Gravity of the Odd Situation

Chapter 2

Start of a Hero

(Canterlot Castle)

“If you don’t mind me asking Katie, but what are you?” Luna asked as she and the shifter made their way down the hallway of the castle. “Not to sound rude or anything, but I’ve never seen a creature like you before.”

“I’m a human.”

“Hooman? We have never heard of your kind before.”

“It’s pronounced human not hooman.” Katie said as she giggled at the way Luna pronounced the name.

“Are all ho, I mean humans like you have cat like ears and tails?”

“I’m a special case then most humans. So how long before we meet your sister?”

“Not long, she should be finishing up with today’s meeting involving the creatures you call the Nevis.”

As the two made their way down the hall, Katie notice some of the ponies she was passing were staring at her in curiosity, because of the ears and tail she has on, or in disgust. “Great, as if high school wasn’t bad enough.”

“Well you can’t blame them for reacting the way they are towards you,” Dusty said. “You are something that never been seen in this world before. Not to mention that you kinda save some of them from the Nevis and made it look easy.”

“Gee, that makes me feel so much better.”

“Give them time and I’m sure they’ll warm up to you...well if their pride would let them.”

“I’ll worry about that later. Right now let’s just see if this Princess Celestia chick can help us look for Paula and a way home.”

“You’re not gonna help them with the Nevi problem?”

“I will, but first I need to figure out where my roommate is before something bad happens.”

“We’ll you’ll have to put that on hold, because we’re here.” Katie’s mental conversation was cut short as she doors leading to the throne room open up. The shifter’s eyes widen as she gazed upon the marvel of how majestic and clean the throne room was. “Man talk about royalty to the max. This place would put any other throne room to shame back home.”

“Well take that as compliment Ms. Katie.” Luna giggle as she lead the shifter to the sun princess.

“And that is why we should capture on of those creatures and create a weapon out of them.” Said a bald earth pony wearing a white suit with a red tie. “We been fighting these things for the past six months, and we’ve lost to many ponies to them.”

“As much as I want to study them to see how we can defeat them Iron Clad, but we can’t make a weapon out of them to defeat them. Using something that we have little to no knowledge of, would be like flying into a storm without figuring out how powerful the storm is.” Celestia said. “I’m sorry but your request is denied.”

“But how are we supposed to defend of what remains of Canterlot? We already lost Ponyville, Manehatten, Appaloosa, and Fillydelphia. How many more homes are you will to let those monsters take before you come to reason?”

“Unless you can think of a way that doesn’t involve the use of those creatures, then your request is still denied until-”

“Sister,” Luna said interrupting the conversation Celestia was having with Iron Clad. “We believe we might have someone that can help us with the Nevi situation.” She said pointing a finger at the gravity shifter, who waved awkwardly at the crowd of ponies in the throne room.”

“Sister, who or what is this creature you’re standing next to?”

“Her name is Katie Graviton, and she’s our secret weapons against the Nevis.”

Celestia raised a brow as she looked at Katie suspiciously. “Forgive me if I’m a bit suspicious Luna, but what makes you think this...um.”

“Human.”

“Okay, how can this human help us in dealing with these….Nevis?”

“We have seen her take down one of them without it regenerating.” Luna answered which caused the ponies in the room to either gasp in amazement or whisper to each other.

“You can’t be serious? With all due respect Princess Luna, but do you expect us to believe this creature is able to defeat those monster that took over Equestria?” IronClad said as he walked over to Katie. “I mean look at it. It looked like a hairless ape had sex with a cat to produce this.”

“I resent that remark you jackass.” Katie said glaring at the ocean colored pony.

“What did you call me?”

“I called you a jackass, or did you have your head far up your ass to hear me?”

“Why you little-.”

“Enough, both of you.” Celestia said as she glanced at Katie. “Ms. Katie, is it true that you can defeat these creatures that you call the Nevis?”

“I don’t like to brag, but I did save your sister and a few of her soldiers from them. Heck, you can even asked her soldiers themselves and they’ll tell you the truth…I hope.”

“Hm…I would like to have a word with my sister please. Every pony besides Katie is excuse from the throne room until the next meeting.” Celestia said as the group of ponies including Iron Clad, who bumped pass Katie on the way out of the room.

“Jackass.”

“Be nice Katie.”

“But he started it. Not to mention that he insulted us. You can’t tell me that you wanted to punch him on the face for that.”

“Be that as it may, right now you’re in no position to even try something like that. Build your reputation up with the citizens and Princess Celestia first, then you might be able to get away with doing something like to him.”

“.....Fine, but if he goes too far in his insults or something, I will punch him in the face regardless of the outcome.” Katie was brought out her mental conversation as she notice Celestia walking up to her, and began to walk around and examine the shifter. “Um…is something wrong?”

“My sister says that you might know what these Nevis are. Pray tell how is it that you happen to be there at the same time my sister and her soldiers were being attacked?”

“I just happen to be there at the right time I guess?”

“How do I know you’re not in league with the Navis? You being able to beat them like they were nothing to you, but hard for a normal guard to beat.”

