Difference In Perspectives.

"Journal entry 12. Date: March 9. Year: 2019 - on Earth, at least - I still have difficulties with the Equestrian calendar. Sadly, that's only a mere drop in the ocean to the more pressing problems recent events brought upon my family. Open bigotry. Slander. Death threats, etc. The list goes on, not something one would expect from a race that preaches harmony and tolerance for all. It is easy to lump them all as misanthropes, but I cannot, in good conscience, make that claim. We've met with some outstanding individuals. I can only hope they aren't dragged into this debacle as well. Now, onto my current living arrangements. I find myself in a cell - A dungeon - to be precise, outfitted with all the usual fair of smelly corridors, rodents scurrying about, and I believe at one point, as the guards dragged me down here, I saw a skeleton shackled to the wall.

Historical archives don't show the structure's authenticity or its proper justice. Why am I here? For a crime I didn't commit. Or rather, for helping to prevent a worse crime but being accused of the said crime regardless. Mythic Entity. There is a name that inspires trust and solidarity. If one thing carries over from Earth to Equus, something is not what it appears to be. I've seen his type more often than not during many of my father's business meetings. The self-serving, arrogant, opportunistic blighter who only wants to see who they can destroy the most while making themselves look good. I've seen his type many times before. But he still managed to pull the wool over my eyes and the ponies. I suppose it doesn't matter now. I--"

*Bang Bang Bang*

"I'm afraid that is all I have time for today. My gracious 'hosts' have come to escort me for my court proceedings. I should straighten up a bit. My suit is a mess. End of the journal entry,"

The door opens to reveal several ponies in golden Armor save for one white stallion in purple. "Don't move, monkey!" One of the guards in the back said.

Being the cheeky bastard that I am, I decided to correct him. "The term you seek is 'ape,' my equine compatriot. See, humans do not possess tails. We own opposable thumbs, much like our primate cousins—a distant relative. Therefore, if one were to express their xenophobic tendencies as you did, that would be the phrase you would use," Many of the ponies look at me as I have gone mad. "I mean, if you're going to be a specist, you should be a smart one,"

Of course, none of them found my remark assuming; thus, a light blue aura encased my hands. My body lurched forward as the good captain, Shining Armor, applied my cuffs. I should mention that magic has adverse side effects on human beings. Small amounts of magic are not harmful. But when it's concentrated in even the most basic spell, it leaves mana burns. The excellent captain hoisted me by the scruff of my shirt and glared banefully into my eyes. "You should count yourself lucky ape! Only by the grace of the royal sisters are you even getting a trial! Personally, many ponies want to see you hang, myself included!"

I dared to smirk a little after he used the term I suggested. "That's for the court to decide. Speaking of which, I believe we are late,"

I didn't want to doddle any longer than necessary. I fear for the fate of my family. This entire mess presents a perfect opportunity for the more disgruntled citizen to deal out mob justice to any human within the vicinity. And I happen to know eight prime targets. The captain shoves me forward as we move through the castle's interior. There were a few attendants on duty. However, they all stopped to share their opinion of me. Honestly, it became apparent that they were quoting one another instead of saying anything original or intelligent. Those wanted to take their pound of flesh. They never got the chance, though. Shining Armor surprised me with his show of professionalism. He ordered the mob back to their posts as we continued. I almost garnered respect for the stallion until I remembered our last encounter. Where was 'Mr. Professional' then? But, again, I can't fault him or them for how they feel. I'd feel the same way about a person leveling the accusations I have.

We reached a pair of golden doors as they opened. I shielded my eyes from the light until a hand pushed me inside. A courtroom packed with equestrians was there to greet me. But not a single human anywhere. That was cause for concern. But I made sure not to express it as I scanned the room. On the left side were members of the community of Ponyvile. I recognized a few faces here and there as I turned to the right. I had to hold back my disgust at the presence of this world's version of nobility. The stench they exuded was palpable. From the looks of it, they were already looking down at me before I set foot in the room. In the center of the room, behind a desk, was Lyra, my co-counsel for this case. The look in her eyes told me everything: fear. To Lyra's right was the prosecutor. He was confident and self-assured of his victory. I looked past him to the booth holding the harmony-bearers and their relatives. However, harmonic was not the feeling I was getting from them.

