Prologue: the new Inspector
12 October, 1983
The Truth of Arstrotzka
Communication with the Parallel World: frontier will open in 1 week
Just two months have passed since the discovery of the existence of another universe inhabited by non-human beings, but the curiosity and the desire of knowing better this new reality already reached the hearts of everybody.
The relations between the chiefs of our Great Arstrotzkan State and the representatives of the inhabitants of the paralel universe began in a tense atmosphere that, after a while, became more friendly and relaxed.
With enthusiasm, today, during a press conference, the Minister of Admission announced that the Great State of Arstrotzka reached an agreement with the Holy Great Princess Celestia (this is the title used from the Minister to call the leader of the Equestria Nation, one of the most important Country of the Parallel World) to create a line of communication between our two worlds, in order to establish trade routes, informations excanges and transit of citizens; this will bring, according to our Great Government, more prosperity and power to both our worlds.(it is worth to mention that apparently the Holy Great Princess Celestia didn't like the title used from the representatives of our Great Government for her, a strage thing indeed).
Workers from both sides are making huge efforts to prepare the checkpoints from where all the travelers will be able to walk between our worlds (obviously, our workers are doing the job faster and better than the Equestrians); within two weeks, it will be possible to travel from Orvech Vonor to Canterlot, the Capitol city of Equestria.
The usual October Labour Lottery will determine which citizens will have the honour to serve our Great State by working at the checkpoint.
Glory to Arstrotzka.
********
23 October, 1983
<>, he said looking outside the window of the apartement while, with extreme calm, he stroke a match upon is heavy and ruined jacket, giving life to the little blue flame that would allow him to light his cigarette; <>.
<> the old lady replied while, on a couch close to the little heater placed near one of the four walls of the room, she was reading a book <>, she added with a facial expression that was worth of her words.
<> the man replied, while blowing away little clouds of smoke from his slim mouth and looking from the window at the high trees that, schocked from the strong wind, were moving their peaks from left to right with a regular rhythm, like there were all big metronomes that were beating the time for a musician <>, the man added, now facing the old woman with his right hand placed in front of his large and white forehead, posing like a soldier that is paying his respect to a higher rank officer <>
<> the old woman grumbled, bowing his head to read <> she added turning her attention to an old photo placed on a wooden shelf where four people where happily eating under an apple tree of a park of Grestin <>.
He raised his eyebrows <> he said now looking carefully at his mother-in-law while pushing in an ashtray what was left of his cigarette <> he smiled slightly at his own sentence; the bitterness of his feelings were remarked from the outlines of his pale and harsh face, consumed from the concerns of everyday and from Arstrotzkian cold climate <>.
<> the old lady said with a nervous tone, pointing toward him with her slim index <> the added with a bit of melancony, looking back at the photo with her tired, light blue eyes ... eyes that clearly saw, during the years, too many bad and sad things <> the mourned in the end, closing herself in an heavy silence.
He gave his shoulder to her for a moment, thinking about what she said. He then looked at the room, focusing on the old woman first, then on the warm heater and then, in the end, on the photo. His brown eyes were fixed on that source of good memories for several minutes; then, he slowly stepped closer to the old lady, posing his hand of her slim shoulder <>.
<> she said with a little smile <> she added changing completely her expression <>
<> Hektor replied, shrugging his shoulders <> he added, before remaining silent, thinking about their situation without even noticing in the beginning that Katia was posing her old hand on his backhand, <> he suddenly said giving a quick look at the old clock on the wall <>.
He reached slowly the door of his room and, before opening it, he looked at his mother-in-law <>
<> she said with sadness while looking at the photo, while covering herself with an heavy wool blanket.
<>
<>
Before going to bed, the man took from the pocket of the jacket the letter sent to him just few days ago; the red stylized eagle with its spread wings, the symbol of Arstrotzka, was in some sort way frightening. He looked for the umpteenth time at what was written on it, almost as he was feeling himself not really conscious of the real meaning of its content:
"Mr. Hektor Popov,
we're proud to annouce you that the October Labor Lottery is now complete and that your name was pulled.
You'll have the great honor to serve the Great State of Arstrotzka at the new checkpoint built to control who wants to reach the glorious Country of Equestria, our new powerful ally.
For placement, Visit the Ministry of Admissions at Orvech Vonor new checkpoint exactly at the 6:00 of the 24 october current year; there, you'll receive all the equipment and istructions needed to perform properly your new job.
An apartment will be provided for you and your family in Orvech Vonor. Expect a Class 8 dwelling.
Glory to Arstrotzka!"
<> he said looking at the roof, willing to look at the sky istead, before preparing himself to sleep.
*********
24 October, 1983
The Truth of Arstrotzka
Checkpoint for the parallel universe opens today
Today is a glorious day for all the Arstrotzkan citizens: today the passage for Equestria will open from both sides. Everybody is waiting to see how the inhabitants of this new world will look like. The press office of the Ministry of Admission released the following declaration: due to some sort of "side effects" of the travel, people that will visit the other world will assume their aspect and vice-versa, based on their physical aspect and, as said from one of the main representatives of Equestria, the Powerful Princess Twilight Sparkle, on their "mind" (it's not clear yet what does that mean).
