Daedalus' New World

Daedalus exited TheGreenDragon, heading in the direction of his workplace, Sweet Apple Acres. Today was the start of the harvesting season where the Apple family harvested the entire orchard. The day before, Applejack's brother had injured himself, spraining his right foreleg, utterly preventing the stallion from assisting his sister. In response, she asked if Daedalus would be willing to work longer hours, five to eight, until the harvest season was over.

Being a tireless, immortal virus, he agreed. The extra hours literally meant nothing expect extra money. Thus brings him to the present, walking down the dirt road to the apple orchard at a little before five a.m. to assist one of the four mares he could call a real friend. Truthfully, one of the four mares he even knew without being disguised as a bird.

Trailing behind his was his now-ever faithful follower, Lupa. The white wolf had followed him all the way from Colton to Ponyville, almost sixty miles. Having been followed all the way, Daedalus assumed he really did have a new companion, and decided to take care of her. It was remarkably easy as she had tracked down and ate several rabbits on the way to Ponyville, as well as the fact that Daedalus can simply generate meat for her.

The ponies of Ponyville were quite shocked when he returned with a two foot tall wolf trailing behind him. Unsurprisingly, they reacted with fear and ran. It didn't take long for Twilight and her friends to show up, ready to deal with the 'massive, scaled wolf trying to eat everypony.' The virus explained the situation, and by the end of the day, everypony in the town had heard of the new pet belonging to the new resident.

That event was the first time that Pinkie Pie had seen or heard of him. The moment she learned he was new, she darted off. While the other five laughed, Daedalus simply grunted, knowing when he returned home, he'd have to deal with a party. The five left, which was when Applejack approaches him and asked for help, which he agreed.

That led to now, Daedalus walking through the gates of Sweet Apple Acres, disguised as Gene Splice, with Lupa in tow. He walked through the near-endless rows of apple trees, nearing the farmhouse where he was to meet Applejack before beginning to harvest the orchard. However, Daedalus was somewhat worried for the mare. While he could work fifteen hours a day for a week or two easily, it was due to his hidden nature. He didn't believe she could do it without injuring herself.

Moments later, he greeted Applejack as she exited the farmhouse. She replied in kind and they began to head toward the east most field to begin, the same field bordering the Everfree. When they were ready to begin, he heard Lupa whine. Looking back, he saw her staring at the forest, then look at him. He smiled slightly and jerked his head toward the forest. With nary a sound, the wolf was gone, streaking into the forest.

Turning his attention back to the farm, he began with a dull thunk.

***

"Gene, I'm worried about her! She won't let anypony help her and she's gotten almost no sleep in the last several days! Gah! Why is she so stubborn?"

Four days later led to Daedalus listening to Twilight rant about Applejack. The farm pony had apparently set out to prove herself and refused to accept any help from others when it came to harvesting her farm. It got to the point that, yesterday, she sent Daedalus home when he showed up for work. This didn't really bother him as he had plenty of bits for what he needs, as well as the pending payment for killing the Manticores. All in all, he currently had three hundred thirty bits, more than enough when he didn't have to buy food or pay bills, with the exception of rent.

"Applejack is just convinced that if she can't do it herself, she's not a true farm pony." Daedalus simply said.

"But that's so foalish! Nopony can do that alone!" Twilight countered.

"You're right on both accounts, except maybe the Princesses, yet Applejack is simply stubborn like that." The virus replied.

"She needs to realize that her friends will help! Having friends always willing to help is what makes Equinity strong!" The Unicorn continued her rant, pacing back and forth through the library. She had been going strong for nearly hour, always circling back to the same point; Applejack had friends willing to help, yet wouldn't allow it.

"There is only two ways for her to realize that. You somehowconvince Applejack that having help doesn't make you weak, or wait for her to pass out from exhaustion and use it to prove she isn't strong enough to do it all alone." Daedalus said finally, looking up from his book.

"While the latter just seems mean, Gene, I think the former would work. Just how would I go about it?" She trailed off at the end, delving into her own thoughts to find a solution. Daedalus watched, amused, for a moment before her eyes snapped open.

