A New Life Begins
Chapter 3, Sanctuary Given
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I am going to be making slight adjustments to the MLP characters, such as making pinkie pie a bit more calm she is still a party mare, and slightly less oblivious to those around her. Also, the history of the characters and events are assumed to be known by the readers. such as the intro to the series.
Edited with Grammarly
A New Life Begins
Chapter 3
Sanctuary Given
One of the Doctors looking at the sperm count from the Stallion known as David Jackson, despite all the differences, both external and internal. he was a walking enigma. Genetically he had a very small chromosome count, only 14 pairs. Ponies had 23 pairs. His internal biology was most impressive. He was sure that he could take a kick to the chest from a fully trained royal guard and walk away without flinching. His bones were four times stronger than the bones of an earth pony. His heart was reinforced and his lungs hyper-oxygenated his blood. Combined with his healing Potential and physical recovery from wounds that would have taken years to heal without magic, and months with magic. Breaking the restraints had lead to an investigation of his muscles, like his heart the fibers of his muscles were very much like silk strands five times stronger than steel of similar diameter.
All this when combined with the genetics of his sperm only puzzled him. The DNA in his sperm had a cluster of 23 chromosomes. And when combined with the fertile eggs of a mare easily fertilized them. In fact, the DNA of the sperm had altered itself absorbing magical energy to fuel a change what allowed it to easily adapt to Pony DNA wither earth pony, unicorn or pegasus. The final thing that confused him was that his sperm count was through the roof, he had to have three or four times the virility of any normal stallion. As if he had been tailor-made to breed with Equestrians. And that disturbed him.
Doctor Stables chose to keep this line of thought to himself and would send a letter to Celestia later with his concerns. It might simply be the product of magic or it might simply be the way his species was, but it didn't explain the brain. Spread throughout his brain with a slight clustering in the front of the skull there were these odd tendrils that were interwoven throughout the brain. And they did not stop there, interwoven throughout every lobe focused in no area but coiled around like a ball of yarn. And then all narrowed down to the spinal cord, spreading out down and then connecting to the two growths on his back. Short of cracking open his skull and pulling one out, he wasn't sure what sort of purpose they served.
But the magical examination showed they were not part of his biology, no they had an entirely different structure than normal nerves, in fact, they almost looked artificially made, and the DNA inside of them was not his Species. But he was sure that he could not remove them without killing David. and the magical biopsy sample take had caused a severe agitation in the energy field that they seemed to be both generating and receiving. And he chose not to risk further examination. Finally, he began to pen his letter to Princess Celestia knowing that she was still busy with the return of her sister which filled him with happiness.
**//Dear Princess Celestia.
I am pleased to report, that the stallion whose name is David Jackson has made a near perfect recovery from his injuries from his discovery in Everfree castle. And I expect to be able to discharge him within a day or so. That said I have several concerns over his biology. I will include a medical report to you to verify my concerns in depth there but a summary is that physically he is in absolute (soon to be) perfect health. Injuries recover quickly and without scaring. He has no signs of any infectious disease, in fact, I am quite sure that he would be immune to any illness he should encounter among us, most toxins as well.
His strength physically is greater than the average earth stallion at the age of 300 with a stamina that matches a pegasus at high altitude. You may be happy to know that sexually he is according to reports quiet healthy and active. Apparently in his people according to Nurse Redheart the gender average is 1:1 with regards to Stallions and Mares, so learning that the average is 10 to 1 was a surprise he seemed to be very open to the idea.
Now as for reproductive abilities, he is highly fertile with a sperm count that is almost 3 to 4 times that of the average stallion. And when combined with the fertile eggs of a mare easily fertilized them. In fact, the DNA of the sperm had altered itself-absorbing magical energy to fuel a change what allowed it to easily adapt to Pony DNA wither earth pony, unicorn or pegasus. On a hunch I also attempted to use Deer, and Gryphon eggs, and the same effect happened. In a sense, he is hyper fertile. and this is where it gets confusing.