The Arstrotzkan ambassadors said that it's a very strange sensation but, at the same time, they ensure that there are no known side effects.
It's expected an huge line outside the Orvech Vonor checkpoint, where at 7:00 the doors to the parallel universe will open. Somebody ...
Suddenly, while Hektor was reading the main article of the newspaper, the office door of the high official of the Ministry of Admissions opened. The sound of the hinges attract immediately his attention.
<> the blonde and tall officer said with a cold, distant, yet cordial voice <>.
Hektor left the newspaper on the chair he was relaxing himself and, with fast movements, he went in the office, closing the door behind him. Following the indication of the Officer, he sat of a wooden and unconfortable chair near a desk. The Officer, wiyj slow and well thought movements, sat in front of him.
<> he said with an apparent friendly voice <>. The blonde man stopped for a moment to take a little, white package from which he took two cigarettes: one for himself, the other for Hektor, who accepted with great pleasure.
<> the Officer then said while putting the package in the left pocket of his gray jacket <>-
<>, Hektor replied while lighting the cigarette with a match <>.
<> said the blonde Inspector, smiling at those words <> he added while standing up <>.
They walked for a long corridor to reach another room; a bright, red “Only authorized emplyees” sign was present on the door <>. With a calm tone, he began to speak with a certain sureness of himself and of his power <> he stayed silent for some moment while looking at some papers he found in the office; during these short moments, Hektor caressed his freshly defined brown beard, refined for the occasion, while trying to follow the movements of the Inspector.
<> He suddenly stopped to reach Hektor, giving him two envelops: one with the symbol of Arstrotzka, the other with some kind of Alicorn stamp on it <>.
Hektor walked slowly behind Varusov, putting the two envelops in the intern pocket of the jacket and thinking about his situation: he didn't care about the nation and about the service he was going to offer to “The Great State of Arstrotzka”; he wanted just to being able to bring back enough money to pay the rent, to buy food and coal for the heater and, if everything would go well, to buy a bottle of that vodka his mother-in-law despises so much. All the things about “serving the country” and “be thankful to Arstrotzka" were just big lies, needed to have as less problems as possible with that blonde and snooty man.
With the mind so focused on these thoughts, Hektor didn't realize that he was already in the dressing room <> the Inspector said aloud, attracting his attention <>.
Varusov gave to Hektor an huge sack with all the clothes he needed to wear <> he said while pointing his finger in Hektor's direction <<... you'll represent our Great Nation>>; after these words, the blonde man suddenly brought his right hand on his heart, looking to the one he was facing with a solemn look <>.
<> Hektor said firmly, imitating all the movements he saw "what an exalted person" he thought.
<> Varusov said in the end <> he added, smiling a little.
Realizing the situation, Hektor dressed as fast as he could, thanking his luck when he saw that everything fitted perfectly, even the shapka with the red eagle in the middle, thoughying that, at least, his head will stay warm. He then took the two envelopes from his jacket to put then in a pocket of his new trousers, before giving a nod with his head to Varusov, letting him know that he was ready.
<> the blonde man replied while lighting another cigarette <>. With a resolute expression, Varusov saluted Hector beating his right hand closed as a fist at the high of his heart <>.
<> replied Hektor, saluting in the same way before leaving.
....
The eyes of Hektor, when he reached the checkpoint, focused on the huge line of persons. everybody were waiting for minutes, maybe for hours, for the chance of crossing this new passage to an unknown world. There were men, women, childern and old people from every country he knew ... and from far away countries too, judging from their dresses and from their appearance.
He walked slowly, looking at the ground beneath his feet, reaching after a while his destination: a booth made of iron and stone, the only passage that could allow somebody to pass the giant stone wall built to protect the passage for the parallel universe. While walking, he tryied to light a match, failing four times due the freezing wind that was blowing. Focusing on what he was doing, he didn't realize that he was next to the door of the booth ... and that a guard was pointing his rifle toward him.
<> he said aloud with a menacing tone of voice, focusing the attention of Hektor and of all the people present there on the scene <>
<> Hektor replied with a sincere sad voice, while throwing away the match he was trying to light <> he then added while adjusting the shapka with the Arstrotzkan symbol on it <>.
<> the guard said without laying down the weapon, aiming at the middle of Hektor's head <>.
Understanding the situation, Hektor took with calm the two envelopes from the pocket of the jacket, giving them to the guard <> the guard then said with a more relaxed voice <> he added while aiming his gun down <>.
He opened the door with a key swiftly taken from his pocket <> he said, pointing the finger of his right hand to the mob <>.
The brown eyes of Hector looked at the crowd for a moment <> he replied before going in <>.
<> he replied <>.
<> Hektor said with a serious voice before closing the door behind.
The booth was for an unknown reason warm ... at least warmer than expected.