Rarity was giving me the same look as many of the nobles did. However, the fashionista has a justified reason for believing I am inferior to the merits of wealth and bloodline. Sweet Fluttershy shields herself in her mane. It hurt to see her shy away from me. Pinkie was a strange sight. I got so used to the mare smiling that I never imagined what it would be like if she stopped. Rainbow and Applejack both had glares that could kill. I got wind of what Rainbow did to Leopard. It was nothing I knew he couldn't handle. However, there will be a backlash. Applejack has previously forbidden her sister and her friends from interacting with us. I am sure this entire debacle has only strengthened those sentiments. The worst of all was Twilight. All I could read from her was hurt and resentment. But there was a fierce determination to see this ordeal through till the end. At least I can say she's looking better than the last time I saw her.

I didn't bother meeting the eyes of her parents. I could feel their contempt from here. Mythic Entity earned my attention more than anyone else did. The slimy bastard had the gall to place his arms over Twilight in a protective manner. I was busy mulling over the possible ramifications of striking at the worm before someone cleared their throat. My attention quickly moved to the judge's stand. There, casting judgment upon me, were the three princesses. Three of the highest nobility and royalty this land has to offer. Sitting on the left, Princess Luna had recently returned from her banishment. Oddly enough, her face was a mask of stoic resolve, yet she was the most neutral of the three.
Adjacent to the night, the princess was the Princess of Love. I can aptly assume that my two little sisters would adore her. She was far more inexperienced with masking her emotions. Especially considering she was quaking in barely-contained fury. Then there was Princess Celestia, the princess of the Sun and the one with the most clout. She has the best mask any being could hope to wear. It was just a stern stare - not too intense, but not soft either - just a constant look of disapproval. But I've been privy to my whole life thanks to my father. All you had to do to look past the mask was stare into their eyes. They can tell the tale of how someone is feeling. Right now, the only emotion Celestia is feeling is hatred. Hatred is an ugly emotion indeed.

"Is the prosecution ready?" Celestia asked.

"Yes, Your Highness," The lawyer replied.

"And the defense?"

Lyra flinched as everyone glared at her as well. My heart goes out to this brave mare. "Y-yes, Your Highness!"

"Verily. The ponies of Equestria vs. Xavier Kingston will now commence!" Luna stated as she looked at me. "You are charged with aggravated assault and attempted murder of Mythic Entity and the sexual assault and attempted rape of Twilight Sparkle! How do you plead?" Murmurs of malcontent broke out in the peanut gallery behind me. I paid for it, no mind.

The ball was in my court now. Let it never be said that I don't love controversy. Glancing at my co-counsel, Lyra gave me a hesitant nod. I turned back to the princesses. I straightened my posture and spoke with conviction. "...N--"

[One year ago.]

"Xavier! Xavier! Look, Grandma's house is huge!!!" My little sister exclaimed. Her face was up against the glass of the limousine.

"I know, Cecelia. It is a marvel,"

I felt a tug on my arm and turned to find Cece's twin smiling at me. "Will Donnie, Leo, Julie, and Angie be there?" She signed.

Gesturing with my hands, I replied. "I'm sure they will be, Natalya, assuming they haven't gotten lost. You know how they are with taking directions,"

The limousine stops at the front entrance as the driver exits. "May I present Kingston manner, sir, and madams? " The driver says as he holds the door open.

"Thank you, Walter," Cece and Nattie shot out of the vehicle and ran into the mansion. "I assume Grandmother is tending to the stable?'

"Indeed, Master Xavier. You know she dearly loves Beatrix,"

"Any word from the others?"

"Actually. Sirs Donatello and Leopard and Madam Juliet are here. Miss Angela has yet to arrive. Madam Juliet is taking stock of food. Whereas her brothers are currently unpacking the excess luggage,"

We were about to enter when we heard the motorcycle approaching. The high beams blared down the runway as they approached our position. I instinctively brought my guard up until the driver did something unexpected. They pulled on the gas pedal until the motorcycle balanced on the front wheel inches from us. The bike fell back down as I sent the driver a deadpan stare. After a few seconds of silence, the cyclist removes their helmet to reveal Angela Nyx's smug face. "S'up, pantsuits,"

"Angela-"

"Stow the formal ass licking! You, that shit irks me," Why did I let her stay here again? Her rampant gut tract makes sailors look like choir boys.

