Lookout Equestria

Chapters

Chapter Two: Candle in the Night
Chapter Three: First Contact...ish.
Chapter Four: Friends
Chapter Five: Adjustments
Chapter Six: Chaotic Truths
Chapter Seven: Surprising Social Situations
Chapter Eight: The Walls Tumble Down
Chapter Nine: Eventualities
Chapter Ten: Flames
Chapter Eleven: Row by Row
Chapter Thirteen: Paths
Epilogue
Chapter One: The Storm
Chapter Twelve: Heart to Heart

Chapter Two: Candle in the Night

“This is Raven Rock fire lookout broadcasting on all frequencies, or at least the ones programmed into this thing. Anyone out there?” Jason asked, waiting to listen for a response.

However, static greeted his afternoon message as it had the past few days. The majority of the second and third day had been somewhat productive, keeping the man’s mind occupied from the overwhelming gravity of his situation. As per the noises the first night, something had been scratching at the support beams.

Seeing the thick gashes on stone and wood alike the lookout had wound a fair amount of barbed wire around each pillar to further fortify the structure. All building supplies were hauled up to the story beneath the main tower and he even managed to make the bottom part of the stairs pivot upwards.

Just like in Swiss Family Robinson. I mean it was fairly simple but rather time consuming. I sawed it in half, screwed in two hinges and attached a rope. It’s a somewhat effective drawbridge at least. The man mused, hoping the sharp wire and lack of stairs would at least deter any sort of creatures. He could hear things in the woods, part of the reason venturing out further past the small clearing he stood in was out of the question.

When he was down to a few days of water, he’d give it a shot. Until then, here he’d stay.
I guess showers are out of the question unless it rains. Ah well.

Unlike the previously clear day, clouds were gathering on the horizon so Jason did his best to secure the building. There were some shapes flitting around the distant clouds; black specks against the horizon. Even with binocular’s magnification, the man couldn’t figure out what they were; buzzards perhaps? They moved off in a strange pattern; left, ahead, and then right of the approaching storm.

As he worked the man kept his eyes on the clouds, once again casting his thanks into the sky for whoever constructed the tower. Despite being built fifty years prior the building was still as sturdy as back on Earth, thankfully. It took most of the day to drill in extra screws and make semi-permanent modifications such as a place to hold the solar panels and water collection tubs.

The storm arrived within hours, the clouds moving at a speed that was rather unnerving. Rain lashed at the tower and wind sent the small battery-powered weather station on the roof into a tizzy.

Fifty mile-an-hour gusts? What is that, eighty kilometers? Some of his friends were in…had been in different countries, so translating units was an exercise Jason had tried to keep up in practice.

Either way, it was a fast storm.

He didn’t bother with flares that night, the rain and thick clouds making everything nearly invisible from the tower. Yet he could still see at the base where green and red eyes prowled around in the fog. Strangely, they seemed to be separate as though the two owners of the colors refused to mix. Occasionally the red eyes chased the green ones off, then lurking at the edge of the clearing to watch the tower.

Odd. Some sort of territorial creature? Well, at least I’m getting some rain.
Too windy to shower….not worth it.

It was only at times like this where the man’s mind wasn’t occupied by a task in which the dread began to creep in, the realization of something being very wrong. He had managed to remain occupied for most of the past three days, but tomorrow Jason had a feeling would pass much slower. Already the extreme isolation was beginning to eat at him. It was one thing to have regular contact with the dispatch center, his family, and so forth in a familiar if not remote setting. This was much more agonizing; and the sense of being marooned on a hostile island was beginning to eat at the man’s nerves.

The howls in the night only served to confirm as much.

‘May as well keep a journal; if anyone ever finds it, they can have some sort of idea of what I was doing here.’ Jason scrawled as the tower swayed in the wind. ‘Noon of the four day. It has been raining constantly. At least I got a shower to stay somewhat clean. I’ve mostly been twiddling my thumbs; I’ve got plenty of videos and entertainment stored on my backup drives…but I don’t want to waste too much power, especially with the cloud cover being so severe.

Interesting notes: Time seems to be about the same here. Twenty-four hours per day, sunset and sunrise at approximate Earth equivalents. But I am certainly not on Earth, the stars show that much, and the weird rising and falling of the sun/moon.

Nerves are getting to me. Trying to stay positive and not panic. It’s only now starting to sink in. Before, I was just getting the building more secure. Now? It’s all set, and I can just wait. No responses from any radio transmission or the flare yesterday, or the day before that. I’m alone here, and I still don’t know where here is.

A *BOOM* of thunder shook the lookout, Jason looking up with an indignant expression.
“Thor? Do you MIND?” he called out into the storm, walking over to look out one of the un-boarded windows.
“I mean, by all means continue. Fill up those fifty-gallon drums with water if you please, but leave my tower out of this!”

The rest of the day passed rather slowly, the lookout making his usual afternoon transmission. The storm let up somewhat going into evening, and then the lookout had a breakthrough after a few hours of tinkering.

“Let there be light!” he proclaimed, flicking a switch and grinning. The heavy-duty floodlights on the sides of the lookout tower flared to life, drawing power from the straining battery bank.

“Probably don’t have more than an hour with a full system, but HAH!” the man cheered, spirits immediately lifting as he turned it back off. He had no idea if they would burn out either; the mis-match of spliced wires into a heavily-duct-taped surge protector was haphazard at best. It was probably pure luck that the batteries didn’t output enough energy to burn out the bulbs.

“An electrician I am not, but with the power of duct-tape, I sure can pass as one!”

As evening fell, Jason turned on the lights and felt his skin crawl. Darting into the woods, dark shapes fled the illuminated circle, their green and red eyes looking at the structure from the safety of the shrubs and trees. The red-eye owners seemed to lurk around for a time before flitting off, leaving the eerie green-eyed individuals to stare at the tower.

“I have half a mind to blow you all to bits,” Jason muttered, resting an arm on a heavy rifle balanced on the railing. The firearm had seen more deadly circumstances than he ever had; the gun from wars fought before the man’s time. But it could still fulfil its purpose, in this case, preventing the lookout from ending up as dinner to whatever those things were.

But, as it stood, the shapes had been a creepy annoyance, nothing more. Until that changed, no reason to be hostile.
And if this IS a simulation, last thing I’d way to portray is blasting everything in sight. The man mused, returning inside to retrieve the flare gun.

As evening drew near, Jason buckled on his hiking belt, checking each item. Multi-tool, flashlight, bear spray, pistol, knife…first aid kid, all still there. It was one of the few small precautious he had when walking down to check the tower drawbridge was still secure, as well as the increasingly ugly but effective door to the second level. The belt usually served its purpose when closing the gate at the end of the long road…back when there had been a road at least. A headlamp was added to the attire make sure that light was always present, and that made it easier to examine the structure at times. No new scratches were found and the man made it up to the top just as the sun did its unnatural flip-flop with the moon.

Making his evening transmission, Jason then loaded and fired the flare, looking around to see if there was any response.

“Nothing. I mean what do I expect? A helicopter maybe?” he muttered, stowing the flare gun. Electricity charged his frame as something rang out among the distant thunder.

A voice?

Flicking on the flood lights, Jason strained his ears having sworn that some coherent sound had called out across the forest. It had been warbling at first, but had a strange sense of coherence…

“…ELP!”

Goosebumps ignited along the man’s entire body as a bright light flashed upwards from the forest, the bright red flare hanging in the sky as it ignited. The howls of mysterious creatures accompanied the light, freezing the man in place for but a second.

Someone is here!

Grabbing the nearby shotgun, Jason tore down the stairs, nearly slipping and falling into a heap at the bottom of the first story. Lowering the drawbridge the man charged into the undergrowth, light from the headlamp blurring across the trees.

The clouds seemed to take displeasure in the man’s hope, unleashing a steady stream of rain and accompanying thunder as bushes tore at the lookout’s clothes.

“…YNONE?!”

The voice sounded out again, definitely feminine but having a strange, undecipherable and warbling accent at the first part of the word. A strange ache poked at Jason’s temples at the sound.

Howls sounded out amidst the thunder, as well as a definite scream.

NO!

Shoving through the undergrowth, Jason skidded to a stop, powerful headlamp casting shadows across eight figures amid a space in the trees. To his right, a muddied girl lay, strange golden armor adorning her frame. Bloodied fingers were reached out towards him as a giant wolf was clamped down on her other arm.

“HEY!”

The shotgun came up, and the wolf barely had time to look at the lookout before the weapon roared. The impact blew the creature apart, bits of muscle and bone flying everywhere-

Wait…no…

Jason’s temples were stabbed with a sudden pain, and the scene shimmered with a flash of the overhead lightning. The bits of gore moved; no, not flesh and blood, but wood. The pieces swirled together and coalesced with a soft *pop* into the retreating form of a green-eyed wolf.

Wolves…made of wood?

He didn’t have time to dwell on the fact, the shotgun roaring again as three more of the creatures charged. Each impact reacted in an unnatural manner with the creatures, blowing them to pieces with far more violence that logically possible. A fourth wolf got close enough however, jaws latching around the offending weapon as Jason was knocked to the ground, shoving the gun upwards as he tried to keep the wolf’s mouth from snapping at his chest.

The pistol that was drawn from the man’s belt pressed against the creature’s chest, discharging with a *BANG* that blew the wolf in half.

How?! That’s a small round…no way should it have that…
No complaints.

The other wolves growled, slowly retreating. A shot to the nearest one made that action much faster, the man firing at any of the creatures that moved.

I have a few moments! Now how do I-

The lookout’s heart seemed to pause as he looked at the prone girl. His vision shimmered again, and the human’s body vanished. Two horrified and fearful green eyes looked up at his, bloodied feathers and fur matted with mud as a familiar creature stared at the dumbstruck human.

A gryphon!?

The creature tried to shift, letting out some pained yelps before Jason knelt down and shook his head. The gryphon tried to scoot away, and the lookout held up his hands disarmingly.

“It’s ok! I’m here to help…I’m not going to hurt you,” he remarked softly, knowing full well it was only the tone this individual could only possibly understand.
Did I hear words by mistake? I must have.

The creature’s beak and jaw were disjointed, a large gash rushing across their face. The gryphon’s grey, white, and splotchy-black feathers were torn along their side and flank and more than one limb appeared to be broken.

“We need to get you out of here, ok?”

Jason had no idea of even how to communicate that but thankfully the individual passed out, flopping into the mud unceremoniously. As howls began to sound nearby, the man slung the shotgun over his shoulder, grabbing a strange and large set of bags nearby. What looked like a crude, single-shot pistol lay in the mud; perhaps the source of the flare? He left that however, adjusting the canvas-like bags over his shoulder.

Belonging to the gryphon maybe?

“Please don’t bite me, please don’t bite me,” he muttered, kneeling and picking up the gryphon with a heave. Thankfully they were lighter than they appeared, about half to two-thirds the weight of an adult human.

His lungs ached as Jason jogged towards the distant lights of the lookout, his limbs shaking with exertion as they reached the stairs. Carefully setting the gryphon down on the first stair landing, Jason hauled up the trapdoor, then retrieving his precious cargo and continued to climb.

The howls intensified, spurring the man onwards. Gasping for breath, he lowered the wounded creature onto the floor. Dashing back outside, he slammed the hatch door closed, a wolf already peeking its head up on the stairs below; clearly the drawbridge only was a temporary deterrent. Throwing the heavy latches closed, Jason leaned out over the tower and fired off his last few shots of the shotgun, splattering two wood-wolves with the lead slugs including the one just below him.

Quickly latching all of the window shutters closed, Jason then ran inside, locking the door and retrieving a worn-out surplus foam mat. Scooting the gryphon onto it, he dug into a large duffel bag, retrieving a smaller pouched with a medical cross on it. The odd bags that he had retrieved with the gryphon were near the door, but he let those be for now.

“On the plus side, that rain washed off most of the mud and such. We’ll get you clean later…” he muttered, tearing open some large bandages and began to bind the creature’s bleeding wounds after sliding off the odd golden breastplate. Now in the light of the battery-powered lantern, he could at least somewhat examine the creature he was aiding. It was a female, at least as far as he could tell by the slightly slimmer figure and facial structure. But, for all he knew these creatures didn’t have sex or gender.

And he wasn’t about to ‘check,’ not when the gryphon had been wearing armor which indicated some form of intelligence.
And the possible voice I heard.

“Ok, bleeding stopped, now for these limbs,” he muttered, trying to recall his first responder training. “Just like when that BMX guy fell into a rocky field…”

Her right forelimb and left rear leg seemed twisted in-between the knee and elbow, and judging from the bite marks, it was no surprise as to what caused it. Using two large metal and foam splints, Jason bound each limb securely with plenty of padding, giving the creature a once over and trying to catch his breath.

“Oh, right…now the hard part.”

Retrieving some more bandages and duct tape, Jason carefully adjusted the gryphon’s jaw and beak into a more natural position. The poor thing had gotten quite a blow to the facial area, and it was unlikely they’d be making any noises other than soft gurgles or hisses. The top part of her beak was nearly cracked all the way through and was alarmingly loose. The jaw, thankfully, wasn’t broken in fact, but just severely bruised.

Some duct tape and splints later and he had secured the beak as best he could, only now leaning against the rooms center fire-finding station with a sight.

There was some scratching from outside, prompting the man to reach for the rifle that lay nearby with an annoyed scowl.

“Oh, I’ll get to you all in a minute,” he grunted, heaving the gryphoness into what was hopefully a comfortable position. “On second thought? You all can wait until the morning. Scratch to your hearts content.” Jason called out, prying open an ammo can and reloading the shotgun.

“I’ve got enough ammo for you and all of your friends. We can party for a good year if you want!”

A few frustrated howls were the wolves’ answer, the man then flopping down to lean against the bed across the room. His gaze drifted to the still-unconscious gryphoness, and the lookout’s head shook in wonder.
“Well, even if it’s simulation I got to see one of my favorite mythical creatures. That’s something,” he muttered, a familiar headache starting to pick at his temples.

“What should I call you? I don’t even know if you’re a male or female…or even use gender specific names,” the lookout mused, shrugging to himself. “I mean, I did ask for an angel- but this is not what I expected.” A soft laugh left his mouth, the man gesturing upwards.

“Assuming this gryphon doesn’t want to eat me, thanks! I think?” his gaze returned to the gryphoness. “Well, you’ve got grey and white feathers that fade in and out, and that black pattern around your face. Well, we’ll go with basic and hopefully not racist answer. Until you can understand me, Splotchy it is. Nice to meet you.”

The sleeping gryphon offered no argument, leaving the lookout to down another dose of pain medication along with a simple meal.

“I’d better get water boiling and filtered too. No idea if the stuff I have stored is toxic to you,” he mused, setting a camp stove aflame and getting things prepared for the next day when his new guest would hopefully wake up.

“Wood wolves and a gryphoness. What next? A talking minotaur in a hula skirt?” He then jabbed a finger upwards accusingly. “THAT is not a challenge, whoever up there is listening, aliens or otherwise!”

Author's Note

Well, he DID ask for an angel*.... :rainbowlaugh:
*Repairs needed

I had a survey on one of my other stories for who would be the most interesting candidate....and Gryphoness won by far!
I may, of course, also be slightly biased towards certain non-pony creatures *looks at other past stories* :trixieshiftleft: :trixieshiftright:
Nah. Totally was the poll.

Hope everyone is enjoying the tale! Feedback is greatly appreciated as always!

Chapter Three: First Contact...ish.

Wakefulness dawned with a rude reminder, pain shooting through Galley’s body. The gryphoness tried to turn over but even that proved to be painful. Her beak couldn’t move and two of her limbs likewise seemed immobile.

What in the world happened? Last thing I remember was getting separated from my team, wandering for a day, and then the storm…

The mental image of teeth and glowing eyes made her own shoot open, the gryphoness’s sides heaving. She was in some sort of room, a tower from the looks of it out the window. Odd bags and containers littered the floor as did some bloodied bandages. On examining herself, it was easy to see where those had come from, her wounds freshly cleaned and covered.

I remember some sort of creature. Minotaur like? Almost like a Satyr or the Storm King…

Said individual walked into the room, a familiar yet odd black tube slung across his back.
“,  ,” it muttered. Walking on two legs its face was rounded and bare of any fur; yet clothing cloaked its entire frame, as did a belt with some odd devices strapped to it. Hair sprouted from its head, and two intelligent eyes then turned to lock onto hers, lips widening in surprise.

“  ?"”

Galley could only stare, trying to not hyperventilate as the alien creature kneeled down next to her. The creatures voice had been calm, but the rhythmic sounds were almost grating and huffy. Her efforts to scoot away only made the creature wince however, running some fingers through its hair.
Fingers. Ok, so like a minotaur. Is it a guy? I’ll assume so.

The creature carefully reached to its belt, drawing a long knife. Before Galley could react, the individual tossed the weapon across the room, holding up his hands disarmingly.
Ok, tossing a knife away, that’s a good enough symbol for peace…

The gryphoness’s eyes narrowed, still having no idea what to make of all this.
This was NOT covered in my royal guard training! Just a scouting mission they said, figure out why the storms were acting weird over the Everfree and the sighting of some fireworks!
They said NOTHING about aliens!

“Do you want your bags?” the creature asked, carefully sliding over a set of worn saddlebags and opening them. Carefully retrieving a small case, the man examined it, opening the medical-cross marked container and gesturing to her.

Huh. So, he knows what a medical cross is?

Galley managed to reach her shaking claws over, retrieving an injectable painkiller. She tried to maneuver the small syringe, but it fell from her claws.
Curses! Come on…

The individual mimed the syringe towards Galley’s arm, and the gryphoness nodded. This seemed to please the creature, injecting the contents and eliciting an immediate sigh of relief from the gryphoness.

Feathers and stars that’s so much better. I’m glad I’ve got a few more doses in that emergency kit. ‘Oh it’s too heavy’ they said! Eat your words, Private Nail!

The creature then grasped his head as though in pain, letting out a soft hiss through pearly-white teeth.
“Ouch, what in the world? These headaches…” he muttered, deep voice definitely confirming it was, in fact, a he. “I still don’t know if you can understand me. But…” the creature gestured to himself. “Jason.”

Galley blinked, ears twitching in curiosity.
I can understand him now? A rather interesting name for an alien. Huh.
Why do his words make sense now? Definitely a he, if I had to guess.

“If this is just a way to get information from me, well, I suppose I can play along, simulation and all that,” Jason muttered, thoroughly confusing Galley.

What? Simulation? Who?

“First off, can you understand my words?”

Galley finally snapped out of her shock, moving her claws up and down since her head was otherwise immobile for the time.

‘Yes’

“…up and down, is that a yes?

‘Yes’

“Whoa, ok, progress. So, if that’s the case, can you shake your claws back and forth for no?’

‘Yes’

Galley shook her claws, prompting the creature to sit down in shock.

“Ok, so a gryphon who can understand me. This is a bit much. Erm, you are a gryphon, right?”

‘Yes’

“I have no idea if this is even a thing, are you a male or- wait, yes or no questions. Are you a female? I just would like to know how to refer to you respectfully,”

‘Yes’

“Huh, ok, thank you. Actually, you probably have no idea what I am, so time for formal introductions. My name is Jason, and I have no idea how I got here. I’m a human male, from…well, I guess a different planet? Land? I don’t know how much to explain. It’s called Earth, where I’m from. I got here a few days ago and have been firing flares. Did you all see them by chance?

‘Yes’

“Wait, is that why you’re out here?”

‘Yes’

Jason let out a breath, shaking his head back and forth.

“Well, I’m sorry then. I didn’t want anyone to get hurt because of me.”

Galley could only blink, the painkillers making her tense muscles relax a bit more.

“I’ve treated your wounds as best I could, but I don’t know what else to do. The antibiotics I have might kill you for all I know. You have two broken limbs, and I splinted them as best I could. Your beak was nearly cracked through, hence the tape and splinting on it.”

Gesturing to the medical container again, Galley withdrew a large red crystal, tapping it with her shaking claws. The human’s eyes widened as sparks flew from it, healing magic burrowing into her frame and making the gryphoness sigh with relief.

“What in the world was that? Well, if it helped, all the better.”

Probably fused my bones together; breaking those again is going to be awful, but at least the worst of the pain is gone. I should be able to function after these painkillers wear off…except for my beak.
Ugh. If only healing crystals could restore everything to where it should be, then I could at least talk!

Sitting down to lean against the center column of the room, the man massaged his temples gesturing to her packs.
“Anything else I can get for you out of here?”

‘No’

Wait, the emergency beacon! When I wake up though…so tired…

The gryphoness let out a sigh, flopping onto the foam pad without another thought.
Jason stared at the creature, finally shrugging as he retrieved a few small camping pillows, placing them underneath her head.

“Well, nice to meet you, Splotchy. This is going to be a really one-sided conversation until we get some help. At least someone knows you’re here,” he mused. “I just hope they don’t eat me or toss me off a mountain. I’m not sure what your method of saying ‘hello’ is.”

Jason poured another batch of water onto the camping stove, eying the bottles already filled up with the precious liquid.

“Boiled and run through three different filters. That’s about as best I can do other than distillation, which I just don’t have the fuel for,” the man remarked. “And what do you eat? Meat I assume? Jeez, considering the chemicals in the military rations, that might kill you too. Ugh. I wish I knew how careful to be…”

Checking on the gryphoness again, Jason couldn’t help but smile, seeing her asleep under the rough blanket he had placed in the middle of the night. He didn’t exactly have a reference point, but compared to art from Earth, this gryphon just seemed softer, in a way, with more sapient-specific character attributes with an expressive range.

At least, that’s what he could tell. The injuries to her face made that difficult.
At least it IS a she. So, there is a difference with their kind. And I hopefully didn’t violate any extra-terrestrial codes of conduct. Then again, if this was a certain television show I’d have probably made the Prime Directive catch fire by now.

Now able to see her in the natural light of day, Jason was able to fully see the interesting coloration that spread across her figure.

Well, under the blanket at least.

White and grey feathers covered most of the gryphoness’s frame which matched her claws and beak, a few odd black splotches then scattered across her neck, face, forelimbs, flank and tip of her fluffy tail. She was definitely of the feline variety of gryphon (if there was an alternative that is,) except she seemed to be less of a lion cross and more of a panther…or perhaps leopard? Quite frankly they were all rather similar and it wasn’t terribly important. The green eyes were surprising, a splash of color from her otherwise neutral tones.

Shaking his head, Jason couldn’t help but smile slightly. He was still not quite able to believe a mythical creature not only existed here, but was currently napping on a camping pad in his tower.

After the water reached a rolling boil for a few minutes, Jason set the final batch aside, a soft grunt catching his attention.

“Ah, still with me?” he asked, seeing Splotchy tap her claws in a ‘yes’ answer. “Do you need anything? More things from your pack?

‘Yes’

Reaching into the bags, Jason withdrew a few items; another first aid kit, some strange bricks of what may have been food, some canteens, and then an odd circular amulet that seemed to make the gryphoness rather excited. Handing it over to her, Jason watched as she tapped it three times, the device then glowing and beginning to pulse with a soft blue light.

“If I had to guess, is that some sort of locator?”

‘Yes’

“I obviously have quite a few questions if that is alright, but first is there anything you need?”

Splotchy’s eyes drifted over to her canteens, Jason nodding.

“Water? And perhaps some food?”

‘Yes’

Washing his hands first, Jason knelt down and unscrewed the cap, then frowning as he examined her beak.
“This could be tricky. Hmm. I’ll pour a bit into your mouth at a time, alright?”

Seeing no argument, the man carefully deposited a quarter-cup of water into the gryphoness’s beak, only continuing once she had awkwardly (and likely painfully,) swallowed. Half a canteen later, and Splotchy shook her claws- Jason setting the water aside.

“Alright, so we can get you water, but I have no idea how food will work.”

A simple ‘No’ answer was enough for him.

“Not hungry? With your wounds I’m not surprised. So now we just wait until your friends get here? Will that be soon?”

‘Yes/No’

“Ah…is that a maybe?”

‘Yes’

“Alright, may I ask a bit about you? This place? I’ll happily tell you the same.”

‘Yes’

“Well, first off, you have slept most of the day; it’s afternoon now. Thought you’d want to keep track of time. As for questions, are your friends more gryphons wearing armor? Or gryphons in general?”

‘No’

“…huh.” Jason muttered, not having expected that answer. “Different types of creatures? From where I come from, gryphons and other creatures are thought to be myth and fantasy, not real. So, there’s other kinds of creatures in this land? I saw a cockatrice…”

‘Yes’

“Minotaur’s? Let me see, harpies? Kirin? Maybe a Pegasi or two? Are they sapient like you too?”

‘Yes, No, Yes, Yes, Yes.’

“Wait, what? That wasn’t an entirely serious question…”

Jason’s eyes widened, scrawling the information down in the notebook still on his desk.
“Ok, so a land populated by fantasy creatures; this is getting weird,” he muttered to himself. “No odder than treating a gryphon-erm, gryphoness for injuries I guess.”

Taking the notebook back, Jason sat down next to the gryphoness, massaging his eyes briefly, tired lines and bags visible from a restless night.

“Alright, I won’t bother you too much more, because you’re probably in a decent amount of pain. I’m just trying to figure out what I can about this place.”

Her claws gestured towards him and Jason nodded, waving a hand.

“Oh, of course. Where I’m from, there’s just us, only humans. Over seven billion of us on the planet. It looks similar to here actually, forests, mountains; we have huge oceans too. It’s rather gorgeous honestly,” the gryphoness’s eyes widened at his words, focused on Jason as he continued.

“Humans are as diverse as they are numerous, different cultures, histories, languages, traditions, it’s rather fantastic really. But we’re the only sapient creatures on our planet, then just have lots of I…don’t know if any of them are coming for me,” he continued. “All I remember was a lightning storm, a creepy laugh, and I woke up here, tower and all. First clue something was wrong was seeing that freaky chicken thing. And then those wood-wolves, and you of course. Don’t have any of those back home. Well, gryphons and the other creatures I mentioned exist in my world only as mythical creations, nothing more. Seeing one in person is certainly an experience.”

He paused, rubbing the back of his head in thought.

“It’s odd. When I came here, I saw flashes of what I thought was stuff from my world, the old mountain I was on, even I look a bit different. When I first came upon you, you looked like a human girl but then that changed into a gryphon body. Came with a blasted headache too, maybe I’m allergic to something in the air?”

Splotchy managed a shrug, Jason shaking his head.

“Sorry. The job I have…had leaves you a bit starved for social contact. And now to find out not only am I not alone in this forest, but it’s inhabited by sapient fantasy creatures? It’s a bit much. I don’t want to tire you out though. As far as first impressions go, I’d say this has been a pretty crazy event.”

Judging from the slight nod and shaking of the gryphoness’s sides, Jason figured she was laughing which matched the clear mirth in her green gaze.

“Well, is there anything I can do for you? I wish I could help more with your injuries, but I’ve done as much as I can,” Jason asked, retrieving the other medical kit for her. “And I wish I knew what to call you. The only name I came up with is probably offensive in some way.”

Her head tilted in curiosity, the man gesturing to her coloration.
“Splotchy, due to your feathers. That was before I knew you were, well, sapient.”

She laughed again; soft exhales that confirmed it was such.

“Hmm. I’ve got a bunch of movies, but without context, they might appear pretty weird,” the man paused, shaking his head. “Actually, I’m sure any of them will be odd, since many have humans as characters…”

An idea came to the fore, and Jason hauled over the laptop accompanying power cords, and a notebook.

“I have to go check stuff down below but there are some nature documentaries I can show you. They basically show my world and the animals that live on it,” he then winced. “Erm, do creatures here that aren’t sapient hunt and kill and the like? I have no idea how the ecosystem works…regenerating wood wolves and all that. I saw a rabbit a day ago though, those are not sapient, right?”

Another laugh, and a ‘Yes, Yes’ from the gryphoness.

“Hey, just checking. I’d rather not mess up my first contact with another sapient creature. Mister Attenborough it is. If you can understand me, I assume that will carry over to this. It’s a documentary, basically showing how wildlife behaves on my world and what it all looks like. And you’ll get to see another human who narrates it all.”

Setting the film to play, Jason watched as the gryphoness’s ears perked up, green eyes sparkling with interest.
“I’ll be right back- oh, and maybe if you can try to write down your name? I doubt I’ll be able to read it, but it’s worth a shot. Press this button to pause and star the movie by the way,” he explained.

Tripping over a bag near the door, Jason caught himself and let out an annoyed grunt, snagging the shotgun as he ventured outside.

“Alright wolves, time to make a statement.”

For the next two hours or so, Jason hauled over various branches and logs, making a square on the ground in the clearing surrounding the tower. It was hardly a fence; but hopefully it would serve its purpose come nightfall.

“That’s my line in the sand, wolves. Hopefully you’ll learn to not cross it,” Jason muttered, wiping his brow and scanning the imposing woods. After swigging down some water from his belt canteen, Jason made his way back to the tower. To his relief, the gryphoness appeared perfectly fine; at least as much as could be expected from her injuries. What he didn’t expect was to see the movie paused, and a small framed picture held in her claws.

Ah. The pack I tripped over…

“That’s my family,” Jason remarked, making the gryphoness jerk with surprise, apparently not having heard him ascend the tower.

“Mother, father, a little brother and little sister. Both in their teens now,” he said softly, taking the offered picture back, the gryphoness’s ears pinning back slightly.

“I guess it fell out of my pack- or you were a bit curious.”
The slightly guilty look in Splotchy’s eyes gave Jason a fair idea of which option that was.

“Well, no harm done,” he remarked softly, stowing the picture back in the pack. “Hopefully I’ll get to see them soon. Or…again,” the man’s voice drifted off, a lump of emotion clogging his throat.
Suppose I’ve never really accepted that option, that I may never…

A seemingly concerned hum snapped Jason back to reality, the gryphoness looking up at him curiously.
“It’s all a bit much to take it. Still feels like a weird sort of dream. Or a nightmare, depending on the time of day.”

A more sympathetic hum left the gryphoness’s beak, Jason shrugging his shoulders, not trusting himself to look at the individual.

Of all the times to get teary…

“Well, first things first though. I can’t see them again if I get eaten. How are you holding up?”

A slight shrug of Splotchy’s wings was an answer enough, Jason gesturing to the stove and piled-high supplies.

“Still not hungry? Thirsty?”

‘No’

Jason wasn’t sure of how biologically it all worked, but he could have sworn the gryphoness’s off-white cheeks were now tinted a soft pink, her claws gesturing to something near the supplies.

“Toilet paper? What do-oh. You have that in your world? And I assume it means the same thing here? Water in, water out?”

‘…Yes’

The man retrieved the item, stuffing it onto his belt before kneeling next to the shifting gryphoness.

“I’ll have to carry you down. I am not sure the two buckets I have up here would be reasonable.”

Either he was long-since desensitized to normal bodily function, or perhaps the entire thing was a sort of taboo, but the gryphoness definitely had a blush on her cheeks now.
Rather adorable if I’m being honest. Alright then.

Scooting his arms underneath her, Jason heaved the gryphon up, making sure to avoid the splinted limbs.
“I’m assuming you have semi-hollow bones; otherwise you’d be a lot heavier,” he grunted, carefully making his way down the lookout stairs.

Maybe it was just the position of how he was holding Splotchy, but Jason could have sworn the gryphoness relaxed in his arms ever so slightly.
Odd.

Looking at the porta-pottie, Jason shook his head and headed a short distance away.

“When I was transported here, that thing got the bottom cut off of it. Erm, it’s a plastic toilet- not even sure if you have those. A place to relieve yourself in the woods? Anyhow, considering there’s a deep hole underneath it for some reason, it still works. But I imagine that might be a bit awkward given your injuries,” Jason explained.

Carefully lowering the gryphoness to the ground, Jason nodded in approval as she managed to stand- albeit with a slight limp.

“Two broken limbs and you can stand? What in the world was in that crystal…” he remarked in wonder, drawing his pistol and turning his back, setting the toiletries near her. “I’ll make sure there’s no rude wolves about.” A soft amused huff greeted his words, and soon enough the roll of toiletries was tossed back, the gryphoness sitting down awkwardly in front of the human. “Well, back up we go.”

Jason definitely didn’t imagine it this time; the gryphoness definitely relaxed in his arms.
Well, at least she seems to understand I’m a friend. Points for the human.
Setting Splotchy back down on the camping pad, Jason glanced over at a nearby notebook, noticing a few strange markings.

“…If that’s your name, I can’t read it, unfortunately. Maybe I’ll be able to understand it in time? Or maybe whatever lets you understand me will work like that,” he mused.

A shrug met his words, the man sitting down in the worn desk chair.
“Not sure where to go from here. I’ll keep shooting those flares up especially since your friends are looking for you.”

The gryphoness let out a hum, gesturing to the human with a set of claws.

“Me?” he asked, venturing a guess. “You want to know about me?”

‘Yes’

“Well, let me see. My job here was to look for fires in a big forest; they got started by other humans being careless, or lightning strikes. I used the radios over there,” he gestured to the devices, “to communicate with others to try and put them out before the fires got too big. I was enrolled in a higher-education program through the laptop, that’s this thing here, to try a career in something else. I’m…not sure if you followed any of that.”