The space was small: the working place was big enought for one or two persons and there were just a wooden chair and a desk with a lot of stuff on, of which he wasn't able to understand the usefulness. A door with the sign “toilette” was present in the room <> Hektor murmured. A small clock under the desk showed him that there were 20 minutes before the opening time, so he seated on the chair and, with a swift movement, he opened thw two envelopes received from the High Inspector.
The first he red was the one with the Arstrotzkan mark; it was written with an excellent typing machine, as he could see from the black and vivid letters printed on the paper.
Dear Inspector,
we hope that you'll find your working post confortable.
Today it's important to see how people will behave and if there will be public order problems. Our experts thinks not, but reality is always different from theory.
As written in the treaty with Equestria, today only Arstrotzkan and Equestrian citizen will be allowed to pass; this law will be strictly applied from both sides of the border, so don't make mistakes.
As you can see, we mention “Equestrians”, too; we can't in fact deny the possibility of Equestrians coming here to see the our Great Nation just for a day, so we decided to give them this chance. If one of their citizen will show up, the photo on their passport will not be a decisive factor for the approval of their visa, as their aspect change when they come to our world.
Deny people from other nations and approve only people with a valid passport; eventually, our date is the same of the date in Equestria, so there are no difference to consider in checking the validity of the documents.
Your pay will be determined from the number of people proccessed.
Under your desk you'll find a drawer with a Rule Book and the instruction to use all the equipment you'll find in your working place.
Do not disappoint us.
Glory to Arstrotzka.
Ministry of Admissions
Hektor red the letter, focusing on every word that filled the white paper and mumbling something incomprehensible. When he reached the bottom, he nodded while looking at the drawer mentioned, from where he took the book, not before throwing away the letter <> he said.
The watch hands showed that there were just 10 minutes left before the start ... enought time to read the content of the second letter.
It was very different from the previous one: the paper was made of a particular material, as the bright white color of it showed, and it was handwritten from someone with a clear, beautiful calligraphy. Hektor was pretty surprised from the style of the writing and, above all, from the content of the letter.
Good morning Inspector,
it's my deep desire to wish you the best of luck for your new job.
I want to present to you my deepest thanks for the service you'll provide to the Nation I represent; even if you're working for your Country, you are here to stop unauthorized and evil people from coming in Equestria.
I hope that our two worlds will live in peace and that no problems will emerge from the contact between you and us; if something will go wrong, please inform your superiors and, of course, me, expecially if these problems will be caused from our citizens.
We have a lot to learn from your culture and we're ready to offer all our knowledge to you, in an excange that will allow both our civilization to better understand what exist around us and to prosper.
Have a nice working day. I hope to be able to write to you again.
Best regards
Princess Celestia
P.S. Just “Princess Celestia”. I know that the representatives of Arstrotzka gave me another title, but I think it's too long and it doesn't suits me.
<> these were the first words Hektor said after finishing the letter <> he added, speaking to himself before realizing that he had one minute left before the opening <>.
He waited to see the watch hands of the clock under the desks moving ... 7 o' clock <> he said opening the grate with a lever. He checked his jacket and his fur hat, then he took a deep breath before speaking at the microphone
<>
<> Hektor thought while an old lady covered by a light brown fur coat came in, holding in her hand a bright green passport. When she stood in front of Hektor, she remained silent, waiting for a signal.
With embarrassment he remained silent for some seconds, before saying, with a clear and decisive voice the two words that would become for him a real mantra:
<>
Day 1 - Part 1: Papers, Please
24 October, 1983 – H 7:00 to 18:00
Name ... Surname ... photo ... expiration date ... everything was in order. The eyes of the Inspector were moving between the old lady who, with patience, was standing in front of him and his first passport.
<> Hektor said with a calm and gentle tone of voice while, giving some quick glance to the rule book opened on the desk, he was trying to figure out how to activate the stamper to approve the visa.
<> the old lady asked to the Inspector, who, in the meantime, was completely focused on his searching for the proper instruments to use <> he replied while, with the automatic printer he found in a drawer on the right side of the desk, was printing the green approval stamp on the visa in the passport.
<> he said, a little embarassed for the time wasted in front of her in understanding what he had to do <> the old lady replied with an huge smile on her face, before reaching the door that leaded to the portal for the parallel world. Before it closed, Hektor was able to hear the voice a guard that asked the traveller to show the approved visa “A strong sourveillance indeed” he thought quickly “I let the first person for Equestria pass ... I thought it was harder to...” his thoughts were interrupt from a noise that, only after few seconds, he recognize as the sound of an old printing machine positioned under his desk ... a sheet came out from it:
M.O.A. CITATION
Alert: Only Arstrotzan and Equestrian allowed.
FIRST WARNING: NO PENALTY GIVEN
<> said Hektor, disappointed by himself <> he added looking at that citation for a while, before putting it in the pocket of his Inspector jacket. He didn't say a word for a while and took out from his bald head the warm and confortable shapka, looking at the Arstrotzan eagle in the middle. He put back on the head the fur hat and took a deep breath "Bene ... ricominciamo" he thought before saying to the microphone the magic word that everybody outside where waiting <>.
