess?” Twilight shrugged and he continued “If not, I don’t really see a problem with it.” However the look in his eyes said he was hoping that that would indeed happen to me and I smirked at him thinking he was going to get over whatever problem he had with me or we were going to trade harsh words before everything was said and done. Spike yawned and said “Whatever you want to send just dictate it Twilight and I’ll write it out.”

Twilight smiled and said “Thanks Spike, I’ll have it prepared before bed time. If you want you can go up, I need to talk to Jake about some stuff and I’d rather not inconvenience you or take up your time.” Spike nodded and stretched out the waddled up the stairs which made me snicker thinking how my old friend Amanda would call the way he walked cute, and that personally I found it adorable, almost as adorable as Twilight seemed Adorkable. Twilight turned to me and held up a hoof as if to say wait and I nodded then she cast a privacy spell around us. I raised a brow and she said “So who are you really?”

I blinked and said “Jake Wolf.” She nodded and pulled out a book then turned it to face me. I studied the cover and saw it was a text written by Celestia about a man, literally it said ‘A man who helped shape ponydom,’ rather than a stallion. I blinked and said “Shouldn’t that be stallion?” She shook her head and I said “Alright, so if it isn’t supposed to say Stallion, what does it mean by man? I mean Drake is a dragon, stallion male pony, Gryphon a male gryphon, not sure about male sea-ponies, bull male minotaur, Billy male goat, and man usually means human. I don’t see why you’re showing me this.”

She sighed and said “Open and read it. Then tell me how much you resemble the main character. It’s supposed to be a story told to foals about the hero who sacrificed himself to stop Eris, but scholars think man is a metaphor while children want to meet the only man in equestria. Applejack wouldn’t know having no formal schooling, but most unicorns are required to do a report on the man in the book and what they think he’d say about Equestria today, same for most schools that no about him. So I’d like to hear what you have to say and if you are he.”

I blinked and shrugged then flipped open the book and read the first page. It was a note from the author saying that this book was written from their memories and that the person portrayed was a person they’d been rather close to. It also went on to say that the characters in the book were all historical figures who interacted with the character the book was about. I flipped to the next page and saw an artist’s rendition of, well, me. I blinked and stared at the picture noticing the jaw was more heroic and squared, the eyes were grey rather than blue, the face had a scar on it, and the muscles were more defined than my own. Though remove those minor differences and you would have me. The caption under the picture said “Jake Wolf, defender of Equestria.”

I raised an eyebrow as I looked at Twilight and asked “This some kind of joke?” She shook her head and I sighed then turned to the third page which had a quote from this supposed hero. The quote read “I’m just a traveler. I’ve spent my life moving from place to place trying to get a feeling for my past and future. This world’s past is my future, and my past is its history. I wonder what the gods of this world would say if they saw one such as me travelling along it so blatantly without any care for the changes I’ve made.” I blinked and muttered “Ok so that’s definitely something I would say, seeing as I’ve always felt like the world moves past me faster than I’m ready for.”

I flipped through the book reading all the quotes from the different characters and getting a feel for Jake Wolf as the author called their human male. Eventually I had to agree that he was me. Maybe not the present me, but a form of me that existed in Equestria’s past. Maybe an alternate universe, or a clone, whatever the case he wasn’t the current me but he was me. I looked at Twilight and said “He’s me.” She nodded and I continued “I don’t know how, especially since I’m here in Equestria’s present and he was in the past, but he is me. I can’t deny it. Just one more reason I need to speak with the princesses. So, think you can set that meeting up for two weeks from now?”

She nodded and said “Yeah, though you sure you don’t want to go sooner?” I nodded not explaining my reasoning, but thinking she’d figure it out after seeing me around town. She dispelled the barrier against eavesdropping and the two of us walked up to our rooms then collapsed. Well Twilight went and collapsed I laid on my bed staring up at the ceiling late into the night my mind going over what I’d read and what it could possibly mean for me now. I sighed and closed my eyes falling asleep only to find myself in my mindscape where Nightmare Moon in her true form was waiting for me.

I glanced at her and said “You knew.” She raised an eyebrow and I explained “You knew that I existed in Equestria’s past. The moment you heard my name you knew. That’s why you’ve been blocking your memories from me. You didn’t want to influence how I saw you and Equestria.”

She sighed and nodded then said “At first it was to control you. Then as time went on it was because I genuinely didn’t want you to become as hard as the other you. Yes he is you by the way, he’s just an older harsher you. I didn’t want to see you become him because from Luna’s memories he lost the happiness in his eyes the longer he was around. He seemed to have become jaded after facing Eris. Then he turned to stone breaking Luna’s heart in the process. It was one of the key things that led to my birth and control of Luna.”