‘Yes’

“Oh? Well, other than that, I don’t know where to start. Do you all have family units? On Earth, it varies. The most common is a mother and father- male and female respectively. But other forms of that can be a kind of communal unit, or two fathers, or two mothers; it just depends. Is any of that a thing here?”

‘Yes’

On seeing Splotchy’s eyes seem to glint in amusement, Jason ventured a guess.

“Is that how things are here, more or less?”

‘Yes’

“Ok, that removes a bit of an understanding barrier,” he sighed, gesturing to the supplies in the lookout. “What else? Well, before I came here, I had a weird itch, like something bad was going to happen. We get severe weather at times where I’m at, and I’ve lived through a few really ugly events on my world. So, I hauled all of my gear into the tower and here we are. I usually don’t have all this stuff up here, well, most humans don’t even have this stuff to be honest,” he paused, gesturing to the gryphoness.

“I’d certainly like to know about you, but I’m not sure how best to do that, especially with just yes or no questions. Perhaps once you’re well?”

Another soft laugh, the gryphoness rustling her wings.

‘Yes, Yes’

“A double yes? Well don’t I feel special,” Jason chuckled, frowning as a familiar howl sounded out from the forest below. “Well, it looks like our neighbors are back,” he muttered, retrieving some items and crouching next to the gryphoness.

“The weapons I have are extremely loud; basically, a small explosion propelling a piece of metal very fast. I don’t want you to hurt your ears. Mine were ringing for hours when I used them without earplugs,” he explained, helping insert the small foam plugs into Splotchy’s ears, then adding a set of earmuffs. He donned his own pair, slinging the old wooden rifle over his shoulder and picking up the flare gun and radio. The sun and moon did its nauseous flip-flop, and the radio repeated back its usual static.

“Does the sun and moon always do that?” Jason asked, looking inside as Splotchy’s head tilting in confusion.

‘Yes’

“Ah. It doesn’t do that back home. A slow rise and slow set based on gravity. I can’t imagine what would cause…anyhow,” he murmured, returning to the tower railing.

The flare went up without a response, but some familiar green eyes began to move at the base of the tower.
“Oh no you don’t,” Jason muttered, shouldering the rifle. “Even chickens can learn the basics of cause and effect. Time to teach you all.”

The base of the tower and surrounding clearing was easily visible by the light of the half-full moon, Jason’s eyes quickly adjusting to the dark. The glowing eyes of the wood-wolves made the process much easier too. There was easily a dozen of them, prowling along the edge of the clearing.

Alright, now we wait.

It didn’t take long- a wolf stepped over the wooden line on the ground…

*BANG*

Exploding into bits rather violently, the wooden creature slowly re-formed with a whimper, dashing away as its fellows vanished into the undergrowth.
Not after you all. I just want to see if you’re smart enough to get this.
Still rather odd they explode when hit with a bullet. These are larger rounds, but even so…

It didn’t take long for the wolves to return, edging around the fence once again. One of them stepped over, and was quickly blown to bits by the metal round that smashed into its side.

This was repeated over a good hour; Jason only firing if a wolf crossed the ‘fence’ line. After a good couple dozen hits, they seemed to understand the concept, only prowling around the exterior of the perimeter.

“Smart wolves, eventually,” he muttered. A howl sounded out; and the green eyes scattered, a group of familiar red-eyed creatures taking their place. “A different pack?” His hypothesis was proven correct as they promptly crossed the fence line and began to gnaw at the base of the tower. “So you’re the ones doing that. Alright…”

*BANG*

It took another good hour of ‘teaching’ to send the same message to the red-eyed wolves, but these seemed different somehow. They prowled along the edge of the fence, growling and snarling at the human up above them. And yet they didn’t cross the line, having learned the consequence for doing so.

After watching for another ten minutes, Jason walked inside, and frowned on seeing a ball of fur and feathers shivering as a series of howls resonated around the lookout tower, likely piercing the ear protection of the sensitive gryphon.

“Hey, you alright?” he asked softly, the gryphoness letting out a soft whine.

Poor thing. Almost getting eaten would do that. Is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder a thing for them here?
I know I was dealing with it for a good year or two…
Or five.
Or…well, still.

“Hey, we’re all good here. They can’t climb up past the second story, and the barricades were solid,” Jason remarked, wincing as another choked whimper left the gryphoness.

Reaching over to pull a blanket over her, Jason took a step back, hand hesitantly outstretched.
I have no idea what an acceptable gesture of comfort would be. Guess this is all I can do for now.

Reloading the eight-round rifle clip, Jason sat on the bed, eating a quiet meal as he thought. As he got ready for bed, his eyes flickering to the picture frame peeking out from the bag next to the desk.
I hope I get to see you all soon…

“Do you want me to leave the light on, at least for a bit? I don’t know how long it will last though,” Jason asked, and saw the slightest bob of Splotchy’s head.

“Alright. Let me know if I can help, even if it’s in a simple way.”

Jason frowned on seeing the gryphon shiver slightly, the man climbing into bed with a sigh.
Guess I’m not the only one having a bit of trouble then.

Strangely enough, having someone-somecreature to care for took the lookout’s mind off his current predicament, at least slightly.

Just like that time when everything changed, everything you thought was normal ripped out from under you. But that’s when I learned; helping those who were worse off…it makes you realize how much you really have, and how much you can still give.

I don’t know how to help this creature though.

As howls echoed through the night, Galley felt her entire body shiver, despite the warm blanket covering her. The only thing she was able to see in her mind’s eye were green eyes leering at her, teeth digging into her limbs and side.

I’ve never had them this bad…

Having woken from a nightmare an hour ago, the gryphoness was unable to sleep, instead shifting this way and that. She was no stranger to rough living, but this was different.
I grew up in Griffinstone, but never had any of this come up, at least not like this. Some nightmares, sure. But I didn’t think….

More howls sent shivers down the gryphoness’s body, fear icing over her usually cheery thoughts. Thunder rumbled in the distance, and Galley’s claws shook.

I’m scared.

It was an odd and very alien thing to admit to one’s self, especially if you were a gryphon. The general view was that if you admitted weakness, you were weak. Living among ponies had taught Galley differently over the years however.
Took me long enough. I guess I’m still learning…

The tower swayed in the wind, and the fear began to spiral out of control despite Galley’s best efforts. The wolves were on the stairs or at least at the base of the tower, scratching and growling as they tried to find a way in. They knew the human wasn’t on the railing and were pressing their luck.

Galley shifted awkwardly, knocking over a bag that spilled out some metal containers with a clatter. Jason woke up with a start, immediately reaching for the strange weapon at his bedside as he scrubbed sleep from his eyes.

“What the-oh,” he mumbled, tottering over and scooping up the offending items. “You’re up?” the man asked softly, looking over at the wide-eyed gryphoness. His expression softened in the dim light; the human kneeling down next to her as the battery-powered lantern struggled to stay partially lit.

“Hey, you ok?”

Despite the pain of doing so, Galley shook her head, lithe figure trembling slightly.
No, I’m not. I didn’t sign up for getting mauled by wolves! You’re the most pleasant thing here, even if you are an alien.

Her sides ached, the barely-healed wounds making the gryphoness wince. As more howls sounded out from below them, the guard couldn’t take it anymore. A soft whimper left her beak, the gryphoness scooting off the pad slightly. Galley promptly flopped down next to the human, closing her eyes and tentatively shifting to lean against the human’s side, hoping such a gesture wasn’t breaking some sort of weird rule.

I just need to think about something else other than those things. Anything…

Slipping on the tile floor, the gryphoness let out a choked squawk as instead of resting against the human’s side, her upper torso flopped into his lap, head ended up pressed against the man’s chest, rather similar to when he carried her up and down the stairs.

Even with the awkward positioning, her fears concerning decorum were unfounded apparently, as an arm slowly lowered itself around the back of her neck, resting across the gryphoness’s shoulders.

“Hey, it’s alright. All they can do is howl themselves hoarse,” Jason whispered, smiling ever so slightly. “Does somebody like being carried?”

Galley couldn’t resist a soft laugh, feeling her nerves strangely slip away. The man seemed fairly unconcerned with the contact, and she’d be lying if it didn’t help ease her fears.
At least I got rescued by a nice alien.

As the gryphoness dozed off to sleep, Jason carefully reached over and snagged one of the unused camping pillows, adjusting his position to lean against the center fire-finding console of the room. Going back to sleep with a gryphon leaning against him hadn’t been the plan by far. The fear in her eyes though had made the man’s heart ache, and the whimper that had left the gryphons’ bandaged beak had been clue enough to how troubled she was.

Attacked by wolves, and now stuck in a tower with some strange creature? I don’t blame her for being unsettled. Well, hopefully I can help in this sense at least.

He couldn’t help but let out an amused huff as the gryphoness snuggled a bit closer in her sleep, even as the wolves continued to howl away in the night.

Closest I’ve been to a girl of any sort for a year or two, and it’s a gryphon in an alien simulation. I suppose there’s some sort of cosmic irony in that. Then again, for all I know she could have a mate. Husband. Wife. Whatever they call it.
Or perhaps multiple of those.

Well, here’s hoping she doesn’t wake up and bite me in surprise regardless. It’s still nice not being alone at least.

Author's Note

Huzzah! Our resident human is able to finally talk to somegriff!
Well, somewhat.
For the record, I actually have a semi-scientific reason behind the odd occurrences here and there.....Well, as scientific as magic can get. :rainbowlaugh:

For Galley's coloration's, I'd say it's a combination of these various gryphons; hopefully it was described well enough! Color Link 1, Color Link 2, Color Link 3

Chapter Four: Friends

“Mommy, why is there a siren on our phones?”

“This is not a test. This is not a test. All residents of the previously mentioned counties are to seek shelter now. Do not go outside. Do not open your windows. An incident has occurred at the Takil Chemical Plant and is spreading across the immediate area. This is not a test. Shelter in place immediately. Close all windows and doors. If you are outside, seek shelter in the nearest building. Use all available resources to prevent outside air from entering the room such as damp towels in cracks or duct-tape. All residents of the previously mentioned counties, seek shelter now. Seek shelter- Immediate correction. There has been an additional incident at the Cattail Flats Nuclear Plant, more information will follow. Take shelter now. Take shelter now. This is not a test. This is not a test…”

“Get your masks on!”

“Was that another explosion?”

“It wasn’t near the chemical plant!”

“All residents, seek shelter now. Seek shelter now. This is not a test. This is not a test.”

“What about the reactor across town? What about the dam?”

“They just said the Cattails flat plant got hit!”

“Get your masks on! Jason! Tape that window, hurry!”

Jason woke up with a jolt, a cold sweat dotting his skin as his chest heaved. Still resting against the central fire finding console the human glanced down to see a still passed-out gryphoness flopped across his lap, alien stars shining through the few cracks in the boarded-up windows.

Nightmares. Great, as if I need to deal with those again. Just about a decade ago and still a specter. At least Splotchy didn’t wake up; what are the social norms for this, I wonder? It was nice to not be alone, at least in some sense.

Why does it all come back now? Stress, if I had to figure. But I’ll never be free from all that, even if I’m about as far away from that event as physically possible.

Seeing the moon still present in the night’s sky made Jason’s shoulders slump, the man then frowning as he heard some scratching and from outside.

Munch all you want, wolves. As long as you can’t tear down the tower in one night, I’m good.

The nightmare warded off sleep for the moment, and Jason reached over to snag a familiar picture frame from the backpack near the door. His eyes watered as they wandered over his family, the crushing weight of his situation starting to crush on his mind.

I can’t believe we survived those months; I just hope you all are ok. Maybe I’ll find a way to send you a message, let you know I’m not dead.

Will I ever see you all again? Will I see anything familiar again?

The man reached up and massaged his eyes, a few tears leaking out from his fingers.

And I still don’t know what’s going on! Some simulation? Or maybe I’m in a coma? I just don’t know…

As the man wept silently the gryphoness shifted a bit closer in her sleep, providing a bit of comfort even if not intended. Jason finally set the picture aside and adjusted the pillows behind his head, wiping the tears away with a hand.

Well, at least nobody was here to see the lonely human cry. That’s a plus.

As he drifted back off to sleep, the man failed to notice two eyes slide open for a few moments, genuine concern radiating from their green depths.

A rather obnoxious ache in Jason’s neck heralded the arrival of morning, the man wincing at his slightly awkward position as a dim sun shone through the cracks in the wooden shutters.

Well that was a cruddy night. Ugh. I’m surprised I didn’t have a panic attack with all of this happening. Then again it hasn’t fully set in, I think.

That’d be fantastic. Collapsing into a shivering mess when meeting an alien ambassador.

Apparently Splotchy was still exhausted from either the painkillers or her wounds because the gryphoness didn’t so much as make a sound as Jason moved her back onto the camping pad. Not that he minded being a pillow; but it was a gesture of good faith.

Assuming personal boundaries are even a thing here. One of many things to learn, I guess.

The storm from the previous night was still somewhat present, a few darker clouds dropping rain showers here and there as they scurried across the blue sky. A slight breeze swirled around the tower, bringing with it the mix of alien scents of the forest. After taking care of the usual ‘wake up and get ready to tackle the day’ routine (which consisted of a brief breakfast and shaving,) Jason snagged the shotgun and began to inspect the structure for damage from the previous night. On examining the exterior of the lookout, the man frowned on seeing some rather large gashes across the base of the railing; evidence that something had been trying to climb up rather unsuccessfully.

Evidently the wolves did understand the ‘fence’, and also understood it meant nothing if the human wasn’t there to enforce it.

“Smart wood-wolves,” he muttered, taking a breath of the air. The gas mask was hung inside the tower, no reason to get it now. Any airborne pathogens would have surfaced by now…he hoped.

After that dream I’m half tempted to walk around with that thing strapped to my face, but the filters wouldn’t last. Best save them for a real emergency- outside of an alien planet. That’s a weird thought.
And yet I still get these blasted headaches. It’s not like the migraines that come and go with the weather or stress.

After examining the partially-full rain barrels, Jason ascended the stairs once again, letting out a chuckle as Splotchy waved weakly at him on entering the room.

“Hello hello. Get some sleep?” he asked, trying (and failing,) to resist a grin as the gryphoness definitely blushed and averted her eyes.

A mythologically fierce creature blushing. I wouldn’t have thought such a sight to be this adorably cute, yet here we are. Best ignore it for now until I know what such a thing even means.

If it’s similar to why humans blush, well, that’d be interesting.

“Well, of that I’m glad. Looks like those wolves were scratching at the base of the tower. Maybe your friends will show up today?”

A shrug greeted his words, the gryphoness flinching as the clouds overhead rumbled ever so slightly.

“Eh, just a slight rain shower I think,” Jason mused, seeing two green eyes look at him as though expecting a reaction to her obvious discomfort.

As a light rain began to fall, Jason shrugged off both the t-shirt and lighter undergarment on his torso, standing outside in his worn shorts as the rain washed away the grime.

“A shower…well this is a nice treat,” the man mused, taking the opportunity to wash as best he could. Of all the days to wear shorts for his morning inspections…that was lucky. Wet pants took forever to dry in the humidity.

Galley’s eyes widened slightly, seeing that the clothing the man wore was, in fact, just that. Most creatures didn’t wear such things all the time, but it had quickly been obvious these humans didn’t see their naked bodies the same way Equestrians did. Instead of formal or accessory wear, clothing seemed to be an integral part of their life. Her curiosity immediately washed away the embarrassment of recalling the previous night.

Such an interesting culture. And that…who was it? David atten…atabough? He wore clothes too. I assume most humans do?

What struck Galley wasn’t the odd hairlessness (mostly) of the man, but the light grey and pink scar that stretched from Jason’s hip and up across his chest. It was easily as wide as one of her claws, jagged and very brutal in appearance.

Whoa….

Just after toweling off, Jason noticed Galley’s gaze clearly directed to the scar. The man let out a soft huff, picking up his shirt.

“I don’t know if there’s such things as criminals here, individuals who break laws for various reasons,” the man mused, shrugging on the two overgarments once again. “But in my world, humanity usually falls into a few categories. The majority are good people, just wanting to live their life how they see fit and not be bothered. There’s a subset who want to protect people, help them, do good in the world proactively. Then there’s another small category; individuals either in power or not who want to control or otherwise hurt people. The reasons vary; and from an outside perspective it may seem trivial. But beliefs, looks, living area; all are reasons for these bad individuals to want to hurt or control someone.”

He gestured to the now-hidden scar, and Galley’s green eyes widened in surprise. For a brief moment there was something sharp and predatory behind the human’s gaze, similar to when he had burst into the clearing a few days ago to fend off the Timberwolves. For whatever reason, a slight shiver ran down Galley’s spine at seeing that look; and she wasn’t sure if it was a fearful one or something else.

“That’s the result of some of those bad people attacking a city I was living in. Or rather, they attacked some areas surrounding it that caused a major catastrophe. A lot of people died; my family were some of the few who didn’t. A few bad individuals can do a lot of evil if they put their mind to it, not sure if it’s like that here.”

Galley nodded, and her response seemed to put the human’s heart at ease.

“That’s rather relieving. Trying to explain humanity, both good and bad, to a society that would be somewhat utopian? That’d be difficult.”

She laughed, or tried to. Sides shaking as her green eyes narrowed in amusement.

“Is that a laugh at the thought this place is utopian?”

The gryphoness nodded her head, and the man sat down in the chair with a grin.

“Well, I guess I’ll fit right in!”

Sunlight began to peek out among the clouds, and Jason stood up with a grunt and looked out the rain-speckled windows.

“Huh. Easy come easy go…”

The tower began to shiver, and the man grabbed the metal tube- what he called a ‘shotgun,’ and opened the door.

“Wolves are getting bolder. Hold on.”

Galley frowned, snagging the ear mufflers that lay nearby. What she failed to notice however, was that the locater beacon had stopped blinking.

“Ok wolves, green eyes or red today? And how did you get up the stairs so fast? And during the day too.” Jason muttered, stuffing some earplugs in as he peered over the side.

Nothing.

“Hello? Anyone up there?” the voice had an odd accent; German?

Humans? Maybe they were brought here too?

First time I’ve heard a friendly voice in this place.

The man’s brown eyes widened, a genuine laugh escaping his frame.

“Aye, about time someone showed up. You a friend or foe?”

“That depends which you are.”

Holding the shotgun at the ready, Jason heaved the trapdoor open.

“Well, I’m a friend, and quite frankly I’m tired…of….” his words trailed off as an alabaster horse stared at him, clad in some familiar golden armor and holding a spear somehow in the air.

The shotgun came up, the man gesturing to the creature as he aimed.

“What are you?! A unicorn?”

“Uh, yeah? What are YOU?” the Unicorn replied, holding the spear at the ready. “And where is Private Stonefeather?”

Stonefeather? Wild guess…

Jason was about to reply when he heard wingbeats, and then something very sharp pressed against the back of his neck.

“Drop. The. Weapon.”

Jason slowly set the shotgun down and raised his hands.

“Ok, you must be her friends. Talking Unicorns…horses-”

“Ponies,” the voice behind him hissed, the man still keeping his hands up and voice calm.

“Ponies, alright. Look, if it’s the gryphoness you’re looking for, she’s inside and injured. I bandaged her up as best I could.”

Three armored ponies shoved their way past him, the spear-wielding creature behind the man still keeping pressure on his neck.

“I’m not going to hurt anyone. If you’re her friends then that’s good enough for me. I know she activated some locator beacon. So, can you please not stab me?”

The spear retracted and a familiar yet completely alien figure flew into view, wings somehow keeping the creature aloft.

“A Pegasus?”

The armored pony nodded, gesturing to the man cautiously as he landed on the railing.

“Yeah? And you are…?”

“A human. Pretty sure you don’t have them here.”

“No, we don’t. Bipedal like a minotaur, Satyr, or one of those cats.”

“…there’s minotaur’s and Satyr’s?”

“Uh, yes?”

“Private Nail, don’t talk to the alien!”

“Sorry sir.”

Jason couldn’t resist a grin, leaning against the raining as he saw a few more Pegesi swooping closer.

“This is just crazy. What kind of simulation is this?”

“Uh, Sergeant? What is that thing?” one of the ponies called out as the other three ponies carefully moved Splotchy/Private Stonefeather out the door.

“Hello, I can hear you. A human named Jason here,” the man remarked cheerily as he waved.

“Don’t talk to it- erm, him. Wait until the Princess gets here.”

“…hold up, who?”

The Sergeant, who Jason could now distinguish by the odd markings on his armor, oversaw the gryphoness being strapped to a backboard held by Pegasi, then turned to him with a huff.

“This is very outside of my training. Princess Celestia will be here shortly to discuss…well, you.”

Jason nodded, running a hand through his hair as the Pegasi and injured gryphoness carefully flew off.

“Well, alright. I’d certainly like some answers.”

The sergeant was clearly a professional, not pushing the matter any further…for about thirty seconds.

“What even are you doing here? You’re not from Equestria or any other land,” the Sergeant asked, sitting down as his three companions watched the human with a guarded gaze.

“Equestria? Is that what this place is called? Fitting I guess,” Jason mused. “I have no idea what I’m doing here. I was on my world, Earth, and got hit by a crazy thunderstorm. A creepy laugh echoed everywhere, and then I popped up here a week or so ago. Assuming seven days is a week.”

“Discord perhaps?” a guard pipped up before being shushed by the others.

“And what of Private Stonefeather? Her wounds are severe, but clearly treated.”

“So that’s her name? Nice to know that at least,” Jason remarked. “I heard a call from help during a nasty storm a few days ago. A flare went up and I saw a bunch of those wood-wolves attacking her. Fended those off and brought her back here. I couldn’t do much for her broken bones but splint it, but managed to stop the bleeding,” he then paused, brow furrowing. “Will she be alright?”

The Sergeant chuckled, nodding once.

“Oh, she’s a tough one. A few healing spells and she’ll be right as rain.”

“…spells?”

The unicorn’s horn lit up, levitating the spear at his side, this time pointing away from the human.

“Ok that’s a thing. Weird simulation,” Jason murmured. “Why have that have to be a thing?”

“Why do you keep saying that word? Simulation?” the Sergeant asked, then seemed to listen, head tilting as a crystal object in his ear glowed.

“Time for us to leave. The Princess will take it from here. We’ll be at the base of the tower.”

As the ponies trotted off, a rather bright flash erupted near the door; and Jason scrubbed his eyes briefly…

“Ok, whoa,” he muttered, seeing a pony as tall as he was looking at the human with a curious, violet gaze.

“Unicorn? Pegasus? No…”

“Alicorn. My name is Princess Celestia,” she replied, for the voice definitely was feminine. “And you are Jason, so I hear. A human; I did not expect to see one of your kind here.”

Wait.

“Princess? So you are the ruler? Or-?”

“Current but soon to be ex-ruler…of sorts. Let’s just say retirement has been put on hold for now. My capable successor has delegated this task to me for well, obvious reasons,” Celestia quipped, gesturing to the man.

“But a human in Equestria? I would have never thought the day. The mirror was supposed to eliminate that form on passing through. How did you get here, Jason, if that’s an appropriate way to address you?”

Jason nodded, gesturing to the tower briefly.

“I was on my world and got hit with a nasty thunderstorm. I then ended up here after blacking out and hearing some weird laugh. I found Private Stonefeather a few days after that, and…well, here we are. I assume this is all some sort of simulation.”

Celestia blinked, genuine confusion written across her features.

“Simulation?”

The man chuckled, nodding as he gestured around again.

“Of course. A land populated by creatures from Earth mythology? Finding an injured gryphon who just happens to be one of my favorite mythological creatures other than dragons? Whoever you are, I assume you’re evaluating how my kind react to situations before initiating contact…or perhaps just for study. Took a scan of my brain and crafted a world based on things I know, at least partially. Perhaps to dull the shock of interacting with an alien race? I’m not sure.”

To the man’s surprise, genuine sorrow slid onto Celestia’s face, her ears pinning back as her head shook back and forth.

“Jason, this isn’t a simulation or the like. You are in a land called Equestria, and this place is as real as you are.”

Jason began to hear a thudding sound in his ears; a heartbeat, the man’s legs starting to shiver.

“So…no hyper-advanced simulation?”

“Not as far as I know of, and I’ve been here for over a thousand years.”

The man slid to the floor of the walkway, vaguely aware that his breathing had become rather rapid.

“So not on Earth or in orbit…no aliens….”

“I mean, we’re technically aliens to you, and you to us. But you’re in Equestria, a planet with a few others in this solar system, as far as we can tell. I know of no other habitably worlds in terms of material space.”

Oh boy. Panic attack.
This is no time to panic.
You’re not in a simulation. You’re on an alien planet. This is no time to panic.

…This is the perfect time to panic.

“Ah, wait, a thousand years? You all live that long?” Jason asked weakly, the alicorn walking over to examine the man worryingly.

“Well, me and my sister don’t age in the normal sense. Others have normal life spans, but are you alright?”

“Peachy!” Jason replied, a cold sweat spreading across his entire body and starting to soak his shirt.

“Just an alien planet. Not abducted. Inhabited by mythical creatures that shouldn’t exist. Not in a coma…”

“Oh dear. Hold on, Jason.”

As Jason’s vision began to waver and swim, Celestia’s horn lit up, and the man felt as though he was strapped to the back of a rocket-

The last thing he saw was white, sterile walls and some hazmat suti-clad ponies standing off to the side, the Princess looking on in worry.

Then the world went dark.

Author's Note

Hmmm. There's quite a bit more to Jason it seems. :trixieshiftright: What happened to you....?
*Based on an imaginary event, but grounded in very-real possibility.

And OFFICIAL first contact! Huzzah! I mean, he fainted halfway through, but close enough!
As always, feedback is appreciated!

Chapter Five: Adjustments

Water sloshing at my waist…

‘Jason, did you find anyone? Did your filters last?’

‘Not alive. And yeah, I can still breath easily. I still have the spares.’

‘I’m sorry you had to see that, son. But we had to check a final time just to make sure before we don’t venture out anymore. Nobody was in my block either. The canoe almost sank hitting some downed branches. Hopefully most of the people are on high ground or hiding somewhere safe. We can last a while here with the store; now let’s get showered off. That water is something nasty. We’ll have to ration our clean supply though after today.’

‘Dad, its been a week. Why isn’t anyone coming here to help? The radio said the worst of the radiation cleared after a few days and that help was coming. The water is starting to drain in some areas of the town…’

‘….’

‘Dad, what are you not telling me?’

‘Son, let’s get into some clean clothes.’

‘What is going on!?’

‘Look, it’s not just our county, Jason. We got the worst of the flooding, yes, but each of the nearby cities got hit too with…something else. It’s almost the entire state affected by this mess…maybe more. The radiation we’re getting isn’t from the reactor. Whoever it was, they had a lot of things go right for them. We might not get help for a while.’

‘Wait, the cities? A different source? No…did they get hit with-’

*Beep. Beep. Beep.*

‘That’s the radiation alarm. Check your mask! Make sure your mother and siblings have it on tight, I’ll close us up here!’

*Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep…*

Wait, I know that sound.

Jason pried his eyes open, the sterile walls of a hospital room greeting the man. A heart monitor hummed away at his left, now silent as his heartbeat was ‘normal’ or what passed for it. The room was fairly barren aside from some plastic sheeting covering the entrance, a rather lovey painting of a village hanging on the wall ahead of him, and a large window to his right letting in sunlight.

Nightmares again, starting from the beginning. As if I didn’t have enough to think about already. Maybe this entire thing is just a trippy dream, and I’m safe in a hospital after that lightning…

The pony that walked in clad in a disturbingly familiar white hazmat suit quickly dispelled that notion, the man letting out a groan.

“Crud.”

“Ah, you’re awake!” the pony chirped- a mare? Her eyes narrowed as a frown became visible behind the visor. “Are you in any pain? Your heartrate spiked for a moment there.”

“Mental or physical?”

“Well, I’m a nurse, so just the second one for now.”

“Nope. Feel pretty good aside from the talking horse-erm, ponies. No offense. Just bad dreams.”

“None taken. Well, you’ve been out for about a day while we set up this clean room,” the nurse replied, looking over a clipboard at the end of the bed. “Princess Celestia apparently discovered that magic does work on you, but with variable effects. A slight calming spell pretty much knocked you out. Apparently, you were having a panic attack.”

“Seeing talking ponies, wood-wolves, and a gryphon would do that,” Jason muttered, the nurse continuing to look through the notes.

“Apparently Celestia has an idea of what ‘normal’ is for humans and you fall within that range, health wise at least. Well, aside from that scar on your chest.”

“That’s an old wound.”

“We figured. But you should be good to go. Celestia will be here momentarily to speak with you. Welcome to Equestria, Jason.”

As the nurse turned to leave, a thought rammed itself into Jason’s mind.

“Wait!” The pony paused, ears perking up within the hazmat suit (which was rather adorable, the man had to admit.

“Is Splot-erm, is Private Stonefeather going to be alright?”

The mare blinked, thinking for a moment before nodding.

“Yes. We had to put her under anesthesia to re-break and mend the bones and her beak though. She should be making a full recovery in about a week. A little hungry and tired, but she’s doing fine thanks to you,” the mare replied as she trotted out of the room.

Sitting up in the bed, Jason examined the paper-thin hospital gown and frowned. At least they kept his shorts on.

So, an alien planet with a similar society to Earth, at least as far as I can tell?

…to boldly go where no man has gone before. I could certainly use some Picard wisdom right about now.

A familiar Alicorn walked into the room, her body surrounded with a golden glow.

“Ah, Jason. How are you feeling?” Celestia asked, sitting and looking at the human curiously.

“Very, very confused,” he admitted. “My first question, instead of where and when I am, is how you know about humans. I assume you brought me here from the tower?”

Celestia took a breath, letting it out slowly as she thought.

“That is correct. Now…how can I explain this? Your world doesn’t have magic, correct?”

Jason shook his head.

“Then it is a variation of the worlds we are able to visit. Here, we have magic permeating everything. The air, the ground, it all is tied together with an arcane energy. In short, there were mirrors that acted as gateways to other worlds, other variations of this one…at least for a time. One of the exit destinations was a human world but a bit more colorful than you appear,” Celestia explained. “I have visited a few other destinations in my time, but none matched up exactly as to how you appear to us now. However, from what Private Stonefeather tells me, your world has its share of good and evil; which lets me know the destinations I visited were a bit different, much more placid and colorful.”

“So, you can travel to different human worlds? Different…dimensions?” Jason asked, a thoughtful hum leaving Celestia’s muzzle.

“I thought of them as realms; I’m not sure how the term ‘dimensions’ would apply.”

“On my world there is a theory,” Jason explained, sitting up a bit further. “A theory of infinite dimensions. Every choice made or not made splits off into another reality, or dimension. So, there’s a dimension I was never in that tower. There’s another where I tripped on the stairs halfway up, that sort of thing.”

“An apt comparison I suppose. These mirrors did indeed connect to alternate versions of this world. However, for the time being you are in our realm,” Celestia stated. “And if I am being honest, we are all a bit at a loss as to what to do with you. You are the first extra-dimensional creature to ever visit this world.”

Jason could only shrug, massaging his eyes briefly.

“I’d be more than happy to tell you of my world, and then perhaps you can find a use for me,” he said, thinking out loud more than anything. “My course of life has changed rather drastically in little over a week.”

“I understand, but I don’t wish to push you. Currently we’re evaluating to see if you pose a health risk to anypony.”

“…anypony?”

Celestia gestured outside the window with a nod.

“The citizens of Canterlot, thousands upon thousands of mostly ponies within the city and then many more within the nation’s borders. They are my, and Luna’s subjects. That would be my sister who you’ll meet later today…or now,” Celestia explained, then clearly suppressing a laugh as another Alicorn poked her head into the room, or at least near the entrance. Blue in color, the individual let out a massive yawn, waving a hoof to the human as what Jason assumed to be protective magic cloaked her entire figure.

“Thought I’d stop by before heading to bed.”

“Luna, it’s the middle of the day.”

“I set an alarm, alright? I wanted to at least meet our newest visitor. Hello! Perhaps we can arrange a better time to meet,” Luna remarked, smiling tiredly as Jason waved back.

“Now go get some sleep,” Celestia chastened the smaller alicorn, who promptly waved again and disappeared down the hallway.

“And that is Luna, my sister. She guards the realm of dreams at night so she’s exhausted during the day,” Celestia explained.

“Ok, so Celestia…Luna…vague terms for the sun and the moon? What forces cause those bodies to flip-flop so drastically?” Jason asked, still surprised by the casual and half-asleep visitor a few moments ago.

The alicorn smiled, gesturing outside to the afore-mentioned body.

“Ah, we raise and lower them with our magic. They do not move on their own accord like on your world.”

“You’re over a thousand years old, and raise the sun and moon? And Luna?”

“She is younger; but I’ll explain that later. From your perspective that must be rather incredulous I imagine.”

Jason actually chuckled, tentatively swinging his feet off the bed and uncoupling the heartrate monitors. Standing up, he stretched and shrugged.

“No moreso than talking ponies and other fantasy creatures. So, you and your sister rule…what is it, Equestria?”

“Yes. I did for a thousand years, my sister by my side for a shorter time due to an incident. We are retiring for a time however, and Princess Twilight Sparkle will be ruling in that interim space.”