A young man with an elegant brown jacket came in, walking fast toward the Inspector.
<>
<> the newcomer said opening in front of Hektor a passport from Impor <>
Hektor took the passport with calm and patience and, giving a glance to the nationality on it, he activated the automatic printer for the denials and stamped a bright, red stamp on the visa in the passport <> he said, giving back the passport to the owner who, listening to these words, became red like a tomato <> he then exclaimed before going out from the booth with an angry expression.
The inspector shrugged his shoulders at that reaction "The first of a loooong serie" he thought while calling the next from the microphone.
After these first two events, Hektor began to gain trust in himself and his job became easier. With a fixed smile on his face, he was able to face all kind of difficulties he encountered.
<>
<>
<>
Reactions were different from person to person: the last one tried to menace Hektor <> the blonde and young man cried out with his fist raised <> he added before figuring out that the guard outside the booth was aiming his rifle right to his head <> he said with a determined voice, persuading the man to desist from his intention, not before giving to Hektor one last menacing look.
He shook is head, looking down to his desk, closing himself in a strict silence that, after few seconds, was broken by a loud laugh. When he looked up, he saw a man coming in without the proper call <> he said looking at Hector with a strange smile on his face <> he added while touching his short white beard and walking toward the Inspector.
<> Hektor said following with his eyes all the movement of that "new guest" <>
<> asked with back the newcomer that, from his appearance, looked like he was in his forties <> he added with the calm voice of who is sure to be right <>.
Hektor's expression changed completely when he realized that the one he was facing was not an human ... to the precise, he had the aspect of an human, his face with those white eyebrows could be easily of a common man ... but the little two dark blue wings that come out fron the long, brown jacket he wore made clear that he was not part of this world.
<> Hektor asked focusing his attention on the one he was facing
<> the foreigner said while caressing another time his goat like beard <>
<> Hektor then said drumming his fingers on the desk.
At those words, the Equestrian put his hands on his chest <> he then said with a calm voice.
<> Hektor tried to said, putting enphasis on that particular title
<>
<>.
Discord remained silent of some moments, making the expression of who is lost in deep thoughts <>
<> Hektor cut short <>
The God of Chaos breathed deeply, snorting some air after few seconds <> he said looking with an forged sad face <> Discord said calmly while preparing to snap his fingers <>.
The expression of Hektor's face couldn't be more confused <> he said with a serious expression <> the Equestrian replied with a solemn tone <>
Discord snapped is fingers, but nothing happened.
Both of them didn't say a word for some seconds, the Discord tryied again <>
Different try, same result
<> Discord exclaimed repeatedly while snapping his right hand fingers at every mentioned animal.
<> Hektor then said frustrated from the situation <>
<> Exclaimed Discord clearly amused <> he then added opening his arm with a challenging attitude <>
<> Hektor said, giving a very quick look at a specific part of the booth
<> replied Discord, closing his eves
<> Hektor raised his fist <>
A *TUMP*, the sound of the wooden end of Ian's rifle hitting the head of Discord, filled the air. The humanized Equestrian fell on the ground, unconscious.
<> Hektor said to the guard nodding <> he added while looking at the one on the ground.
<> the soldier replied, giving a severe look to Discord before facing Hektor <> he then asked calmly.
Hektor looked another time at Discord, contemplaining is body on the floor; for few second he remained silent, before speaking again <>.
<> said Ian with an indifferent voice, before lifting up Discord to bring him out. Hektor followed the guard with his eyes, thinking about his actions: was it correct? Maybe he was to rough. Anyway he could not lose any more time, as the people in line were waiting for him. <> he said loudly from the microphone.
<>
<>
<>
<>
The time passed and the Inspector didn't realized that it was almost the time to close the doors. While checking the clock, a girl with long purple hairs came in, together with a little girl with light pink, curly hairs. Hektor was stunned from the pretty face of the girl and from the cuteness of the child, both dressed with wonderful white coats and with a fine worked scarf.
<> the girl said with a lovely voice <>
<> Hektor replied a little embarassed, now realizing that both of them had a little horn in the middle of their foreheads <> he then addded, smiling with courtesy.
<> the pale lady said while taking out from her elegant bag their passports <> she added with a melodrammatic voice <> she said looking at the cute child what nodded for a moment in response, before going back to look at Hektor.
<> she asked with a melodious voice to Hektor who, astonished from the question, smiled <>
He then took the passports from the purple haired girl. The first thing he noticed was the photos ... there were two photos of two PONIES. He looked at them with an indescribable expression "so this is how Equestrians look like in their world ... it's crazy" Hektor thought.
<> suddenly said the little child at the Inspector, looking at him with her big, bright light green eyes <> she added pointing at herself.
Hektor became red for a moment, nodding at the direction of that smart, little girl <> he said before opening the two passports <>
<> the elegant girl said looking at him with her penetrant and intriguing eyes <> Rarity suddenly added, changing completely her expression <>.
<> Hektor asked while checking the documents.