Now DNA wise, he has only 14 pairs of chromosomes compared to our 23 pairs. His Sperm sample shows that he has a DNA code for 23 pairs. Which is an enigma? My instincts as a healer tell me he has been heavily augmented from the base norm of his race. As if he has been enhanced for fighting. Considering his testosterone is almost at the levels of a colt/stallion of 160ish at a constant level, would normal think he could be very young in the same age range, though he shows a maturity of a much older stallion. Given how long his cells survive out of the body, I believe that his lifespan may exceed our own natural lifespan of 850-1000 years. And in fact, combined with his regenerative powers. He could be functionally immortal.
Mentally however what concerns me the most was the panic attack when he first woke up. The fight or flight response he demonstrated seemed to suggest PTSD, he's also been prone to nightmares. mumbling about something called, 'Soa noids', monsters, and fights. As it stands I do not feel he is an immediate (assuming he is not provoked too much) threat to any pony, but that said the biology he displays seems to indicate that he may be some sort of elite warrior. the enhanced strength, endurance, and healing would aid in recovery. I did ask him about it, and he turned his head in shame saying that yes he had been through a war. But the last thing he remembers before waking up in the hospital was the lands he was from were burning due to some disaster. Given the condition of the clothes he was wearing, I believe that he may have been in some sort of conflict before he was found in Everfree castle. Sadly he has been evasive on where he comes from, what his species is.
He shows no signs of suicide or a desire to die anymore I am thankful to report. This may simply be a shock of appearing where he is at this point or the fact that he was one of the last survivors in his dying lands.
I will leave the judgment and arrangements of his accommodations to your wisdom.
Respectfully
Doctor Stables.//**
Having gone over the medical reports, Princess Celestia finished reading the summary letter and she was like the Doctor concerned. She was convinced that this creature was from another world. pulled here somehow through some magic she did not know of. His biology being so heavily reinforced also convinced her that he was a warrior. She did her best not to think of the hyper-fertility he apparently had and the possibilities it presented to her and her sister. He was a sentient being of an unknown species, no scratch that, she knew what species he was. He was human, but by all accounts, humans were pure myth. And yet he matched all the descriptions of them, and even those myths varied wildly in pony culture.
From kind loving creatures too horrible monsters. There was only one unified thing of the myth. The appearance. And in all her long thousands of years of long life she had never found any evidence of their existence, and while she had not ruled out the possibility that humans may have at one time existed, she had to agree that in all likelihood they were a myth. That was clearly in error. If they came from an alternate world... it would explain why none had been found. If they slipped into Equestria from their world one could remain hidden, and if a pony went to their world it would explain the legends and lore of great cites teaming with humans.
And with a smile, Celestia informed Luna of the summary letter and she seemed to be relieved that she had not harmed him as Nightmare Moon. Though she was still concerned about the possibility. Still, the Mystery of his arrival puzzled Luna as much as Celestia, although Celestia was more up to date on magical theory and practice than she was perhaps it was simply some fluke of magic the Elements of Harmony reacting to the old magic in Everfree Castle, combined with Nightmare Moon's magic that caused his appearance.
Right now the Kingdom was still adjusting to the revelation of Princess Luna's return. Celestia had chosen to withhold some information such as her grooming Twilight hoping that she would become the leader of the new Bearers of the Elements of Harmony. But it did mean revealing to the world and her subjects the truth of Nightmare Moon's creation. That the rift caused between them due to her negligence how she had overlooked the plight and concerns of her sister and the divisions of the night and day. and with it jealously grew. In the end, it allowed the legendary Nightmare Forces to Possess her sister transforming her into Nightmare Moon completely dominating and suppressing her sister's mind. And the transformation was not permanent but if her physical form was destroyed the Nightmare Forces would bond to her sister's soul and upon reformation would be impossible to separate them.