Jason blinked, resisting the urge to chuckle. Apparently, his reaction did not go unnoticed.

“Names here are tied to a creature’s purpose, more often than not, at least for ponies. Not so much like ‘Bob,’” Celestia replied with a smirk.

“I meant no offense.”

Celestia tittered, waving a golden-shod hoof at him.

“None taken; simply explaining. Now then, if you are up to it, I’d appreciate a brief explanation of your world so we can identify and avoid any cultural mishaps.”

Sure. Talk to the giant white pony about Earth. I can do that.

And maybe leave out the…incident.

She then paused, holding up a hoof with an apologetic wince.

“Before we continue however, I must apologize for the less than warm welcome on your tower. Visitors to Equestria are normally treated much more amicably that you were, especially for aiding both one of my guard and a close friend. For that you have my utmost thanks. I sincerely do hope to rebuild our trust in that matter; and we haven’t taken any blood samples for that reason, simply exterior swabs and scans, unless you permit us to do more,” Celestia then continued.

“When Private Stonefeather disappeared, we were in full search-and-rescue mode for days, and few if any of my subjects have even seen a human before. Compounding the matter was the uncalibrated signal of her locator, and my guards simply didn’t know what to expect when they found you, hence the less than warm welcome.”

Jason waved off a hand, shrugging nonchalantly.

“I’m just glad we didn’t stab or otherwise hurt each other, so no harm done. I reacted in just as a hostile manner out of surprise as well. I’m just glad it turned out the way it did.”

He saw Celestia visibly relax, the human letting out a soft chuckle.

“I take it you expected a bit more of a negative reaction?”

“I wasn’t sure what to expect, frankly.”

Jason let out a breath, gesturing to the hospital bed.

“I can’t blame your guards for being more concerned for one of their own than me, especially when I had a weapon also aimed at them as well. Besides, you immediately brought me to a rather lovely hospital and have been rather concerned with my wellbeing; that says quite a bit about your intentions. That said, you’re welcome to take a few vials of blood by the way for analysis. The last thing I’d want is to accidentally carry some sort of pathogen.”

As a few nurses filed in and out taking samples, Jason went down the list of ‘Humans One-oh-One’ over the next few hours. He didn’t delve into the history outside of major world events and a very basic explanation of various countries. Mainly he focused on basic family structure, relationships, behavior, innovation, technological ability such as internal-combustion engines, religion, and so forth.

Throughout the discussion, Jason tried his hardest to find common ground (of which there was plenty,) and avoid any cultural do-not’s, (of which also seemed rather common but modified for ponies.)

Surprisingly, Equestria was remarkably similar to Earth in terms of cultural practices. The concept of ‘cutie-marks’ was odd, but it made sense if everything was infused with magic (which Jason just assumed to be some form of energy.) But family structure, economy, social norms…it was remarkably similar if not identical in many aspects.

That eliminates a lot of uh-oh’s in terms of adjustment.

One of the many species specific things Jason did learn was to not touch between the wings (or wings in general,) on a Pegasi, Gryphon, Hippogriff….well, any creature with wings. Apparently, that was a no-no unless you were rather close to them for various reasons.

The more you know. Glad I didn’t do that accidentally with Private Stonefeather.

While there were obviously gaps in his knowledge, it seemed at least to Jason that the society worked remarkably similar to that of Earth, and that eased his nerves a bit. From what Celestia explained about other races they operated in a similar way to human differences. However instead of color, geographic region, or culture, they were separated by species. Oh, and there was the whole ‘clothing’ thing; that was an easy explanation. Celestia also seemed quite perplexed on how he was able to understand their speech but not writing, but let that matter slide for the time being.

Mainly because neither of them had a clue as to why.

“You all have mastered space travel?” Celestia asked, Jason nodding. He was clad in his now-sterilized clothing, a pleasant change from the thin hospital gown.

“I wouldn’t say mastered, but have sent probes outside our solar system, put a man on our moon and so forth. Humanity, when united around a common purpose, can accomplish incredible things, be it good or ill.”

“Fascinating. We have left your tower untouched, by the way. There is a strange magic around that entire area that we wish to study, but you are free to collect your items,” Celestia explained. “If you approve, you can live in the royal Castle for a time, at least until we figure out how exactly to help you adjust to your stay. You are by no means a prisoner, Jason. The royal setting would simply let us be in close contact as we figure out your living arrangement.”

“However long that may be?”

“Correct. There is an individual I intend to question about that matter, but he is nowhere to be found. I think he may also offer some insight as to how we can understand each other.”

“…Discord? One of the guards mentioned that name.”

Celestia let out a frustrated hiss, her head nodding.

“Indeed. He is the God of Chaos, and possesses a magic far greater than anycreature here. You said you heard a laugh? That is a characteristic of his. But until then I, my sister, and Princess Sparkle will do all we can to make your stay comfortable. Twilight is currently learning how to deal with the media when an alien makes their appearance,” Celestia’s mouth twisted into a wry smile. “And I have to say, she’s doing rather well.”

“I’m surprised I haven’t caused a panic or religious outcry.”

“Ah, yes, Human religion…I’m curious about that, but the biggest issue at the moment is simply what to do with you, and if you’re dangerous.”

Jason calmly poked his side, a rather bemused expression on his face.

“As I assume you already know, humans appear soft and squishy but can be tough as nails at times. We survive in harsh environments by manipulating them to our liking or innovating a way to survive in them, such as developing advanced tools. As I mentioned earlier, we have domesticated Equines- getting kicked by one of those to the chest would easily break bone. I anticipate that same thing would happen here. However, we do have hyperactive scar tissue to heal from wounds….” he saw Celestia smiling in amusement at his words. “Alright, I can see how we could be a threat. That said, those creatures in the forest would have shredded me without a second thought.”

“And yet you fended off the packs of Timberwolves for days.”

“Because I had a gun, yes. If I just had my hands? That would have ended quite differently.”

“Hmm, the advanced design of a gryphon flintlock; another discussion for later. And yet you did so with remarkable courage and saved one of my guards. Galley is the first Gryphon admitted to my Royal Guard, and I am most appreciative of your help.”

“Galley? That’s her first name?” Jason asked, then nodding slowly. “Nice to put a name to a face. I hear she’s doing alright?”

Celestia nodded, a strange, knowing smile on her face as she spoke.

“Yes, thanks to you. She was quite forthcoming on what she learned and it reinforces what I’ve gathered about you.”

“Which is? If I may ask.”

“You are a friend. How much or how little remains to be seen, but I sense no ill will from you, Jason, and I’ve dealt with ambassadors from remote tribes for a millennium. You saved a creature at your own expense. At the absolute worse that action was born from wanting to make a good impression for selfish gain, and at best, wanting to save somecreature’s life out of the goodness of your heart. That lets me know enough.”

Jason let out a chuckle, staring out of the window at the bustling city below; an entrancing sight to say the least as alien figures trotted here and there.

“There are events in my life, Princess Celestia, which made me realize that I can either be just focused on myself and trust others to take care of me, or I can try to be one of those that helps others. I spent part of my life being the former, but that changed years ago. Human, or now gryphon and pony.” The man sat down abruptly, head shaking slowly.

“Yet I don’t know what to do. This is your world, Princess. Please let me know if I can go back to mine. As kind as your treatment has been, I’d like to know if that is even a possibility.”

“I promise to let you know as soon as I do,” Celestia replied immediately. “In the meantime, I will do my best to try and find a way to integrate you into society.”

“Preferably not as a museum piece,” Jason replied, half-joking. Celestia’s eyes narrowed in response, her mouth set in a determined line.

“Of that I promise I will not let you be subject to. One of the nurses will activate a teleportation crystal to send you into a Castle guest room; avoiding the public for now until we get a formal statement together.”

“Teleportation? That’s what you did before, right? That felt…odd.”

“Indeed. I believe I’ve modified the spell to accommodate your odd resistance to some magic. I do have to get going, Jason. I’ve left a communications device with the nurses as well. We still have a lot to talk about,” Celestia explained. “I suppose it’s appropriate to say in an official manner, Jason, welcome to Equestria.”

The man waved as Celestia took her leave, a nurse handing-hoofing a report over to her.

“It seems that we can’t find any reason to keep you isolated in terms of germs, Jason. One of the staff will show you to the guest quarters. I’ll stop by later with some means to retrieve your belongings.”

Celestia trotted off, her brow furrowing as Jason was directed by two nurses out of the clean room and down one of the specialty hospital halls. Her eyes looked over the report again, mouth forming in a pensive line.

Resistant to magic, but variable. We actually recognize some of the micro-organisms on him, fascinating. An alternate dimension indeed. At least that will make your adjustment easier, she mused. A cold to you is a cold to us…that presents both positive and negative repercussions. But what to do with you?

Entering a small room, Celestia waved a hoof at the occupant on the bed as she tried to sit up, then laying back down with a sigh.

“Princess! I’d bow, but, erm-”

“At ease, Private Stonefeather,” Celestia replied with a smile, sitting down next to the bed.

“I’m not here as your boss but as your friend. How are you doing, Galley?”

The gryphoness gestured with her unbandaged limb, the rest of her body swathed in gauze and two casts.

“Been better. But between the new healing magic and stuff, I should be out of here in a few days or so, but have to wear those new magic-infused flexible casts for another week or two after that. Healing magic is wonderful stuff.”

“That’s good to hear,” Celestia mused, Galley’s green eyes narrowing in curiosity.

“But I get the feeling you’re not just here to check up on my, Princess.”

“Just Celestia, Galley, I’ve told you. We’ve known each other long enough to drop titles when alone.”

“Ah, right. Sorry, habbit. So, Celestia, what’s going on? Obviously, the human has things in a bit of tizzy- I’ve never been poked by so many needles in my life.”

“He is what is going on. I am still trying to figure out what exactly to do with him, but I have a request.”

“Alright…?”

Celestia’s wings shuffled, hoof tapping the ground in thought.

“I would like to reassign you to help Jason integrate into Equestrian society, with your approval of course.”

“Huh? Me?” Galley asked, ears twitching. Celestia had to resist a smile at her reaction however, because while cautious and curious, the gryphoness clearly didn’t have an outright negative response. If anything, her ears definitely perked up at Celestia’s words.

That’s good.

“Galley, what you and most of Equestria don’t know is that I have visited human worlds before,” Celestia explained. “While they were more subdued and different than Jason’s, the same basic rules applied. Humans are more similar to a combination of all Equestrian races than just one or the other. The kindness of ponies, the stubbornness of Yaks, and the more…brutal aspects of gryphon history, for example. That said, certain races wouldn’t have the same reaction to human history or mannerisms that, say, a pony would.”

“How so?”

Celestia smiled, gesturing to the empty plate next to Galley’s bed.

“Eating, for example. Humans are omnivores and are healthiest when able to consume meat on a semi-regular basis. My subjects would have a very different reaction to him catching and eating a fish than, say, a gryphon. And some aspects of human society from what I know, are fairly vicious. Wars, violent takeovers, poverty, and so forth. Gryphons share this trait, especially throughout history and someone with that background would not be as phased when such a topic inevitability arises.”

“So basically, I can relate more to him than a formal ambassador who has trained for decades?” Galley quipped, head shaking incredulously.

“Exactly.”

Galley’s frame froze, the gryphoness letting out a sigh.

“I mean, it makes sense. But what do I do? I obviously can’t leave here just yet.”

Celestia sat down next to the bed, a wry smile on her face as she looked over at the gryphoness.

“Galley, you were the first Gryphon to join my royal guard. I’d say you have more initiative and insight than most ponies who grew up in this city. What do you think would help Jason best right now? Our societies are very similar for the most part, so a cultural adjustment isn’t going to be that big of an issue, not in terms of behavior at least. Everything else however…”

Galley grew rather quiet, and Celestia’s ears perked up on seeing her green eyes flick to her claws.

“I think he needs a friend,” she finally said.

“I’d say that’s a good start, but what brought you to that conclusion?”

Lessons of friendship still spreading across races; oh Twilight, you’ve done me proud.

The gryphon’s claws fidgeted, and when she looked back up to the ruler, genuine concern shone in Galley’s green gaze.

“I don’t know a lot about him, but I know he’s in an alien place with no frame of reference. I also know he’s hurting.”

“Hurting?”

Galley gestured to a painting on the wall with a claw.

“It was a night ago, or two. He thought I was asleep, but when he jolted awake it woke me up. I think it was a nightmare, I usually get the sweats too when that happens and he was soaked, shaking something fierce too.”

“You were that close?”

A furious blush blossomed on Galley’s grey cheeks, the gryphoness averting her gaze.

Hmmm. Well that’s interesting. A piece to a puzzle.

“I was- I…” her shoulders slumped, the gryphoness’s voice dropping to a whisper. “I was scared, alright? I was just leaning against him partially. There were wolves, and the storm and-”

“Galley, I get it,” Celestia interrupted. “You’ve been through quite an ordeal. I am not going to hold anything like that against you. But you said Jason was hurting?”

Her words seemed to put the gryphon at ease, Galley continuing.

“Yeah. There was a picture of his family I saw once- he was holding it….and crying. And he’s got a huge scar on his side, I don’t know if that had anything to do with it. I think his family is ok though, but something happened with him years ago. There was some sort of event; other humans attacking where he lived; and that’s where he got the scar. Jason got a really disturbed look on his face when he mentioned it.”

Celestia winced, hoping she hadn’t tried to push the man too far in terms of adjustment.

“I can count on my claws the number of times I’ve seen a guy cry. For gryphons especially it’s a rare thing and usually due to an injury. I’m not sure if that’s the same for humans, but it definitely seemed similar in that sense; I don’t think he wanted anyone to see. Something was definitely wrong at that moment though; he just missed home.”

“Then I’d say he most definitely could use a friend. It’s also a plus you happen to be one of his favorite creatures.”

“What?!”

Celestia couldn’t help but laugh at seeing the surprised (and still-present blush) on Galley’s features.

“His words, not mine! Apparently, he’s always found human mythology fascinating, specifically that of dragons and gryphons. Many of our races exist on Earth as Mythos, as you told us. I can confirm that as a certainty. Either way, are you willing to help him? I’m not about to order you to do so however. Humans are smart in ways that always surprised me. He’d be able to tell if you were ordered to do so,” the ruler then sighed, shaking her head. “And that’s not the message I want to send unless I have no other choice. To have somecreature assist him willingly would help so much more than ordering a terrified ambassador to answer his various questions. You already know this man, much more so than I do.”

Galley nodded, a bit of familiar spark returning to her gaze despite being bedbound.

There it is. That same fire in your eyes when blowing past Royal Guard recruits…

“I’ll gladly help him, but how do I even start?”

Celestia now grinned, a soft chuckle leaving her muzzle.

“Well, once you’re better, I’d say letting him know you’re ok would be a start. One of the first things he asked was if you were alright.”

Genuine shock stamped itself across Galley’s face, the gryphon’s newly-healed beak working up and down wordlessly.

And there’s that blush again, hmm. There are a few courses of action for this; perhaps I’ll let Cadence in on this matter? Bah, I’m just over-reacting. There is something Galley isn’t telling me about all of this…

“I’ve never really had that many creatures be concerned about me before,” Galley whispered, prompting a gentle smile from the ruler.

Ah, there it is- part of it. With how you grew up, Galley, I’m not surprised Jason’s actions left such an impact. Let’s see how things play out.

“Well, he certainly was concerned, and I think he’d appreciate a visit.”

“I never even said thanks!” Galley exclaimed, looking away embarrassed as Celestia continued to smile.

“I’m sure he understood. I’ll have a schedule written up however. There’s an odd magical field near his tower, and so I think making that site a permanently-inhabitable area would be a goal. Perhaps he could be the curator of such a facility…hmm. Until then, I think just showing him around would be advantageous; Princess Twilight has been briefing the media and calming any concerns. Thus far, she’s been successful which should avoid a great deal of panic. That said…”

“Creatures will react to his presence in a negative fashion at some point, and having someone there who isn’t scared of him would help,” Galley interjected.

“Exactly. I’ll draft up some instructions for you, such as some recording crystals to learn more about Jason at his discretion, as well as human history. Twilight has delegated this matter to my hooves, since I am a bit more experienced at diplomacy than her,” Celestia sighed good-naturedly, wings shrugging. “Retirement can wait for a time; an interdimensional traveler is certainly a more pressing matter. Thank you, Galley. I’ll leave some information for you as I discover more about our friend. He’ll be staying in the diplomat’s suite- number eleven.”

“I’ll head over there as soon as I can walk,” Galley affirmed as Celestia took her leave.

Well isn’t this a strange situation.

Jason looked around the plushily-furnished guest room, curtains and carpets padding the stone castle floor as he sat on the large bed.

“So, this is the main castle? Got to say, it’s pretty nice,” he mused, a Royal Guard nodding.

“It is the home of the Princesses- well, soon to be just Princess Twilight at least,” the guard remarked.

“Ah, right. Some sort of retirement? Well…thanks for showing me around. The Princess said something about a way to access my belongings?”

The guard nodded, white horn igniting as he levitated a few small crystals out of his side satchels. Placing one on the floor, the pony tapped it with a hoof- and a portal promptly opened up in front of the human, a familiar deck and railing visible.

“Just tap the crystal and walk through. You handled teleportation fine, so the Princess says this should be alright. She only asked that you don’t bring too much here, just what you need since she’s working on a living situation. You’re free to wander the castle, but we’ll be escorting you if that’s the case.”

“Got it, don’t mess up the nice Princess’s castle. I’ll just snag a few bags or so. And duly noted- I won’t wander off.”

The guard then let the man be, Jason tentatively walking through the portal a few times. Other than a slight electric tingling across his skin, there wasn’t really any noticeable effect. Snagging his laptop and packing a few basic essentials, the man tossed it through the portal, returning and turning the device off.

Fancy. Magical portals, teleportation…incredible. Yet I’m somewhat resistant to magic? Interesting.

After taking a look around, Jason fished out some new clothes and took a closer look at the bathroom, a slight chuckle leaving his lips at seeing the shower.

“Well, at least this alien planet has hot water!”

Author's Note

Well at least it's a pleasant welcome to Canterlot! (Ish) I wanted to confirm any unpleasant feelings were resolved between our pony hosts and a certain human.

...But what happened to you, Jason?

Chapter Six: Chaotic Truths

‘Dad, was it this bad when you were overseas? I know better than to ask about specifics, I see how you change when the topic comes up. But I just- is this as bad?’

‘…No, this is much worse.’

‘What?!’

‘Over there, I had my squad, a mission. I had a singular focus and a team with similar training and an entire army at my back. If I failed, it was my life and my team on the line. Here, if I fail, it’s you, your mom, your brother, and your sister that will be affected. That is more horrifying to me than any mission I went on. We were trying to prevent this sort of thing from happening. And now…’

‘I think I understand. I take it that’s why you’re teaching me this stuff?’

‘Exactly. I was a cowardly fool for not doing it earlier, but that was out of my own fears. Even if you never needed these skills, better you have them…well, it doesn’t matter now. We’ve got a few more minutes before we check the front doors. Now, replace the barrel and the slide- that pistol is easy to take apart and clean. Perfect, now for the other-’

*A ragged groan sounds out from the first story*

‘What in the world?! What were they saying?’

‘…I think they were saying ‘help us.’

‘Something doesn’t feel right. Grab the shotgun and meet me at the top of the stairs.’

‘On it, Dad. Wait….’

‘LET US IN!’

Jason awoke with a full body shiver, the plush yet alien sheets soaked through with sweat as he scrubbed his eyes. His arm was reached out to where a side table and certain firearm would usually be laying- but instead it just grasped air.

These are getting bad; ever since coming here it's just like before.
I was foolish to think they’d stay away forever. Stress always did bring it all back.

Sleep didn’t come for some time after that.

“Huh. You look different from the other humans I’ve seen,” the purple Alicorn in front of Jason mused, scribbling a few notes on a rather large piece of parchment. After downing a simple meal that had been delivered by a very nervous courier, Jason had been summoned to a side-room to meet with the (soon-to-be/current?) ruler of Equestria, the horrific nightmare now taking a back seat to the pleasant interaction with the curious alicorn in front of him.

Alicorn…Princess….ish? He was still fuzzy on how that all worked. Was she immortal too?

“Yeah, Princess Celestia said I’m from an alternate realm? Dimension? All the above? But the same basic rules of society seem to be mostly identical, for which I’m thankful,” Jason explained.

“Fascinating, that explains the lack of…well, bright colors. And you said it was a thunderstorm that brought you here?” Princess Twilight asked, hopping up and down briefly with a grin. “Sorry! I’ve always been a bit of a science buff, and the whole ‘Element of Magic’ that you learned about, so this is quite a momentous occasion of the two crossing! I don’t mean to overwhelm you of course.”

Jason chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. “No worries. I’d be curious in your position too. But yes; a thunderstorm and creepy laugh-”

“Ugh. Discord. Where is that troublemaker?”

“That’s what Celestia- erm, am I allowed to refer to her without her title? I’d rather not be disrespectful.”

Twilight waved a hoof, wings shuffling briefly (which Jason realized was akin to a human putting a hand on their chin in thought, or a shrug.)

“I don’t think she’d mind- you can certainly just call me Twilight. I’ll be getting enough ‘Princess this’ and ‘Princess that’ to last me a lifetime,” she replied with an ever-present smile.

“Well, she seems to think this Discord fellow may have something to do with me. I obviously have no idea.”

A few more notes were scribbled down, Twilight letting out a thoughtful hum.

“Well until we find Him we won’t have an answer either way. I can’t imagine him doing something this drastic though. Most of his chaotic doings are based around…well, chaos. Making clouds that rain chocolate, shrimps that bark like dogs, that sort of thing. Regardless, I have been brainstorming with Celestia some ideas as to how to make your stay comfortable, at least until we can try and find a way to get you back.”

“Do you think that’s possible?”

Jason’s question immediately caused Twilight’s ears to flatten, the Princess biting her lip before looking up at him.

“To tell you the truth, I don’t know. The portal we have here is not to your world, or one even somewhat like it. If we’re dealing with alternate dimensions, then maybe? But if that’s the case, there’s an infinite number of them, as we’ve also postulated. So, locking down your specific one without a reference point….”

A wave of the hand caused Twilight’s words to drift off, the man nodding slowly. “I get it. Trying to find a needle in an infinite haystack.”

“Exactly. I promise we’ll try our best though.”

He let out a long breath, slumping in the large chair. “And that’s all I can hope and ask of individuals. You’ve all been very accommodating; I just would like to know how to proceed from here.”

Twilight flipped through some notes and tapped the pen to her forehead in thought. “Well, we’re certainly curious about all the various technology you possess, so perhaps daily meetings to discuss those could be a start? Maybe give a bit of structure to your life while we figure everything out, if you’d like?”

“…you do realize this puts me in a bit of a bind?” Jason remarked softly. “I’d be giving a certain government of this world an advantage over the others, since from what I’ve seen the devices I have are more advanced than what exists here.”

Twilight only smiled wider, appearing rather happy that Jason had brought up the point. “That’s remarkably considerate of you, Jason. But I promise (and will write up,) a document stating that any advances we manage to undergo will certainly be shared in full with other races.”

“That would indeed make me feel a bit better.”

“I’m just happy you even thought of that- it shows a great deal of care, so thank you for bringing it up. Oh! Galley- erm, Private Stonefeather accepted to help you adjust, but she’s laid up for a few days at the very least with her injuries. Probably won’t be moving very fast for a good week or two.”

The alicorn didn’t even attempt to hide the grin on her face as the man perked up slightly, head tilting in curiosity.

“Days? That’s incredible.” he murmured, Twilight’s ears perking up at that.

“Welllllll, the emergency spell matrix she used lets us energize her astral form well above the standard levels, so what should have taken weeks or months can be condensed. If she hadn’t used those crystals, she’d have to recover like any other pony. Buuuut she won’t be able to use that sort of magic for a good year due to the arcane saturation being off the charts,” Twilight rattled off.

“…I only understood about a tenth of that. So those crystals she used before let her heal faster now, but is a once-a-year thing?” Jason asked cautiously, smiling as Twilight blushed in embarrassment.

“Sorry. Um, yes, in short.”

“Well, if I may ask, once she’s better, what exactly does it entail, having her help me adjust that is? I assumed I’d just walk around with the various guards…erm, no offense,” Jason added as he looked over to three of said ponies.

“None taken, Sir,” they replied in unison.

“It means she’ll be your point of contact for adjusting to life in Equestria, or wherever you decide to live. Basically, Private Stonefeather will take place of the guards for the most part. She’ll be the liaison, essentially, since you are, for the lack of a better term, and ambassador for all humans.”

“No pressure,” Jason muttered, then looking back up to Twilight. “And she was fine with this?”

“Completely. I think she’s more miffed that she’s stuck in a bed. I would say you could visit her, buuuuuut I get the sense she’d be more embarrassed than anything, given her condition.”

Jason shrugged, not entirely understanding. “I mean, I took care of her for over three days. Not sure how that’d…oh, ok that might be a bit embarrassing,” he admitted.

“At any rate, I think I have a few ideas on how to pass the time until then!” Twilight piped up. “I’m still working with the media to blunt the news of your arrival; and I think just talking with our historians or scientists would really help that too! Basically, show the average pony you aren’t a threat.”

“I mean, that sounds logical enough. Me walking out down the street with a guard escort might cause a bit of an issue.”

“Exactly, at least for now. But after a week or two with various meetings and interviews? That will help a lot, I think. In the meantime, that certainly doesn’t mean you’re confined to the castle! Just not as…”

“Able to wander willy-nilly?”

“Bingo. So, if you’re free right now actually, I know quite a few ponies who would love to figure out what exactly that item you had in your pocket exactly is. I've tried to explain it to them but I tend to get a bit carried away.”

“My smart phone? You? Oh, right, Celestia did say something about that, you knowing about human technology. That's a bit of a relief, honestly," Jason remarked as Twilight laughed.

"Takes a bit of the pressure off to explain everything?"

"Just a bit. So you know how to use them, but have you dissected one before? I've got a few similar ones you can take apart and see about cobbling together, maybe make some weird magic hybrid phone?"

The pure and utter joy on Twilight’s face was enough to nearly make Jason laugh out loud.

Just wait until I show you that backup I have of ‘Wikipedia.’

The next three days passed as a blissful blur. ‘Blissful’ in the way that Jason’s schedule was fairly jam-packed with talking to scientists and a few media ponies. From explaining the basic fundamentals of how human circuit boards worked (the very, VERY basic fundamentals that is, which seemed rather similar to the Equestria ones,) to answering some of the more obvious questions, it had been an interesting three days indeed.

The media probes were obvious and sometimes came off as ridiculous (do you eat ponies where you are from, for example.) But Jason could hardly blame them. He answered each question with the same open honesty as the next without judgement, be it as basic as ‘what do you like to eat?’ to ‘can you fly?’

The scientific part was where the man thoroughly enjoyed his time, explaining the odd gadgets he had accumulated for a scenario that had thankfully not occurred a second time. Apparently, they had Geiger counters and gas masks in Equestria, so that was something…

On the evening of the third day, Jason had agreed to show the scientists one of the most dangerous items in his possession; namely, one of his rifles. Specifically, he had chosen the reliable military one, heavy as it was. With the report of the various weapons dispatching the Timberwolves, he knew it would have been a matter of time before someone test-fired it on their own, regardless of permission. At least in this case he could make sure it was safely done.

After securing the underground testing area (located inside of a mountain,) Jason made the rifle ready to fire with a simple, full-metal jacket round. Thankfully he had taken a few instructor-level courses on firearms, so teaching ponies was different yet somewhat similar.

Apparently, they had flintlocks here or the basic beginnings of such, so it wasn’t a completely alien concept.

The target was an old suit of armor; the man’s description of how the impact was abnormally violent had a few of the scientists (including Twilight,) quite puzzled.

“Alright, everyone has your ear protection on?” Jason called, holding the string connecting to the trigger as they all crouched behind a solid rock and metal corner. With the violent explosion from the Timberwolves, he didn’t want to risk shrapnel in this case.

“Three, two, one…”

*BANG*

The roar of the rifle echoed throughout the underground chamber, the scientists and human peering out around the observation corner.

“….uh, Jason?” one of the ponies asked, gesturing to the end of the impromptu firing range. “Is that a normal result?”

Jason’s brown eyes were wide in horror, the full impact of what this test meant turning his stomach.

Thank heavens I never fired at a biological creature.

The solid suit of armor was twisted and warped beyond all recognition, the item appearing as though being impacted by a cannonball instead of a thumb-sized bullet. Pieces of the shredded and warped remnants of the breastplate were embedded into the rock walls in all directions, and the wall beyond the breastplate….

Jason had to lean against one of the observation post railings briefly, eyes wide as he looked at the melon-sized hole of stone excavated out of the back-wall, as though an ice cream scoop had been taken out of it.

“No. It should have had an entry wound no bigger than the tip of your horn, Powder Vial, the exit wound would be large, but nothing like this. The bullet should have crumbled a bit of stone beyond that, nothing more,” Jason whispered to the lead scientist, his ashen expression clearly causing a bit of worry.

“Are you alright, Sir?” one of the guards asked, and the human could only shake his head.

“Not really, no. For whatever reason, my firearms interact with matter from your world violently. I’m just thankful I only hit creatures that could regenerate. If this had been a living, breathing creature rather than those regenerating wolves…”

Despite the multi-colored array of occupants, quite a few seemed to share his ashen appearance as they nodded grimly.

“I’d like to be present for any future tests. I have smaller firearms, the bullet no bigger than that of a pencil eraser. I suggest we continue any further exploration using that option, or the shotgun which fires slower moving projectiles. The fact metal and stone react so violently is rather unsettling.”

“I fully agree,” Twilight muttered, having taken an hour or so out of her busy schedule to attend the test. “I won’t authorize any tests unless you are present and willing, Jason. We’ve gathered a great deal of data from the magical scanners and recordings, and that should last us at least for a while. We’ll need to secure all of these weapons here, Jason. I’m sure you understand that precaution.”

As the scientists began to banter back and forth as Jason nodded in agreement, Twilight’s eyes widened, horn starting to glow as she listened to an unheard message. “Jason, please come with me. We finally found Discord.”

“I don’t expect you to take this seriously, Discord, but a BIT of respect would be nice!” Celestia growled as Jason and Twilight appeared in the throne room with a flash of light.

“I can, and will. I was waiting for our human- oh goodie!” Discord crowed, chuckling as he looked over Jason with an intense gaze.

“Well, well, well, how goes the adjustment to the world of technicolored creatures? I imagine things were a bit blander back where you came from?” the Draconequus remarked, then not able to resist a laugh. “Truly this is a fantastic time. What could be more chaotic than this? It’s glorious!”

“I know that laugh.”

Discord visibly winced, his mirth vanishing as Jason stared at him, the God of Chaos actually appearing a bit despondent.

“Come again?”

“I. Know. That. Laugh,” Jason growled, pointing an accusatory finger. “I heard it just before I blacked out during that thunderstorm.”

Discord was oddly quiet, seeming to quail ever so slightly under Twilight and Celestia’s gaze.

“Oh, Fluttershy is going to be so mad…” he whispered, Twilight finally stomping her hoof.

“Well?”

“ALRIGHT!” Discord exclaimed, throwing up his mismatched hands. “Yes, I brought him here, and you’re welcome, by the way,” he added, looking towards the human.

“You’re WELCOME?” Twilight exclaimed, gesturing to Jason. “How DARE you bring a sentient, inter-dimensional individual here without-”

“He was going to die.”

Those words stopped Twilight’s outburst cold and caused Jason to sit down on the nearest step.

“What?” Jason whispered, Discord actually seeming to become a bit subdued as he massaged the back of his head as though embarrassed.

“These ponies have rubbed off on me! I felt bad knowing you’d die, and made the decision to hedge my bets instead of just observing. I wouldn’t have even agreed to come here unless I knew it wasn’t happening.”

“What is happening? You’re not making any sense, well, more than normal,” Celestia added.

“Our worlds bumped noses, Jason, and you were to be a casualty unless I intervened. I felt like I should save your life because I could, yes, but also as a potential resource for the future.”

“I mean, if that’s the case, thank you…” Jason muttered, then gesturing towards the odd creature. “But what do you mean ‘the future’?”

“How can I explain this in non-chaotic terms; oh this is going to give me such a headache,” Discord muttered, waving his paw. Hundreds of bubbles suddenly appeared, drifting this way and that.

“This is beyond any of you, so I’ll try to dumb it down,” Discord said, a professor cap and gown dawning his shoulders as he strode back and forth. The Draconequus produced some obnoxiously large pills with the lettering of ‘anti-chaotic painkillers’ on them, then promptly unhinging his jaw to swallow them whole before continuing.

“Each bubble is what you call a dimension or realm, floating about willy-nilly, use whatever terms you’d like because in the cosmic sense they are very similar. In this case, dimension is most applicable. So, in our cosmic journey occasionally this happens.” Two bubbles smacked into the other, rebounding to go on their separate ways.

“That can sometimes cause a violent reaction in each dimension. But other times….” Two bubbles now floated together and merged; the pair sharing a wall as they floated about like an oddly-shaped bean.