"I got it!" Twilight shouted, disappearing in an instant, a bright flash and loud popsignaling her teleportation.

With an amused chuckled, the virus stood up and signed out the book he was reading, as well as another, knowing she'd understand. He used his tendrils to manipulate the stamp and marked the book for two weeks from the day, then left after placing it in his saddlebag.

Stillstrangenotusingbackpacks.

Daedalus exited the library, taking in the sight of the bright morning. The sun was a little above the horizon, the moon soon to rise. No clouds could be seen in the sky, courtesy of the weather team, yet another fact he's had to get used to. Instead of hoping for nice weather, he just checked the schedule. Although, controlled weather meant it could change from clear to a strong thunderstorm in mere minutes, surprising the unaware.

As he walked through the cobbled streets of the small town, he was waved at and greeted by many ponies, once again surprising him by the sheer difference between Earth and Equis. Granted, it was a very welcome change for it brought with it the lack of fear of Mercer. Daedalus could live his life as he wanted, no one literally controlled his very mind. If he chose to fight, its because he wantedto, whether to protect his new friends or the new country he found himself in.

Of course, Daedalus only had four realfriends, two of which he wasn't sure if they actually were friends. First came Twilight, the first one he met without being a bird. Studious, nerdy, and all around awkward, she reminded the virus of himself before he moved to Manhattan and was subsequently infected by Blacklight.

Next came Applejack, a mare who's lifestyle was what he had once aspired too. While Daedalus did enjoy the mathematical and scientific side of the the world, he preferred the manual side. He had always entertained the idea of starting a successful farm that was built around the benefits and efficiency brought by machinery. Although, he knew it would have had to be limited; certain machines just aren't farm-friendly.

Lastly, the two he was on the fence about. Celestia and Luna. Both were ancient beyond count, powerful, both politically and literally, yet were normal mares on the inside. They had expressed a desire for friendship, likely stemming from his immortality- he would never grow old and die like their subjects would, but both were also somewhat wary of him and his power. He still remembered the concerned looks he received when he explained the power of Blacklight, albeit, such looks vanished when they read his mind.

All in all, Daedalus believed he could do with expanding his circle of friends, even if it wasn't entirely necessary. He enjoyed being able to do things he didn't have to, being able to make true friends, not wary allies. With no objectives, no sieges, no wars, no Mercer to worry about, he had neglected his viral capabilities. He didn't practice, nor evolve often anymore, not that he truly desired more ways to kill.

With spirits raised and a newfound desire for a larger circle of friends, when he caught sight of Sugarcube Corner, he decided to pay a visit and find out the status of the party that was to be planned.

Entering the confectionery, the first thing he became aware of was the pink mare standing behind the counter. When he approached her, he was immediately greeted. "Hiya, Gene! What can I getcha?"

"Hello, Pinkie. I'd like two chocolate cupcakes with vanilla icing. "I'm also curious as to when the party is going to be." Daedalus answered.

As the pink mare pulled out the sweets and set them on the counter, she replied. "Well, normally I'd have thrown the party already, but I've been to focused on Applejack. I'm really super duper uber sorry it hasn't happened yet. I promise that as soon as everything settles down, I'll throw it!" She spoke as she always did, that is, incredibly fast.

Daedalus, for his part, simply smiled in reply. "I understand. A friend who needs help always takes priority. I was just curious."

"Yeppers! Now, the cupcakes are four bits."

He paid for the treats, then waved goodbye as he left the store. Daedalus felt content knowing there were those who always strived to help friends.

Thisplace... ithelpsme. Itreallydoes. Byallrights, I shouldbeabroken, cryingmess, yetI'mmakingfriends, livinghappily, somethingI neverdidbeforetheinfection.

Daedalus slowly made his way back to the inn he was staying at, planning to do some reading. It didn't take the tireless virus long to get back and once he did, he entered the familiar building. He approached the counter and greeted the mare. "Hello, Fire Brand. Do you happen to have any alcohol?"