Unable to bring herself to destroy her sister she used the Elements of Harmony to banish her to the Moon which created the Mare in the Moon for a thousand years when the Elements were to choose their new bearers. And with it free her sister by driving out and destroying the Nightmare Forces. She also admitted the presence of the Solar guard and her absence in the ranks of Ponyville were not a coincidence for if she had been there she was sure Nightmare Moon would have unleashed her full power rather than toying with those around her in her arrogance. The Solar guard had known what was to come and every mare knew the risks and Celestia could not order nor ask them to risk their lives. But in the end, they volunteered.
With Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash. becoming the New Bearers they succeeded in driving the Nightmare Forces and dispersing them from her sister who was now recovering in Canterlot. Then had come the rumors of the strange creature found in the old castle of the Pony Sisters. Celestia had, of course, confirmed that indeed a strange creature of unknown origins had been indeed been discovered. And while the nature of the being, for it was indeed sentient was unknown, the stallion for a lack of better terms at this time. Currently resting and recovering in Ponyville Hospital.
Turning to face her sister she smiled and said. "I was planning to have Twilight and The Bearers of the Elements to help care for him for the time being." She did not tell her sister that she had felt terrible anguish and pain within his delirious mind.
"May I accompany you to meet him Sister?" she asked. "I must know if I have harmed him."
Luna was still adjusting to life once more but if her sister wanted to meet him, Celestia could not see a reason not to. Though she was filled with some trepidation that it might trigger some ill memory in this David. And expressing her concerns.
"My sister are you sure you wish to do this, it might trigger some negative memory within him if Nightmare Moon was to blame for his injuries." She did not consider Nightmare Moon and her sister the same. No Luna had been possessed by that violent force and completely suppressed.
Luna was adamant she desired to meet him. "I must know sister, when I returned as Nightmare Moon If I am the one who caused his injuries."
Even now the ponies who died when she returned days ago still haunted her. And Celestia nodded agreeing that she could go with her. She had this sense that events to come would be interesting and she wasn't sure that was a good thing for him, or for Equestria.
A scream of fright had torn through the hospital as David almost reacted instinctively to punch the bubble gum Pink Pony who had suddenly appeared behind without warning screaming out some random babbling about hello, pinkie pie, and a bunch of other things such as cupcakes, parties, and friends. He had turned around with his fist drawn back ready to punch what he had perceived as a threat, and when he realized a fraction of a second later it wasn't a threat he stumbled back and shouted, "Don't do that!" Flexing his hands and curling his fingers. and finally, he pointed his finger at the shocked mare and all but scolded her.
"I have had people appear behind me and attack me with the intent to kill me. Don't do that again!" David all but dropped himself into a chair as he felt his heartbeat racing and he just put his head and face in his hands. This was not the best introduction to the Mare he had been told was the star pupil of one of the two ruling nobles. Princess Celestia who was expected to show up today, with her sister Princess Luna, co-ruler of Equestria. Had Twilight Sparkle not been assaulting him with questions, he would not have reacted with such... aggression.
The Pink mare had stepped back a little clearly shocked he had responded with such aggression her ears had laid down in a bit of fright. Of all the mares in question, the one who was on the most guard was the Cyan colored Pegasus, with the rainbow mane and tail as he watched the orange mare, hold her back and says, "Calm yer self down Sugarcube, He didn't throw any punch. And Pinkie did indeed scare him."
"It's alright." David said, "She has every right to be angry with me... I know first hand what it's like to watch your friends be threatened or put in danger by others." Despite how he felt like he was the one who should be apologized. David swallowed his pride, "Pinkie Pie, I am sorry I reacted so aggressively to you." He wanted to explain himself but chose to bite his tongue instead as it might seem like he was making excuses but Pinkie Pie seemed to brighten up.
"Oh That's alright, I'm sorry I scared you, David. Can we still be friends, Can we?" She said bouncing on her hooves.
"I would be more than happy to be your friend Pinkie Pie. Just... please no more surprises like that." All it got was a bit of a harrumph from the Cyan colored mare as David honestly didn't care at this point.