“They connect but still cause such a reaction. Now if that happens permanently, a stable connection between the two must be formed eventually, because now they can’t separated without destroying both themselves and the other realm. But that shared space has to connect eventually or it will degrade. Follow?” Discord asked, Twilight scribbling down notes frantically as Celestia nodded.

“And the mirrors?” she asked.

“Those connect to specific realms, alternate dimensions if you will, concerning this world and a few mirrored counterparts. That magic is different, for just allowing a temporary connection. Those are but a few out of an infinity,” Discord said as he waved a dismissive paw. “The reason I waited to be found by you all, as it were, was because I didn’t know if the situation was this,” two bubbles glanced off each other in front of the four creatures, “this,” two bubbles now stuck together and moved through the others peacefully, “or this,” a conglomeration of bubbles now piled together, dozens joining and re-joining within moments.

“Unfortunately, it’s the last option at least for now, a pile of crossed over bubbles that appear harmless in their interactions. Time will tell if a one, or a few realms stabilize with this one, or if they all pop away and go their separate ways,” Discord grumbled, gesturing to Jason. “Personally, if we have to establish some sort of contact with these individuals on a temporary or permanent basis, I’d rather have one of them on my side, considering how…unique their history and mannerisms are.”

Jason blinked, brow furrowing as the ‘bubble’ scenarios continued to demonstrate the actions in front of him. “Is that why I felt the need to get all my supplies into the tower? As preparation for this…event? Was that your influence as well?”

Discord nodded, the bubbles continuing to float this way and that. “Correct. I simply wanted you to be prepared for whatever may happen. I gave you a general feeling of unease, nothing more; I’m quite happy to see that manifested in a healthy way. I’ve kept my talons out of your head from there on out! So, don’t look at me like that Twilight!” he added as a certain Alicorn began to glare at him.

“Wait. These realms, will they be mine? My bubble? Will we connect, or even possibly connect to the world you took me from?” Jason asked cautiously.

The bubbles vanished along with Discord’s get-up, the Draconequus not meeting the gaze of the three individuals in front of him. “I can’t tell you that.”

“Can’t, or won’t?” Celestia growled, Discord then glaring at her.

“I’m a reformed lover of chaos, not a sadist who enjoys torturing creatures like this!” he exclaimed, actually appearing rather angry for a brief moment. “I can’t, because it’s all gloriously chaotic. There is both a certain and uncertain chance we will connect with his realm or one along his general timeline. I can’t give percentages because they always change! I just don’t know, and can’t know! Because our friend Jason is here though, I’d say it’s a fair chance if we are able to join with a world, or worlds, it will be along his general timeline, since he acts as a sort of ‘dimensional anchor’. Whether it is the exact when, where, and who, I just don’t know.”

“So, I can’t go back,” Jason whispered; the statement not a question.

“I…” Discord appeared to be at a loss for words, as though the full impact of his actions hadn’t fully resonated until now. “I don’t know.”

“You just said even if it’s likely to connect to a world similar to mine, it might not even be when. It may be a hundred years in the past, five hundred in the future, huge history events being changed. There’s an infinite number of realms, right? So, the likelihood of finding, let alone connecting with mine…” the man didn’t finish his sentence, now looking at the floor. “And after everything I’ve seen, I don’t know even how I’d go back without a memory wipe, if you can even do that.”

Twilight visibly winced, a knowing gaze from Celestia confirming the ruler understood the general gist of Jason’s words.

“I did take a precaution,” Discord whispered, making a piece of parchment appear out of thin air. “I can’t locate your exact world, but I took a snapshot of sorts when I yanked you out of that storm,” the Chaotic God gestured to the parchment. “That will be sent to all of the realms that you might have come from. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s as close as I could get. It will be sent to…I think your family’s location, I didn’t have a lot of time to double-check, or at least where they would be. There were hundreds, if not thousands of realm options from the millionth of a second I had.”

“I can send a note?” Jason asked, carefully picking up the parchment as though it was made of glass.

“Yes. And it will go to your kin, at least as much as I can tell.”

Jason stared at the parchment, shakily standing up as he looked to the three creatures. “I…” words failed him, and Twilight waved a guard over.

“We won’t bother you until you signal otherwise, Jason. Take all the time you need,” Twilight remarked, the guards starting to lead him down the halls.

“To send it, draw ten circles in a corner of the parchment,” Discord relayed as the man nodded, vanishing towards the guest quarters.

“Now why didn’t you tell us all that before now?” Celestia asked the Draconequus, Discord sighing and rubbing his temples.

“Because until now I didn’t know if our realms were going to be connected or just bounce off. All I know is that we’ll be connected to an array of them for some period of time. I don’t know which, or how long, or how that plays out, only that it will happen. I saw no point in bringing up the matter if it would only give our local human false hope. At least now I know something will happen, ranging from nothing to a lot of somethings.”

“That’s remarkably thoughtful of you, and the parchment too,” Twilight mused, Discord not meeting their approving gazes.

“I got the idea from Fluttershy when she was writing to some pen-pals. Contrary to what you may think, Twilight, I’m not heartless.”

“Those who know you, Discord, don’t believe that,” was the purple alicorn’s reply, the Draconequus now starting to gag.

“Enough of that. I will be near that odd tower of his- if there’s going to be activity between realms, it would be at that leyline point. Ooooh this is so chaotic and out of my control! I love it!” Discord squealed in his familiar energy, vanishing with a *pop*.

“So, we might end up connecting to a human world temporarily, or permanently? And we have no idea what kind of dimension or realm that may be,” Twilight stated, Celestia letting out a sigh.

“That’s what I gathered. Now I have to find a way to explain this to Luna.”

“I recorded all of it. She can just watch the projection.”

“And this, Twilight, is why I trust you to lead in my stead,” Celestia chuckled, accepting a small crystal levitated over.

“I think I’ll go brief my sister and then pay a visit to Galley. Jason’s adjustment just got quite a bit more difficult, I think.”

What more should I write? What can I write?

Jason stared at the paper, knowing full well that the moment he sent it, the full weight of his situation would come crashing down in the days ahead…or longer.

What else? I love them, the general statement that I’m doing alright, I’m honestly ok (and not dead,) telling them things only I’d know, a personal message to each of them, I don’t have that much more space.

What else can I say? A hint as to where I’m at?

A slight smile that threatened to breach the emotional dam edged onto Jason’s face as he wrote, a few tears trickling down his cheeks regardless.

‘Know that just like during those months, if I can find my way home, I will. But I don’t know if that’s possible this time. As a final note, you know that phrase ‘worlds without number?’ I can personally attest that’s true, looking around right now. I love you all, and I’m going to be ok no matter what happens. Please be there for each other and live a life you’re proud of.

Love you all,
Jason Ferrin’

After staring at the parchment for another good few minutes, Jason drew ten small circles on the corner of the item. It fizzled and popped, the paper dissolving into flames repeatedly over and over again, repeating faster than the eye could see for countless times.

And then it was gone, an empty wooden desk staring back at the man as he let out a shaky breath.

“So that’s it then. Until we discover otherwise, this is home,” Jason whispered, leaning forward to rest his head amidst his arms. “I can’t go back, one way or another.”

Author's Note

A surprise chapter out of nowhere! :scootangel: Probably will post another over Thanksgiving actually (this weekend)

Well...that's that. Looks like no going home for Jason at least in the foreseeable future. I sought to keep it somewhat scientific (as much as one can,) or at least logical/keeping in terms of the magical rules/lore.
Buuut that's a challenging thing when dealing with Discord.

And enter Twilight! Didn't think she'd be absent for this, did you? Upcoming ruler and all that!

More information on what happened to Jason....bits and pieces falling into place...
As always, feedback is appreciated!

Chapter Seven: Surprising Social Situations

“He what?” Galley asked, tentatively taking a few steps on her own around the hospital room. Celestia nodded with a sad sight, the gryphnoness’s wings flaring slightly in aggravation. Flexible casts covered her forelimb and leg, magic humming as healing crystals embedded into the magic-gauze hybrid item soaked into the gryphnoness’s afflicted bones. Having been fitted that morning with the experimental cast, Galley’s ability to walk was certainly a positive sign. Apparently having been asleep the day before when Celestia came to visit she was only now getting the news of Jason’s predicament.

“We don’t know if we can even connect to a realm close to Jason’s, let alone one along his timeline. There’s a chance we may be able to find the right one, but Discord says we just won’t know. If more odd occurrences start cropping up around his tower, that’s a good sign. But as of now…”

“Nothing?”

“A few random spikes of magic here and there, so there’s something, but as Jason told me this morning, to focus on that would only be destructive long-term. He’s just accepting that there’s a chance, but an equal or greater likelihood of not. It could be an hour, or a century, or never to even discover a connection. And that may not even be to his world; that’s just how it works apparently.”

Galley’s ears flattened, the image of the grown many crying as she rested against his side surging to the fore.

The thought made her feel a lot worse than she expected.
How much more is he hurting now?

“Discord did send a note though, so at least Jason got to tell his family a simple message. He’s been staying busy though, that much I can easily see. Twilight has him booked with various scientific meetings at his request,” Celestia’s violet eyes flickered over to the gryphoness. “But I’m sure he’d appreciate a visit. You are, after all, his first friend here.”

Galley nodded, a slight smile on her fully-healed beak. “I was going to ask if that was appropriate when you first arrived, actually.”

“I’ll see that it’s arranged. He requested to stay busy or otherwise be left alone today aside from a brief meeting with myself, Cadence and Twilight. I think tomorrow morning would be a good time,” Celestia remarked as Galley nodded in agreement.

“Tomorrow it is.”

“So, this filter can purify air for an hour or two?” Powder Vial asked, examining the dissected gas-mask 40mm filter on the table.

“Depending on the severity of the contamination. Certain toxic gases are very corrosive, so that’s a limited use. But in general, a few hours in a medium-contaminated atmosphere is likely. It filtered radionuclides too.”

“Ah, that has to do with the fusion and fission items you mentioned.”

“Correct, and I can attest they certainly work for that, and other uses. That said, I don’t have many more of these to examine though,” Jason admitted.

“Oh, that’s fine! I think that some of these materials have counterparts here. This will greatly improve our own mask filters to say the least!” Powder exclaimed happily, the blue unicorn clopping his hooves together with a smile, then turning pensive. “You said you can attest to their effectiveness in a contaminated environment?”

The unicorn’s maroon eyes widened in surprise, a strange darkness seeming to flicker across Jason’s gaze, almost predatory that caused the pony to scoot back an inch or two.

“Perhaps another time, but yes.”

“No worries. I don’t wish to pry.”

Jason shook his head, gesturing to the pile of items taken from the tower that now sat in the research facility near Canterlot, located somewhat near the now-official firing range. The few hours after breakfast had thankfully continued to distract the man from the looming reality of his predicament, and he genuinely did enjoy teaching the eager scientists about his various items accumulated over the years.

But that could only go for so far. Jason knew it was an uncomfortable truth he had to face, but if he could slowly acclimate to his position in this world, all the better.

And yet I know it will all come crashing down soon enough, just like those months eventually did. Fine one day, and then…

“As a note, these items are not regular possessions for humans, Professor Vial. I have them because most of these items I needed at one time. Or rather, most are things that I needed at one time but didn’t have.”

Powder waved a hoof, clearly seeing a subject he did not want to prod into. “I understand. Regardless, thank you for letting us examine these various items. We certainly haven’t touched the ones you preferred us to leave alone. You’ll be happy to know that your water filters have already shown promise for future application. I think we can adapt their design to bring clean water across every country!”

“That is fantastic,” Jason replied, a smile quickly taking place of his previously dark expression.

“Oh, I got this note a few moments ago when you were talking to my assistants about the, erm, what is that thing again?”

“That would be a cell-phone to wi-fi hotspot.”

“Right. Anyhow, Princess Celestia found somepony to answer your, what did it say, cultural questions.”

Hmm. Let’s see how awkward this will be. It’s a perfectly valid question, but…

“Perfect, if you could please tell the Princess I’m on my way.”

Jason blinked as a pink alicorn waved to him, the man massaging his temple with a free hand.

“Ok, so, Alicorn,” he pointed to Twilight, “Alicorn,” now to Celestia who was trying her hardest to not smile even wider with amusement, “Alicorn,” he gestured to the pink newcomer, who then smiled and pointed to a particular stained-glass window in the royal throne room.

“And the final grown Alicorn, Princess Luna who you briefly met. My name is Princess Cadence.”

Jason blew out a breath and shrugged. “Alright. So, are you all over a thousand years old?”

At this Celestia let out a titter, waving a hoof at the poor man whose brain was obviously beginning to short-circuit.

“In short, no. Technically Luna was imprisoned on the moon for a thousand years, and natural born Alicorns such as myself and my sister age at a different rate than Princess Cadence or Twilight here. They are both adults, but not in the same thousand-year way I am.”

“Right, the Nightmare Moon thing, Elements of Harmony….hat brief history lesson got a bit muddled around everything. Just a bit confused.”

Twilight laughed softly, her wings shuffling briefly. “It’ll sink in soon enough. Nice to see you Cadence by the way!” she remarked, horn igniting as the young soon-to-be ruler vanished with a soft *pop*.

“And she’s the ruler currently? Ish?” Jason asked, Celestia starting to nod, and then shrugged herself.

“Formally it’s a transition in progress, but not quite yet. When that occurs Luna and I will help her adjust for the first few years behind the scenes. Of course, we can step in when absolutely needed such as in this case,” Celestia explained. “Depending how things go, our retirement might be pushed off a tad, but regardless, Twilight is our successor. Princess Cadence here is the ruler of the Crystal Empire to the north, with Shining Armor as her husband. Twilight is his sister whom Cadence was a foalsitter for as she grew up.”

“Huh, alright. I’ll try to keep track of the family tree,” Jason replied softly, Cadence wagging a hoof at him.

“Don’t worry about it. I’d say you’ve got a bit more on your mind. I’ll take it from here, Celly,”

As the Alabaster alicorn trotted off, Cadence gestured to a side room, which Jason briefly recalled being that for diplomatic meetings. That had taken three or four tours of the castle, the man simply refusing to get lost again after not finding the kitchens for two hours after the first explanation

Which isn’t to say it still didn’t happen.

Looking at the human curiously, Cadence gestured to a seat, which Jason plopped down into with a sigh.

“Well, Jason, I hope I can help answer your questions. Celestia and Twilight are rather busy but thankfully I got Shining to watch Flurry Heart.”

“Who?”

“My baby girl, the other other alicorn,” Cadence replied with a soft laugh. “I’ll gladly direct you to a few resources on the types of ponies and such. Alicorns are…a tricky and touchy topic. But back to your concerns,” the Princess replied, her eyes then narrowing ever so slightly. “Huh. Interesting.”

“What?”

Cadence gestured to her flank- or rather, her cutie mark. “One of my official titles is the Princess of Love,” she explained, regarding the human with genuine interest. “My magic can help me see the threads of love or rather, attraction between individuals; and not just the serious stuff. Simple affection and the like, or perhaps more vague relationships.”

“Erm, sorry to disappoint, but I’m about as single as single can be, Princess Cadence, even moreso now that I’m in another dimension,” Jason remarked with a slight huff, not able to resist a slight, amused smile.

“True. And yet despite your weird magical signature, there’s something I can see. A general concern perhaps?”

Oh, well this makes it actually less awkward!
Ish.

Jason let out a relieved breath, shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. “Was I that easy to read, I wonder, when I mentioned long-term concerns to Celestia?” he mused.

“Jason, she’s been reading all types of creatures for intent for a thousand years. I’m pretty sure and subtleties would probably have been picked up by her.”

“Ok, fair point. My question is honestly a rather simple one,” Jason remarked. “What are pony, or rather, most races views on other creatures? I have no idea what the general perception of me is going to be. Am I going to be seen as some sort of monster? An aberration? Some creepy thing from beyond the dimension? Would creatures even want to be friends with a human here? Thus far I’ve been very welcome, but I don’t know if that’s the exception or the rule. Princess Celestia said that humans aren’t a totally alien idea, but I get the idea that only a few even know about the alternate dimension thing.”

A very sly and knowing smile slid across Cadence’s features, and Jason got the distinct feeling the Princess picked up on something he didn’t.

“I can safely say that the reaction will be mixed. Celestia has filled me in on your situation and human history and customs, at least as you’ve explained it. There will be those who view you as such, a monster and creature to be shunned. But that will be the minority, I think. Most ponies are very accepting once they get over the initial shock or any rumors that may abound. That is why we’ve aggressively combatted any media influences,” the Princess replied, sighing slightly. “Ponies are naturally good but many, like humans it would seem, are subject to influence from various forces. I’d prefer if such forces portrayed you in the light many here see you as. A lone wanderer from another world who wants to fit in with a new life. Is that fairly accurate?”

“I’d say that’s a decent description. I have to admit, the ‘lone wanderer’ is a rather appealing title, if not slightly melodramatic,” Jason replied with a grin. “But that answers most of my questions, honestly. Humans are naturally social animals, even those who enjoy solitude. We bond naturally with others and even inanimate objects if we personify them out of boredom or whim.”

“Ah, and you are worried that such social needs will be unmet here, due to societal, cultural, or racial differences?”

Jason blinked, raising a hand before dropping it with a nod. “That’s…exactly my concern. If I’m going to have additional barriers to making friends, I’d rather know that from the start as opposed to discovering it the rough way.”

Cadence let out a thoughtful hum, picking up a pen and tapping it on the table in thought. “As I said before, I’d say you’ll be alright. Plenty of creatures, pony or otherwise, wouldn’t mind being friends with a human. Due to the wide variety of sentient creatures here, species is not as heavily-weighted as you may think. Many societies shun inter-species relations, while others are neutral. Equestria culturally does indeed harbor some negative feelings towards such relationships, but we are working to purge those in time. Similar to what you explained to Celestia, Humans have shunned others for such practices? Race, viewpoints, and so forth?”

“Correct.”

“Then I believe our societies are similar, if I have read both Twilight and Celestia’s reports correctly. The minority will have negative views, and possibly influences the masses, but the same can be said for those harboring positive views, even if also a minority.”

As the man nodded, Cadence’s expression changed, becoming genuinely concerned. “But I get the sense you are thinking in much longer terms than friends, am I right?”

Jason began to nod, but then shook his head as a sad chuckle left his mouth.

“In a manner of speaking. I still haven’t fully accepted my situation, and I don’t think I will for a time. It’s a lot to process,” he whispered, eyes looking at the dark wood conference table. “In losing my world, I lost my future, my plans, everything. I have to start everything over here, even if that eliminates some possibilities. For example,” Jason added, gesturing to the curious Alicorn.

“You may be the Princess of Love, but I don’t think that will help my situation. I have since sorted that aspect of my life away on arriving and understanding my situation. I have no family here, and certainly no chance of even sharing my life with another individual like that, and that is another thing I have to process and accept. I suppose the simple question I have is how best to accept that and what resources I may have available. Perhaps seeing a psychiatrist may help, but…”

Of the many things Jason expected, Cadence to burst out laughing was not one of them, the Alicorn’s sides shaking with genuine mirth as she smiled, a genuine and hopeful gesture. “Oh, Jason, you’ve got it all wrong,” the Princess remarked with a cheery grin, the man rather curious as to why the atmosphere in the room seemed lighter, the light in the window seeming a bit brighter and happier. “My statements on inter-species relationships wasn’t meant to justinclude friends. In fact, I’d say my words apply even greater to more intimate relationships.”

As Jason’s eyes began to widen, Cadence trotted over to sit next to the surprised human, a pleasant smile still on her face. “In fact, I overheard a mare or two remarking on how oddly attractive our new dimensional newcomer is.”

“Wait, what?”

Jason felt his cheeks flush both out of embarrassment and surprise. The idea had never really occurred to him that…

“As I said, Jason, our society places a lot less emphasis on race or species than perhaps yours would, as a single-sentient one does. To answer your question bluntly, no, you are not taking the correct approach,” the Princess added. “We’ll find a job for you soon enough, and we all hope you can enjoy living here for as long as that may be. Make friends, find love, go on adventures!” The last three statements were punctuated by a flaring of Cadence’s wings, the Alicorn obviously enjoying such possibilities.

“I’ve seen couples from all different races having quite happy romantic lives, each with their own challenges of course, but still happy nonetheless. With some exceptions from the obnoxious minority here, the heart wants what the heart wants. A yak falling in love with a gryphon? Pony and hippogriff? Species being a barrier to love is a wall that is lessening day by day! Of course, inter-species relationships are the majority, but love is love. However, I assume this is a bit much to process?”

“That I’m on an alien planet where the inhabitants might not see me as a monster, and that I can have somewhat of a normal social life, and possibly something more? That’s quite a lot to process indeed,” Jason admitted, running some fingers through his hair. “You seriously heard some ponies, erm, mares…?”

“Yup, and I doubt they’ll be the last. Sure, some may view you as a monster or a ‘lesser being’, Jason, but those narrow-minded being have the same view of other races in this world. That said, I would argue for the much larger portion the term ‘exotic’ also applies to races outside of one’s self, humans included, and I mean that in the most positive way possible. Whether that view applies to you in terms of races here, however, is none of my business.”

That brought an even more defined blush to the man’s face, the term ‘exotic’ having never been applied to himself in any way shape or form.

Ever. To say it made the man’s brain overheat was an understatement.

“Perhaps first things first. I’d be fine with a few friends here, that alone would just be a rather nice thing. After that, well then maybe I can come to terms with the idea that something else can even exist,” he replied. “I still find the idea just-it’s a complete contradiction of the concept I was preparing to accept. And then there’s the whole different species thing that will take some getting used to…ok, too much thinking,” he muttered.

“Hmm. Well it sounds like you’re taking a logical approach. Thankfully for you, romantic gestures seem to be the same here that they are on your world, well, specific species-specific ones aside. I wonder if…”

“Friends first, Princess Cadence. Princess of Love indeed.”

Now it was Cadence’s turn to become flustered, wings flaring as she pouted slightly. “Sorry! I mean, it’s kind of my purpose, ruler of a nation or not! My apologies for jumping ahead!”

Jason couldn’t help but grin, waving a hand at her. “If it makes you feel better, if, or when that aspect of my life decides to rear its head, you’ll be one of the first to know.”

As Cadence let out a very un-ruler-like squeal of joy, Jason couldn’t help but be reminded of another purple Alicorn.

Two ponies in their element. Love and Science.

This talk answered a few of my questions, but now I’ve got a dozen more.

But those dozen can probably wait until after I get some friends. Yep, definitely wait on that.

Jason winced and grasped his head, a familiar migraine stabbing at his temples. Cadence looked over in worry as the man fished out some pain medications from the small black backpack at his side- the container traveling wherever the human went.

“Sorry, headache,” he muttered, taking a swig of clean water from a bottle also produced from the backpack.

“Hmm. We’re still trying to figure out why that happens, but we have a few theories. Celestia will let you know when they find out the cause. We’ll gladly see if any of our pain medications can be tolerated by you,” Cadence offered.

“I’ll have to take a whole day off to figure that out. Finding out a mild pain medicine for you acts as a serious hallucinogenic for me would be quite the experience.”

Cadence chuckled, nodding as she trotted towards the door, pausing briefly as her demeanor regained a bit more of a serious air.

“Was that your main concern, Jason?”

“Primarily. But now I’ve got a lot more to think about.”

Cadence couldn’t help but smile, waving at some guards posted nearby. “Well, I hope it’s in a good way. Feel free to send me a letter or ask Celestia. I think your other request was easily filled by the way,” she then paused, brow furrowing in genuine concern.

“Are you doing alright thus far?”

The man gestured around him; Jason not able to give an immediate answer. “I don’t know, honestly,” he admitted. “I’ve dealt with severe trauma before, and I’d say this qualifies as such. Likely, I’ll handle things fairly well for a time, and then once I can relax subconsciously it will all come flooding out. Maybe that’ll be days, or weeks, or longer. But I suppose I’m doing as well as can be expected. I am very grateful for you, and, well, everypony’s help. Having a kind welcome certainly alleviates a bit of stress.”

Cadences eyes narrowed ever so slightly at his answer; the alicorn clearly wanting to ask more but not prying. “Well, I’ll have the guards show you around then. Take care, Jason.”

Following the royal guards down the plus castle hallways, one of them levitated a familiar item over, the man looking inside the thin gym duffel bag.

Looks like just one I’d see back home.

“We have a few private training grounds, Sir, with the items you requested. The Princess wanted us to assure you they weren’t out of the ordinary in the slightest,” one of the unicorns remarked, prompting a sigh of relief from the human.

“Well, nice to know punching bags and weights exist here. Until I know more, I’d rather not assume anything. Last thing I’d want to do is request a bag and then find out everyone-ah, everypony is a pacifist.”

That got a good-natured snort from the unicorn, his head shaking back and forth as they trotted along. “While we dislike violence, it is a reality of the world. Ah, here we are.”

Gesturing to a small hallway that branched into a few smaller rooms, the guard levitated over a small satchel as well as a thicker piece of parchment.

“This is an enchanted map to show you the layout of the palace- well, most of it. You’re free to come where whenever you’d like. The Princess has set aside one of the private diplomat gym rooms for you, at least for the immediate time.”

“Thank you….and it was Tungsten Link, right?” Jason asked, the unicorn grinning.

“Yep, I’m surprised you can tell underneath the armor. The enchantment makes us all look fairly similar.”

The man waved a hand as the guards took their leave, Jason looking around the surprisingly-normal gym room. While some things were obviously geared towards ponies, the weights, punching bag, and rowing machines looked bipedal-compatible.

Then again, there are bipedal races here, so I guess that’s a necessity.

As he wrapped his hands with tape, the man took off his shirt, setting aside a water bottle as he took a few experimental jabs at the resilient bag hanging from the ceiling.

“Well. At least I can have a somewhat normal workout routine,” he muttered.

As he ran through a few sequences of weights, rowing exercises, and stretches, the man then found his hands shaking slightly as he walloped the punching bag.

“You’ve been through worse, you’ll adjust to this too,” he muttered to himself, “at least, I hope so.”

Galley semi-hobbled down the Palace halls, grumbling at the nurses’ suggestions to move. Her limbs ached but the gryphoness counted herself lucky. Most broken limbs, especially hollow-boned ones like hers, would have laid her up for months.

Thank heavens for pony magic and that emergency crystal.
And Jason of course.

“Ah crud, not again,” she heard a familiar voice mutter from down a hallway. “Ok, so the enchanted map doesn’t orient itself automatically if upside-down. No wonder I ended up here.”

Poking her head around a side hallway, Galley’s green eyes widened on seeing Jason turning a piece of parchment this way and that.

“This map has levels? Of course it does, it’s a castle. Ok, so I want the bottom floor, no not dungeons.” he muttered to himself. “Diplomat suite where are you?”

“A few hallways off, but pretty close,” Galley piped up with a slightly nervous smile.
Why am I nervous?

“Hey, Jason.”

The man blinked in surprise, a genuine and wide smile splitting his features. “Huh? Wait, Galley? Erm, Private Stonefeather,” he corrected taking a few paces forwards. His shoulders seemed to relax ever so slightly, a genuine tone of relief creeping into the man’s voice.

“You are looking a lot better than when we first met.”

Galley smiled, gesturing to the cast with her uninjured forelimb. “Just Galley, please. And that’s thanks to you and a lot of magic. Apparently if I’m around unicorns for too long I give them a headache since I’m so saturated with the stuff, at least for n-now,” the gryphoness’s voice hitched briefly, the guard feeling an almost physical wall of something clogging her throat. For the briefest moment she was back on that muddy forest floor.

“Seeing me bringing back some stuff, huh?” Jason asked softly, and the gryphoness’s eyes widened in surprise.

How did he…?

“I know what trauma can do to you if you don’t confront and deal with it. If seeing me is going to upset you, I-”

“It’s not that,” Galley whispered, gesturing to the man. “You’re fine. The other s-stuff, not so much.”

Why didn’t I have to deal with this before?
Because I had managed to ignore it, duh.

Jason nodded, staying quiet for a moment. “Alright, then how about this,” he remarked, “Let me know or I guess, Celestia know if things are going to be a bit too rough. I certainly will understand if that’s the case. So, for now, how about we wish each other well, and we’ll see how tomorrow goes?”

Galley nodded, shaking his offered outstretched hand with her claws.

“S-sounds good.”

“Well, nice to meet you officially, Galley. Talk to you tomorrow?”

I can’t just…
Ugh.

Taking a step forward, Galley wrapped her good arm around Jason’s torso, the gryphoness’s sides shivering slightly.

“Thank you, Jason. Really,” she whispered, find it rather adoring the man’s only response was to gently rest a hand on her shoulder.

Dangit, Jason. I’m not used to this. I’ve never been a touchy-feely ‘griff.

Just, thank you.

Wait. Why do I not mind-

“You’re quite welcome. I mean it Galley, if this is too much, well, just think about it, ok?” he replied in an equally quiet tone. “I’ve been there. There’s healthy ways to deal with stuff, but ignoring it while jumping right back into normalcy isn’t one of them.”

Galley nodded, head hanging almost hanging despondently as she waved at the man and semi-hobbled off down the halls towards the medical wing.

It was only after she was out of sight did the gryphoness pause, leaning against a cool stone wall as her claws shook violently.

Well, guess it’s time for that fabled pony counseling option they give us.

And time for me to stop acting so feather-plucking prideful about it all. I can’t deal with this myself.

‘Suck it up, Private. Get the help you need and get back to work.’

I can almost hear my drill instructor’s voice when that stuff happened in boot camp.

Who would have thought a warm bed and kind words would provoke nightmares?

What was it the doc told me? Basically, I was in a place where my subconscious could de-stress?

As the gryphoness paused outside a specific section of the medical wing, a smiling pony waved her over.

“Oh! Private Stonefeather! Princess Celestia said you might be stopping by,” the blue receptionist unicorn remarked. “I think Doctor Birch has an opening in a few moments.”

As Galley sat down, the barest hint of a smile crept onto her features as she glanced at the ‘Doctors In’ descriptions

Of course Celestia knew I’d be dealing with something and make sure the same gryphon Doctor I had a few years ago was on call; I’ll be sure to thank her for that. It’s nice to finally have a friend watching out for you, near goddess or not.

“Stupid,” Jason muttered as he bandaged his scraped knuckles. “Serves me right for not paying attention to how rough that bag was. Take off the tape…”

The man sat on a small bench, feeling the tidal wave of responsibility and emotion looming. The only human among aliens, it was too much to bear at least for now. Seeing Galley up and about had put his heart at ease but the hug had certainly been a surprise.

Were hugs common here? That was a societal difference that had cropped up. Apparently, ponies were very touchy-feely. But gryphons….?

Well, it was still a nice gesture.

And certainly not an unwanted one either; but that’s neither here nor there for now. I’m just glad I could help her. I certainly know about dealing with trauma.

At that thought, the man’s eyes glanced over to a few duffel-bags in the corner of the room, having been retrieved from the tower. His nerves had only calmed once they were in the room with him; even though their use was nigh-unlikely. The lack of his firearms was unsettling, but logic prevailed.

The firearms test certainly proved that for now, the only safe place for those items was deep underground in a safe. The other items in the bags still eased Jason’s mind however. Food, water, the essentials, and some other odds and ends.

And buried in one pack was a small metal box, the contents of which seemed fairly worthless to a casual observer; especially how illogical the other supplies would appear.

Only illogical to those who haven’t gone through it all. I doubt they’d have such issues here. But perhaps…

An absurd thought then made the man laugh out loud as he got ready for a shower, head shaking in amusement.

“Oh, seeing a pony counselor. I suppose that might have to be a thing.”

Despite it being said as a joke, the man knew that if he was here for good…it very well might be a possibility.

Focus on the good. Seeing Galley again tomorrow and possibly overseeing another firearm test. What did they say? Something about ‘arcane and arcane-null matter interaction?’

Probably just a ‘shoot this item and let us watch’ thing again. Well, that’ll be interesting to say the least.

Author's Note

Surprise chapter! Normal update schedule after this (monthly at the very least)
:rainbowlaugh: Poor Jason is getting a crash course in the welcoming land that is Equestria! But hey, that's a good thing at least!

As always, feedback appreciated!

Chapter Eight: The Walls Tumble Down

‘Are their eyes red?’

‘I don’t-’

‘Jason, focus. Are their eyes red?!’

‘Please let us in!’

‘Yes. They’re red, about ten people. I can see some have open sores. Dad, there’s blood around their mouths, some coughing…’

‘Then get away from the door! They’re back again, a different group! *louder* We can’t help you! Go to the aid station near at the edge of the county!’

‘Please let us in!’

*sound of a rifle round being chambered*

‘Get away from the door! Come here Jason and grab that pistol! If they force that door open…’

*Heavy blows against the door*

‘LET US IN!’

‘Don’t make me do this! Son, aim down the sights, just like I taught you. Just like that. You know what’s at stake- DON’T COME IN HERE!’

Waking up with a jolt that coincided with a thunderous *BANG* in his dreams, Jason looked over and saw his hand firmly wrapped around a piece of the wood nightstand next to him, muscles aching from the tight grip.

Back to reality once again…

Jason got up and scrubbed his face, the cold water shocking him to mostly-wakefulness. Apparently, Luna’s influence wasn’t terribly effective on humans, if the past few nights had been any indicator. He made a mental note to mention such; if there was a way to help him get some sleep, the man would take it. The same sense of ‘being watched’ was still present. But it wasn’t like those horrific months, but in a more sentient and caring sense. Perhaps Luna wasn’t going to help without permission?