The familiar orange mare smiled slightly. "Sure do. Whisky, rum, dry-fire, any specifics?"

Daedalus raised a brow, a habit he used quite often, even before he became infected. "What's dry-fire?"

Fire Brand just smiled. "Its a new style of drink made by some ponies across the Great Sea. It dries your mouth out and is incredibly spicy. The name is pretty much to the point."

Daedalus shrugged. "I'll take a bottle of that, then. Certainly sounds interesting."

She silver maned pony nodded, then grabbed a red bottle in her magic, levitating it to the bar. She set it down and spoke. "Twelve bits."

He nodded, placing thirty-eight. "For the room."

She nodded and picked up the golden coins. He grabbed the bottle and placed it in his bag, then made his way up to his room, Room 8. After entering, he sat down on the bed and pulled out both books he had checked out. He set them down and read both titles. ACompendiumofBasicMagics forthe Aspiring Unicornand BodySignalsoftheEquestrian PonyfortheWaryTraveler.

The first book he had purposely checked out. The second, however, he had simply grabbed the first book that stuck out. With them set side by side, he had to decided which to read. He placed the book on magic to his left, the book on body signs to his right. Then he began the debate.

Left. Magicis an abilityIdon'thave.

Right. Thiscouldhelppreventmefrombeingdiscovered. IfsomeonedoesasignalnearmethatIdon'tnotice, itcouldgivemeaway.

Left. Thiscould teach mehowtodomagic, anoldfairytale.

Right. Thiswillpreventsocialmistakes.

Left. Theabilitytomanipulatetheworld.

Right. Icanalreadymanipulatethe world through DNA and molecules.

Rightitis.

Cracking open the books, he checked out the table of contents, seeing the various chapter titles. Chapters like Aggressionand Fearwould be useful, while chapters like Heat, Courtingand Herdspiqued his curiosity. The idea of ponies going into heat specifically concerned him. Daedalus had no intention of being attacked by a horde of sexually starving mares. With a decisive shrug, he opened up to the Heat section and began reading.

Membersofotherspeciescantellwhenamare'sestruscycleissoonto happen when...

***

A few hours later, after the sun had fully set and the other occupants of the inn had long since fallen asleep, Daedalus was still awake, having just closed the book he read. Standing up and stretching, a needless habit he had once had, he placed the book into his saddlebags, having read Heat, Courtingand Herd sections of the book. Daedalus could now safely say that he had no fear of being caught off guard by something simple.

He walked over to the window and stared out, taking in the twinkling stars, the bright moon, and the quiet atmosphere. He smiled as he decided to take a walk in the darkness, something that normal ponies avoided for fear of what could be lurking just out of sight. Of course, Daedalus had no concern for what couldbe lurking. After all, he was one of those monsters.

Dissolving into a mass of tendrils, he slipped out through a small gap between the window and the wall that he created by opening the window slightly. His formless body crept down the wall before reforming into his pony form on the ground. Taking a deep breath to enjoy the fresh night air, he began walking with a smile on his face. He walked no particular destination or goal in mind, simply out to enjoy the night.

He tilted his head back and stared at Luna's night. He didn't recognize any constellations whatsoever. The stars themselves weren't all white, and the moon held no 'face' on it. Soon coming across a bench, he sat down and began studying the sky, taking care to memorize everything he could.

Daedalus must have sat there for an hour or two before he heard wings flapping. The sound was coming closer and from his left. He turned and looked to see Princess Luna gliding down to him. She landed a few feet away, her starry mane easily noticeable from any distance. She walked closer and took a seat on the bench next to him. "Hail, friend Daedalus."

He smiled at the archaic greeting. "Hello, Luna. What brings you to Ponyville?"

The Lunar mare smiled back. "We enjoy a simple nighttime flight every so often. It calms us to do so. Why are thou not asleep this late into mine night?"

Daedalus shrugged. "Truth be told, I rarely sleep. I enjoy it, but don't need to. Instead, I do things I enjoy."

"And thou choseth to watch mine night?"