I blinked and said “Huh?” She sighed sadly and looked away as a memory played before the two of us. It was of a cloaked figure who’s right arm was encased in stone standing in the palace gardens staring up at the moon. The figure said “Luna you shouldn’t love me, I’ll only break your heart.”

A sniffle was heard then a voice said “I don’t care; I can’t deny what my heart wants any longer. I watched you consort with Clover, train with Starswirl, and even tease Tia. I can’t stand to let my love wither like a wilted rose.”
The figure sighed and said softly “I’ll be encased in stone within a week. Maybe sooner, However if I ever awaken from my prison we’ll see. I have people waiting for me in the future. My daughter will be wondering what happened to me, and I can’t bear to see her crying.”
Luna inhaled and said “What do you mean?”

He replied “I have an adopted daughter. Her name is Scootaloo but I call her scoots. After Eris is defeated, if she breaks free, take her here to the gardens and let her stand before me as a statue, if anyone can break a heart of stone it’s the tears of one’s loved ones and children.”
Luna swallowed and said “I promise. Should this happen I’ll do so. However you don’t think you’ll avoid turning to stone, do you?”
The figure shook his head and said “Sorry Lulu, I don’t think I’ll escape this time. Good luck with Tia, and remember even when the darkest of times have passed we can all be redeemed.” The memory ended there and Nightmare Moon had tears running down her muzzle. I wiped away the tears and stroked her neck sighing softly.

I muttered “Bastard. He didn’t even offer her his love in return, just the false promise that he’ll awaken from his slumber. Then again maybe he was afraid he wouldn’t awaken and it would hurt her more.” I sighed as I thought about what I’d do and mumbled “Yeah that’s most likely the case. He probably did love her but didn’t want to add more sorrow to her heart by having returned her feelings only to fade away a short time later. At least I can yell at him in the gardens.” Nightmare Moon chuckled at that and I asked “What you’ve never seen a guy yell at himself? It’s very relaxing.”

Nightmare laughed and smiled slightly. She studied me and I smiled back then she said “Why is it that you can cheer me up with little to no trouble?” I smirked and she said “I want an honest reason not a pick up line like ‘I’m just that good.’”
I still grinned and said “Because I’m a human, and we’re just that awesome.” She hit me a few times laughing loudly and I said “But seriously, it’s probably because of Luna’s memories and the things I’ve done for you since we met.” She nodded and I stroked her cheek gently causing her to blush. I moved my hand away and said “Relax, we’re in my mind no one can see us unless I want them too. Even Luna is blocked from my dreams with the veil of darkness I summoned. I’m still not sure how I’m using magic. Do you have any idea?”

She sighed and said “You’re in tune with the music of harmony. It makes ponies sing but also allows us to use magic like flight, telekinesis, or teleportation. It also allows ponies to commune with nature better. It’s strange but it’s an integral part of our world. Even the other races feel it in some way. I believe Twilight is the most in tune being the element of magic. Speaking of, when are we going to reveal my true form to the elements?”

I twitched my smile dying and said “Can’t it wait till after we’ve talked with Luna and Celestia and proved you’re not evil?” She nodded slowly and I sighed in relief then said “Good because I really didn’t want that conversation. Just like how I don’t want Luna to know that I’m here until she talks with me. I have to show her I’m not her Jake; I’m either his past or an alternate reality version of him. I’m leaning toward alternate reality since it would explain why two of us exist at the same time, unless of course he’s in a state of paralysis that prevents him from interacting with the time stream thereby allowing him, or me, to be in two places at once so long as one is not in the time stream until the second has left it. Gods I hate timey whimey stuff. Damn the doctor and getting me to say that.”

Nightmare chuckled and curled around me as I laid my head on her flank and stroked her cheek making her smile then say softly “I think I would be a lot angrier without you around. Of course I’d also be a lot darker and trying to replace Luna if we’d never met, but if you were to vanish I think I’d be heartbroken just as Luna was when she lost her version of you. Especially after seeing the kind of man you seem to be. So what’s the plan for tomorrow?”