If that was the case, he appreciated the gesture.

I haven’t had these nightmares in years. Why now?

I mean, there is one bright side of not seeing a dark blue alicorn in my dreams. She very well may have a heart attack on seeing it all. Rather courteous of her to not pry. I guess they do want me to trust them. Then again, I have very little reason to not.

I don’t know if it’s a good or bad thing that it’ll come up eventually, those months, almost a year. Twilight will probably find it fascinating…and possibly lose her lunch.

Ugh, and the worst part is that most people don’t even know the truth about it all. The suspected truth at least. But what does that matter now? I guess there’s no repercussions for sharing that here in this world.

The man went through his what now could be a ‘normal’ routine, at least considering his situation. Breakfast, getting dressed, and confirming his schedule for the day with the nearest guard. Heeding his better judgement, Jason passed along a request to reschedule the firearms test, the dream unsettling him much more than the man cared to admit.

Last thing I want to do right now is fire at some armor plating. No, that’s for the best. A day or two won’t change things.

“Sir, are you well?”

Clearly the bags under his eyes didn’t go unnoticed as Jason had apparently been staring off into space.

“I’m fine, just, haven’t been sleeping well.”

“Should I pass along a request to Princess Luna?”

Jason paused at that, about to wave a dismissive hand. “I’d actually appreciate that. I don’t know if she can help, but it’s worth a shot.”

The guard nodded, speaking into a small crystal bulb attached to his ear as the man wandered the halls towards the throne room. Celestia had made it clear she wanted to be in touch each morning, so-

“Oh, Jason!” a familiar alabaster alicorn called out as she trotted over. “I’m glad I caught you, I was just on my way to the Day Court…” she then paused, a frown flickering onto the ruler’s features. “Are you alright?”

Jason let out a tired huff, waving a hand to the ruler. “In what sense? In terms of sleep, not so much. Apparently, it’s wearing on me.”

“…it?”

The man sighed, frowning as he shook his head. “Nightmares. Well, more like memories. People-sorry, ponies keep mentioning Princess Luna, that she might be able to help? I’m not sure how that’d go though, and I didn’t want to impose.”

Celestia’s brow furrowed, a hoof tapping the ground in thought. “Unlike in your world, the realm of dreams is a somewhat controllable and accessible thing here. As you learned briefly, my Sister helps keep nightmares and such at bay within Equestria, which is important considering emotional energy can manifest as a physical force here. I will pass on your words; and I expect she’ll test a few ways to help. I don’t know how her magic will affect a human however. From what I understand she has not entered your dreams out of respect and that unknown factor.”

Jason shrugged, only able to meet Celestia’s gaze for a moment. He was about to speak, but then seemed to catch himself.

“What is it, Jason?”

The man gestured to his scarred side, jaw clenching slightly. “They are not pleasant memories, Princess. I-”

“Just Celestia when we’re alone and informal, Jason.”

He smiled slightly, then continuing. “Celestia it is. I worry how your sister will react. From what you have told me, this world is not nearly as brutal as mine, but perhaps that’s just my limited knowledge.”

A pensive sigh left the Alicorn’s mouth as she trotted over to sit next to the human, collecting her thoughts for a moment.

“Your assessment is mostly correct. However, while the Equestrian population is rather insulated from such primal aspects of life, my sister and myself are not. Other races too are remarkably similar to aspects of humanity. Gryphons, some Satyr factions; it has taken a lot of effort to ensure my subjects never experience such things. Do not worry about our reactions, for I can guarantee we have seen worse; at least I have.”

Jason’s eyes widened slightly, seeing a bit of fire seem to ignite behind Celestia’s violet gaze.
“But you and your sister…ah. Alright. I just didn’t want Princess Luna to have a heart attack if she-what is she going to do?”

Smiling, Celestia gestured with a hoof as she spoke. “I doubt that will be the case, but I’ll warn her nonetheless. While I am able to do it in a basic capacity, Luna can traverse and affect the dream realm. Likely she’ll try to redirect the memories or nightmares to more positive avenues within your mind, avoiding a more direct confrontation. I suspect that’s what she’s been trying to do without entering your dream directly, at least trying to help in some sense.”

“So, she’ll be in my head?”

“Your dreams, specifically. She may contact you and wish to speak, which is an experience indeed one’s first time. I understand it may seem invasive, and I can inform my sister to not linger unnecessarily.”

Jason thought about the idea and finally shrugged, seeming to be more defeated than anything.
“Honestly, at this point I’ll take any help I can get. As long as she doesn’t go rooting around in my brain, I’m good.”

A titter left Celestia’s muzzle, the alicorn shaking her head. “Oh no, nothing like that. She simply re-directs situations your mind dreams up- not the other way around. And she only intervenes if it’s a nightmare, so anything outside that situation isn’t her concern. I can certainly promise there will be no ‘rooting around.’”

“I think that’ll be fine then I-” Jason’s words cut off, the man pausing. “I want to make one thing clear. What your sister would see is the worst of humanity. You say you’ve traveled to some versions of my world before, so you must know that the majority of humanity doesn’t seek out conflict. What is shown in my dreams is what happens when the minority of such gets a lot of things right in their plans to harm others. As far as I know it is the most deadly and successful attack against a civilian population in the modern times. When I say it’s the worst…” his words trailed off, the man not able to meet the ruler’s gaze any longer.

Celestia nodded curtly, her expression that of sincere understanding. “I promise neither of us will judge humanity on what we see, not as a whole. You’ve certainly showed us the opposite end of the spectrum with being such a courteous guest and saving one of my friends, so worry not. I’ll only let Twilight know if what Luna reports, if anything, you’re your permission.”

“As long as you make it clear what she sees is the result of a minority, that’s fine. It’s a moment to learn about humanity, evil and all.”

A soft chime sounded, Celestia pulling a large pocket watch out of a magic portal and letting out a huff.

“Thank you, Jason. Hmm, looks like it’s time for more meetings. I suppose you’re on your way to meet Private Stonefeather?”

“Correct, just wandering a bit at first.”

“Let me know if anything else pops up; I do want you to be comfortable here, we all do.”

As Celestia trotted off, Jason couldn’t help but smile as he continued onwards.
“A sincere host and ruler of a nation at that. Sounds like I landed in the five-star option…”

Immediately on entering the plushily-furnished room, Jason could tell Galley was troubled or at the very least nervous. The gryphoness was busy pacing at the free area behind one of the small wooden conference tables finally sitting down with a huff. Not clad in her armor, the gryphoness was wearing a flexible splint even as her claws fiddled with a spare bit of rug on the floor.

“Hey Galley, everything alright? Or is this a bad time?”

Obviously having heard the man enter, Galley shrugged her wings and looked over at him, ears perking up even though her expression was that of pensiveness.

“No, it’s fine. Nice to see you again, Jason,” she replied, shrugging her wings briefly. “I just have no idea how to begin? Like, after getting through those crazy nights with the Timberwolves, and suddenly fine again? Seeing you in a setting familiar to me? It’s…pretty odd.”

Jason sat down in one of the chairs, a knowing smile twitching at his lips. “I can understand part of that a bit more than I think you understand. So how about we just talk? Nothing formal for now. Break the ice officially?”

Galley opened her beak, then closing it with a nod as a bit of tension left her shoulders. “I’d like that.”

“You know, I’d certainly like to hear a bit more about you. I recall you saying…or rather, miming that was a possibility once that mess was over.”

The gryphoness’s face seemed to get ever so slightly poofier, the guard nodding.

“Um…where do I start? Maybe at Griffinstone?” she muttered to herself.

“That’s the gryphon capital, right?”

“Yeah. I grew up there for most of my childhood- not exactly happy memories. Came to Equestria looking for a better life. I found it, to say the least. Got some schooling under my wings, took some odd jobs and eventually ended up in the Guard.”

Jason nodded, able to relax a bit easier as Galley opened up. As she spoke, the gryphoness seemed to settled down slightly, a familiar spark entering her green gaze as the nerves seemed to evaporate.

“So, did you always want to be a guard?” he asked.

“Sort of? My ancestors were part of King Grover’s personal guard; one of the last kings when the Gryphon Empire was still a cohesive thing. I was an informal guard in Griffinstone, even as a chick. I watched to make sure nogriff shoplifted from a stall or two for a few coins a day, patrolled the marketplace for a meal, that sort of thing. This is obviously quite a step up from that.”

Jason nodded, thoroughly enjoying filling in the pieces to the mysterious gryphoness.

Well, not so mysterious anymore.

“If I may ask, is that a normal…well, situation to be in? Griffinstone I mean? From what little I learned it seems to be getting better from what it was, which doesn’t sound good.”

Galley laughed, a sound that was a lot more cheerful and adorable than Jason would have originally pegged for her.
Not that he knew what a gryphoness sounded like when they laughed, but still.

“Oh, I actually had it better than most. I had a job where I got paid. Still had to scavenge for food, but at least I could sleep under the marketplace stalls and afford a meal or two a day…usually. That’s a lot better than most, at least back then.” She then winced, claws entwining themselves briefly. “It always sounds so awful when I explain it, and I guess it was. But back then it didn’t seem like it, it was just life. Only now that I have something to compare it to, do I realize how horrible things were. Kind of hard to explain that to…erm….”

Jason grinned, trying to suppress a laugh of his own. “Those who haven’t lived or even visited such a place?”

Galley was definitely blushing in embarrassment, nodding as she let out a huff. “We’ll go with that. I mean it in the nicest way possible, but most ponies have no idea how to process the information since they have been so sheltered. And honestly, I’m glad for that. But it makes for awkward conversation whenever the ‘so what was your life like’ topic comes up.”

Jason was now snickering uncontrollably, nodding as he waved a hand at her. “I can relate to that a lot more than I think you know, Galley.”

The gryphoness paused, head tilting to the side as her ears angled towards the human in an adorable expression of curiosity.

“Huh? Ooooooh. Right. The thing.”

“The thing?” Jason asked, still not able to resist a grin as Galley gestured towards his side.

“That thing.”

“Yep. It’s why I don’t talk about it that much, but it’s partially due to that disconnect you mentioned. But it’ll come up eventually, sooner rather than later, I think. Luna is probably going to have a LOT of questions.”

Galley blinked, Jason waving a hand with apologetic wince. “Sorry, you have no idea what that was about. Just nightmares from that time, and apparently the Princess can help. I just hope I don’t give her nightmares.”

“Ah, well, she helped me with mine, so I doubt it’ll be a challenging thing.”

Looking at the gryphoness in surprise, Jason only saw sincerity shining in her green eyes. It was as though an invisible wall had been cracked; two individuals admitting a past trial they shared in common.

“Well…I really do hope she can help. What’s it like, if I may ask?” Jason ventured.

“Oh, Luna in your dreams? It’s really weird at first. You wake up in your dream per say, and then you can just talk to her like we are now,” Galley explained as Jason rubbed his temples with a hand.

“Sorry, I just had a moment of realizing how absolutely odd this entire situation is…” Jason muttered, taking a few deep breaths. “Well, it doesn’t sound like this dream-talking thing is that bad.”

“It really isn’t,” Galley replied, looking at the human curiously. “You doing alright?”

Jason nodded, letting out a soft chuckle. “I guess talking with you kind of cemented how much things have changed in a week or so of getting back to civilization, and then there’s the while revelation I’m here, well, permanently.”

“But you’re here with friends. I’d say you’ve got at least two so far.” Seeing Jason’s eyebrow raise Galley gestured with a set of claws to herself. “Me and Twilight for sure. If asked, I’m certain Celestia would call also you a friend, but I don’t want to put words in her mouth. I’d say that’s not bad for a week.”

“I suppose that’s a nice way of looking at it.”

“And besides, now you get the pleasure of dealing with me!” Galley proclaimed with a chirp, wings flaring with a wide grin. “Especially since I’m your favorite creature!”

Jason let out an embarrassed groan, not missing the slight puffiness on Galley’s cheeks as she continued to grin.

“Celestia told you that I take it?”

All smiles but with a definite tinge of pink on her face, Galley nodded.
“She miiiiight have mentioned it. But gryphons are pretty cool, I should know!” Jason couldn’t help but chuckle, Galley letting out a happy chirp at the sound. “Feel better?”

“…ok, yes.”

The grinning gryphon continuing to brighten up the mood, Galley gestured towards the door. “Then how about we get something to eat? I can show you the cafeteria. We’ve got a few gryphon-based dishes too, since apparently eating hay-based stuff won’t go well with you. Plenty of oats and the like though.”

Nodding as he stood up, Jason followed Galley out the door as she walked along, her gait slightly awkward with the flexible cast.

“So, do you know about the other kingdoms at all?” Galley asked as they walked down the hallways.

“A bit. I got a crash course in geography from Twilight. I think she enjoyed it a bit too much though. Hippogriffs, dragons, gryphons, yaks, changelings, I’ll need to brush up on it all. For now, I’ll stick with learning about Canterlot’s layout, the difference races in general, and branch out from there.”

“Oh, well I can help you there! I’ve lived here for a good few years. Ugh, my apartment is going to be a mess now that I think about it. I was going to clean it after my patrol a week ago…” Galley mussed, sticking out her tongue. “Ah well. It needed a deep clean anyway. I’m glad I didn’t have a pet or anything.”

“I guess I’ll need to find an apartment eventually,” Jason mused as Galley let out an amused snort.

“Well, I can tell you a few good ones who don’t have a chip on their shoulder against other races. I went through about ten of them before finding this one.”

As they walked down a hallway, Galley let out a groan as a pink monstrosity was wheeled around on a cart by two earth ponies.

“Ugh, seriously? It’s like, more than a month away!” Galley groaned, glaring at the offensive thing on the cart. It vaguely looked like a pile of hearts sewn together with red thread…

“Hey, we’re just moving it from storage. They want to prepare early this year,” one of the ponies remarked, a teal stallion who simply shrugged as they moved the cart down an adjacent hallway.

“So much pink. Why does it have to be pink? Hearts and Hooves day hurts my eyes,” Galley grumbled.

“Er, what?”

Galley let out what sounded like a half sneeze, half laugh as she waved at the retreating cart.

“Oh, right, sorry. Hearts and Hooves day. Basically, a day out of the year dedicated to romance, love, and all that stuff. If you’re not in a relationship? It’s just a slightly obnoxious reminder of such,” she grumbled.

“…oh. So, Valentine’s day.”

The gryphoness’s head tilted in an increasingly endearingly-curious fashion as she looked towards the human.

“What day?”

“Erm, long story with the actual meaning of it…Basically, it sounds like a holiday we have on Earth, for the most part, centered around romance with your significant other and celebrating love and such but it varies by area. Nowadays it usually means lots of pink, hearts, candy, overly-sweet and sometimes fake romance stuff. Eh, I’ve never really been a fan. Well, usually.”

Galley’s ears perked up, increasing the cuteness factor surrounding the gryphoness by a good ten percent. “Usually?”

Jason shrugged as they continued to walk, waving a hand down the hallway. “Well, when you don’t have someone to share it with, the holiday is basically an excuse to eat chocolate and an obnoxious reminder of things. If you do, well, then it can be kind of fun to get creative. Haven’t had too many opportunities to test that though.”

The man definitely wasn’t imagining the fact Galley’s ears seemed to be locked onto him as they walked, despite the fact the gryphoness letting out a thoughtful hum as she looked down the hallway in apparent thought.

Huh. Note to self. Ears on ponies or gryphons are good indicators of….something. Focus? Emotion?

“I guess that makes sense. I haven’t really had anyone who enjoys celebrating it; this year will probably be like the last and just another day. Gryphons don’t really do that sort of thing. The whole ‘gruff and nasty’ stereotype that is somewhat true, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t appreciate something different! But ponies, eh, they have no idea what to get a gryphon on that day, or me in general, I guess. I mean, what do I do with a pile of paper hearts?!”

“Burn them?”

Galley’s eyes widened as a snort left her beak, the gryphoness now clutching her side in laughter as Jason waved a hand in explanation.

“Like, together! Camping! Cook S’mores over the fire, not in some horrible breakup thing! Ok, that sounded a lot less sinister in my head…”

It took a few moments for Galley to recover, the guard wiping a few tears from her eyes.
“Oh, that was perfect! I haven’t laughed that hard in ages. I know you didn’t mean it to sound evil, but oh, my sides…”

Jason was all smiles, clearly having enjoyed incapacitating the gryphoness. “Well, we can agree that a day dedicated to red and pinks is at least a bit obnoxious. The chocolate that goes on sale the day after is a total bonus too.”

“Dark chocolate is the best. I’ll take that over the weaker stuff any day,” Galley agreed, Jason letting out a thoughtful hum.

“Do they have spicy dark chocolate here?”

Galley held out a curled fist, Jason bumping it with his own with a grin.

I take that as a yes; and another gesture that’s the same! Points for the human!

…at least I hope it’s the same.

“Finally, someone who appreciates the finer things in life,” Galley laughed. “They do, but it’s not nearly as popular. Gryphon spice is powerful enough to melt a hole in a table at times.”

“I may have won a bet a few years ago by eating one of the hottest peppers I could find, so maybe I can stomach it,” Jason countered proudly, a rather playful look being shot his way by the gryphoness.

“And you were fine?”

“Define ‘fine’?”

“Able to walk and be coherent?”

Jason nodded as they entered the large cafeteria, letting a slight smirk dawn on his lips.
“I did both. I calmly asked, ‘where is the toilet’? I then walked over to it and tossed up my entire dinner.”

Galley’s barely suppressed giggling was enough to put any lingering tension in the lunchroom at ease, the other ponies relaxing as the pair meandered down the familiar buffet line, offset from the typical cafeteria setup.

“Ooooh. Grilled salmon. I think you’ll like that, oh, that stuff too. They have potatoes where you are, right? Hmm. How about this! And before I forget, I’m really curious what a city is like, if that’s ok to ask.”

As Jason was led down the more ‘international’ selection of foods, he could only smile in reply. “I’d be glad to tell you. Can’t say I’m the biggest fan of them though, so I might be slightly biased.”

The rest of the day was oddly relaxing. After regaling Galley with how a large city operated (to which she was rather enthralled with,) Jason had a few appointments with the media for some more public appearances and questions. Thankfully they were less fear driven and more curious, such as what type of foods he liked here, plans, and so forth. A workout session, dinner, and then the evening abruptly made itself known with the stereotypical flip-flop of celestial bodies.

It’d be a while before he could get used to that.

Despite needing to sleep, Jason was a tad nervous about the whole dream-princess-thing…yet exhaustion won out over nerves, the plush bed guiding the human to the never-never-land of sleep, or so he hoped.

Luna drifted through the dream realm, ever on the watch for the tell-tale tendrils of shadow that signaled a nightmare was taking hold. There were remarkably few; a few foals here and there, and a noble who had chocolate fondue spilled all over his new tuxedo.

Jason’s should be around here somewhere. But it is not my place to intervene unless-

Her thoughts were interrupted by a dream bobble sputtering black sparks; an odd indication of a nightmare.

Yet this is Jason’s indeed. I must be careful. Not too much magic, I don’t wish to harm him.

Diving into the dream, Luna blinked as a damaged shop swirled into view. A quick look around indicated, like Jason had said, the world was rather similar to theirs. Well, other than the alien odds-and-ends. There were counters, goods displayed, shattered windows, dark, sickly-smokey clouds outside, screams….

What is this?!

A familiar form slid down beside her, a younger human taking refuge behind the cashier’s counter. His chest heaved as Jason shifted a torn backpack across his frame, bloodied hands gripping a worn metal handgun as a worn gas-mask covered his face. Looking over to Luna, his eyes widened in surprise behind the clear faceplate.

“Why aren’t you wearing a mask?!”

Before Luna could reply, the young man dug out a respirator and placed it over her muzzle, the contraption conforming to her face as only dream-items could.

“Just stay quiet! They’re everywhere!”

Luna nodded, sending out tendrils of magic to try and guide this nightmare to something more pleasant. To her annoyance, the dream path didn’t want to respond easily.

Then I must take it slow, and see where this goes for now.

A voice called out with an unintelligible scream, and it was only now Luna noticed that Jason’s chest was soaked in blood, a crude bandage not able to fully stem the flow from his side. His hands worked the slippery metal slide of the pistol, then tightening the bandage with a hiss.

“Dangit, Dad was right, I froze and couldn’t do it. Ugh, this won’t stop bleeding…”

Luna was able to pick out his words in remarkable clarity, the usual muffled voice behind a mask resolving itself in the dream.

What is that?

A human, or what she assumed to be a human female ran into view. Clothing torn and matted with red blood; the woman’s mouth was red with a matching hue. Odd sores were visible across her skin, strangely red eyes darting this way and that before she ran off down the street towards some distant gunfire, a knife clutched in her torn-up hands.

Jason winced, digging into his pack and slowly applying another bandage across his chest.
“So why are you here? This place is a warzone!” he asked, Luna’s eyes narrowing in curiosity.

Perhaps a blunt gesture at first.

“This is a dream, Jason. I’m Princess Luna, we’ve met briefly before.”

Jason chuckled, glancing around the ruined shop. “Yeah, well feel free to wake me up. This gash hurts way too much for a dream, and my hands are shaking something fierce. Up this way!”

He pushed her out from behind the counter towards some stairs. Up multiple flights and through a ladder, the pair crawled out onto the roof as Jason’s chest heaved.

“Look, you have to get out of here. Those things will be back, and I don’t know if I-”

“Jason.”

Luna’s horn glowed, the entire scene freezing as she poured more power into the spell. It took some additional skill to prevent the entire dream from collapsing, but it was doable.

Jason stood up; his dream-self being shed like a second skin as the older man looked around.
“What the-ok, that’s weird. This is a dream? You’re, wait, Princess Luna?” he asked, seemingly more for himself than anything.

“Correct. It took me a bit in order to get used to your dream makeup. It is different, more chaotic than those I am usually…dealing…with…” Luna’s voice drifted off as she looked around. The scene began to move again, but only the non-sentient environment. Now visible from the roof, the ruined city spawned out at eye level or below. Pillars of smoke rose into the sky as the stench of burning garbage wafted out from the streets below. Gunshots sounded out, both near and far as distant skyscrapers burned, many of them missing large chunks of their structure.

The streets below made Luna’s chest tighten, bloodied and bloated bodies sprawled out this way and that, some clearly having been there for at least a week.

“I tried to warn you,” Jason whispered as he walked over to the edge of the roof.

“Jason, what happened here? Obviously, you got that scar from the event in this dream but what is all of this? Your world? Or at least a city of it; it’s all destroyed,” Luna asked. “Those people down below…dead? I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I am at a loss for words. I have not seen violence like this since outside isolated incidents in remote settlements.”

Jason was quiet for a moment, taking in the scene and waving a hand. “Princess Luna, can you make this all go away, please?”

Luna immediately complied, the world spinning to a simple meadow, colorful flowers and grass blowing in a peaceful wind.

“Thank you. I will tell you all more in time, but with these nightmares returning, it’s difficult to spend a lot of time on the matter,” Jason said.

“I understand, and will certainly not pressure you. In here, Jason, Luna is fine as well. I am not here as a ruler, but a friend. Do I have permission to tell my sister and the other rulers at the very least what I see and learn? I do know to not judge humanity on your memories of this; only the ones who caused this.”

Nodding, Jason sat down on a grassy bump, hand going to massage his scarred side. “That’s perfectly fine; but not Galley. I’ll tell her myself tomorrow, I think. For now, perhaps I’ll just explain a little bit each time you help here, at least until I get situated to living in Equestria, if that is alright. I would like to meet with you, your sister, and Twilight tomorrow morning however. I’ll give a general explanation of the situation, and leave it at that for the time being.”

“That is most perfectly alright; even if you wished to not say anything else, that is completely understandable.”

Pausing for a few moments, Jason’s eyes narrowed, and Luna saw an ocean of emotion in his eyes, shifting from anger, to rage, to anguish, to absolute torment.

He paused, taking a slow, deep breath. “Eight months, Luna. Two of those I spent with my family and my father’s friends in this city surviving the initial catastrophe. That dream was in the middle of that time, a supply run that went bad before we had help.”

With a smooth shift, the pair was suddenly back on the rooftop overlooking the horrific ruins of the suburb and skyscrapers. Jason’s voice dropped to nearly a whisper, but despite the apparent vulnerability Luna saw his gaze harden into a steely determination as he slowly gestured to the apocalyptic expanse below them. The shaken man had now all but vanished, Jason’s demeanor shifting to that of a coiled spring.

“The other six months, I spent surviving in that.”

Author's Note

Reunion with Galley! Huzzah! :pinkiehappy:

And now we get a more in-depth look at what Jason went through...yikes. (And no, they aren't zombies. The events Jason went through are based in fact; worst-case fact, but not fantasy.) I'm drawing from my own research/ideas and the account of an individual who lived for a year inside a blockaded city. (Known as Selco)

Heavy stuff aside, no zombies.
....even though they are unlikely, but possible. :moustache:

Chapter Nine: Eventualities

Jason awoke with a surprising smoothness, letting out a yawn as light peeked through the curtains of the diplomatic suite.

I don’t remember anything after that talk…wait, so that was Luna? Huh. I guess she did help me get some rest after that.

As he got ready for the day, the man found the barest of smiles edging onto his face surprisingly enough as he was guided by some waiting guards towards a meeting room, no doubt at Luna’s direction.

After all these years it’s almost a relief to find individuals who are comfortable, or at least open to hearing what happened. Back home everyone was so scared, so much wanting to deny that it could happen again.

But Luna, she was definitely unsettled. I just hope Celestia isn’t as well; perhaps Luna can show her with magic? A picture is worth a thousand…

“Jason?”

The familiar pleasant voice snapped the man out of his thoughts, Jason pausing as two concerned green eyes looked up at him.

“Oh, hello Galley,” he remarked rather lamely, the gryphoness frowning as her wings rustled.

“Hello to you too; you alright? You look out of it…” her eyes drifted to the guards briefly.

Jason nodded shrugging his shoulders as they continued to walk, Galley at his side. “Just bad dreams. Well, sort of. Had my first talk with Luna, and it went sort of well. I can only talk about that stuff in short bursts for now. I could tell she was pretty unnerved by it all. I’m going to meet with them now as a matter of fact,” he paused, letting out a sigh. “Actually, want to come along? I planned on telling you this stuff anyhow.”

“Huh? Um, ok? Is it about the dreams and stuff?”

“It’s about ‘the thing.’

“Oh. Are you sure?”

“Well, Luna saw part of it. I’d rather make sure they get the correct idea rather than have things fester until I’m more comfortable. There’s a balance to that.”

Galley sat next to Jason as Luna and Celestia faced them, the rulers clearly pensive.
I feel so out of place here….

“Jason, Luna only shared a bit of what she saw; and I must ask, are you sure you’d like to go through with this?” Celestia asked cautiously, Twilight looking on as clearly the observer rather than leader in the conversation.

“Princess Celestia, I’d rather make sure things are clear rather than wait for myself to be more comfortable. To have questions and interpretations fester is never a good thing, even more-so for a newly arrived alien immigrant,” Jason remarked, the three rulers smiling slightly. “And I think Galley should know. If she’s going to be around me a lot more it’ll come up eventually.”

The gryphoness smiled, clearly a tad unsure of what to think however.

Nice of him to include me. I have to say I AM curious…

“Princess Luna? Can you show a snapshot from my dream? I don’t intend to go into specifics at this time, but when we were on the roof?” Jason asked, the Alicorn letting out a thoughtful hum.

“That will be tricky. Perhaps from my memory, one moment.”

The room darkened as Luna’s horn glowed, and the five individuals were abruptly transported onto the same tan-colored roof overlooking the burning city. Twilight’s reaction was to take a sharp breath, while Galley’s fur and feathers prickled with nerves as Celestia and Luna’s mouths flattened into an unreadable line.

What in the world? Are those bodies? Those buildings destroyed…
Jason, what happened here?

“This is where it happened. Well, one of the centers of the attack. There were multiple cities hit, similar in appearance to the places I’ve already shown you in the media meetings,” Jason said calmly, gesturing out towards a distant congregation of buildings, past some smaller houses.

“My father’s store is there, where we lived for two months during the event; this takes place after about three weeks or so. The other six months I was not with them,” Jason then gestured towards the damaged city in the distance, and the surrounding buildings. “I was in this type of environment on my own, for the most part.”

Galley’s eyes widened, looking over to see Twilight equally shocked. The other two alicorns seemed unreadable as they listened.

“From where I am from, there are some people who hate you just because you’re from a certain land, look different, or any other asinine reason. In this case they wanted to kill as many as possible while spreading fear. Needless to say, their plans worked. I won’t go into the how or such yet, but the death toll is still being tallied years later. Last count is in the hundreds of thousands, but I wouldn’t believe that. Unofficially, I’d say it’s in the millions. It’s the single worst attack on the country I lived in history.”

Jason pulled up his shirt, exposing the jagged scar that ran across his side. “That’s where I got this, the dream Luna saw last night. I learned a very basic rule of survival, one I wanted to deny for the longest time because I never thought I’d have to practice it. Doing so nearly cost me my life.”

From the first word that left Jason’s lips, Galley followed along mentally, knowing exactly what the saying was.

“Kill, or be killed. I couldn’t do it, and nearly paid for my hesitation with my life.”

I know that rule. But I’ve never had to practice it, thankfully.

Jason waved, the scene vanishing as the bright colors returned to the conference room. “As I told Princess Luna, I can’t spend long talking about all of this. Even the few seminars and talks I’ve given…that was almost too much for me. Answering questions on pen and paper wasn’t as taxing but it still puts me in a dark mental place at times. It just depends. So, I’m sorry if you have more questions, but I just can’t…”

“Do not apologize to us, Jason. Not for this,” Celestia stated, shaking her head. “We will not pry into this; and if you wish to keep whatever dreams you have between Luna and yourself that will be treated as confidential information.”

“I’d appreciate that, thank you,” Jason replied, looking over to see Twilight shifting this way and that.

“Princess Twilight? If you want to ask me something now that’s fine. I won’t bite; it’s ok.”

“Did you say hundreds of thousands? Millions?”

Oh, poor Twilight. She’s not as aware about the more brutal stuff of life. That’s what Celestia mentioned once.

Jason paused, taking a breath and letting it out slowly. “Yes. There are a few other instances of such atrocities occurring in human history. This is the most recent one.” His eyes dropped to the floor, shoulders sagging as a weight settled on them. “This is why I was so reluctant to ask for help. To have some of the first impressions of humanity be such a violent image is not what I wanted. We’re better than this.”

“To judge any civilization on the actions of a few would paint all of us in a poor light indeed, Jason,” Celestia remarked. “So, while such an event is disturbing, I’d be much more concerned if you tried to conceal such things and only tell us the positives.”

Jason nodded, fingers resting on the table as he thought; Galley’s sharp eyes could easily see the tremor that ran through his hands, however.

You’re holding it together really well, all things considered.

“And I thought it best to tell you. Inevitably you would learn, be it from my continued nightmares or asking why I various items in my possession.” His expression darkened, and the weight on the man’s shoulders seemed to increase all the more. “I don’t expect understanding, if I’m being honest. From what I have learned, this place doesn’t have that level of brutality, and I am sorry I have brought that here from my world in a sense.”

Don’t you dare think that!

“You’re wrong.”

Four pairs of eyes turned to Galley as she whispered, the gryphoness toying with her own claws. “Sorry. But we all know that’s not true. Well, I do at least.”

Galley saw Princess Twilight’s ears perk up, the alicorn making the smallest hoof gesture to continue if she wanted. “Maybe not by the numbers, but we have evil and dark parts of life here. You didn’t ‘bring’ anything other than another perspective. Perhaps it can be beaten by magic or friendship, but it’s still here, even in small bits. I know that especially,” Galley continued, growing a bit bolder as Jason looked over to her.

“Starvation, racism, ignorant of the suffering; we’re not perfect here either, Jason. Equestria has fared better than most lands, true. But how I grew up? I saw plenty of that and more. That rule you stated exists here too, Jason. I haven’t needed to test it, but it’s there, and I know ‘griff’s who have learned it through experience,” she paused, feeling her feathers starting to puff with embarrassment under the focused attention of everycreature. “Just…you’re not alone here. Maybe in specifically what you’ve been through, but not generally. You’re a pretty special guy, but not that special.”

I mean…sort of. In one aspect but-

The lighthearted comment seemed to nudge Jason out of his somber mood, the man grinning with a soft huff.

“Thanks, Galley.” He stood up, shrugging as he gestured to the others. “That’s really all I wanted to say for today. If stuff continues to come up, which it will, I can perhaps draft formal reports or have Luna relay it,” his eyes then flickered over to a certain gryphoness. “Or Galley can tell you, since I suppose I’ll be talking to her a lot.”

She nodded cheerily, the other rulers following suite.

“Thank you for trusting us enough to tell us this, Jason,” Twilight remarked, her happy attitude quickly returning. “Let us know if you’d like any support, however that would be.”

“Will do, Twilight.”

As they all left the conference room, Celestia paused as Galley began to turn to leave, the ruler’s voice dropping to a whisper near the gryphoness’s ear.