"Thank you for coming tonight, Madam Angela. Would you like me to put away your vehicle?" Chen offers.

"Sure thing, Jeeves. Don't scratch the finish!" Why does he get a pass? Angie removes herself from her bike as Walter takes it to the garage. But before I could say anything else, Angie thought now was a good time to smoke a frag! I just stood there, glaring at her as she lit her frag. She peaks at me from the corner of her eye. "What?"

An irritated sigh escapes my lips. "No smoking on the premises!" That remark prompted Angela to blow a plume of smoke into my face, inciting a coughing fit.

"Don't be a narc! I'm not in your house yet, so I'm free to smoke now!"

"It's Grandmother's rule. She finds the smell of tobacco nauseating," A smirk worked its way to my face as I continued. "You can always go to her for any issues you may--"

"Alright, dammit!" Angie then stomps the frag out as she shoves her way past me. "I'm getting a drink!"

With a sigh, I follow her inside. "I always like the way the interior looks,"

I made my way through the halls to the mansion's south wing. I opened the door to the built-in stable. There, I found Grandmother brushing the mane of her prized Palomino mare. 'She hadn't noticed me come in yet,' I thought as a slight grin grew. As I stood behind her, I silently made my way to her with my hands in a clawing position. But then, something unexpected happened. "You'll get bad luck, startling an old woman!"

"Grandmother! H-how, did you know?"

"You can thank May for that. She does these little quirks when she smells a familiar scent. She has a tick for everyone in the house. For you, May's nostrils flare two times,"

I couldn't help but chuckle at that. "You know me so well, don't you, Beatrix?"

*Crash*

"That doesn't sound promising..."

"You better tend to those boys before they break something outside their pay grade,"

"Right, see at dinner, grandmother,"

I waved her goodbye as I made my way to the northern wing of the mansion. Upon passing the doorway, a clank echoes beneath my foot. I look down to spy on several coins scattered on the floor. "Susan B. Anthony..." It was a mint condition coin of the world-famous women suffrage movement leader back in the eighteen hundreds. Looking up, I saw Donnie and Leo staring back at me. I arched a brow while waiting for an explanation.

Leo's expression was unreadable as he pointed to his brother. "Donnie did it,"

I gaze over to him, who looks back at his brother in shock. "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Bullshit! It was an accident!" Both Leo and I gave Donnie incredulous looks. "I thought moving the coins by sweeping them with my feet would be easier than some large jar. Check it!" Donnie began sweeping the coins along the ground. He looks back at us with a wide grin. "See!"

I gave Donnie my best deadpan expression. "Far be it from me to dictate how you transport your collection. Just be sure to clean this mess before Juliet comes around!" My threat had the desired effect. Donnie began sweating profusely.

"I'll get these up quickly because people have different mindsets. They don't get my genius, so I got to slow it down a bit,"

"A wise decision. I'm going to the kitchen. Juliet should have dinner ready now," I had to repress my delight when I heard Donnie complaining to his brother. I have always loved walking into the kitchen design here. It feels like walking into a restaurant.

"Julie? Juliet Crews?"

"Ah! Oh, hey, Xavier. Dinner's almost ready,"

"I can tell. What are you making?"

"Ground beef stuffed in peppers! And for dessert, cinnamon rolls! Walter, let me borrow some of his cookbooks!" She pulls out the meal in question. It's an assortment of green and red peppers with melted cheese over the beef. Overall, it looks heavenly.

"Walter, let you borrow his books? After your last mishap?"

A blush flashed its way onto her face. "I-It wasn't that bad..."

"Oh no, it was far worse. I don't believe I've seen Walter carry such a grim expression for as long as he did. Then again, I didn't spend six long hours scraping slime off the kitchen ceiling,"

We laughed at that little mishap before Julie leaned and whispered in my ear. "He's not still mad about that, is he?"