Daedalus gazed drifted back to the stars as he reminisced. He was silent for a moment before speaking. "Back in the cities, when I was under Mercer's control, the light pollution was so strong, it was considered lucky to see a single, dim star. Even before everything happened, I usually saw only nine or ten stars."

He gestured with a hoof, waving it to encompass the entire sky. "This is far beyond what I could have ever expected. There are thousands, millions even, of stars, each ranging from red, to yellow, to blue. The constellations are ones I've never seen before, ones whose stories are unknown to me."

The virus let out a happy sigh and breathed out, "Its amazing."

He looked over at Luna to see her smiling brightly, her eyes shining with happiness. "It does our heart good to hear of thine praise foe the night. It hath been long since another hath enjoyed it."

Daedalus smiled at her way of speaking, it switched between modern and archaic, showing her struggles to learn the modern language, whatever the ponies called it. "I only speak the truth. Growing up, I had wanted a telescope for years. I had a foolish notion that a store-brand would let me see the stars up close. I was pretty disappointed for the stars to simply be bigger. I still used it, I loved it."

"Other than the dimness, what were the stars upon thine world like?" She asked.

"Well, for starters, they were just white. No red, no yellow, no blue, just plain white. Of course, the constellations were incredibly different. I don't recognize any of them whatsoever. The moon, too, is different. Its larger than Earth's, or at least closer, and is brighter. Plus, the craters are different. There was a series of craters of Earth's moon that looked like a face."

Luna nodded. "Quite different indeed."

They were both silent for a moment. Then, Daedalus broke it. "Luna, how come you're in Ponyville?"

She smiled. "An apt question. Contrary to popular belief, we do not rule the same way our sister does. She handles the politics, we handle the nation's defense."

"Doesn't that create a weakness, though? During the day, the nation's weaker, during the night, the court's weaker."

Luna laughed lightly. "Nay. We am well versed in politics, as she is in battle. We simply enjoy it more, as does she."

"So, if you protect the nation, is your guard the same?" Daedalus asked.

She nodded. "Aye. Our Lunar Guard patrols the land and defends against enemies and wild animals. The latter is much more common, of course."

"I'm going to assume its not as simply as the Lunar Guard patrols and night, and the Solar Guard guards at day?" He phrased it as a question.

"Thou are correct. My Lunar Guard patrols day and night, as does Celestia's Solar Guard. The name is not their shift, but rather who commands them. If we tell a Lunar Guard to run, and Celestia tells him to walk, he'll run. The opposite is true for the Solar Guard. The only exception is if our orders do not contradict."

Daedalus nodded. "I suppose that makes sense. Have each force specialize in a specific field. The humans did the same: Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, etc."

Luna nodded. "Now, if thee are not aware of the stories behind our stars, I would be willing to explain."
Daedalus nodded and Luna's eyes widened with eagerness. "Well, first is Artus the Crafter, the first of mine constellations..."

***

Daedalus listened as Luna explained her constellations, commented on the stories behind them. He was aware of the smile adorning her muzzle the entire time. Her eyes shone with contentment.

A few hours passed with no notice from either member. Soon, the sun was close to rising and Luna needed to lower the moon. They both stood up and Luna smiled down at Daedalus. "This night was quite fun, Daedalus. We enjoyed explaining our night to thee."

"And I enjoyed listening to it, Luna. It was quite interesting to hear of another world's constellations." The virus replied.

"We must go. It is time for us to lower the moon and return to the castle. See thee another time."

He nodded. "Bye, Luna."

He saw her smirk and felt her grow a little concerned. She stepped closer and Daedalus was suddenly aware of her tail running down his neck. Then, she lifted off and was gone.

He shrugged the section off and headed back to the inn. When it came into sight, he froze on the spot. Thinking back, he remembered a passage from the Herdssection of the book.

"Maresshowinterestinstallionsthroughtheirtails. Whena mare runstheir tailacrossastallion'sneck, itindicates theirdesire to bethestallion'salpha mare. Acrossthe shoulders indicatesadesire to be thebeta mare. Finally, across the withers indicatesadesiretobea sub-mare.

"Fuck."