“I knew you’d be perfect for this. Thank you for that.”

Her friend’s words gave Galley’s step a little extra spring as she followed Jason to the cafeteria.

You’re not alone, Jason.

‘So, you were with my dad overseas?’

‘That’s right, me and the other six guys here too. We all kept in touch, that’s why all our families were all local, and why they’re with us here. Safety in numbers and we wanted to be close enough to help the others out if stuff went down. We just never figured it’d be this bad,’ the bearded soldier rumbled.

‘Makes sense, my dad talked about you often whenever he mentioned that time, always good stuff though. I was looking forward to talking you all at that planned get-together next year. Guess we got a head start on that.’

‘I suppose so. Now, Jason, back to the important matter at hand. We have a break from those…things. Something has drawn them away, so I’m going to teach you how to shoot, more so than your dad did. I was the machine gunner on our squad; the guy over there with the hat? He will teach you longer-range stuff later.’

‘This was your gun? The thing is massive!’

The deep chuckle rattled the young man’s bones as the solider nodded.

‘M249 light machine gun. I’m not going to comment if it’s currently legal, but suppose it doesn’t matter now. Belt fed from that ammo box below it, but I made a few modifications. Those epoxy marks? I combined another few ammo boxes, so instead of two hundred shots, you get six, more if you really pack it in there and let the belt run off to the right of the magazine. It’s a pain to reload but the extra ordinance has been a lifesaver these past few weeks.’

‘Six hundred rounds? Is it automatic then?’

‘Yep. Hold the trigger and she keeps on firing, at least until the barrel melts. I’m going to show you how to control it today, at least in a rudimentary aspect. This next week is going to be a form of boot camp for you, as you dad said before. We don’t know how long we’ll be here, and things look somewhat clear this next week. So best we get it done now that we’re safe and together.’

‘Sounds good…can we start now?’

‘Oh, I already like you. Now then, here’s how you take it apart, clean it, and the mechanics work. Then we’ll go from there.’

The next week was, oddly enough, fairly uneventful. Jason enjoyed a somewhat relaxing time in the Castle, his schedule usually consisting of a media interview or two, explaining some of his items to Twilight, and then going over basic Equestrian and other nation’s history. Apparently, Twilight’s friends were going to come and meet him in a few days…

That seemed important.

Something about the Elements? Saving the world a dozen times? Yeah, probably important.

Then there was the plan to meet other nation’s leaders as part of a diplomatic outreach. Of that, Jason heartily agreed. To have an alien show up and refuse to show them to other nations just reeked of a superiority complex, to which the man appreciated Celestia’s tact. It was clear she was trying to have things transition for both him, and politically, as smoothly as possible.

A definite bright point in Jason’s day was lunch and afternoon with Galley, the gryphoness thoroughly enjoying learning about his world and life with a seemingly genuine curiosity. Be it from cars to how in the world they put a rocket into space, and even the process of how food was made; the Guard soaked it all up like a sponge. As she had put it the other day;

‘Yeah, it’s my job now to be an informal ambassador and learn about you and your world, but if it wasn’t? I’d still be right here listening to you. Now what was this about a plane that didn’t use an exterior propeller?’

To say that brought a smile to Jason’s face was an understatement. The gryphoness’s curiosity and just happy demeanor was rather…

I was going to say adorable again. Ugh. Somehow it does fit her perfectly. Eh, I’m just biased I suppose.

Very biased. I wonder how she’d react if she finds out why Gryphons are my favorite creatures, well, one of the reasons at least. I was interested in mythology even before…

Not if, but when. It’ll come up in dreams soon enough. But I never would have thought ‘adorable’ would be the go-to word for this particular gryphoness.

There really wasn’t another descriptive enough word to describe Galley when she was listening, resting her head on knurled claws as white cheeks easily tripled in puffiness under the pressure. Her green eyes always seemed to sparkle with interest and the man had yet to see an instance where she looked bored or faking interest.

Biased or not, definitely cute.

He now stood outside the castle waiting for said gryphoness, looking out over the city. He had gone on a few short tours already, but it was only until the past few days Twilight was rather happy with the progress concerning the media and the noble class of ponies in Canterlot.

Truthfully, Jason was fine with the recommendation to stick close to the castle until now. The last thing he wanted to do was end up lost and cause a manhunt.

…the only ‘man’hunt this world has ever seen.

“Hey, Jason!” Galley called out cheerily, the gryphoness free from her cast as of yesterday. Apparently, the magical-accelerated healing process just left her limbs sore, no more cast needed as the bones had re-knit once again.

“So, if I may ask, why were you grinning just now?”

Jason had to suppress a chuckle at that. "Just the thought that this world has had pony-hunts for lost creatures and if I got lost it’d be the first man hunt.”

“Pffft.”

And a similar sense of humor. Another point for this gryphoness.

….am I keeping score? To what end?

“I was thinking it’s probably a good thing I’ve been only close to the castle. Getting lost in an alien city, even if not in a lot of danger, would not be a highlight of my day.”

“Hmm. That’s true; buuuut you’ve got me as a guide now! So, getting lost isn’t on the schedule. Celestia told me this morning, actually, that if you’d like to look at some apartments, we could do that. On the way we can also look at the different districts! They’re not separated by finances as much as by race…but not in a bad way, well, usually,” Galley explained as they walked. “Pegasi have different needs and wants than say, a gryphon or earth pony. There’s plenty of crossover so it’s kind of fun to see species-specific differences, at least I think so.”

“That does sound rather interesting. You all don’t wear clothes, so I’m rather curious as to see what is worn, if anything. I have seen nobles wearing hats and vests, but nothing really beyond that.”

Galley let out a thoughtful hum as they walked, heading down a lesser-used side road from the castle. “That’s true. Most clothing has a purpose here like a flight suit, protective armor, and so forth. It varies by species of course, dragons not really ever wearing anything other than armor. However, pretty much every race has some form of…erm….” her voice drifted off as a bright blush flashed on the gryphoness’s light cheeks.

Hmmmmmmm. I wonder….

“Wild guess. Lingerie exists here? In some form?”

Galley smacked a set of claws to her face and nodded. “Ugh, I was definitely not thinking ahead when speaking, but yes.”

“I am going to tamper my curiosity about that general topic with logic and say we should move on.”

I mean, how would that even-

“Sounds good to me,” Galley said between her claws, not able to look at the human for a few moments as they continued onwards. “Anyhow, this is the more ‘noble-y’ area, so mostly unicorns. Then it blends into Pegasi and Earth Pony areas intermixed with more affordable shops. Seriously, a single meal here costs like fifty bits.”

“I still need to figure out how much that is. A sold gold coin is worth a lot back where I’m from.”

“Eh, in due time. It took me a bit to understand that, honestly. But Bits are the accepted form of currency pretty much everywhere that borders Equestria, and then some.”

“Note to self, ask the lovely Princesses for some money.”

Galley snorted, a wry smile sliding onto her beak. “Eh, I think you’ll find a job soon enough. I mean, maybe you can do your old job? Might get kind of boring. Regardless, I’m fairly certain Twilight was drafting up a formal stipend for you, at least until or in supplement to whatever job you get.”

Looking around at the various shops, Jason nodded in thought. Quite a few curious glances were cast his way, but most ponies seemed fairly indifferent of the human. A few waved while others stared, but for the most part the walk was uneventful.

“Not sure what I’d even look for out there. It was just a forest, and a wet one at that. Don’t know if there’s any fires too. But I do miss the wilderness a bit. Much more peaceful than the city.”

“I’m sure one of the Princesses could make you a personal portal.”

“Hmm, that’s an idea. Oh! So, this is what current fashion is? At least for nobles?”

Galley looked over at the shop in question, clearly trying her hardest to not look disgusted. “It would appear so.”

“Not a fan?”

“Not in the slightest. But I’m a gryphon so we don’t really wear many clothes. It’s more of a status thing, of which there was very little in Griffinstone until recently. Same with ponies from what I’ve gathered.”

“Hmm. Well you have feathers and fur, so that kind of helps in terms of hot and cold. We’re not so lucky,” Jason replied.

“I can understand that. I’ll take my fur and feathers any day! Even if it is a bit…splotchy.”

There was an audible *smack* as Jason slapped his hand to his face with a groan. “Nobody is going to understand that joke other than me.”

“That’s why I saaaaaid it! Oh! Here’s an apartment, one of the more ‘refined’ ones. We don’t have appointments with them, but we can at least see the neighborhoods and stuff.”

“Hmmmm.”

“It’s the color, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. Teal? Like…really?”

Galley snorted, nodding as she beckoned him onwards down the street. “I don’t get it either. I swear they should cut the tenants a break just for the eyesore factor.”

“’Scuse me. Are you the ‘uman?” a squeaky voice asked, causing Jason to look down at a curious blue unicorn filly, innocent orange eyes examining the strange being as a lighter-colored mare trotted over.

“Sorry! I take my eyes off her for a second…”

“It’s really no problem,” Jason replied with a smile, then kneeling down to be a bit more at the filly’s level. “Yup. That’s me. I know I probably look kind of strange, huh?”

The filly pursed her lips in thought, then shrugged her shoulder. “Not really. You have two legs. I have four. That’s only two legs of difference!”

As Galley struggled not to laugh, Jason chuckled and nodded in agreement. “You know, when you put it like that, I suppose that’s not much of a difference at all.”

As the mare ushered her child away with a thankful smile, the filly waved a hoof towards the human and gryphoness.

“Bye, ‘Uman! Talk to you soon!”

Jason waved back, not missing the soft squeak that left Galley’s beak.

“Ok, that was adorable.”

The man was about to pose a question when an odd tone echoed through the streets, followed by a barely-decipherable voice over the speakers. Something about an emergency system test…

“Ugh, I have to tell them to fix the speakers in this section again. Every time they test the system a new bug crops up, you’d think after the Canterlot Invasion…” Galley’s eyes then widened in realization, looking towards Jason in genuine worry. “Jason? I didn’t even know they were testing these, how are you around-”

A piercing siren then filled the air; most ponies paying it no mind. Jason however immediately froze, pupils dilating. Galley’s ears swiveled as she heard the man’s breathing double in speed.

Despite his hands shaking, Jason calmly walked towards the nearest alley before sliding down to sit against the wall, struggling to control his breathing as the sirens wailed. The noise quickly subsided, the human then letting out a frustrated breath.

“I’ve tried to do some exposure therapy against those things; it was only partially effective,” he muttered. “But at least I’m not completely shutting down like I did at first. I’m surprised you have the same sirens here…”

“Anything I can do to help?” Galley asked, wings drooping on seeing the man so clearly unsettled. The request made him let out a huff, shoulders shrugging.

“Nothing appropriate, unfortunately.”

Galley’s deadpan expression nearly distracted Jason enough to laugh out loud, the gryphoness sitting next to him. “Would a hug fall under inappropriate in your mind then? I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but Equestria is basically powered by hugs.”

Jason managed a smile, the man finally nodding. “Well, I suppose that viewpoint may need to change, huh? Every creature here is a bit more touchy-feely than I’m used to, I gather,” he paused, seeing Galley’s ears still locked onto him. “But yes, one would help. I’m not really a huggy type, but it seemed-”

His words drifted off as Galley reached her left forelimb over to rest it across his shoulders, the human shaking his head slowly.

“First human in Equestria, and I’m incapacitated by a siren of all things.”

Jason felt Galley’s one-armed grip tighten slightly, the gryphoness swallowing a lump in her throat.

“Snowstorms were like that for me, still kind of are,” she whispered. “So, I don’t think it’s that big a deal.”

“Snowstorms?”

Galley nodded, the gryphoness feeling the man’s breathing start to slow. “I lived on my own for most of my childhood. Winters were rough to say the least. Sometimes you had somewhere to stay, other times you didn’t.”

“I can understand that in a general sense,” Jason mused, his hands now only trembling slightly. Another minute, and his breathing had returned to normal, the man reaching up to give Galley’s arm a pat. “I think I’m good.”

Letting the human go, Galley looked at him cautiously, clearly wanting to ensure his words matched his appearance. What she wasn’t expecting was the man to reached over and give her a proper hug, a startled squawk leaving her beak.

“Thank you, Galley. Hopefully this is appropriate.”

Galley immediately returned the gesture with a sincere smile, a soft giggle leaving her beak. “You’re quite welcome. And y-yup, I’d say you’re acclimating fine!”

The man couldn’t help but be struck by a moment of familiarity; the gryphoness relaxing at his touch as she had back at the tower. The little skip in her voice wasn’t missed either. Not that he knew what either meant, but it was still interesting.

Huh. Huggy creatures here, good to know. Of all the things to help, a hug from a gryphoness.

Hmm. Hugging Galley seems to lack the usual awkwardness I feel otherwise. I wonder-

As he let the gryphoness go and stood up, the man’s mouth curled up into a smile. “Whoa, you’re poofy.” The blush on Galley’s face coupled with her wide eyes made Jason laugh as she sputtered. “Uh, did I say something wrong? I don’t think it’s a bad look!”

“Nope!” Galley squeaked, smoothing her feathers as best she could as a set of claws waved back to the street. “Shall we keep going?”

The amused look on Jason’s face let the gryphoness know she wasn’t fooling anyone; even if he wasn’t sure what such a thing meant.

Of course, the fact Galley’s feathers occasionally fluffed up throughout the day was a constant source of amusement for the human, the man making the remark that doing so made the gryphoness appear like a cute, slightly-burned marshmallow.

That did not help the matter.

“…it’s an armband?”

“Nope! Well, yes, but that’s not it,” Twilight explained, gesturing to the metal and leather item. “It’s a version of what the guard’s use. I took apart a few of the gauntlets and combined them all into one! It channels magical energy based on the user. This one I modified since you aren’t a pony. Usually they draw upon the pony’s inherent magical power, whatever type it may be. Since you don’t have any inherent magical power as far as I can tell, I adjusted it with the help of the changelings. It’ll draw upon your emotions instead!” Twilight crowed, hopping up and down excitedly.

Jason couldn’t help but smile even if he was a bit confused. “I mean, that sounds really cool, but it’s not what I was expecting for today’s discussion. What can that tell you, if I may ask?”

Twilight blushed, gesturing to the item again. “Oh! Right, um, it will tell us if you can operate anything magical in our world. Essentially, it can be an indicator if you can harness magic in any way shape or form.”

“Huh. Ok…so…I just think of something to create with this thing?”

Nodding and staring at the device, Twilight levitated a pen and paper over, almost vibrating with anticipation.

“Yup! Just focus on an emotion, preferably happy, and what you want to create. I’d suggest a dinner-plate sized shield. Those are magically very simple, at least the basic forms are.”

The man shrugged, looking at the gauntlet curiously.

“Alright…”

Thinking of a shield…shield…happy emotions. A birthday party with my family?

The device let out a few sparks, making Twilight’s eyes widen and the pen scribble rapidly. It also made Jason grin. A visible result from a mere thought was somehow rather exciting!

Ok, still a shield. Hmm. Let’s try this, a bit more of a mixed bag. Realizing I’m welcome in Equestria and surrounded by friends.

The device let out another sputter of sparks- these a bit more cohesive and in roughly a circular pattern before fading.

“Hey, Twilight? Feeling a tad woozy,” Jason muttered, prompting a wince from the Alicorn.

“Oh, right. It will be your body adjusting to the emotional drain. In theory, you have limitless energy when tapped into your emotions but the rebound afterwards will be draining as you recover. We don’t have to do much more today, just a final test which is a bit-”

*BANG!*

As the explosive sound echoed around the room, Jason immediately ducked against the nearest desk, wondering if one of his rifles had been tampered with. The gauntlet erupted with a waterfall of angry sparks in a shimmering wall, eating away at the solid stone at Jason’s feet and the metal desk like a swarm of hungry termites.

As he poked his head above the desk, the man took a deep breath, seeing a mortified lab assistant standing over a shattered vial.

“S-sorry! I brushed it and it was pressurized and…” the mare began to stammer before Twilight trotted over and gave her a pat with a wing.

“Jason, you ok?” she asked, the man standing up with a nod, the device now sputtering off.

“Just a reflex, but yes, I’m fine.”

As the assistant trotted off with flattened ears, Twilight scribbled a few more notes with a sigh.

“Well, negative emotions were the final range I wanted to try, and I am going to assume that indeed was such a reaction.”

“Putting it mildly, yeah.”

“I really am sorry about that…” Twilight frowned, ears perking up as Jason waved a hand.

“Eh, it happens. I’m surprised that sounded like a gunshot though. A pressurized vial?”

“For testing some of your emergency gear, yes. Ugh, sorry again, we can be done for now.”

As Jason made to take off the gauntlet, Twilight shook her head, pushing the device back with a magical shove.

“If you can, please keep it close to you at all times. Allowing the magical matrices to acclimate to your unique signature, or lack thereof, may help it interact with your emotions better.”

“Erm….”

“Sorry. Keep it close so the device can calibrate to you. It may help with further tests; you don’t have to wear it though.”

“Oh, ok, I can do that. Now, I was supposed to meet Galley at a cheesecake shop. Where is that in relation to here?”

“Cheesecake work? Oh, that place is amazing! I can send you there!” Twilight gushed, horn starting to spark.

“Beam me up.”

“Huh?”

“Remind me to show you ‘Star Trek’ for the daily ‘human videos’ segment at the Castle,” Jason chuckled as the world disappeared in a flash of color.

Author's Note

Learning a bit more about Jason's past, the event, and of course some adorable moments!

Chapter Ten: Flames

Luna drifted through the dream realm; her attention quickly being focused by a familiar darkness within the thoughts of Equestria’s only human.

Jason, what plagues you tonight?

The Alicorn abruptly was spun into a familiar burning city, her eyes stinging from smoke that was blown here and there.

What in the world….?

An odd craft was situated on a pad set above what appeared to be a fortified building, two sets of spinning blades slowly rotating above the rectangular vehicle.

A helicopter, that’s what Jason told us it was, and those videos showed it too.

The square compound was clearly intended to repel an attack, metal welded over the walls and doors as razor wire was spun around the top of the fenceposts. The concrete building itself was pockmarked with holes and blown out windows.

Like before, her magic seemed dampened by the dream, the memory refusing to release its hold until a certain event had run through Jason’s mind. The alicorn double checked her safety spells and waited. Surely it couldn’t….

That’s when Luna heard the screaming. It wasn’t normal however. Not of pain or anger, but as though a wounded animal was seeking revenge. The sound echoed through the building as something moved around inside.

“They’re coming! MOVE!”

Luna’s attention was drawn to the craft and her heart jumped to her throat. Packed in the interior were over a dozen humans, children crying as unformed individuals cradled weapons in their arms. Nearest the back of the craft, Jason and his family sat, their features bloodied and scraped as they buckled into the helicopter.

Two soldiers began to fire, their guns barking as they maneuvered to the edge of the landing pad. One of them shut off a machine near the edge, hoses connecting it to the helicopter. Luna let out a gasp as another human darted from an open door and tackled the soldier off the pad with a screech, the other man continuing to fire his gun.

“The fuel line! Disconnect it!” a crackling voice yelled from the helicopter loudspeaker as the rotors began to spin faster, another solider firing from the rear of the vehicle with a larger weapon.

The man ran towards the helicopter, slinging his weapon to reach out and grasp the line. Out of nowhere, two bloodied humans tackled him, brutally stabbing the man with sharp glass held in their hands before the gunners in the helicopter mowed them down.

“We can’t leave until that line is removed! They’ll get in here!” the pilot yelled, terror creeping into his voice.

It was then that Luna saw Jason’s father stand up, barely limping a step before collapsing on a splinted leg. The other wounded individuals held him back with shaking heads. One of the soldiers in the rear of the helicopter froze, hands shaking as he clutched a rope near the door.

“Are you sure?”

The scene slowed down to focus on Jason and a bearded soldier, his arm in a sling. The man’s calloused free hand hefted over a massive rifle, an odd, crudely-modified green box set beneath it.

“Just like you practiced.”

“NO!”

Jason’s father tried to hold onto his son back as he was given a brief hug along with his mother. Charging to the ramp, Jason jumped off as the helicopter began to take off, beginning to drift across the pad.

As a dozen things broke down a hastily barricaded door at the top of the building, Jason yanked on the line, but it refused to budge. With a firm twist, the flexible tube finally came free and freed the vehicle.

But the creatures were too close. Three broke away from the pack, aiming towards the rear of the helicopter despite the bullets that tore into their limbs and torso’s.

The fearful young man in front of her raised the rifle with shaking hands and pulled the trigger. The staccato of fire dropped one of the creatures, drawing another towards him. The third was dropped by the door gunner as the helicopter began to rise.

As the bloodied human lunged forwards Jason pulled the trigger again. The shaking seemed to leave his hands as the man watched the third runner drop to the ground.

“GET ON!”

Jason ran towards the rear of the helicopter but paused, seeing the crowd of creatures now climbing onto the pad and dashing towards them with outstretched hands.

He looked into the helicopter, eyes meeting those of his family. As the pilot began to lift off, Jason’s father let out a bellow of agony, a wounded arm reaching towards his son while two others restrained him.

“NO! JASON!”

Shouldering the rifle, Jason stared down the creatures that were a stone’s throw from him now. The single word that tore from his lips seemed to carry away his fear.

“GO!”

As Luna got a look at Jason’s eyes, the stoic alicorn felt a shiver run down her spine. There was fear, yes, but also something that she had seen before that replaced it; an inferno that pushed aside any hesitation to keep those he loved safe.

Any further sounds were lost as the weapon in Jason’s hands roared. Dozens of shell casing spat out the side as the weapon mowed through the creatures like a scythe, the man then firing in long bursts as more things dashed up through the open door.

“Behind me!” Jason growled, forcefully shoving Luna back as he took aim once again.

Two large backpacks hit the ground next to Jason, tossed by the bearded soldier in the chopper as it continued to climb higher.

The weapon roared again, continuing to cut through the bloodied humans as Jason fired. The barrel of the gun glowed a cherry red as it cut down the assailants charging forwards.

When no more came up the stairs, Jason paused for the briefest of moments and looked out at the rapidly-retreating helicopter. Waving the firearm above his head with a heave towards the vehicle and his family the man then slung the weapon back into his arms as, two tears trickled down his cheeks. He then sprang into action and grabbed the two large packs, slinging the rifle and running towards a rickety fire escape. His movements became sharper, eyes narrowing as he dashed down the steps. An iron-clad will to live shoved aside all fear now that his family was safe, the man sprinting across the empty street down below.

The magical resistance faded and Luna sent a pulse through the dream. Jason shed his younger regalia, standing up and looking around.

“A dream,” he muttered, eyes wide as the man spotted Luna. “You saw all of that.”

It was a statement, not a question directed Luna’s way. She nodded, taking a deep breath. It had been some time since the alicorn had traversed a battlefield bloodied by war, and such a barbaric scene was still a bit unsettling.

“I have one question, Jason,” she asked, gesturing to the torn bodies on the concrete. “Why were those humans trying to kill you?”

Jason took a few steps forwards, and Luna saw his hands were shaking. Turning over one of the dream creatures, Jason gestured to the bloodshot eyes and the sores on the man’s arm.

“They are not human, not like me or those others at least.”

“What do you mean?”

“A different location, please.”

As a familiar meadow spun into existence, Jason sat down on a stump, wringing his hands as though trying to scrub invisible blood from them.

“I never told you how my city was attacked,” he began. “They hit us with improvised nuclear weapons, only a few though. I’d rather not go into what those are at this time. The rest were conventional explosives targeting chemical storage, nuclear power plants, and then just some old-fashioned car bombs.” Jason shook his head, taking a deep breath.

“That’s what we knew in the first week. What we didn’t know was the other weapon they released, the one designed to cause maximum panic and paralyze an entire nation with fear. I don’t know what it is exactly, but it was a pathogen. Virus, bacteria, maybe some chimera of the two. It made people crazy. They still ate, drank, walked, ran…and killed. I don’t know what they saw in their hallucinations, but they wanted to kill anyone not infected. If you got any of their blood on you through an open cut, scratch, or even touched a dead body with a wounded hand. It was disgustingly contagious with fluids; pure luck I didn’t get infected that day or any time after. Or perhaps not luck at all.”

“Such a thing exists?” Luna whispered, a humorless huff leaving Jason’s mouth.

“Until that moment we didn’t know such a thing was possible. But then again, we thought the same thing about the scope of an attack. Because it had never happened before, it was never thought within a logical realm of possibility. And yet an entire state killed itself over the course of a year. It’s why the rest of the nation sealed it off to contained the spread of the infection. It worked, thankfully. But it trapped everyone inside. That chopper was one of the few rescue vehicles sent every few days to certain locations. That regularity stopped after another month or so.”

“And you survived with those things hunting you? Everyone else?” Luna asked, Jason nodding.

“Yes. And I’m just glad I never had to kill a human who hadn’t lost himself to the virus. Never had to. You couldn’t usually fight them, not when they were clumped together. You had to run and hide, and then pray they never found you. It was better outside the city, where there weren’t millions…”

Jason shook his head, waving a hand around. “Can you wake me up? I don’t know if I can sleep after that.”

“Of course. May I tell my sister of this? Perhaps show her?”

“Yes. I just don’t want to talk about this anymore. The memories after this are…disturbing, even moreso than before.”

“I understand, Jason.”

Waking up with a shaky breath, Jason got out of bed and stared out at the peaceful city, shivering ever so slightly. The man couldn’t sleep for some time after that, the only comfort being the memory of two warm arms around his shoulders earlier that day. Only an hour or two before the light peeked through the window did he doze off to a dreamless landscape.

“Huh. So, this is an interesting place. One of those racial hubs that you mentioned? A combining of all three pony races?” Jason asked Galley as they walked. The gryphoness nodded, seeming to always get a slight smile on her face when looking over at the curious human.

“Yup! Hey, you alright by the way? You seemed a bit tired,” Galley asked.

“Just memories, dreams. I’m fine though, Luna is still helping.”

“Alright…”

The man reached over to ruffle Galley’s ears; a gesture that was apparently a friendly one and not one of the racial no-no’s.

“But thank you, Galley.”

The gesture prompted a bright blush, the gryphoness mumbling to herself as they walked. The man stretched, the backpack across his shoulders digging in slightly. As per Twilight’s instructions, he had been keeping the bracer nearby to allow for some…what was it? She had told him again when he asked for another explanation. “Arcane adjustments after long exposure to your unique magical field, allowing calibration of the matrices.”

Keep it close, let it adjust, basically.

“So, where do you think is a good place for lunch?” Jason asked, Galley’s ears perking up as she walked alongside him.

“Hmmm. There’s an awesome fish place. The grilled salmon, oh it’s fantastic.”

“Fish it is. Hmm. Are we near any food places now by the way?”

Galley’s head tilted, the gryphoness shaking her head. “No, this is more of a residential and fancy industry area, why? Hungry?”

“I smell smoke.”

The pair quickened their pace, more so Galley to keep up with Jason as he jogged down a side street.

The man skidded to a stop as he turned out of an alleyway, Galley pausing at his side with a horrified gasp. The top of the eight-story apartment in front of the pair was engulfed in flames, along with every room from top to bottom on a corner of the structure. Guards ponies were busy ushering ponies out of the bottom floor, Pegasi maneuvering rain-soaked clouds into position to contain the fire from spreading.

“The guards are here; I love that response time. A few minutes anywhere in the city,” Galley remarked proudly, looking over to see if there was a leader of the rescue crew. “I’m not on duty, but perhaps we can see if there’s something we can do to help.”

Jason’s view was focused on two hysterical mares however, the light blue and pink ponies frantically gesturing towards the building.

I know one of them. The mare from before…

“My filly!”

“PLEASE!”

As guardsponies galloped up into the burning apartment, Jason’s eyes widened as he spotted a blue shape huddled next to a red one, both clinging to the outside of a corner window and shielded from view of the guards and the Pegesi by smoke and an ornamental balcony railing. It was almost outside the area of focus, bordering on the edge of an alleyway.

There’s no time.

A blur of motion in her periphery caught Galley’s attention, the gryphoness turning to see where Jason was, or rather, wasn’t.

Sprinting towards the corner window, Jason grit his teeth as a guard moved to block his path.

The blue bundle fell.

“Hey, hold on th-”

Lowering his shoulder, the man sent the pony flying head over hooves, the guard skidding along the ground as the man nearly slammed into the wall. Adjusting his position, Jason held out his arms-

GOTCHA!

The crying filly clung to Jason’s leg as he lowered the youngster to the ground. The red figure now also lost their grip, hooves smacking Jason’s shoulder as the man caught the second falling filly.

That’s two!

Holding one filly in his arms, the man looked over to hand them to a waiting guard, only to see them all backpedaling.

That’s when he smelled the gas.

Seeing the horrified gazes of both Galley and the guardsponies, Jason knew he only had a few moments.

I know how fast this stuff can ignite, pony-made or not!

Tearing off the backpack the man slid on the gauntlet, depressing the two activation crystals as the device sputtered to life.

Come on!

Looking inside, Jason felt more than heard something ignite with a dull roar. The doorway began to glow a sinister orange as though the gates to the underworld had just been opened.

It was a rumble he was well acquainted with; more than a few gas lines had been ruptured in his doomed city during the outbreak.

Shield! SOMETHING! The man thought as he held up the armband, a few pathetic sparks sputtering from the aperture. The two fillies were still crying, each burying their heads into his shoulder and leg respectively.

“Shield!”

As the smoke welled up, pushed forward by a pocket of ignited gas, Jason’s eyes widened as a very different scene sprang to the forefront.

A bloodied child crying as he clung to Jason’s worn cargo pants, the screams of the infected echoing down the alleyway.

A battered rifle held against his shoulder, the man desperately struggling to ram his way into a side door.

“COME ON!” the man bellowed, the device beginning to emit a cascade of sparks, the bare hints of arcane energy starting to coalesce.

The child now in his arms, the man shooting off the lock of the door as he forced his way inside. Up the stairs to the roof, the child screaming in terror as an infected began to claw its way after them…

One thought then pushed through the fear and terror, causing the man to smile ever so slightly.

A family hugging him close as the child was gathered up in the arms of a parent.

As the gas fully ignited Jason kneeled down and shielded the filly on the ground with his body, arm held out in front of him.

“SHIELD!”

Galley felt her throat close up as the leaking gas detonated, engulfing the human in a ball of fire. The heat was intense enough to cause the first responders to scramble back, Galley dragging a wounded tenant with her.

“JASON!” she wasn’t even aware of her cry until after the fact, her claws starting to shake as something ignited further in the building, the blast surging out from the front of the apartments along with bits of metal and debris as a few walls were blown out across the street.

He’s ok…he’s got to be. He can’t…

The storm clouds above now dumped their contents, water coursing down onto the inferno. As mist rose up around the building, Galley’s green eyes widened in shock. Amid the steam, a bright bubble became visible. Crackling with bright blue tendrils, the shield fully surrounded the crouched figure inside.

Galley couldn’t help but laugh as Jason stood up, the magical field dissipating as he limped towards the rescuers, a filly firmly attached to his leg while the other rested on his shoulder. Blood trickled from the man’s head and leg, pieces of metal having apparently found their way through the protective barrier.

As the two fillies were whisked away by paramedics, Galley saw a firm expression on Jason’s face, an almost neutral look with a slight smile. It was the emotion in his eyes that Galley’s own gaze picked out which made her pause. It was a look that made her heart soar, even if the gryphoness couldn’t place why at seeing the battered human at peace despite his wounds and the chaos around them.

This is familiar to him.

The man didn’t look out of place at all in the chaotic disaster zone as his eyes filled with an ocean of emotion. Determination, understanding, relief, and compassion. A single thought then clarified everything Galley had seen, and finally part of Jason began to make sense. She had thought of it briefly back on the tower when cornered by those wolves, and again as the man had calmly treated her wounds.

He’s a warrior.

It made Galley realize what set him apart from the gryphons she had seen like him. They had returned from their skirmishes beaten and bruised, or allowed themselves to think so. Their mindset was the antithesis of what this odd human emanated as he watched the fillies being treated for their slight burns and scrapes, finally sitting down and letting a medic tend to his own injuries off to the side.

You already fought against an army of something worse than I can imagine, I think. You’ve done this before, battling for something, for someone. Everygriff I’ve seen fight lost their spark, their drive, their will to try and be better after they fought for something they thought was worth it all.

But you didn’t; you won.

Galley only vaguely remembered dashing forwards to wrap the human up in a hug, a familiar set of fingers rustling through her ears as soft reassuring words soothed the surprising amount of worry that surged through her frame.

And you’re ok.

Celestia calmly read over a long parchment; an incident report on a fire in lower Canterlot. As she read, a smile began to spread over the Alicorn’s features, an attentive purple princess already grinning at her side.

“I think he’s going to fit in just fine, Twilight. I think it’s worth checking up on Jason at the hospital, don’t you think?”

Twilight nodded as she charged a teleportation spell, Celestia not able to resist a laugh as she caught an excited whisper.

“So, he can use the shield matrix!”

Author's Note

A bit more background, and Equestria's resident human gets a chance to help! :yay:

Chapter Eleven: Row by Row

The next week followed a familiar schedule; more media interviews, helping scientists and historians transcribe things (as best as the man could recall,) and touring Canterlot. To say Jason wasn’t a city fan was an understatement, but Canterlot wasn’t that bad. Ponies seemed to enjoy the greenery over a concrete jungle, at least here, so there were plenty of small gardens, plants, and various shrubbery here and there.