<>
<> he explained while stamping the green stamp on the visa of her passport.
<> She then said nodding at her own words <>.
<> Hektor said troubled by something <>
<> Rarity repeated, looking puzzled at Hektor
<> He then said with a worried voice <>
<> Rarity exclaimed schocked from this news <>
<> Hektor replied while taking the clock under the desk in his hand <>
Suddenly, the calm and beautiful face of the purple haired girl began to change slowly; her lineament were now portraying an angry expression. <>
<> The girl said slowly with both of her eyes widely opened <> She repeated, losing her temperance <>
Hektor made few steps back, almost frightned from the reaction of that girl who was, in that moment, waving her arms like crazy.
In short time, Ian came in the booth, alarmed from the loud sounds he heard <> he asked to the Inspector <>
<> he replied, trying to remain calm <>
<> Rarity said suddenly, pointing his finger at Hektor <> she added with the typical expression of who has completely lost her reason. Looking at the situation, the young soldier closed his eyes for a moment and made a deep breath <> he asked with an apparent kind voice to the Inspector. The answer came quick <>.
<> the soldier said smiling to Hektor before coming near Rarity with fast paced movements. Without saying anything, he began to push the Equestria lady to the door that leads to the portal <> She yelled to the guard, trying to resist <>. She couldn't finish her sentence that Ian opened the door, pushing her outside <> he ordered while going out and closing the door behind his shoulders.
Hektor followed all the scene in silence; then, when everything was over, he put his head between his hands <>. The silence present in that momenti in the booth was a good thing to enjoy; it lasted not much, as a known melodic voice broke it
<> the little child murmured, looking frightened, trembling for what she saw. Only in that moment Hektor realized that there was still that girl, Sweetie Bell, inside the checkpoint. He didn't even realize if she said something while Ian was taking away her sister. The problem was serious, as, according to the orders, she couldn't be approved. She had to remain in Arstrotza, without nobody.
He looked at the lovely child, whose eyes were now pointed to him.
<>
Day 1 - Part 2: Life in Arstrotza?
Hektor stared at the little Sweetie Bell for a long time; in that long moment, ha wasn't able to think about what he had to do. There was a little child from another world without the proper documents to pass the frontier. Laws were clear for that kind of situation; the conseguences of following those saw laws were, on the contrary, uncertain.
<> Hektor said, trying to smile and to keep a calm voice.
Sweetie Bell looked to her white dress for a moment; then, she raised her head <> she asked with an innocent and disarmingly expression to the Inspector, looking straight to him with her green eyes.
Suddenly, Ian came back in the booth with a annoyed face <> he exclaimed with a little grin on his face, before realizing that somebody else was in the booth <>
<>
<> the soldiers said while looking at the rifle in his hands <> he then added coldly, staying on his position, in waiting.
Hektor gave a fast look at him before looking back at Sweetie Bell and at her little horn; then, he activated the automatic stamper, closing his eyes.
*KACHUNK*
When he opened them, he saw a big, RED stamp on the visa of the little girl.
She took back the passport, looking at the denial stamp and slowly realizing the situation <> She asked while her eyes began to wet a little <>.
While his mind led him to think that he made the correct choice, thinking about the citation he took earlier and to the fact that he had to prove to the government that they could rely on him, his heart was shattered from what he had done and from the reaction of that Equestrian child, whose only fault was to have an expired document.
<> Ian said while going near Sweetie Bell <>. She made few steps back, with a clear expression of fear painted on her face
<> Hektor yelled, stopping the soldier <>. Ian left the gun with his left hand to put her on his chin, a classic instinctive move made from who is thinking about something <>
<> the Inspector then asked to Sweetie Bell, figuring out an idea that, in his mind, could work <>.
The little elegant girl nodded <> she said while cleaning out her eyes from the tears.
<> Hektor then said to Ian, who was carefully hearing him <>.
After a long silence, Ian nodded convinced from that idea <> he said with a cold expression, before showing at the little girl the door.
Both of them reached the exit and went out from the booth; before going out, however, Sweetie Bell excanged a last look with Hektor, who was clearly sad for the whole situation.
After that episode, the last 2 hours passed with no other problems. All the people rejected, the majority of the cases, didn't cause problems and the approved ones went away with a satisfied expression; it was nice for Hektor to see the excited faces of those who were going to visit the parallel world. There were high expectation, caused expecially from the newspapers and from the radio that, for multiple times in the previous days, described the "Great Equestria Nation" as a big, prosperous place.
Finally, the clock announced that is was time to close the booth. Hektor smiled for a moment before grabbing the microphone with his right hand.
<>.
He repeated the same sentence another time, before stooding up from the chair to stratch his arms <> he said loudly, without even noticing the presence of Ian.
<> he said with a little smile.
<> Hektor replied while, without looking at the guard, he was making order on the desk <> he added, now focusing his attention on him <>.
<> Ian said while putting his rifle on his left shoulder <>.
<> Hektor said suddenly, checking his own clothes, in a try of appearing indifferent at the matter <>
Ian scratched his head for a moment with his free hand <> he quickly explained, showing no signs of worries <> he added coldly, giving his back to Hektor <>.