"He's letting you cook now, correct?" Julie nods in response. "Then I would say that's a sign of trust. Everything seems to be in order. I'll go and fetch everyone,"

"See you in the dining room,"

It was seven o'clock this summer evening. The aroma seemed to spread across the entire room, which is impressive, given the size of the area.

Walter and Juliet went around the table and set a plate in front of each of us. "Oh! The food smells great!!!" Cece exclaimed.

"Yeah!" Nattie signed while licking her lips.

"Oh yeah! Stuffed bell peppers. Now that's what I'm talking about!!" Donnie said.

"Hmm," Leo agreed.

"It's about d--"

*Clears throat*

Angie tensed up at the sound of Grandmother clearing her throat. I swear to this day that the temperature in the room dropped as she spoke with a chilling warning. "Now, Angela, please watch your language with children present," While Angela received the brunt of Grandmother's scolding, we all nodded unanimously. She's set a few rules for us to follow that she enforces. No yelling when civilized speaking can apply. There is no violence against one another outside the ring. And above all else, No swearing! Period! "I-I mean - Uh - It's about time to eat, r-right...?"

A nervous smile graced Grandmother's lips. "Yes, it is,"

Dinner went off without incident. The stuffed peppers were delicious. Although, I can't say the same for the cinnamon buns. Somehow, they were burnt and raw. Julie suffers from an unusual curse when it comes to the culinary arts. One dish would be perfect. Then, the other would be subpar. Regardless, it was time for everyone to retire for the night. Walter and I escorted everyone, of course. Julie and Angie went to their rooms. Julie was gracious enough to thank us, while Angie flipped me off with her everlasting courtesy. Donnie and Leo share the same hallway. Even under one roof, those two never want to be too far from their baby sister. Walter escorted Grandmother to her room while I tucked in the twins. The first was Nattie. I draped the sheets over and made sure to adjust her scarf. It was a lovely magenta cloth with gold trimming at the edges. A gift from our late mother that she cherishes deeply. Finally, I set her headphones to her ears. Natalya loves the sound of opera singing and playing as she rests.

"Goodnight, Nattie,"

"'Night, Xavier," She replied.

I turned to Cecelia to find the 'cutesy corner,' as she calls it—a corner dedicated to her vast collection of stuffed animals. But at the center was something else. Cecelia was sitting at her art desk, painting an image. It was an incomplete portrait of our late mother. Mother passed when the twins were barely a year old. But every day, Cecelia works on these paintings a little bit at a time to commemorate her. However, she insisted that I not use any photos of her. She wants to work primarily from her memories. Sadly, this painting would be the sixth entry in her attempts. But I do give her some descriptions from time to time. Today, she was working on the most prominent feature we all share: our silver hair.

"That looks breathtaking,"

"Thanks. I used glitter to match the time sunlight hit Mommy's hair. I remembered it always sparkled on bright sunny days," Cecelia said.

"Yes, I recall that too. But you are going to have to finish this project tomorrow. It is time for bed,"

Cecelia gave me the cutest pout before relenting. "...Ok..." Cecelia tucked herself in her bed. As I got off to retire for the night, Cecelia was gracious enough to remind me of an essential aspect of bedtime. "Xavier! You forgot, Mrs. Barney!"

I looked at her pile of stuffed animals and spotted the culprit. A purple and green unicorn with a smile that sent shivers down my spine. Whatever possessed Grandmother to buy this thing? But I relented and brought it to the bed. I tucked it under Cecelia's arm and kissed her and Natalya goodnight. I entered my room without a bother as I changed my clothing. But before I could rest my eyes, something was in the window. For the briefest of moments, I thought I saw two red dots. It was enough of a shock to raise me out of bed in fright. However, the moment I blinked, the dots disappeared. I quickly composed myself and walked out to my balcony. There was nothing to greet me save for the night air. The motion sensors did not go off, and the outside was undisturbed. A sigh I didn't even know I was holding escaped my lips. I quickly returned to bed and began drifting off to sleep. As I entered the realm of dreams, I faintly caught the sound of a snap.