Finally, a knocking at the door had caught everyone's attention, as David sighed and said, "Grand central station...Come in?" he managed to get a giggle out of pinkie pie from that and in the room entered one of the most beautiful creatures he had ever seen in his life, it almost reminded him of an angel, She wore a beautiful flowing golden gown that held her body in a sensuous way, one that accented her regal stature. Standing head and shoulders over him at least she had the horn of a unicorn, with a long flowing mane that seemed to shimmer and move of its own accord. On her head, she wore a golden tiara with a single gem in it, as her main shined with four colors, Blue, green, violet, and mauve. her eyes shined with love compassion and concern for him which surprised him. upon her wrists, she held golden bracers that held a gem like her tiara, as her tail moved behind her much like her wings. Around her neck, she held what appeared to be an amulet with the emblem of the sun.
Beside her was almost a Photonegative of her, and the second most beautiful creature he had seen. Like her counterpart, she was tall perhaps a foot taller than him if he were standing. She was a midnight blue with a dark blue mane and tail that like her sister moved of their own accord filled with stars. She had on similar garments to her sister but her dress was bright and silvery accenting her appearance enforcing her regal standing. but her necklace held the symbol of a crescent moon. He also noticed that she held some trepidation in this meeting trepidation that seemed to be mirrored in the rest of the pony mares here, as David stood up slowly and he placed his right hand over his chest and bowed, "Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, I am humbled by your visit, I am sorry for the state of my attire." It was to David who obvious who was before him.
Celestia almost giggled when she heard Grand Central Station but managed to suppress the urge to giggle with centuries of practice, and finally as she was granted permission to enter she got her first look at the figure in question. He was awestruck with her but making eye contact instantly she saw the chasm of pain that was etched into his very soul, an abyss of despair and anguish. And she also saw in his eyes the nobility he had, the strength, and the power. Then as Luna entered the room with some trepidation she was pleased with his manners as he stood and bowed greeting them. She knew that it was honest and genuine, she had learned ages ago the body language of various people. But she also knew simply from his posture and the way he moved he was a warrior in the purest sense of the word. A deadly one that had shed much blood. She could feel the confusion and more importantly the pain that he was holding deep inside.
"I thank you for your manners young David Jackson." It was honest as her voice put him at ease as he slowly began to lift up as did the others as she asked. "I am pleased that you have made such a quick recovery." As she stood aside Princess Luna came closer to her sister as he seemed to notice, the body language and asked.
"Your concern for my well being is... " and he was searching for the right word and said, "Most humbling." He was tongue tied apparently he had never met royalty before, but he did gaze upon Luna as she was sure that David was carefully reading the body language of her sister being so nervous. "Forgive me if I am out of place for asking, but Princess Luna is something wrong? Have I done something to offend you?" he asked.
"No, it is I who should be asking you, have I done anything to harm you?" She could see the confusion in David's eyes as he looked around and said...
Celestia thought as she asked, "Has anyone spoken to you about the defeat of Nightmare Moon?"
"First I heard the name." Then looking at Luna "Could someone tell me what's going on? And I would rather not start asking questions that could be easily misunderstood."
And Celestia for the first time realized that she should be treating this as a first contact situation. As most everyone from the dragons to the Gryphons, to the deer and bison knew of the legends of Nightmare Moon, "Forgive me," Celestia said, "I should have realized you are not from our world and thus have no knowledge of this." She saw Twilight's eyes grew large with surprise and intrigue. Meeting someone who was clearly a race out of legend, but also from another world. Had her captivated.
And with it and some trepidation Celestia knowing how fresh the wound was fur her sister, but still. She told of the events that had lead to her sister Luna being possessed by the Nightmare Force. Luna may have felt bad, but Celestia herself bore much of the blame allowing the rift to develop between them that Discord used to drive a wedge between them. This, in turn, lead to her telling of how she had learned that her sister would be banished to the moon for a thousand years to the moon where eventually, she would break free and in the end how her star pupil along with the other elements of harmony defeated her.