Hektor nodded while looking at Ian that, in the meantime, was examining his rifle with extreme cure <> he said, not really persuaded from his own words.
<> Ian then asserted <>.
The Inspector took the plastic bag with his own clothes and, after waving at Ian, who was closing the booth, he walked away from that place. The first day of work was officially gone.
With a slow paced walking speed, he began to follow the road that leads to his quartier. He couldn't not focus his attention on all the shabby structures present in that part of Orvech Vonor and, above all, on all the poor people living there, marked from the dirty and old clothes that were barely able to protect from the freezing wind of the evening.
All those eyes staring the ground ... all those sad expressions ... that was the bad sight Hektor saw in all the days he walked back and forward in the previous days. The snow and the gray weather weren't helping in this situation ... all around it was just like a surreal picture made in black and white.
While walking lost in his thoughts, he didn't even realized that his cigarette was almost over; while smoking the last bit of it, a voice caught his attention: <>
When he rose his head, he saw the little girl blocked at the checkpoint, who was talking to somebody that, for some reason, wasn't unfamiliar to him; his curl and short brown hairs and his elegant dresse were something he reminded ... but he didn't know why.
<> she replied with a big smile, pointing suddenly to an uncertain with her little finger <>.
The man made a strange expression after those words, shaking barely his head <> he said with a sad expression, posing one of his hands on her shoulders, caressing her light purple curl hairs with his thumb <> he added, spreading his arms widely, smiling <>.
Dari Ludum .... Dari Ludum ... he knew that name ... but why?
<> the said with her melodious voice <>.
<> he replied getting near to her <> he added while looking at the horn on the child's forehead
While he was trying to persuade her, the expression of the Inspector changed completely.
"Dari Ludum ... Pink Vice ... now I remember" He thought "That place ... and expecially that story was on all the newspapers ... the case of those two girls ... the suspects ... the culprit never found and ..."
While those thoughts flowed in his head, he saw that man trying harder in persuading the little girl
"Dammit Arstrotza ... If she go with him ... and where is that Discord guy?" he realized that he couldn't wait longer, as Dari Ludum, famous for his speaking abilities, could really persuade her in following him.
With a deep breath, Hektor pur his hands in the pockets of his jacket, moving fast toward them.
<> he said with a loud voice, waving his hand to salute her <> he added, trying to appear as familiar to her as possible.
The attention of the two was immediately caught from him. <> the child said after recognizing him <> she then asked, inclining her little head to the right and looking at him from the bottom of her short height.
<> Hektor said assuming a seroius tone of voice <> he added, launching some quick glances at the man near them <> he stayed in silence for some seconds, trying to figuring out a good excuse << ... some ... problems with your documents ... so the autorities ... well ... asked me to find you>> He assumed a more secure voice <>.
<> she blabbered, without knowing what to think about her situation <>
<> suddenly Dari Ludum said, getting near to them and taking from his jacket 40 credits <> he asked to Hektor, smiling <>.
He looked at that sum of money for some moment, in silence.Then, he rose his head, looking to him directly in the eyes <> he said indicating a person with a blue uniform near them <>
With a challenging look, he observed the man with all the hate within; then, he gave a fast glance to the little girl before walking away <> he mourmored before going away, without even saluting.
Hektor followed with attention that shady man walking away, before returning to focus on the little girl, with a more calm expression on his face.
<> Sweetie bell said, lowering her head.
<> he exclaimed, smiling a little <>
<> somebody suddenly said, slowly clapping his hands <>
Both of them turned back, seeing Discord drinking something from a glass bottle without any brand.
<> Sweetie Bell exclaimed happily <>
<> he said, between the laughts <> he added, pointing his thumb at Hektor <>.
Hektor couldn't not focusing on that strange man, expecially on what he was saying and, expecially, on how he was speaking to the little girl. He was indeed scolding her, but his voice was not the kind of voice of somebody worried or serious. He couldn't really understand if he was really troubled for her or not; anyway, he could sense that Discord, in a way he couldn't understand in that moment, was aware of what was happening during his absence.
<> Discord sayd with a bizarre smile to Hektor who, hearing those words that looked like the perfect answers to his intern questions, remained astonished.
A moment of silent followed those words. The three of them could feel the wind becoming colder and colder, while the streets began to become desert <> Sweetie Bell remarked, clearly worried about their situation.
<> Discord said with a theatrical expression, spreading his little wings and his arms <>
"So this Equestria it's not a so peaceful place like the newspapers showed" Hektor thought while looking at Discord talking about all the menaces faced in the past, counting them on the fingers of his right hand. He looked at them, crossing his arms and wondering about the possible conseguences of leaving them alone. A little girl and a strange guy, both from another dimension, without a place to go in a city like Orvech Vonor. It was not a promising situation indeed and everything because he had to follow orders.
He looked back to them, who were trying to figuring out a solution. Then, he interrupt them.
<>.