“Look if I was in league with the Nevi, then I would’ve have them appear out of nowhere. Not to mention they were attacking me as well, or did you ignore that part from what your sister told you?”

“Be that as it may I still find it hard to believe you’re telling the truth. But seeing how I trust my sister more than you, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.” Celestia said as she appeared in front of Katie. “If you can prove to me that you can be trusted in helping us save Equestria, then I’ll be willing to trust you. But should you cause trouble in Canterlot while you stay here, then you will be place in the dungeon or will be kicked out of Canterlot for good. Do I make myself clear Ms. Graviton?”

“Crystal clear.” Katie said swallowing the lump she had in her throat.

“Good, now if you’ll excuse me I must take care of some important matters involve Canterlot.” With a glow from her horn, Celestia teleported out of the throne room. Leaving a confused Shifter and the princess of the night.

“Well that could’ve gone better.”

“We’re sorry for how our sister is acting. With everything that’s been going and Equestria’s surviving cities disappearing on us in the past six months. You have to understand the situation she’s dealing with.”

“What do you mean by cities disappearing?”

“A while back before you came here. Ponyville, Manehatten, Appaloosa, and Fillydelphia. The four surviving cities from the war with the Nevis slowly disappeared in thin air. We don’t know what happen or how it happen, but they’ve been missing along with the ponies in the cities.”

“Maybe I can do something about it?”

“As much as I admire your willing to help us, but I doubt you can bring them back. For now let’s just focus on helping out Canterlot for the time being.”

“Fair point….what do I do to help out?”

“Why don’t you have a look around Canterlot? I’m sure you can help somepony out with delivering something, or just have a look around. Feel free to look for a place to make your home.” Luna said as she moved passed Katie. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to prepare myself for night court.”

(Streets of Canterlot)

“Well that could’ve gone better.” said Katie as she walked down the street of Canterlot.

“I don’t know I think that went quite well actually. Added bonus, Luna gave us some bits to buy food with.” said Dusty as Katie looked over the gold coin.

“Hard to believe that the currency is gold coins. If I was back home with these, I would be semi rich until I run out.”

“Let’s not go crazy and spend your money on pointless things. We need to find a place to live in until we can get started.”

“Fine, let’s just look for-.” Before the duo could say or do anything, there was a loud siren sound echoing throughout the city of Canterlot. “What the hell is that?”

[All ponies evacuate the area. A Gravity Storm has appeared in Canterlot. Please evacuate the area to the safe zone located near the hospital.]

“Well that answer my question.” Katie said as she notice the debri around her starting to fly up into a weird looking gravitational hole in the air above her.

“We better find a safe place to hide until the storm is over.”

“Katie above you!” Dusty ordered as the shifter looked up. Her eyes widen in shock as she saw an orange pegasus with magenta color mane. To what she could tell the pegasus was wear in black long sleeve shirt, blue cargo pants, and had a bendable scooter strapped around her back.

“What the hell is that kid doing up there!?”

“We’ll figure it out later.” Katie’s body turn red as she felt herself flying into the air. “Get to the kid before she gets sucked into the gravity storm.”

“Right.” Without a second thought, the gravity shifter flew up into the air as she headed towards the orange pegasus while dodging oncoming debri. “Dammit there’s too much debri in the air. Isn’t there a way to get to her easier?”

“Bottom right. Head over there then fly up. You might be able to get to here quicker that way.” Dusty suggested as Katie did just that. Seconds later of dodging and moving past a few buildings, Katie appeared next to the pegasus as she grabbed her before the pipe she was hanging on snapped and flew off.

“Don’t worry kid, I got yeah.” Katie said as the pegasus opened her eyes to see the shifter holding her.

“W-Who are you?”

“Katie Graviton, Gravity Shifter to the rescue. What’s your name?”

“S-Scootaloo.” She said, only for her to notice a giant nevi like hand appearing behind Katie. “LOOK OUT BEHIND YOU!” In a split second, Katie ducked out of the way of the giant hand as she flew down to try to avoid it from grabbing them.

“Dear god that was close.” Katie said as she landed on the side of a nearby building and ran down it while avoiding the hand again. “A little help would be nice Dusty.”

“Can’t do much if I can’t see the orb on the Nevi. You have to keep dodging until you can find a safe place to hide, or the storm is over.”

“Dammit this is such a pain in the ass.” Katie turned around to see if the hand was still following her. At first she thought they were in the clear, that is until the hand busted through a build head towards them. Katie jumped out of the way as she began to gravity slide on to the hand. Halfway through she notice an open manhole cover and came up with an idea. “Hope you don’t mind smelling like a sewer rat?”

“You can’t be serious about this idea-” Before he could finish, Katie jumped off the arm of the nevi as she flew down into the sewer as the manhole cover closed behind them. “Smart but disgusting idea.”

“I don’t see you coming up with quick getaway.” Katie said mentally as she turned her attention at the pegasus. “You okay?”

“That….was….AWESOME!!!” Scootaloo yelled as she jumped out of Katie’s grip. “The way you were dodging that giant hand, flying around falling debri, bouncing & running off the side of the building like it was something off of a movie! You’re so cool!”