I blinked and said “My plan is to work with Twilight in the library; after that I think I’ll go into town and buy groceries for the library. Then I’ll work on getting Spike to accept me. As is that’s all part of settling in. Then in two weeks we go to Canterlot and reveal ourselves to Celestia and Luna, yay.” Nightmare swatted me with her wing and I said “Oh so I’m not allowed to use sarcasm now. God this is like my first marriage all over again.” She blushed and covered her face with a wing causing me to burst out laughing and say “Sorry, sorry, your face is priceless. I haven’t been married, haven’t even dated in years. I was single back home, and since my parents passed on and left me the ranch I didn’t have time to date.”

She stared at me and said “Then why do you have memories of so many broken hearts?” I winced thinking back to all the girls who’d I’d left or been left by and images appeared of each one saying farewell around us. Nightmare nodded and said “Yeah like those. Why do you let them continue to hurt your heart if you had no time to date?”

I sighed and said “Because they were memories of friends. Every one of them was a friend before or after the break up. Most found the right guy, some found the right girl, and others decided they didn’t want anything to do with romance. I’m a wolf at heart, I need a mate. I can’t handle being alone for too long, so I remind myself why I’m alone with the memories of the failures. Is that honest enough for you Nightmare?”

She winced at the harshness of my tone and said “I didn’t know. I’m sorry.” I nodded accepting her apology and she said “Is that why you refused Luna because you’re afraid of another heartbreak, or would it be because you didn’t’ want to break her heart?” I shrugged not sure since that hadn’t happened to me, and I wouldn’t know unless it did. I knew that it led to the darkness consuming both Moon and Luna. I couldn’t call her nightmare all the time, and I was tempted to steal the goddess Artemis’s name to use on her as she was technically a goddess of the dark side of the moon. She studied me and said “What about your feelings for Twilight and the other girls?”

I snorted and said “Crushes based on characters not the real girls. I doubt any of them would want anything to do with me, and even if they did, I doubt they’d feel good being with a demon in human skin. They don’t know my past, you don’t know my past, and I remember things that would torment you for eternity because you just wanted the night recognized. You didn’t have to kill, though; I’m guessing there’s more to the lunar rebellion than anyone knows.” She winced at the words lunar rebellion and I sighed stroking her black star filled mane and said “Relax I don’t hold anything against you. I doubt most ponies nowadays know about the lunar rebellion or want to. Only those you pissed off in the present will have anything against you and Luna, and when they find out your two split, well then they’ll turn it on you and I’ll kick their ass. No one hurts my friends physically, emotionally, or mentally if I can help it.”

She smiled and said “You really care about your friends, huh?” I nodded and she continued “So do you trust Twilight and the others so far?” I nodded and she continued “Good, because Pinkie seems trustworthy. I can’t wait to see what she has planned for tomorrow. You’d think I wouldn’t like baking but it’s very cathartic. Anyway I’ll leave you to dream I should go to my own head and sleep since this is using my power. If I keep using my power we may need a darkness session soon.” I nodded realizing that was what she called it when I entered her mind and got rid of the darker things that controlled her from time to time. It seemed like being around Pinkie helped her stay cheery. She vanished and my mindscape faded into a regular dream of running as a wolf.

I woke up the following morning and walked downstairs where Twilight and Spike were eating breakfast. I made myself some toast as Twilight watched me and Spike asked “Have a good night’s rest?” I nodded before buttering my toast and taking a bite. Twilight yawned and Spike continued “So you didn’t try to sneak into our room?” I shook my head and he said “Huh, that’s surprising; I thought a guy like you would try to take advantage of Twilight.” I bit into my toast and just stared at him blankly as I chewed slowly.
Twilight swatted him and said “Spike stop.” I finished my toast and sat at the table then looked at Twilight. She studied me and said “You look ok, why haven’t you said anything this morning?” I shrugged and pointed at her list that was set next to her. She handed it to me with her magic and said “I was hoping you would go get the groceries while Spike and I reshelf the library.”

I yawned and said “Sure, I’ll need the money though. Also no worries about me, if I get done early I’ll go do something to stay out of the way. Maybe read a good book or two after you’re done shelving the library.” She nodded and handed me a bag of bits then I walked out the door waving over my shoulder as Spike and Twilight got to work. I walked along the street humming until I got to Applejack’s stall. She looked up as I approached and I said “Morning AJ, I have a list of things I need for the library from Twilight so I think I’ll just give that to you and let you set the price.”

She nodded and I handed her the list which she assembled in record time then said “Well, that’ll be five bits.” I was surprised it was so little cause that had been a pretty big order. I gave her seven and told her to keep the change. She smiled and said “Thanks partner.” I nodded and put the bag in my left arm as I walked along picking up things from the other vendors. I stopped at Carrot top for some vegetables; the quill and sofa place for quills, and then stopped at Sugarcube corner for some desert then headed back to the library.