Everything was starting to fall into place, Celestia having gotten a Citizenship Application approved for the human. It was quite a stack of papers, but Jason certainly appreciated her initiative on the matter. A passport, ID, bank account; it’d allow him to fully embrace Equestrian society, something Jason was actually starting to become excited for. Relying on others just didn’t sit right, not after the Event. Having some independence would relieve that obnoxious itch at the back of his mind.

Even more curious was the mention of something happening near his tower. Celestia had been very peeved that Discord had refused to elaborate. But apparently it was…a thing.

So that was at least progress in a direction.

Yet as everything else began to work out, one thing he couldn’t understand however was Galley. The gryphoness had grown increasingly ‘off’. It was a subtle thing, but making Jason a tad worried over this past week. A few odd glances here and there, the gryphoness being more fidgety each time they met. Considering they saw each other at lunch and usually for a while in the afternoon, it had been extremely obvious that something was bothering her.

And yet during their talks she was as attentive as ever, the familiar spark in her eyes returning in force as she listened. But she otherwise seemed hesitant to look at him when they walked around or were in a more casual setting.

Did the novelty of hanging around a human wear off? No, it’s Galley. I thought I at least had a general idea about her. But people-erm, creatures, can surprise you.

Perhaps I’ll just ask her, no, I already have. And the response is always the same. Just that she’s fine, personal stuff, and so forth. Not my place to pry, especially after letting her know I can be a listening ear.

It was a mixed bag. One moment she seemed actively trying to not look at him, yet the other she seemed to enjoy his company immensely. On taking him to a Hoofball game she certainly had no qualms sitting at his side with a wide grin the entire event, the pair squished among other ponies at the stadium. Heck, he almost sat on her tail a couple of times she was so close.

So, whatever it was, it was situational. The man had started to explore further into basic Equestrian social cues, so perhaps in the next day or two he’d find some answers. Considering the next section was on gryphons, that held promise. Maybe there was some social rule of sorts? Something he had missed in the general discussions they’d had?

Yet as they met for another tour, Galley’s eyes shone with that ever-present energy as a smile flickered onto her beak.

I just can’t figure you out, and you won’t tell me…so all I can be is honest I suppose.

“Really for tour of the lower areas? It’s a bit more of an industrialized and neighborhood mix again,” Galley explained, Jason enjoying the fact whatever was bothering the gryphoness didn’t seem to be in full force quite yet.

“Sounds good. It’s nice being in a city without a ton of pollution.”

“Oh, right. You were saying how yours are sometimes smothered in the stuff. Reminds me of Manehatten or Baltimare. Flying above the factories? Bleh,” Galley remarked, sticking out her tongue in disgust.

“Another reason I liked my tower job,” Jason agreed. “And speaking of which, something is going on there, I just don’t know what. Celestia and Discord seem to be a bit ornery about it. As long as they didn’t burn it down, I guess no harm done…”

Galley shrugged as they continued to walk, the pair meandering now through ‘rural’ lower Canterlot, the roads dotted with farm stands, blacksmithing shops, and hole-in-the-wall dwellings that, if the smell was anything to go by, made amazing food.

“Well, I haven’t heard anything other than the same ‘something’ word in the guard, so I can’t help you there,” she admitted. “I wonder if…eh, if it was a portal or something, they’d have told you. I do find it odd.”

Jason nodded, sighing with a shrug.

“I trust Celestia, Discord too, as odd as he is.”

“WHY THANK YOU, MY GOOD CHAP!”

Both human and gryphoness let out a scream as a pebble in the road yelled at them, Galley clinging to Jason’s waist as he promptly punted the offending rock down the road.

“OW WHydidyouhitmeimmediately….” Discord called out as he sailed down the road, then appearing at the pair’s side with a grin.

“How is my favorite human doing?”

“…I’m your only human, last I checked,” Jason replied, apparently not noticing as Galley released her grip a bit reluctantly, feathers fluffed up as a bit of pink colored her cheeks.

“True! I just wanted to say hello, and confirm indeed that there isn’t really anything going on at your tower. Celestia is worried about rumors and all that.”

Discord glared at the pair, shrugging as he pouted, Jason and Galley glaring at him, clearly not impressed.

“Fine, don’t believe me! But that was the message I was tasked with delivering. Ta-ta!”

After Discord vanished, Jason rubbed his temples and gestured towards a distant shop.

“I stand corrected. I usually trust Discord. That was weird. I just, ugh. Want to get lunch?” he asked. “And something sugary and chocolatey. I didn’t expect to encounter a yelling pebble.”

Galley nodded, trotting after Jason with a grumble.

“Right behind you.”

“That was horrible,” Celestia groaned as Discord floated in front of her, the throne room bare aside from them.

“I’m fantastic at lying unless I’m supposed to lie; you know that!” Discord whined, Celestia shaking her head.

“But no further developments?”

“No. I’m watching it like you watch a freshly-frosted cake.”

“That’s a horrible analogy,” the Alicorn pouted, then looking over to Discord curiously. “I have to ask. There isn’t by chance-”

Discord chortled as a still-steaming cake flew into the room- the feathery wings evaporating as it settled in front of the Princess.

“You know me too well. So, am I forgiven for my horrible lying skills?”

“Mmhmm,” Celestia replied, otherwise now occupied by a large slice of the vanilla-raspberry dessert.

“I will let him know eventually,” Discord mused. “Just not yet. Not until something concrete pops up.”

The rugged man stared at Jason with a curious gaze, letting out a sigh as the younger individual gasped for breath.

‘Take deep breaths, son. You’re safe in here,’ the strange individual rumbled, checking the number of shots left in the massive revolver on the small wooden table in front of him before stuffing it in a worn leather holster underneath a patchy olive-green jacket.

‘Craziest thing I’ve seen this week, you hollering to draw those creatures off that group. What were you thinking? You got lucky my traps didn’t smash you along with them.’

Jason shook his head, levering himself up to sit at least somewhat upright.

‘Couldn’t just let them die. I was the only one who could save them, so why wouldn’t I?’

The other man stroked a well-kept grey goatee, letting out a huff as he drained a small cup of its contents.

‘Plenty of reasons why not to, very few as to why, at least in times like this. You’re an interesting one, and for that I’m glad I managed to help you out.’

‘I can’t thank you enough, Mister….’

‘Gah. That makes me sound older than I already am. Just call me Harv,’ the man waved a hand at Jason’s words.

‘Seems like you’ve got a nice setup here, I’m impressed. Wait…you’re one of the Hunters, aren’t you?’

Harv chuckled, gesturing around at the second story of the auto-shop.

‘Hunters? Bah. Is that what they call us? This is just the result of having friends and a hobby, and I suppose we did used to hunt things. Well, it was a noble ‘prey’ you might say, but I am curious, son. Why did you do it? Risking your life like that is not something you can wildly do in a time like this. It’s almost every man for himself.’

Jason stayed quiet, then looked up with a rather fiery gaze that seemed to cause Harv’s mouth to turn up in a slight smile.

‘You said ‘almost’ every man for himself?’

Harv nodded.

‘Aye. There’s some of us that are helpers to a fault, and I suspect you may be one of them. Am I wrong? Why did you do it?’

‘You seem rather focused on the why.’

That gave Harv pause, and Jason continued.

‘Because if I knew that I could save someone’s life but didn’t, just because of a risk to myself, I don’t know if I could sleep at night. I knew I had a decent chance of getting away. I knew that group, with their injured, couldn’t. So, I took a chance. And that’s worth saving a life,’ Jason looked down at his shaking hands with a sigh. ‘Still reap the effects afterwards though.’

Harv gestured to a leather jacket on the counter, the man standing with a grunt.

‘It’s burning you up, son. You’re trying to do good in this wretched situation, but you can’t keep it up without consequence. I tried that before all of this, and it nearly killed me. You’re quite the odd one, and I mean that in the most respectful way I can.’

The Hunter stood up, showing the back of the leather jacket with a heart and two crossed wrenches.

‘I know that kind of thinking, and I’m trying to help you. It nearly burned myself up and my friends. We couldn’t fix it all. The world isn’t like a bike, but we tried.’

‘A biker gang? Wait, the Heart Wrenches? Why are you telling me all this?’ Jason asked, rather perplexed.

Harv laughed, shaking his head as he sat down.

‘If you call a bunch of fifty and sixty-year olds who roamed around a gang. Hah, far from it. I’m telling you this because you have the same problem I once did. Maybe I’m wrong, or maybe that shot of whisky did a lot more than it ever has before. Just listen, because I don’t know who else I’ll get to tell before this is over, alright? If anything, take a breather from this apocalypse and indulge your elder.’

Jason nodded, taking a seat on the stool in front of the Hunter as he continued.

‘We had our families, and riding was our relaxation. But it turned into something else. Do you know what we were all about before this?’

‘I only have heard some news stories, all good.’

‘That’s the sum of it. We fixed things; the heart and the machine.’

‘I don’t follow.’

Harv paused, looking at the empty glass on the table and turning it upside down.

‘We all had our problems with families, rough upbringings, bad luck and so forth. Helping others made those problems go away. If some lass had a flat tire in the middle of nowhere, suddenly you weren’t thinking about your nights left alone as a child, you were focused on helping a lady get back on the road.

A family running out gas in a bad part of the city? The bad memories you tried to drink away now vanish without the booze as you gas up their car and send them on their way. My point is that you’re doing what we did at first. I rode around as Harv, helping people. But that became too much. I couldn’t keep it all straight in my head. Helping others for some just isn’t natural at first. So, what I did wasn’t what ‘Harv’ would do at all. You follow?’

‘I think so. You’re talking about separating it all, focusing on the task itself and keeping the other stuff from your personal life separate, right? Like when you’re fishing, to make it all go quiet.’

‘Exactly!” Harv replied, nodding in approval. ‘Except that’s hard to do with people. Talking and such, you have to be somebody, can’t just ignore them and focus on the task like with a rod and reel, or fixing a broken spark plug. So, we became the Heart Wrenches. I wasn’t ‘Harv’ when I rode, I was a Wrench. It became easy after that. A Wrench didn’t have to think about bad memories or the traumatic stuff, they just had to focus on helping others. The, after the few hours were done, Harv, or Bills, or Derran, or whoever it may be, can tune back to their own problems.’

‘That makes sense in a roundabout way. Just focusing on the task to recharge, then tackle the problems again afterwards.’

‘In a way. It was about being someone else for a time to get through it.’

Harv stood, gesturing to the outside world that peeked through the boarded up windows.

‘I’m still a Wrench here,’ he whispered, ‘because if I try to think about this nightmare like I normally would, I’d lose it. I lost my daughter to those creatures, a son too. My wife and other son are on the outside and if I think about it all, I’d be paralyzed,’ the man’s green eyes narrowed, looking over to Jason with a much more intelligent air than anyone would pin on the rugged Hunter.

‘Son, everyone is different, but we handle bad situations in a few predictable ways. I see your hands shaking still. Look at mine, and I killed ten of those creatures not a few minutes before saving you.’

The man’s calloused hands were steady as he held them out, goateed mouth turning up into a smirk.

‘That’s not because I’m old or seen more than you. I never killed a single living creature until this mess started.’

Jason could only stare as Harv gestured to the symbol on the biker jacker, and then reached into his worn coat to retrieve a tattered bible. He placed it and the revolver on the table, gesturing to the items briefly.

‘These are the two symbols I live by now. Two wrenches replaced by a gun and God’s word, but I still have the same goals. Do you understand what I’m getting at? Some people can take it, they can mold experiences immediately to themselves and harden their soul to it all. Some of us can’t, and we must have a shield. You need a shield, but I can’t pick it for you.’ Harv’s eyes softened, putting the bible and revolver away.

‘Son,’ he said, seeing the younger man’s head snap up in attention. ‘I saw a man a year or two your senior blow his brains out in a survivor camp two days ago. He had food, water, shelter, and relative safety. He just couldn’t take it. I don’t want you to end up like that.’

Jason nodded solemnly, clearly not sure what to say.

‘That’s my advice. Consider a listening ear your payment for me saving you, if that puts your heart at ease,’ Harv grunted, standing up. ‘If you’re a god-fearing man, I’d say perhaps place your shield in His hands. If I may ask, are you?’

‘Would have been alone for these past two weeks if I wasn’t, so yes.’

Harv’s eyes squinted in slight mirth, the man shrugging.

‘Then perhaps that’s your shield, your symbol. But it’s not my place to say.’

‘I think I’ve already got an idea, Harv. You’ve given me quite a lot to think about.’

Putting a hand on Jason’s shoulder, the Wrench leveled his gaze.

‘Don’t do it halfway. If you think the best way is to use a symbol or shield, you commit to it. The Mighty doesn’t take half-hearted efforts, and if you choose something else to use, it won’t work unless you become whatever it means. You understand?’

‘I do, Harv. Thank you again.’

‘Now let’s get going. I can point you towards a survival camp that is still secure.’

‘I don’t suppose you have a can of spray-paint lying around?’ Jason asked, prompting a nod.

‘Want to make a mark?’

‘In a manner of speaking. I already know who to trust rather than fate. But there’s another, different symbol I’d like to strive and emulate too.’

‘It’s a very personal decision, but your quickness has me surprised. May I ask what it is, son?’

‘Well, this second one, it stands for courage and protection.’

‘On what I saw today, I’d say that’s rather fitting. Follow me.’

“Ok, so let me see if I’ve got this right. It really is a pleasure to meet you all,” Jason remarked, gesturing to the five very amused ponies in front of him. It had been about a week since the siren incident (and thankfully no other nightmares had arisen other than the one that kept him up a few days ago.) The Elements of Harmony, Twilight excluded, had made some time to travel to Canterlot to meet Equestria’s first human. After simple introductions Jason wanted to double check that he didn’t accidentally mix up the names of this world’s heroes. He was fairly certain they’d just brush it off, but it was a matter of personal pride.

“Pinkie Pie, Element of Laughter.”

“Yuppers!”

“Rarity, Element of Generosity.”

“Correct, dear.”

“Applejack, Element of Honestly.”

“So far so good.”

“Fluttershy, Element of Kindness.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“And Rainbow Dash, Element of Loyalty.”

“Leaving the best for last of course!”

Jason was all smiles as he shook their hooves, gesturing around to the castle. “So, from what I hear you’ve saved the world a few times? I really am honored.”

“We kinda lost count. It’s in the job description,” Rainbow called out as she hovered. “Yeah, we’re sooorta a big deal. I know I am at least.”

“Oh, she’s humble too,” Applejack grumbled, Jason struggling to control his laughter.

“Well, I think Twilight wanted to meet us for a snack, except I’m still learning my way around this place…”

“This way, Sir!”

“Right. Guess we follow the…bouncing…pink…guard?” Jason blinked as Pinkie pronked ahead of them in a full royal guard’s outfit.

“Dear, don’t overthink what she does. Twilight did that once and it gave her a week-long migraine. She’s just being Pinkie Pie, and Pinkie does what Pinkie does,” Rarity remarked with a wave.

“…follow the bouncing Pinkie without questioning. I can do that.”

“So, what’s the worst outfit of the week?” Galley asked Celestia as they sat in the gardens, the Alicorn letting out a hum in thought.

“A noble tried to wear what looked like a giant purple slinky on their head. It went about as well as expected.”

As the pair dissolved into giggles, Celestia made sure to move her crown aside as the food was delivered to the stone table. It was a simple gesture; crown on meant Galley was talking to her boss. Crown off meant they were just having a lunch between friends.

“Oh, I saw that horrible apartment again when showing Jason around. Seriously, how has it not been repainted?” Galley groaned as Celestia got the guiltiest expression on her face.

“Actually, if you scrape the paint off it has been repainted a few times.”

“Wait, what?!”

Celestia waved a hoof in exasperation. “It’s not my fault that a few paint deliveries might have been re-routed during a nasty storm! The cost to re-finish the place was of course paid for…in a different color.”

“And that happened a few times? I almost feel sorry for them.”

Celestia grumbled and shook her head. “They made repeated remarks concerning my sister, namely about how her return was an unfortunate affair. They’re lucky I didn’t schedule that entire building for demolition.”

“On second thought, how soon can we re-route a thunderstorm over that area? I’ll bring the paint.”

Smiling to the empathetic gryphoness, Celestia settled down slightly and sighed. “I really do enjoy these talks, Galley. Not many other creatures treat me as just another pony, so I love these moments we get.”

“Well, you’re my friend for a good reason, Celestia. It’s a pity not many others can see past the regality at times. I can understand that, being seen as a predator and stuff. Neither is terribly fun, I imagine.”

Celestia nodded in agreement, then settled her head on her hooves in curiosity. “So, Jason’s been doing alright? I’m just glad that siren incident wasn’t a bigger deal. I wasn’t even aware they were testing those so soon.”

“Yeah, other than that. He was really spooked, but no harm done.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow at the reply. It was said in a completely normal tone, and yet… “Are you doing alright, Galley? You’ve seemed a bit distracted this past week.”

The slightly-puffy gryphoness shook her head, but then relented with a sigh. “Eh, just some personal stuff. I’ll let you know if it’s appropriate to bring up.”

Nodding at the honest response, Celestia’s eyes then widened. “Did we warn Jason about Pinkie?”

“Uh oh, I don’t think so. Wait, isn’t there a karaoke event today?”

“Road trip to the cafeteria?” Celestia immediately suggested as they got up, the gryphoness nodding.

“Immediate road trip.”

“Whoaaaaa we’re halfway there!”

“Whoaaaaa!”

“LIVING ON A PRAYER!”

Celestia and Galley walked into the ending lyrics of a song and the thunderous applause of the attending guards and staff. Pinkie and Jason bowed, a large microphone being absorbed back into the pony’s mane as they walked off stage, the man in stitches of laughter.

“Ok, that was just too fun!” Jason gasped, Pinkie bouncing at his side.

“We should toooooootally do that again!”

“If you do, let us know next time. Sounds like we missed quite a show,” Celestia remarked with a grin, Galley nodding at her side.

The pink pony and human bumped a hoof and hand, the pair separating as Jason wiped off a bit of sweat from his brow.

“Ok, that pony has an impossible set of lungs. That was pretty fun though.”

“I just wish we had heard it.” Galley grumbled, ears perking up as Jason nudged her shoulder with a hand.

“I’ll let you know next time Pinkie visits then.”

Celestia’s eyes narrowed in amusement as the simple touch made Galley’s feathers fluff up, the princess making a mental note of the matter.

Two months.

It was an odd thought. Over two months since being in Equestria proper, and about three-fourths of that being in Canterlot. A few weeks ago he had met Equestria’s greatest heroes, and he was actually starting to get the feel for Canterlot, at least some of it. Still had to decide on an apartment though. Celestia had an idea for a few jobs, but to get his paperwork official to avoid the legal ‘mumbo-jumbo’ that would inevitably arise was the priority.

To that, Jason could completely agree. It helped that he had a sort of schedule nowadays; meetings in the morning, be it with scientists, media, or answering questions from the Princess's, and then tours and general 'tell me about this world' time with a certain gryphoness.

And yet…

As he packed a small bag for his usual workout, the man shrugged, musing over the possibility of asking Celestia if everything was alright with Galley. If he was the issue, he’d rather be the first rather than last to know.

Jason then paused, grinning as he changed directions to the library. It was a strange idea, and one that was probably over-stepping a few boundaries, but curiosity won out. Cadence’s words rose to his mind with a pleasant hum but surely, he was overreacting.

He had been reading for a good hour or two a day, be it about Equestrian history, social customs, and so forth. The man had just finished a section of noble courting customs, and that had opened a door in his mind that had, until this point, remained only cracked open.

Thanking his luck that nopony was nearby, Jason aimed towards the required section, easily finding the book, as he had read the previous volumes a few times over.

‘Gryphon history and customs, volume three; Inter-gryphon relation observations.’

Flipping through the pages, Jason sat down and began to read, eyes widening at the increasingly obvious realization of his predicament.

‘Gryphon courting customs.

While gryphons are proud, standoffish, and somewhat reserved creatures (usually,) they are no less passionate in their feelings than ponies or other creatures in Equestria. Due to their biology, a few obvious subconscious ‘tells’ are present during courting that make their social circles both incredibly awkward and amusing if one knows what to look for.

Unfortunately, such knowledge had largely faded with the destruction of the Gryphon Empire, and is only now resurfacing as a new generation integrates with the old and the world beyond the Kingdom’s borders.

Like any other creature, Gryphons act differently around individuals they are interested in, whether they want to portray it or not. As a Pony may stare for a time, a gryphon(ess)’s feathers may fluff ever so slightly to varying degrees in the presence of their prospective suitor. Obviously, this is a difficult sign since general emotion can cause such a reaction, but it is consistently present in 98% of cases studied, in which the focused individual was near the subject.’

Jason let out a breath, kneading his temples as a possibility began to crack through to his consciousness. He had never really considered Cadence’s words seriously, not until now. There had to be more; a fluffy gryphon was hardly a sure sign.

‘Another, even more confirming ‘tell’ is with a gryphon’s tail. This is a completely subconscious action, and therefore is accurate to over 99.7% of subjects surveyed. In the presence of the individual a gryphon fancies, their tail will always shift to the side of their body closest to the one of their affection. If able, their tail will wrap around a limb, or rest slightly against their desired creature. Even when fully aware of the action, a gryphon is unable (save a few rare cases,) to prevent this action from occurring once it leaves their immediate awareness.’

Jason let out a breath, putting two and two together with a soft huff.

“Fluffy feathers, and goodness how many times have I nearly sat on your tail? It’s usually always….’

Always on the side towards me, or gently resting against my foot.
Galley’s increasing nerves around me, fluffing at every touch?
I may be bordering on the ‘denial’ stage of things.
As the possibility continued to grow in Jason’s mind, the man set aside the book, forcing himself to go down a logical path.

Am I ok with the idea of having, and returning feelings to somecreature in this world?
Where could that lead? Am I ok with that?
I can’t lie to myself about this. I need to figure it out so I can answer honestly, should the issue escalate.

The more he thought about it, the more Jason couldn’t help but smile. It was an odd mental bridge, for up unto that point he had humanity and sapience joined, inseparable. If you were not human, you were not self-aware in the same respect, at least as far as one could tell.

But now I’m in a world full of sapient creatures that just look different. They have dreams, emotions, hobbies; the only difference is physical. Well, society aside. Looks aren’t really the oddest thing about being here anymore.

…I have called Galley cute and adorable on more than one occasion, and I do enjoy being around her. I just haven’t thought about it past that. I haven’t let myself think past that.

Huh.

It was a mental leap that was barely even a jump. It was more of a step, recognizing the separation of ‘self’ and ‘humans-only.’ The fact that thinking about Galley brought a smile to Jason’s face was good enough answer for him.

I suppose, if I’m right about all of this, it really wouldn’t be that weird or unpleasant at all. I trust her, she’s a fantastic friend, and rather pretty as well.

At least compared to other gryphons, but I’m not an expert on that subject.

Jason leaned back in his chair, now chuckling to himself.

“I suppose that’s it then. Now how in the world do I bring this up to clear the air per say?

I hope I’m right, but even if I’m not, at least I can be honest with myself now. Having a life in Equestria, one with more than just friends, is a possibility I’m ok with.

The more I think about it, the more I’m much more than ‘ok’ with it. I can have a life here.

A complete life.

That final thought actually caused a few tears to spring to Jason’s eyes, as though it had never resonated fully that he could be happy in all aspects of his life here, even with trusting moments only a significant other could provide.

Of course, I’ll have to tell Cadence about all of this. I can see her bouncing around already…

That thought brought a wide grin to Jason’s face as he replaced the book, slinging his gym back and heading back to the gym.
‘Welcome to Equestria, Jason.’ Those words were sincere, but they didn’t really sink in until now.
I think I can finally feel welcome here. I can live here.

As the night fell, Galley stared out at the window at the stars, claws kneading into some soft wood.

I don’t know how to deal with this. Duty. My own wishes…just…

She took a few deep breaths, signing and dating a form before slumping into a pillow. She had already sent and canceled the form to Celestia; yet here she was signing it again.

‘Position Transfer Request.’

Author's Note

Life progressing for Equestria's token human! :pinkiehappy:

I've decided to split this story into 2 books- so it will wind down within a few chapters. Life sometimes kills motivation, but I do have an idea where I want things to go with this eventually- just may need to take a break.
But I don't want to leave a story unsaid- at least offering some sort of conclusion! I REFUSE! :yay:

Chapter Thirteen: Paths

Twilight glared at the circuit board as if it had offended herself and every ancestor prior, stabbing a hoof at the item.

“Electricity. Is. ELECTRICITY!” she growled, staring at a capacitor as Jason was bent half-over in tears of laughter.

“I dissected phones and computers from the human world I visited! But this? This is nothing like that!” she exclaimed. “It’s a capacitor. Visually identical to the one I’ve taken apart, but behaves nothing like it!”

“Erm, Twilight?” Jason asked.

“And this! THIS microprocessor! Ok, it looks different, but STILL!”

“Twilight!”

She finally looked over to Jason the man gesturing towards the pile of circuity in the underground ‘testing’ lab.

“Isn’t that human world the same one where magic was still a thing? Where a demon thought world domination would begin with a high school?”

Twilight’s left eye twitched, the alicorn staring at the human in shock.

“So…if magic was a thing there, why wouldn’t electricity possibly be different? I mean, magic is a form of energy right?”

“You…” Twilight pointed at him with a hoof, a wide smile then spreading across her face. “You’re right! Oh, that means there’s a totally different system of electrical interactions! Particle physics itself may be different!”

“…uh oh.”

“I need to think, and test. Lots of testing. Thank you, Jason! But don’t you have a meeting with Cadence?” Twilight asked as she levitated a dozen books, parchments, voltage meters and circuits over to her.

“R-right, I think I do. I’ll leave you to it then?”

Jason quickly backpedaled as Twilight entered her ‘scientist’ mode…to which he thought would be completed by some lightning, tesla coils, and mad laughter.

To be fair, he had seen the mad laughter before when she found his backup of Wikipedia included dark matter equation theories.

“You have to tell him,” Discord stated flatly, glaring at Celestia.

“I know.”

“You’ve already begun construction, and it’s not fair to him.”

“I know that too, Discord. And I will. Why are you so impatient about this?”

“Because I am the one who caused him to even be here! And you need my magic to stabilize a potential connection. Fluttershy is worried about him, always asking about the new human here.”

“Ah, there’s the real reason…”

Discord huffed, gesturing to a wall of diagrams in Celestia’s private study.

“So, you will tell him? Today?”

“Yes. After the meeting with my adopted niece. I’d like you to be there; perhaps you can explain it best. I had to wait until I drew up some plans with Luna.”

“Plans?”

The Draconequus looked genuinely perplexed, Celestia summoning a stack of folders and sending them his way.

“Plans to have Jason help, because of course he’s going to insist. A simple magical scan won’t sate his curiosity, nor help his trust.”

“…ah.”

Celestia facehoofed with a sigh.

“You seriously didn’t even consider his likely insistence on helping, did you? Just on the initial reaction.”

“Maybe. But naturally that was to let you draw up the plans and give you a chance to grow.”

The alicorn’s eye twitched as Discord chortled, skimming through the plans with an approving nod. “But really, Celly, I am impressed. You know this human much better than I. I think it’s a fantastic idea to help, and I know how you ponies appreciate plans. I think that will help Jason immensely.”

Sitting down with a sign, Celestia looked over a few of the plans, her wings rustling in thought.

“I just hope it works. I know it’s a small chance, but you said it will definitely be two-way?”

“Yes. No matter what happens, it will be a two-way deal. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“I think that helps things, at least he won’t have to make a concrete decision if things escalate. I just don’t want to give the appearance of false hope though.”

Chuckling, Discord floated in the air and examined a pile of bubbles, a cocky grin forming on his features.

“False hope is hope nonetheless. And this is hardly false, simply a long shot. But who knows? Maybe he’ll get lucky. Maybe this entire world will roll the dice in favor of true hope.”

“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!”

*deep breath*

“EEEEEEEEEE!”

Both Jason and Galley clasped hand and talon over their ears as a certain pink princess hopped up and down excitedly with a crystal-cracking squeal of joy, prancing in place as a wide grin plastered itself across her face.

“Are you done?” Jason asked, taking out the pre-position earplugs as the Princess continued to hop up and down, then taking a deep breath and nodding.

“Yes, thank you for indulging me,” Cadence replied with a still-present grin. “I have to say, I’m a bit surprised…ok not really,” she admitted. “I knew this was a possibility, remote or not, but I’m here to help however that may be.”

Thoroughly enjoying the flustered gryphoness at his side, Jason shrugged as he reclined in the cushy chair, the private conference room secluded off in a portion of the crystal castle, the previous few hours having been taken up by a tour of the Empire.

“Well, mostly advice,” he admitted. “I am not sure what specific things Galley has, but I am just looking for some general pointers. This is all completely new to me, and kind of unexpected.”

He clearly noticed the slight drooping of the gryphoness’s ears, so the human casually reached over to ruffle them with a smile.

“Of course, not a bad thing in a slightest. I just don’t want anybody to get hurt, myself or you,” Jason remarked, looking over to Galley.

“I mean, that’s kind of where I’m at too. I didn’t really expect him to even be open to the idea of being something more than friends,” Galley admitted. “And I don’t think we’ll be going on official dates just yet, but I think we just want some general inter-species pointers? Jason told me as much as he could about their relationship cultures, but it’s still only part of the picture. Gryphons aren’t known for their complex relationships, sooooooooo, yeah.”

Cadence laughed at that, summoning a series of diagrams, charts, and papers with ease as she let out a thoughtful hum.

“Well, I suppose we can start with the basics. The curriculum I have for inter-species relationships covers a pretty broad set of parameters, so I think it’s still perfectly useful for you two.”

“…uh, curriculum?” Jason asked, prompting a happy nod.

“Of course! While I may be a Princess, I do enjoy being a relationship counselor; it was one of my jobs as I grew up,” Cadence explained. “Well, more of a side job because I love doing it. Nothing fancy, just an appointment here or there for the super-tough cases that get referred my way after a bunch of screening. Buuuuut you two get to the front of the line of course!” she then held up a hoof as Jason opened his mouth. “And I appreciate the thought, but don’t worry, no creature is going to be pushed aside to make room for you two.”

Jason stared, Galley looking at him in surprise.

“How did you know that was my question?” Jason asked.

“Because you’re a helper, Jason,” Cadence replied with a dismissive wave. “The idea that others would be in detriment to forward your own circumstances would be unsettling. I don’t know you too well, but I know you enough to guess that much.”

The man could only nod, shoulders shrugging in agreement.

“So how about for today, we start with very, very basic things,” Cadence explained. “Are there things either of you want to bring up that you could see being potential issues right off the bat? I ask this because many times it helps having a mediating party, such as myself, when directly trying to explain it is difficult.”

Jason didn’t miss how Galley was fiddling with her claws, he glanced over to her briefly.

“Galley?” Cadence asked, the gryphoness letting out a grumble.

“I don’t know how to explain it.”

“Well, perhaps I can help coalesce your thoughts? Jason, no butting in.”

The man nodded, making a zipper motion with his hand as he leaned back in his seat.

“I guess it has to do with being a gryphon,” she began, running a set of claws through her headfeathers. “We aren’t really known for expressing emotions. Growing up around ponies, I kind of broke through that a bit but it’s still a bit tricky. I’m just worried that something I perceive will spiral out of control, because I’m not used to confronting it. Kind of like applying for a transfer instead of just talking to Jason.”

Cadence nodded, seeming quite pleased at her opening up, and at Jason simply listened attentively.

“So, if I’m hearing you right, Galley,” the Princess began to re-iterate. “You’re concerned that the influence your culture has had on you will cause you to bottle up your feelings instead of expressing them, and potentially try to ‘fix’ the issue, without actually ever confronting it with the other party?”

Galley nodded, the Princess then looking over to a pensive human.

“Any thoughts on that, Jason?” she asked kindly.

“I think it’d be rather counter-productive to just have me reply with ‘just talk to me,’” Jason mused. “So, would it help if I took the lead on such things? I obviously can’t know about a problem unless you tell me, but if it looks like you’re having trouble putting thoughts together, would having a time like this,” he gestured to the room, “be helpful? To just sit down and listen, knowing that I want to help?”

The gryphoness was quiet for a moment, then finally nodded, clearly exploring a new realm of her life that wasn’t terribly common up to this point.

“I think so,” she finally said. “The main thing that would help, I think, is listening to me even if the concern seems silly or stupid,” Galley paused, ears drooping as Cadence encouraged her with a slight smile. “If I feel like you’re happy to help even with those things, I think that’d push the whole ‘fix it myself’ idea away, at least a bit, because I know a better way is there.”

The fact Jason raised his hand slightly made Galley’s ears perk back up, Cadence nodding.

“If I ever say that a concern of yours is ‘stupid’ or something like that, you have my full permission to slap me,” he stated flatly. “Family, friend, something more; if someone is concerned about something, I really don’t want to ever see it as ‘stupid.’” He paused, gaze drifting to his hands that now rested in his lap. “Plenty of my concerns may appear ‘silly’ to most. Making sure I know where the exits in a room are, always wanting to have a weapon within arm’s reach even if I know things are safe…so what kind of hypocrite would I be to criticize your concerns?”