“Looks like you got yourself a fan.” Dusty said as the shifter rolled her eyes.

“Glad I could help you Scootaloo. Hey, you wouldn’t happen to know a safe place to lay low until the storm is over do you?”

“You can head over to my place.” Scootaloo said as she motion Katie to follow her. “Come on, it’s this way.”

“Guess we’ll be staying the night here then.”

“Damn, and I was so hoping to get something to eat.” Katie stomach growled as she followed Scootaloo down into the sewer. Moments later after making a few turns and helping Scootaloo over a few holes. The gravity shifter and dusty arrived at what would appear to be Scootaloo’s home.

“Welcome to my home! Mind the mess. If I had know I would be inviting a guest here, then I would’ve cleaned up a bit.”

“Lovely place you have here.” Katie said as she took a seat next to the fireplace. “Remind me of my tree house when I was a little kid. Only with the fireplace and bed. Hey you wouldn’t happen to have anything to eat would you?”

“There’s mini refrigerator next to my bed. Hope you don’t mind eating meat? I mean I do have some fruit in the basket above it, but the frig is where I put either cooked or raw meat.” Katie quickly hopped off the bed as she quickly made her way to the frig. As she open the door, her eyes widen at the sight of cheeseburgers, fried chicken, and raw meat nicely packed and in ordered.

“Dear god I wish I had something like this.” Katie said as she took two cheeseburger out of the frig and hand one to Scootaloo. “I’m a bit surprise Scootaloo. I figure seeing how you’re a pony, your kind would be eating plant based diet.” She said as she took bit out of the burger.

“Some do but I’m the exception to that rule really. It took me a while to get used to it without having to throw up, but after a while I’ve gotten used to it. Thought it is frown upon in the pony community.” Scootaloo said looking off at the window.

“Aren’t there other beings that eat meat?”

“Well there are the griffons, but that’s pretty much understandable seeing how they’re griffons.”

“Are they the ones that you got the meat from?”

“Yeah, I got a sweet deal with the chef in Canterlot Castle. He give me some meat, and in return I get to taste test his food.”

“Sound like a sweet deal in my book. So do you have anyone looking after you?” Katie asked as she notice Scootaloo’s facial expression change. “Crap, I hit a touchy subject didn’t I?”

“N-No it find.” Scootaloo took another bit from her burger as she placed it next to her. “I’m pretty much an orphan. Never knew who or what my parents were or was, so I was pretty much in a orphange. It wasn’t so bad...for the most parts.”

“I get the feeling the orphanage you were in wasn’t a good one.”

“Once they discovered that I was secretly eating meat, trying to fly out without permission, and fighting with the kids in the orphanage….yeah it turned south real quick. So I decided to pack up my stuff, gather whatever money I could get from the orphanage and the kids while they were asleep, and live on my own.”

“Bold and risky move. How much did you take from them?”

“1,500 bits. I still have about 500 left, but most of it went to the stuff you see in this room.”

“You do know that stealing is wrong and I don’t allow it.” Katie said as she Scootaloo’s ears flatten. “But then again seeing how you said the orphanage was a crappy place in that short description, I guess I can let it slide as long as you don’t do anything bad. Agreed?”

“Agreed.” Scootaloo said as she tossed a paper ball into the fireplace.

“Question, what the hell were you doing outside hanging from that metal pipe from earlier?”

“I was…..trying to fly.”

“From such a high place? Not to sound harsh on you or anything, but that very stupid and dangerous. You could’ve gotten yourself killed or worst.”

“I know it’s not one of my best moments, but I’m just sick and tired of being made fun of because I can’t fly like most little fillies and colts. I even had some clouds under me just incase I was about to fall.”

“Still it was pretty dangerous to do something like that on your own. Look if you promise me that you won’t do something like that again, I’ll teach you how to fly okay?”

“You will?”

“You will?”

“Sure, it can’t be that hard to do. It’ll be like riding a bicycle...only with wings.” Katie said as Scootaloo lunged herself at the shifter and gave her a hug.

“Oh thank you so much. How can I ever repay you?”

“Y-You could let me go please…..I...can’t...breath.” Katie said as Scootaloo released her hug on the human and walked back to where she was sitting before.

“Sorry about that.” Scootaloo said as she looked at Katie’s ears and tail. “So do all you...um.”

“Human.”

“Never heard of your species before.”

“I can tell seeing how a pony named Iron Clad called me a hairless ape. So what was your question?”

“Oh right. So do all humans have cat ears and tails like you have?”

“No, but I’m the exception to that.” Katie said as she finished eating and let out a yawn. “Welp it’s getting late and I’m pretty much tired after save you from that Nevi.”

“Feel free to sleep on the beanbag. Sorry if it’s not much, but that’s the only spare bed I can offer until the storm is over. Tomorrow I’ll look for an extra bed around town. If anyone is willing to offer one up.” Scootaloo grabbed the bucket of water hanging from outside, and tossed the water into the fireplace to put it out. “See you in the morning Katie.” The teen pegasus said as she handed Katie a cover before going to be.

“Yeah, see you in the morning.” Katie said as she hopped laid on the beanbag and fell to sleep.