Both Sweetie Bell and Discord turned their head to look at Hektor.
<> the little child asked looking to him with hope in her eyes.
<> said then Discord, touching his goat like beard <> He added with the expression of who is really convinced of his idea, before drinking another bit of the trasparent liquid in the bottle he was keeping in his left hand.
Hektor looked shocked at Discord, in silence <> he then asked to Sweetie Bell, who answered nodding her head.
Her head ... her horn ... and Discord wings, too. Those could be problems. Maybe people weren't helping them because they were different.
<> Hektor said, putting his hands on his fur hat <> he then added putting the shapka on Sweetie Bell's head, covering her horn <>.
A loud laught interrupt them; Discord was pratically bent in half <> he asked, without being able to stop <>.
Hektor calmly finished to put the fur hat on Sweetie Bell, who was not able to not smile at Discord's reaction <> Hektor said with a tranquill but firm voice.
Discord, realizing the situation, simply put the finger and the medium of his right hand on his lips, likw he was closing a zip; then, he offered the glass bottle to Hektor <>.
The Inspector took the bottle, looking at its content <> he simply replied, taking a good sip of that liquid, realizing it was a bottle of Orvech Vodka <> he then asked, feeling his throat burning for the strongness of the liquour.
<> he answered, as he was saying the most obvious thing of the world.
Hektor shrugged his shoulder, without saying anything more. He then made few steps forward <> Hektor then asked, saying the last two words with an uncertain voice <>.
<> He then asked, looking at him with a strange expression.
Hektor turned his head behind, realizing that Discord already covered his wings. He smiled, realizing that probably he was not so stupid as he looked; then, he gave a last sip to the bottle, before throwing it is a basket of trash near them and walking forward, following the path to reach his home.
<> he said to the two Equestrians behind him, before focusing himself in trying to resist as best as possible to the pain caused from the cold he felt on his bald head and to the desire of asking his hat back to the child.
The strange group walked for almost 20 minutes. During the long walk, Hektor didn't pay attention at the comments of his two special guests and at the words of the people who, curious about those two strangers, commented with low voices; "Ponyville looks like Canterlot in confront" was the only sentence he was able to hear from behind, while thinking about what he was doing and, expecially, about the reaction of his Mother-in-law at his idea “in the best scenario, she'll kill me” he thought, disconsolate.
After the long walk, they finally arrived at their destination: a six floor gray building, with no decorations at all; it was just a big, regular box with a lot of windows. In that moment, there was just silence near them.
<> Sweetie Bell said, gazing at the building <>
Hektor smiled at those words <> he said to her while opening the door of the building.
After three flight of stairs, they reached the door of the house. Hektor swiftly took the key from his jacket to open the door <>.
<> the three of them heard from the inside <>
<> exclaimed Discord, waving happily his hand while entering the central room of the house <> he added, bowing like a respectful gentleman.
Katia spread her eyes wide, looking at those two persons. It was impossible for Hektor to read her feelings in that moment; it was something between the surprise and the killing instict. She focused her attention on Sweetie Bell, smiling at her for a moment; then, she stared at Hektor.
<> Katia yelled angry <>
<> Hektor said, clearly embarassed, scratching his head <> he added, lowering his tone of voice at every word.
<> She replied, suddenly standing up from her chouch <>
<> Discord murmured at Sweetie Bell, amused from the scene.
<> Hektor yelled, looking at his mother-in-law with a more determined expression, while pointing his right hand at the door as he wanted to show to her the cold and dangerous streets of Orvech Vonor.
<> Sweetie Bell suddenly said, interrupting the conversation between the two <> she added, lowering her head, without noticing the schocked and worried expression painted on Discord's face after those words.
Looking at that child, Katia calmed herself; after a deep breath, she sit down on her couch, relaxing herself <> she said, launching severe glances to his son-in-law <>.
<> Discord exclaimed, looking around the house and walking towards Hektor's room <>, he then said before closing the door of the room behind.
Hektor shooked his head <> he explained to his mother-in-law, while putting an hand on Sweetie Bell's shoulder <>
The old lady grumbled a little while standing up again, rising her big body with a big effort <> she said walking near them to give him an envelop with a stylized red eagle stamped on it <>.
Hektor took the envelop from the old, trembling hands of Katia. <> he said reading what was written on it <> he added, smiling a little <> he suddenly changed his expression, focusing his attention at Sweetie Bell <> he said to her, smiling.
A little laught came from Sweetie Bell's mouth as she took off the shapka from her head, giving it back to Hektor and showing her little and white forehead horn.
Without even realizing that Katia didn't say anything to comment that special feature of the little guest, Hektor opened the door of the apartment, going out from the room.
While descending the stairs, he opened the envelop, finding a bunch of credit inside. He counted then in his mind, throwing the envelop in the first thrash can and putting the money in a pocket of the jacket.
While walking, he thought at all the expenses he had to cover: the carbon for the heater, the rent of the apartment and, of course, the food for four persons. With sadness, he realized that to pay all those things, he had to use some of his savings; it was a risky thing to do, as there were not so much money left and they had to be used only in extreme cases.