She was watching him very carefully reading his body language and she saw some very faint signs of discomfort, not at Luna but that she had been around for so long. Something about the long life had clearly disturbed him. Finally, he shook his head and said, "No I have no memory what so ever of encountering anything remotely described as Nightmare Moon. But If she did indeed bring me from where ever I came from, then in some twisted way, I owe you my life, Princess Luna." And that she could see sparked a wide range of emotions, hate, pain anger. But Luna seemed greatly relieved at least not being responsible for any harm caused.
"My world had been destroyed by forces of evil." And Celestia was shocked to hear those words as it left her searching his eyes for any sort of hint he was lying and it wasn't there.
"Evil forces known as Chronos had conquered my world, and when they were defeated, we discovered that an asteroid had been called down from a great distance away. And was set to hit my world. We measured it at 20 miles like ten miles wide. One struck my world some sixty-five million years about and wiped out most life was only estimated to be 6 miles or so. This one was more than three times the size of that. And our attempts to stop it were anticipated, and they had set up a fail safe to make sure that the asteroid could not be stopped. One of the last things I remember was watching it enter the atmosphere as the land around me was burning, smaller fragments had broken off and impacted the land ahead of it. That's where the burns I had came from."
Every word was spoken with absolute truth, and it had horrified her, never before had she heard such a recounting even that little bit brought forth such memories of pain. She knew that recounting that much had taken a toll on him as his anger, rage, pain, and sadness came through him. And his pain echoed how she felt when she had been forced to banish Nightmare Moon and her sister. It was also his way of tenderly saying he had nothing left to lose. She had played the political games for so long the innuendo was as plain as day. While he did not desire to harm any, he would defend himself.
Everypony in the room was aghast, even Luna as he had tears running down his cheeks. He was literally the last survivor of his entire race and world. Everypony looked to Applejack, Applejack was well known for being able to tell even the slightest falsehood, it was what made her the element of honesty, and then the tears running down her cheeks told everypony he wasn't lying. Fluttershy was the one who broke the silence as she all but lunged forward wrapping her arms around him tears running down her eyes as he was caught off guard. Confused as the yellow mare just held him and after a few moments, he began to hold her back.
"I'm alright for now I just don't want to talk about it." Was all he said with an air of finality. He wasn't going to speak further of it as after a while Fluttershy was finally pulled off by Rarity as he looked around and biting his lip then looked up at her as he asked.
"What is to become of me now?"
Thinking carefully as she said, "Since is it impossible for you to be returned to your homeworld. You are welcome to remain in Equestria, but there are some things you should be aware of. Your unique nature will cause some problems, as such I want you to remain with the Elements of Harmony for at least six months for your protection, and placed under Twilight Sparkle's tutelage so she can help teach you of our culture and customs." That of course made the Elements of Harmony gasp and turned shocked.
Stammering came from them as it had surprised him. She lifted her hand up to gentle silence the elements with a soft smile. "Have you been informed of the results of your fertility tests?"
"No....."
Starting at the beginning, "I know that you have been told of how mares out number stallions 10 to 1. Because of this stallions are protected, and it is very rare for them to enter into danger-filled jobs such as the royal guard, or police work. And only when it is their true calling. Such as Shining Armor, Twilight Sparkle's Brother. The Results of your fertility test show that you are not only able to father healthy foals with us that the foal will be of the mare's pony type, but your sperm count is almost three times that of the average stallion." And that made him actually look at her in disbelief.
"Whoawhoawhoa," Rainbow Dash said astounded "Are you saying he's some kinda super stud?"
With a Nod, she smiled and said, "Yes that is exactly what I am saying. Mares get very competitive for stallions to join their herd. And that is why I want you to stay with Twilight Sparkle under the protection of her and the Elements of Harmony for the duration of your adjustment..." Of course, Celestia had other reasons for it. The Elements of Harmony were still young, Only 200 years old give or take a decade, they were inexperienced with the ways of love and life. Twilight in particular and she felt that it would be healthy for her star pupil to get to know a stallion. As she learned from him of his world and culture he would learn of their culture and in turn, perhaps the healing for him would begin. "While it will not stop all advances from mares it should keep most from being too aggressive with you."