I walked in to mass chaos. The books were all over the place and Twilight’s magic was running rampant throughout the library. I put the groceries and the bits on the table then quickly headed back out not wanting to get caught up in the whirlwind of things in the library that was reshelving day. I walked to the park humming a nameless song and sat on a bench watching the people go about their day. I yawned and closed my eyes just relaxing, and enjoying the day. I knew Twilight didn’t want me in the library while she was reshelving so I figured I’d stay out here for a few hours, maybe go to AJ’s farm or look for Rainbow. I didn’t have any money so I couldn’t exactly go to Rarity’s boutique and ask for extra clothes.

I sighed and got up ready to head back to the library. As soon as I took my first step I heard “LOOK OUT!!!!” I instinctively turned around only to be slammed into by rainbow dash my back skidding along the ground. I winced each time my head hit a rock and she said “Ouch that had to leave a mark. Sorry about that, I was practicing a new trick and it got away from me.” I groaned in reply and she said “Want me to help you up?” I shook my head and crawled out from under her then climbed to my feet and studied her. She smiled innocently and said “So, it appears you’re not working today, what can I do to make your day better? How about hanging out?”

I held up a hand and said “Whoa there mare. I am all for fun, but after you make me bash my head into the ground a few times I think we need to take a break unless you want to walk with me instead of flying past.” She sighed and I said “You don’t have to walk with me Dash, you can fly off and do your own thing, I’m just going to walk, maybe drop by Fluttershy’s, probably avoid the boutique, maybe take a walk in Whitetail Wood. She nodded and walked over then the two of us started heading toward Whitetail Wood where I’d slept my first night out of the Everfree. I yawned and stroked Dash’s main causing her to whicker and blush slightly. I chuckled and asked “New to the magic of fingers?”

She nodded and said “Yeah, though that felt really good.” I nodded and continued combing my fingers through her mane humming a wordless tune. She studied me and asked “So, what makes you work for Twilight, by your build you’re pretty athletic, and to bounce back from a crash like that you have to have some muscle on you. So why do you work in a library when you could do something else, I mean yeah you can’t work with me and the weather team seeing you got no wings, but hey you should be able to find a cooler job than secondary assistant to Twilight.”

I snickered and said “Well the pay should be good, the place to live is awesome, and I enjoy books. Plus other than the fact Twilight’s up at all sorts of odd hours doing research there are no real draw backs. So that is why I plan on working for Twilight long as I can.” She sighed and I rubbed her ears causing her to sigh in contentment rather than disappointment. I chuckled and said “So you got anything planned RD?” She shook her head and I said “Cool I guess, so I’m going to go check on the library come with if you want or go nap.”

She trotted alongside me to the library and we walked in then I had to grab her and dive out of the way as a book came sailing at our heads only to be stopped by Twilight’s magic. She looked up and said “Oh hey Rainbow, Jake. How are you two doing and Jake thanks for leaving the library to me and Spike it made things easier for the two of us.” I waved her off and raised an eyebrow questioningly. She smiled sheepishly and said “That book got away from me.” I nodded and stretched then helped Rainbow to her feet and she flew off grumbling. I had a feeling I’d be seeing a lot of the rainbow maned Pegasus over the next two weeks.

I sat down at the desk and said “So I would say I’ve officially settled, though I need to talk to Moonlight Breeze tomorrow otherwise I’m all yours.” She nodded and sat down across from me as Spike poured us both tea. I wasn’t a fan of tea, much prefer soda personally, but I drank it without any complaints. I sipped my tea adding sugar here and there to make it palatable for myself while Twilight stared at me confusedly. I raised an eyebrow and asked “Yes?” She smiled and shook her head deciding whatever it was wasn’t important. I nodded and said “Alright.”

Afterward the three of us played a game of mareopoly which was pony monopoly. I yawned and listened to Spike and Twilight playfully bicker deciding that life was good and settling in was rather easy. I yawned again and rolled the dice after the other two said it was my turn then the rest of the evening passed by rather quickly. Twilight won, and I decided I needed to take her gambling and ask her about the stock market. I had plans that would only be accomplished with lots of money and she was probably my ticket, well if I didn’t subconsciously card count anyway. Spike pointed at something on my face as we were all retiring and I felt it realizing it was a pimple. I hadn’t had one in months, but this one was rather large. I shrugged and told him it’d be gone by morning then we went into our separate rooms. I knew the rest of the week would be eventful but didn’t know just how eventful.