<> he said at low voice, talking to himself while looking at the dirty street under his feet <> he added, figuring out the next course of action.
After almost an hour, he was able to find everything and to go back home. While going up the stairs, his attention was attracted by a melodious sound coming from somewhere in the building. A marvellious voice was singing a unknown song about peace, love and friendship.
Hektor could see some people outside the doors of their apartment focused on that voice that was able to war all their hearts in a so cold evening. It was a big surprise for him to discover that this so wonderful voice was coming from his house.
When he reached the door, he remained for few minutes outside, hearing claps of hands, laughts and that, above all, that splendid voice that, for a moment, reminded him some good moment spent years ago with somebody that, now, is no more with him.
The sound of the key turning in the door lock suddenly stopped that magic moment, bringing silence in all the building <> Hektor said while entering the apartment.
The sight of Sweetie Bell on the table and of both Discord and Katia sit on two chair with an happy expression left him completely floored, expecially for the expression of his mother-in-law; he had not seen such expression on her face for a long time.
<> Hektor simply said, trying to not laught at them while putting thw two bags he was carring on the table where the little child was standing on <>.
<> Katia said to him a bit disappointed <>.
<> Hektor said looking at that strange group there, smiling sincerely amused <>
<> Discord said spreading his arms and his wings <> he added solemny, standing up from his chair with a royal demeanor.
<> he replied calmly while, after putting down the bags, he reached again the entry door.
<> Katia asked raising an eyebrow and looking that his son-in-law was going out again <>
<> Hektor replied <>.
While opening the door, he saw the worried expression of his mother-in-law who had clearly understood what was going on. Before going out, he saw the pale face of the little Sweetie Bell, still on the table, who was looking at time with her bright green eyes <> he said before leaving the room again.
Without speaking again, Hektor left the building, challenging the freezing wind of the late evening by walking around the town without a destination. Seeing that there were not so many credits, he decided to buy the coal, to put the money of the rent in the proper box at the entrance of the building and to buy the necessary to cook food for three persons.
He decided to not eat for that evening and, of course, to not be present during the dinner to not disturb Katia, Discord and Sweetie Bell; after all, his presence there could just disturb them.
With a lightned cigarette as only companion for that long walk, Hektor stayed for a couple of hours alone, thinking about the past, about what happened in just a day and about the wonderful voice he hearded just some time ago … a voice that brang him back to an evening with Sarah and Yara at home, some years ago … too many years ago.
Lost in all this thoughts, he didn't even realize how much time passed and how many cigarettes were lightened and smoked. The moon was full and bright and a deep silence reigned on Orvech Vonor … all signs that, probably, enough time was passed. With calm, Hektor reached the gray, plain building where his apartment was and, with his head lowed, he walked I, taking the keys from his right pocket.
Trembling a little for the very cold temperature of the night, he opened the door as slow as possible, to not disturb; the apartment was dark, sign that everybody were already sleeping “I hope Katia will not be mad at me tomorrow”, he thought while closing the door behind you.
<> suddenly he heard from a point of the room that he couldn't recognize <>.
Some steps and the sound of a heavy jacked throwed on a couch could be hearded in the darkness of the apartment. Suddenly Hektor turned on the light, revealing that Discord was standing near a shelf, pointing his strange red eyes on a particular photo <> he asked with a quiet tone of voice.
<> Hektor answered while going near the window, opening it a little before taking another cigarette, the last of the package, turning it on with a match.
<> Discord began to say, turming himself toward Hektor, smiling as something was amusing him <> he stopped for a moment, snapping the finger of his right hand << … you reach us, saving the little girl from a sly bad fella, to offer us a place to stay and, the cherry on the cake, you invent a pathetic excuse to go out to let us eat the few things you were able to buy>>. He God of Chaos spreaded his arms, smiling again <>.
<> Hektor asked, trying to emulate an indifferent expression.
<> Discord stopped, shrugging his shouders << … I think she knows you enough to realize what were your intentions … she had fun with us, by the way. She liked to talk with Sweetie Bell a lot>> he then added with a satisfied expression.
After those last words, the two looked each other in silence for some minutes, moments that Hektor was using to smoke in peace.
Those moments didn't last too long, as Discord began again to speak with a low tone of voice <>.
Hektor rose his head to spread the smoke from his mouth on top of his head; then, a sad smile began to appear on his face <> he said, looking at the picture on the shelf with a nostalgic expression.
For the first time in the whole day, the face of Discord turned grim, as those words reopened some kind of old wound in his soul … a kind of change that couldn't escape the eyes of Hektor who, at this sight, smiled in a bitter way.
<> Hektor said suddenly, throwing away what remained of his cigarette <> he added, pointing at the couch near the heater … <>.
<> Discord replied, heading to Hektor's room <> he then added, streching his wings before opening the door <> he finally said, waving an hand in direction of Hektor.
<> he replied, smilinga little at his own words.
When Discord closed the door, Hektor stayed in silence, alone with his thoughts … and his memories.