David was clearly confused and flabbergasted at this information. "I uh, Thank you for your concern, Princess Celestia."
"With you as effectively the last survivor of your kind, It is my duty to look after your well being, but I must also balance that with the needs of my own subjects."
David had a wash of emotions on his own face as he sat back down on the bed as he inhaled and exhaled deeply, "I think I understand that curse you lay on someone."
"Curse what curse?" Twilight asked concerned.
"May you live in interesting times." and when she processed the meaning of it Celestia laughed.
"Princess Celestia, Princess Luna. I thank you both, and you have my assurances I will do all I can to avoid causing trouble intentionally. But as for the role of stallions, I am a warrior, a fighter. I can channel the energy into other pursuits, such as hard heavy labor. But I can not, will not sit idly by and run away if I see those around me endangered."
Celestia heard the words and confirmed he was some sort of elite warrior with his strength, endurance, healing abilities it made perfect sense he may have been augmented for this. "I understand, I ask only that you be careful. Now that said, I will ask Guard Captains Shining Armor and Canterlot Captain Shadow-mane to come to visit you at Ponyville Library soon to help further your education in our customs. There are some things that are a stallion's role to teach their colts, They have my complete confidence and faith." she also knew that Twilight would enjoy a visit from her big brother, in fact she was sure that it would be Shadow-mane her consort would do most of the education.
The Doctor's knock on the door came around, at last, I knew he would be joining as David said "All aboard." And it got a giggle out of pinkie pie and Celestia couldn't resist cracking a smile. And after a few moments "Come in." And when the doctor came in the room was crowded with David, myself, Luna, and of course the Elements of harmony. So there was already nine ponies in the room as the doctor entered the crowded room surprised.
Doctor Stables smiled but he said, "Well David, I've gone over all your tests, except for a few minor traces of the more serious burns. Which I expect will be gone by tomorrow with your healing rate. You are for the most part perfectly fit to be discharged. I would still recommend you take it easy for the next few days. Let your body continue rebuilding your strength and endurance." The Doctor said, "Now if you have no objections I would like to complete your medical files so if you don't mind answering some basic questions like species name and such."
"I know what species he is he's Human!" Pinkie Pie said out loud almost giddy. "Wait till Lyra finds out!"
"Pinkie Humans are a...." Twilight told Pinkie Pie and then Celestia saw the light dawn on her student. "Myth?" Then she looked over at David who seemed to be amused.
"Actually your friend hit the nail on the head. I am human."
At this point, Celestia was amused when Twilight began assaulting David with Questions again.
And seeing him shocked his eyes looked to Celestia for help as she came over and placed her hand on Twilight's shoulder. "Twilight, you will have plenty of time to ask him these questions later. Alright Everypony," She said softly
"Let's allow David a chance to answer the Doctor Stable's questions and get himself dressed."
As all the rest were escorted out of the room leaving the two stallions alone She smiled and turned to Twilight. "Twilight now I understand you are very interested in learning about him and his culture and his species. But Please remember he is a warrior, and he has been through a severe traumatic experience. He is hurt in a way that is far more terrible than any wound of the body, his soul has been wounded."
Twilight looked up at Celestia as she nodded, "He may not wish to talk about what he has been through. Or talk about those who destroyed his world. If he desires to talk about his people and ways of life but respect his wishes if he desires to avoid subjects. He has lost everything, his friends, family. I am hoping that you with your friends helping him learn about Equestria Twilight, he will begin to heal. And do not judge him too harshly if he loses his temper. Even ponies in pain physical and emotional are prone to lashing out." she said with a smile.
With everypony there realizing he was hurt in a way that they hadn't thought of. "But what can we do for him?" Rainbow dash asked almost in disbelief.
Luna stepped forward, "You can be there for him. Just spending time with him, talking to him, being his friend. Showing him that he can build a new life here in Equestria. As my sister is for me." Celestia smiled at Luna and nodded. She was repeating things Celestia had said to her in private.
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