The tender smile on Galley’s face was clearly testing Cadence’s limits, the Alicorn clearly having to bottle up another squeal as the gryphon sniffed.

“Thank makes sense, and thank you,” she said softly.

After a few moments pause, Cadence glanced over to the human curiosity.

“Jason, is there anything on your mind? Something you’d like to voice?” she asked kindly.

He shrugged at that, eyes scanning the crystal floor briefly before looking up to both the Alicorn and Galley.

“Only that I hope you’re ok with taking things really slow,” he admitted, running a hand through his hair. “Like, I want stuff to settle in my mind before even starting an official date. The last thing I want to do is hurt you. With so much going on, I want to make sure I don’t act on some sort of whim, if that makes sense. It doesn’t mean I don’t want to pursue this, but I just want to be sure. It’s both a huge adjustment, and not, at the same time if that makes sense.”

Galley nodded happily, stifling another sniffle.

“I’m just happy you’re even open to the idea. Slow sounds good to me,” she admitted. “Remember, I’m rather new to this whole idea too, letting myself think about the possibility.”

“So…maybe not much changes, at least for a short time?” Jason suggested, “But more of just spending time together without that giant ‘what if’ hanging over our heads? As friends with plans for more?”

A happy nod and third sniffle from Galley confirmed the human’s words, Cadence clopping her hooves together happily.

“I’d be more than happy to meet with you all on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, just let me know,” she suggested.

“Maybe next week? See how things in our heads are going?” Jason suggested, and got a nod from Galley. The man then got a completely smug grin on his face, waving a hand towards Cadence.

“It’s a date!”

The two matching groans made the human cackle.

‘To Jason,

Please meet us in the throne room this evening.’
Sincerely,

-Celestia, Luna, Discord (Lord of all Chaos.)’

The letter had been waiting for Jason when he got to his room, the man shrugging as he set it aside. The ‘lord of chaos’ bit made him definitely sure Discord had been a part of it. But what could they want? Perhaps he’d finally get an answer to this nebulous ‘something’ that had been going on in his tower?

He could only hope. But first, a hearty afternoon lunch awaited him. As he made his way towards a usual eatery, Jason couldn’t help but smile.

Quite a productive morning, getting things out in the open certainly puts the mind at ease. And Galley was fine with taking things slow while I figure it all out in my own head.

Progress is progress.

The tension was palpable as Jason walked into the throne room, despite not a hair being out of place. Celestia was calmly sitting with Luna, Discord floating above the pair looking rather excited. Galley was off to the side, apparently allowed to be there as an observer for some reason. Maybe because she was going to be interacting with him on a daily basis, and the more unsettling but likely reason that Jason would need somecreature to talk to about ‘whatever this is’, with someone.

Well, I appreciate the forethought, if that was the purpose.

The fact the room was sealed and a few magical spells crackled around the door made Jason’s hair stand on end, but his nerves subsided as Celestia sighed, shaking her head.

“Ok, now that’s done, so we can all speak freely,” she said. “I’d rather have this be a conversation between friends, rulers, and ambassador, if that’s alright, Jason.”

The man nodded, taking a seat on one of the steps near the trio.

“Sure. I’d prefer that to a stiff and formal meeting any day,” he admitted. “What is this all about?”

To his surprise, both rulers looked to Discord who eagerly spun midair.

“Oh! Is it my time? Excellent!” he gushed, floating down to settle next to Jason. “They thought I’d be the best one to break the news in a lighthearted way. Simply put, my good fellow, the different dimensions have stabilized, and we have begun building a portal!”

There was an audible ‘CLOP’ as both Princess’s smacked their foreheads with hooves.

“Two parts, Discord,” Celestia groaned. “That was supposed to be two, separate things, said apart to blunt it.”

“….oops?”

Jason stared at the rulers and God of Chaos, standing with his brow furrowed.

“Ok, please explain this,” he stated flatly, “Is this why I haven’t been allowed to go back to my tower? Due to some ‘events’ going on? ‘Something’ occurring?”

“Yes, and I apologize for the secrecy,” Celestia admitted. “But we needed to be sure, and I wanted to draft a series of plans for you.”

“Plans?” Jason asked.

“For you to be a part of it all. We never expected you to stand idly by,” Luna chimed in.

Now Jason sat down, Discord’s words now fully hitting.

“Wait. So, a portal, a way home…?” he whispered, Celestia shaking her head and gesturing to Discord.

“We don’t know, Jason. We aren’t sure. Discord, if you please?”

The Draconequus sent hundreds, thousands of bubbles flying this way and that, every one coalescing around a single, larger bubble.

“Here we are, my good man,” Discord explained, gesturing to the large bubble. “As you can see, hundreds of other ‘dimensions,’ or ‘realms’ are semi-attached to ours. In time, we must make a permanent connection with one of them, a two-way road to make sure our own bubble doesn’t collapse. You follow?”

Seeing Jason nod, Discord continued.

“Now, your world could be one of these bubbles. They all are from around the time I yanked you here away from that storm. But at the same time…”

“None of them may be a match,” Jason butted in, causing Discord to nod.

“Correct,” he admitted, “every realm is the result of a single different choice, maybe large, maybe small. Now, your presence here will cause similar worlds to be more common, so they may be completely indiscernible from yours. But some of those may have you still being very much alive on them, or be completely different. We just don’t know.”

“Thousands of realms? And this portal?” Jason asked, clearly overwhelmed but trying to make sense of it all.

“Thousands upon thousands. This portal will let us establish a temporary, two-way connection. A permanent solution has to involve both worlds and creating a separate structure, I think,” Discord explained. “The Princesses wanted to avoid telling you all this until they had a plan for you to help you. Because, correct me if I’m wrong, you aren’t about to stand idly by and let us explore without your involvement.”

Jason managed a nervous smile, nodding as he ran a hand through his hair. His eyes flickered over to Galley who seemed to be on pins and needles for some reason.

“Pretty much. If I’m going to find my home, I want to be leading the charge. And I am the ambassador after all.”

That produced a few chuckles, Celestia stepping forward with a hint of worry on her features.

“Are you alright, Jason? I know this has to be a shock….”

“A shock? Princess, I went from accepting my fate here to now possibly having a way home. The word ‘shock’ doesn’t cover it,” Jason replied abruptly, staring at the floor. He took a few deep breaths, shaking his head a few times.

“No. I have to continue to believe I won’t find my home. There’s hope now, yes, but to find my personal dimension where there isn’t a second Jason wandering around? That is sounding more and more unlikely. If anything, I can at the very least help you all establish a relationship with some sort of world. I dare not dwell too much on hoping for the ideal outcome.”

“That is the least-painful way of thinking about it, yes,” Celestia admitted.

Jason was quiet for a time, eyes flicking across the stone floor in thought.

“Then where do we go from here?” he finally asked.

“I would like to show you the progress of the portal near your tower, and then go through the plans I have drafted up of how to proceed. I want your involvement, if that is something you’d like,” Celestia said.

“It is, but I need a day or two to get my head around this.”

“Of course. Please feel free to ask us any questions,” Luna interjected. “We’ll leave you two be.”

Celestia seemed to have almost forgotten about Galley, nodding as Discord whisked all three away out of the throne room.

Galley walked over and sat next to the human, Jason shaking his head slowly.

“You ok?” she asked softly, the man letting out a chuckle.

“I don’t know, I really don’t,” he admitted. “It’s a bit much to realize. But I think I’ll be ok. What about you? To say you looked antsy is an understatement.”

The gryphoness let out a grumble, wings shifting at that.

“It’s just a stupid…”

Jason glared at her, and Galley abruptly burst out into a soft laugh.

“I already forgot! Sorry! Not stupid.”

“Better. What’s up?”

Galley stared at her claws, wings now drooping slightly.

“If we find a world that you could live in, are you going to leave?” she whispered.

“What? No!”

The immediate response made Galley’s head snap up in shock, looking to the amused human in surprise.

“Not permanently at least,” Jason admitted. “As I told the Princess’s, I couldn’t go back to only live on Earth unless I had my mind wiped. And apparently that’s super dangerous for this long of a time span. I’ve started a life here, and there’s no guarantee we’ll even find a world. So, this is my home now. I couldn’t just leave and forget everything here.” He reached over to ruffle her ears with a smile “And forget everyone. We just went to pre-dating therapy. I’m not that scared of taking you on a date to flee to a different planet.”

That produced a relieved giggle, the gryphoness smiling genuinely now.

“Thank you, Jason,” she whispered.

“Anytime. See? Not stupid. That’s a valid concern, especially with the whole ‘before dating’ thing,” he replied. “So as far as I’m concerned, even if I find a world, I live in Equestria and can be an Ambassador to Earth. That’s the plan, and I’m sticking to it!”

“I like that plan.”

Jason stood up and stretched, gesturing towards the door.

“Want to get some desert?”

Galley hopped up and immediately followed the human towards the large entrance with a nod, her worries being left behind in an instant.

“Duh. Banana split time?”

“Oh, we’re going big. I will conquer the large size yet!”

The guards outside the throne room couldn’t resist a few grins as the pair made their way towards Canterlot proper, looking towards an unsure but bright future.

One thing was certain, however.

That future involved a hefty portion of ice cream, bananas, chocolate syrup…

And if a gryphoness had any say in the matter, significant amounts of hugs.

End of Book 1

Stay tuned for the Epilogue…

Author's Note

And thus some questions are answered and more crop up, and Jason's tale comes to a close...for now.

I hope this didn't appear TOO rushed; but it was either leave loose ends dangling or force another filler chapter, of which I had no desire to write.
Onward to the epilogue! :yay:

Epilogue

Jason stretched and looked out from the tower railing, shaking his head in astonishment. The construction site was rudimentary but at least he had been allowed to tour and look over everything.

The forest had been clear-cut around his tower; a massive, two-story metal archway being built on a stone foundation in the artificial meadow. Large crystals and wires ran this way and that, control panels being housed in a still-under-construction control room off to the right side, opposite his current tower. There was temporary housing, a cafeteria; it was a like a small town was sprouting up around his once lonely tower.

Not so lonely anymore. How far things have come in these many months.

The man had a select few DVD’s he intended to give to Twilight and the other Princess’s for viewing- they had asked him for any ideas on the organization or logo design for exploring the other ‘Earth’s.’

They seemed quite perplexed on Jason’s insistence of the acronym. The man turned over the patch in his hand, a rough draft of the potential United-Equestria symbol.

'Starbeam Gateway Team 1’

Oh, Twilight is going to be so mad. But Discord is going to love it. Eh, we can always change it. But if humor can soften the blow of connecting worlds, both here and on the other Earth, if we make contact, all the better.

“Things are coming along, huh?” Galley asked as she landed on the railing, looking into the lookout briefly with a shiver. “Still feels weird being here.”

“Yeah, I imagine the memories are going to linger. I hope you can enjoy it, in time,” Jason said as she walked over to sit next to him.

“I think I will. Having you here helps.”

Jason reached down to ruffle her headfeathers prompting an embarrassed grumble even as Galley leaned against his side affectionately.

“I still need to take you on a first date, you know,” Jason admitted. “I think a week or two of Cadence meetings has given enough preparation for that.”

“Hey, no rush. I’m not going anywhere.”

Jason grinned, gesturing to the gateway.

“Well, neither am I, Earth connection or not. And I’ll keep reminding you of that.”

Another gentle nudge of thanks was Galley’s reply, Jason letting his hand rest on her shoulder.

No matter the outcome, no matter the future, the man had become sure of this fact. Equestria was his home, and if he ended up staying here forever? Earth or no Earth?

Galley shifted under his hand, looking up at him with a smile.

He’d be ok.

Author's Note

And thus concludes this portion of Jason's story. While I do have an idea of what Book 2 would involve, no sequel is currently planned, as I've since moved onto other projects, as has my motivation.

A lot has changed in a real-life sense between starting this story and now but I wanted to make sure there was at least some sort of satisfactory conclusion, even if it did come off as a tad rushed.

I hope everyone has enjoyed this tale, and thank you for reading! It has been fun!

Chapter One: The Storm

“Raven Rock Lookout, did you copy the afternoon weather?”

Picking up the microphone, a man brushed his dusty-brown hair out of his eyes, nodding to the voice over the speaker.

“Raven Rock copies and Pine Watch Dispatch, just an update, that nasty looking storm cell to my east is continuing to build. Do you have any reports of down strikes yet?”

The dispatch center paused, the individual on the other end pulling up a live lighting map on their computer display.

“That’s affirmative Raven Rock, we’re seeing a few strikes.”

“Copy, thanks for the info.”

As the radio went silent again, the man stretched, grinning at the nearly-black thunderhead in front of him.

“You, my friend, are going to cause me a lot of overtime.” he chuckled, glancing at the newly-installed digital weather station mounted next to the radio.

It’s not a normal job, but being a fire lookout has its perks. The view, the air…plenty of time to finish my degree. One more year, and then I’ll have enough saved to move. Jason mused, sitting down in the well-worn desk chair. The small square room swayed in the increasing wind, but the back and forth motion was more of a comfort than anything. The ‘recently’ built tower was anchored into the bedrock and had thick cables securing each of the four corners. Thanks to a nearby weather station, the tower had access to power, allowing a few modern amenities that others didn’t such as an oven, refrigerator, and stove. However, between those, the cabinets, and bed, the room quickly could become a bit crowded.

A distant flash lit up the windows that lined every wall of the tower, causing Jason to wave at the large thunderstorm in the distance, the man standing up to lean on the fire-finding instrument in the center of the tower which broke up the already small space.

“Greetings Thor! Do make yourself at home. I’ve got four lightning rods to herald your arrival!” the man chuckled to himself, refilling a small water filter and rubbing at his back.

“Must have hauled those water containers up wrong…ugh.”

Another flash caught his attention, the lookout’s eyebrows raising in surprise. That storm was building faster than expected...

Unplugging the base unit of the radio and turning on the small handheld unit, Jason also disconnected his laptop, then hauling out the small solar generator that was stuffed under a mountain of duffel bags.

“Well, if the power goes out again, I’ve got you.”

The man frowned, surveying the very literal pile of supplies in the corner of the room. It had started as an itch, a small urging. It had then grown this past week into a constant nervousness, causing the lookout to nearly empty the small storage container in the nearby city. Jason couldn’t pin down the reason; only that his nerves finally settled when his emergency supplies were secured in the tower.

“Well, if there’s a hurricane or power outage, I’m set for a good few months.” he muttered to himself, looking over the various items.

“Or a zombie outbreak for that matter. Why in the world do I need this stuff here? And why now?”

It almost felt like the calm before a hurricane; much like the one he and his family had endured a decade prior. Only this time, his belongings weren’t about to be washed away.

Or have to drink rainwater after that dam failed. Stuck on a roof for a week, baking in the sun and waiting for help…and then that nightmarish month afterwards.

Waiting for help that never came. Quite a harsh way to learn a logical lesson.

Another flash, and Jason’s light-brown eyes flickered over the literal wall of storm clouds bearing down at him, eclipsing the tall timber which ran out below his mountain for dozens of square miles.

“Give me some overtime, oh great thunder gods!” he chuckled, waving again to the storm. “But nothing too big! No property damage, no lives lost, just renew the forest with a lovely fire if you please!”

The storm seemed to rumble in reply, a sheet of rain now drumming on the lookout’s sturdy roof. Built sixty years prior, the building was still as solid as a rock, so such a storm was hardly a cause for worry. A worn blue pickup truck sat parked beneath the tower, rain beginning to wash out the dust that accumulated in every nook and cranny, pattering off the covered bed.

A pile of building materials sat half-covered by a tarp; the remnants of a cleanup a month ago. Some lazy bum had dumped a pile of farm materials mixed with trash halfway down the mountain, and it was easier to haul it up to the lookout pending official removal. Barbed wire, plastic drums, metal sheeting; the garbage was set to be removed the next week; currently a rather nasty (and now wet,) eyesore. He had already sliced himself on one of the jagged pieces of metal, thankfully bandaging it up without stitches. It certainly was handy to have the medical supplies ready to go, as well as the training to use it.

A week of medical practicing every other year for peace of mind and the ability to help others? Not bad at all.

The lookout tower shook; the wing gauge spiking.

“Pine Watch Dispatch, this is Raven Rock, I’m getting gusts of over fifty miles an hour here…” Jason reported, wincing as the windows lit up again, and again with lightning flashes.

“And I’m getting some really crazy lighting, just had five strikes in quick succession-even more now.”

The response was unheard as thunder shook the building, dozens of lightning bolts striking around the building, rain and wind rattling the windows.

“What in the world…”

The man backed up to the center of the room, watching as a tree next to the tower exploded into flaming pieces under the force of a strike.

“Raven Rock, I just had a tree-”

The flashes increase in frequency, and the world began to shimmer as though Jason was looking through an underwater window. Balance quite suddenly became optional, the man staggering to his knees. A final flash dominated his view; the world spinning and going black. The last thing the lookout heard was a chuckle; almost malevolent, but seeming to carry with it a hint of sadness as the world faded away.

Reality made its presence known by the throbbing headache echoing through Jason’s head. Levering himself up and wincing at the bright sunlight streaming through one of many broken windows, the man looked around at the slightly-cloudy sky.

How long was I out? What in the world happened? There was the storm, that close strike…

First snagging a dose of painkillers, the lookout then donned some sunglasses, peering out at the surrounding area. The world seemed to shimmer, his own hands taking on a slightly softer appearance before stabilizing into a somewhat ‘normal’ image.

“Must have hit my head.” he muttered, trying to get a closer look at his mountain. For a split second, everything was as it should be; tall trees spreading out underneath his tower on top of a rocky mountain.

And then it was gone, his vision blurring as a thick carpet of green unrolled itself across.
“What the…?”

The tower was still secured atop some rocks- but these were mossy and well-worn, the thick securing cables and concrete supports buried into large boulders. The trees that reached up towards the lookout were wide and bushy, large vines draping over their dark wood limbs as large leaves waved in a slight breeze.

The air that swept through the lookout was clear, but bore with it a strange heaviness with the mild temperature, as well as a strange number of earthy scents.

Slowly stepping backwards, Jason move to use the radio- but the device was dead, no power available to the device. Switching on the battery powered handheld unit, he depressed the microphone switch, voice shaking slightly.

“Pine Watch Dispatch, this is Raven Rock Lookout.”

Five attempts yielded the same response; static buzzing through the speaker. Five more attempts on a multiple-frequency setting did nothing either.

Pulling out his cell phone, Jason felt apprehension continue to creep into his veins, a simple message showing across the top menu.

*No Service*

The sun set.

Seeing the mighty celestial orb move like it was a ping-pong ball across the sky was enough to twist the knot in Jason’s gut. The alien-looking moon rose as abruptly as its companion had fallen, and the stars that shone were alien, the sky an odd, purple-ish color at times.

I’m not on Earth anymore.

Such a thought had been confirmed when he had seen a chicken, or the top half at least. The fact said animal had a reptilian tail had given him goosebumps, especially when it had stared at him.

He had been salvaging the various supplies stored in the ruined pickup at the base of the tower when the creature had come clucking along. It had promptly stopped, stared, and then moved on after seeming rather perplexed.

A Cockatrice.

The truck itself was a total loss, a tree embedded in the middle of it rendering the vehicle useless aside from the odd piece of metal. The supplies in the bed, however, were mostly intact.

He had promptly returned to the top of the tower, using the various screws and loose boards to fashion a somewhat sturdy ‘door’ at the base of the final level. Large shutters were screwed over the shattered windows, usually put in place during the winter to keep out the snow, but they served a decent enough purpose now.

A gas mask hung near the door; an upgrade from the respirator usually kept there in case of severe wildfire smoke. The filters wouldn’t last long, the stockpile being meager due to their expense, but it was a precaution that at least made Jason feel better when working down below.

Of course, I’m breathing the same air up here. But perhaps it’ll avoid anything ground level. That’s flawed logic of course, but it’s something.

Setting up one of the many rechargeable devices he had available, Jason turned on the lantern, letting it swing slightly above his head as he sat at the desk. Different options were written out on a piece of paper; the man staring at an underlined phrase.

‘In coma?
Exposure to drugs/chemicals?
Dead?
Advanced simulation….’

It was a mathematical certainty that there was life else ware in the universe, but that he had been the target of it?
Aliens. I’d say that’s up there in craziness with the ‘being dead’ option. Especially on seeing that creature.

Jason wrote a few more lines, at least wanting to put something down so it wouldn’t continue to spin around inside his head.

‘Current theory; targeted by advanced civilization. Currently in a hyper-realistic simulation utilizing Earth Mythos to gauge reactions of me, and likewise, humanity. A good thing my newest book was going to revolve around mythology. I’d have never known what that thing was. Weren’t they supposed to be able to turn their victims to stone? Why was I not affected? Perhaps that is part of the simulation; the creatures don’t have their mystical powers, just appearances.

What else will I be shown? Harpies? Gryphons? Minotaur’s?
I don’t know.’

“I mean, it sounds a lot better than being higher than a kite on some bad shrooms…but that’s all I’ve got.” Jason muttered, walking around the tower to adjust the small solar setup powering a few batteries inside. The panels on the roof, as well as the batteries and controlling device had seen its fair share of use during camping and now it powered both his laptop and fridge, at least for a day or two.

I’ll eat that food first.

“Aliens. Is that the best reason I can come up with? But then again, is that why I had that urge to haul all of my gear up here?” he mused, opening a pre-made military ration. “They wanted me to have the best chance of survival? Go figure, I’m ready for anything spanning a nuclear war to an afternoon power outage, but I’ll still run out of water eventually. I’m glad I just refilled my stocks.”

After downing the preservative-heavy meal, the man examined his water supplies, coming to a sobering conclusion that had already been swirling around in his mind. Unless it rained, (to which he set out numerous containers at the base of the tower and roof,) he’d run out of water in about two weeks.

At least he’d die fat and happy. His food stocks could last six months….if he had water. As it stood, he had about a month of food that could be reasonably used without hydration. Hearing a few distant howls, the man walked out onto the dark balcony, shining a flashlight down at the imposing forest. The fact dozens of red and green eyes looked back at him sent a shiver down the lookout’s spine.

They then continued to stare even after the flashlight clicked off.
“And there’s creatures with glowing eyes. That’s perfect.”

Double-checking the trapdoor to make sure it was locked; Jason closed the shutters on the windows, having installed hinges on most of them with the spare parts lying around in the tower. The howls and screeches increased, the tower starting to vibrate as a light wind kicked up above the forest.

Digging into his more aggressive preparations, the man took out two large cases buried under the backpacks and duffels; one large, one small. The flare gun rested in the latter case, along with twelve shots.

Plugging the larger, more powerful base-station radio into the solar setup, Jason’s voice quavered as he keyed the mic.
“To anyone listening, this is Raven Rock Fire Lookout. I will be broadcasting this message every day in the evening, just after the sun sets. I am located in the middle of a large forest, trees as far as the eye can see. I will be launching flares every night for three days; and then a flare every three days. If anyone is out there, please respond.”

Leaving the radio on, the lookout loaded the small, signal-shot device and aimed upwards. Pulling the trigger and sending a red flare skywards with a loud *BANG*, he took a bit of pleasure in noting that the howls silenced themselves for a few moments.

“Yeah, humanity says hello. You stay out there, I’ll stay in here, and we’ll all be happy.” Jason muttered, going back inside and retrieved another from the other padded case, one of a few last-resort options he had stored.

“I’d really rather not use these, but I’m not getting eaten.” He muttered, sliding in a few shells into the shotgun now cradled in his arms. A few similar firearms were stored around the lookout, the product of more than a few carefully laid plans.

That, and there were bears, cougars, and other threats that a fire lookout had to deal with.
I’ll bet that one bear from last year is still sneezing.

The fact his belt had a holster for both a pistol and a new can of bear spray proved the adage better safe than sorry. When a curious black bear last season had gotten too nosy during a hike and decided to lurch towards him, a blast of the pepper mixture had made sure the creature steered clear.

“I’d really rather not shoot anything, but glowing eyes? Nope,” Jason muttered. “If this is a simulation, I’d rather avoid some sci-fi serotypes. Let’s not give these creatures a bad impression of humanity.”

Glancing around at the supply-laden tower, the man let a chuckle out at that thought.
“Instead, I’ve given them a look at what an episode of ‘hoarders’ or that doomsday show might be. Fantastic…’

His head starting to pound again, Jason set the loaded shotgun next to his bed, then lookout sitting on the mattress with a sigh as the alien bellowing now restarted

“I don’t know if prayers can reach across dimensions, time, or space, but I’m assuming they can.” Jason whispered, fear creeping down his spine as something scratched at the tower’s base with some yelps and howls. “But I could really use some help right now. Maybe send a legion of angels?” a shaky breath left his mouth, the battery-powered lantern affixed to the ceiling swaying with the tower slightly.

“I’d be fine with one though, a single angel if you can spare them. I’m a bit lost at the moment.”

Author's Note

This idea has been spinning around in my head for a good half-year, give or take. So here we go!

A few notes to forestall some 'eeeeeehhhh' thoughts:

*Religion will NOT be a main theme of this, but only mentioned in passing/mild explanation. I have no intention of making it a primary focus; just an aspect of the character in the background.

*If you hate firearms...well, they're in the story. It's a tool that is appropriate in certain situations, and rather applicable in the wilderness. No, Mr. Human isn't going to run around Canterlot with a rifle on his back.

*My goal is to avoid some of the deadly tropes with HiE fics- so if something is starting to seem a bit 'uh-oh,' do let me know!

*AU Tag is for non-canon events farther down the road. Otherwise is fairly canon for past events.

For those curious about the job (Yes it's real thing. Click here for Fire Lookout Info

As always, feedback is greatly appreciated!

Chapter Twelve: Heart to Heart

Luna entered the alien yet increasingly-familiar dream realm, immediately stabilizing Jason’s dream. It had started to be a nightmare almost immediately, indicating some sort of unrest in his mind.

I can only imagine the things that trouble you, Jason.

Yet this dream had a strangely different feel to it. A nightmare, but something else…

The crack of gunfire drew Luna’s attention, the Alicorn finding herself in a city alley. The stench of death and garbage scorched her nostrils, the princess making sure her fail-safe spells were still active.

This place gives me the creeps. I can’t imagine what living in…

Three humans now entered her vision; a mother, father, and child. The father fired a small pistol frantically at a bloodied and frantic infected that dashed after them, the three running down the alleyway. The scene shifted as the three cowered against the dead-end wall, a dozen more creatures gathering on the street outside. Sores covered their bodies as a few grasped sharp implements, the closest one letting out a gurgling roar.

The walls becoming transparent, Luna watched as behind a metal door a familiar man cowered with his hands over his ears, his form shrouded in shadow.

“Don’t do it, you’ll get yourself killed.” he muttered, Luna’s eyes widening as the humans outside began to scream.

“No. I’d never forgive…pick a symbol…did I lie?”

Two determined eyes snapped open as Jason seemed to fight himself internally despite moving swiftly. Yanking the door open and jumping into the alley, the man’s outline became much sharp and resolved. Clad in a strange dark suit, Jason’s limbs were heavily armored with plastic pads, a thick, transparent shield crudely strapped to his left arm. A black weapon was clutched in his gloved hands; a different from the rifle in the previous dream. This one had a strange, banana-shaped box underneath it as the firearm roared in the alley and made the first five creatures drop into a lifeless pile.

“IN!” Jason bellowed, gesturing to the open door as the family rushed inside. The child was frozen however, slipping from the mother’s grasp as the youngster screamed in fear as the infected humans began to rush down the alley.

Jason reloaded with an unnatural smoothness, the empty metal magazine clattering to the ground. The gun barked again, tearing into the creatures that now stumbled and fell, some no more than a single body-length from Jason.

Another magazine was reloaded, but the last creature was too close. Jason dropped the rifle and sent the small shield smashing across the creature’s face. Yanking out a pistol on his hip, a single shot rang out before the man retrieved his rifle, then ducking into the door as the child was scooped up by his parents.

“Merci,” the man gasped in a different dialect, yet it was translated loosely in the dream as Jason could understand it.

Thank you.

“The nearest settlement is a day away. Rest here, we leave in the morning. Do you understand me? I don’t speak much French,” Jason replied, guiding the group quietly through the ruined building.

“I understand, we follow, Prédicateur de Gryphon.”

Jason seemed to huff at the name, and only now did Luna draw a surprised breath as she caught sight of his back. Stenciled on the black armor was a golden symbol, a crude stencil obviously having been used with yellow spray-paint. He turned away before Luna could get a good look at it however, the image strangely fuzzy.

“I am neither of those things…who started all of that? It was Jeffrey at the outpost, wasn’t it?” Jason muttered, waving a hand. “Let’s go.”

Jason shook his head, only now seeming to notice Luna.

“Huh. Dream again? Ugh, this is weird,” he muttered.

“A dream indeed, shall I change the setting?” Luna asked. Seeing him nod, the man quickly was transported to a familiar meadow a Luna looked at him curiously.

“The translation was fuzzy, but what did that name mean?” Luna ventured to question, prompting a tired yet amused huff from Jason.

“I’d rather explain it when I’m awake, and perhaps at a later time,” he stated simply. Luna nodded respectfully, sending her magic pulsing through the dream.

“Of course, Jason. Sleep well.”

“Thank you, Luna.”

The man then slept without dreams until the sun poked through the curtains. He sat up with a grunt, calmly walking over to his pile of supplies after his morning freshen-up routine. Reaching into a backpack and looking at some familiar black armor, the man couldn’t help but chuckle on seeing the recently touched-up symbol on the back.

“You were there for me during those months of horror. And now it’s more than a set of ideas helping me adjust in an alien land. I just hope you don’t cry too much when I tell you how much this means to me, Galley. But first things first. I don’t want you to get the wrong idea about things.”

Turning the armor over in his hands, Jason smiled as the simplistic design of a gryphon looked back at him.

Galley’s ears lay flat against her skull as she wandered the castle halls, knowing full well why Celestia had summoned her.
But she could delay at least for a few more minutes.

How do I describe something I’m not sure of myself?

No. I’m at least sure of one thing.

The gryphoness sat down with a sigh, head shaking back and forth.

I don’t even know if I have the words. All I know is that I’m looking forward to spending time with Jason…perhaps a bit too much.

And there it is.

She wasn’t sure when exactly it had started, but meeting with the human almost every day seemed to just make everything better. It wasn’t so simple as a star-struck gaze or the like, but…he was her friend.

And now I can at least recognize I would like something more, quite a bit more if I’m behind honest. I know how it feels to have my heart flutter at least.

She didn’t even know how that’d work, if that could work. But better to take the safe path out, if Celestia would let her.

I’ve just grown to like him. Every outing we’ve gone on, he’s just nice to be around. Different, and there’s some stuff I don’t understand, but I just feel at ease.

Ugh.

Galley put one clawed hand in front of the other now, plodding towards the throne room, where hopefully Celestia would have some answers.

Because my mind is telling me one thing, but my heart another.

I just don’t know what to do.

Celestia stared at the two forms in front of her and sighed, gently pressing a hoof against her forehead.

“Of course, you bottled it all up, Galley. Personal issues indeed,” she muttered to the empty throne room. “I could see something was bothering you from a mile away and certainly Jason did too. Let’s see if I was right.”

A rather despondent gryphoness entered the throne room, blinking in surprise to see Celestia sitting at the base of the steps her crown off to the side. The Guard clearly hadn’t slept well, feathers and fur still sticking up despite efforts to smooth them down.

Galley didn’t say anything, instead just sitting down in front of Celestia to look at the floor. The alicorn’s ears flattened, the ruler walking over to sit next to the gryphoness.

“I knew something was bothering you, you know. I just wish you had told me, if not only as your boss, but as your friend,” Celestia remarked softly, Galley nodding once.

“I know. I just-I don’t know what to do.”

“Is that why you sent a transfer request and then immediately a cancelation?”

Another nod, and Celestia ventured a bit further. “May I ask the reason for the request? You left it as ‘unspecified,’ which wouldn’t raise any eyebrows, but with your unique position, it certainly did.”

Galley stayed quiet for a moment, the guard taking a breath and sitting a bit taller, looking over to Celestia.

“I felt that my personal feelings may be getting in the way of my assignment, Princess.”

The audible *clop* as Celestia smacked her face with a hoof made Galley jump, the alicorn then letting out a groan. “Galley, I admire your dedication, but you’ve tried to hit the mark so assuredly you’ve missed the entire map. May I make a bold guess?”

Galley nodded, still appearing slightly confused.

“In short? You like Jason quite a bit and have no idea what to do. Perhaps I should have clarified this…” Celestia muttered, looking over to see a rather fluffed-up gryphoness. “That sound right?”

“Pretty much sums it up,” Galley whispered, deflating as her wings sagged. “It’s not appropriate. I’m a guard, an ambassador. You shouldn’t have this sort of issue with an assignment.”

“Is that all he is to you? An assignment?”

“NO!”

Celestia couldn’t hold back the grin at Galley’s outburst, the alicorn tilting her head curiously. “Oh? Then if he’s not just an assignment, what is the issue? Didn’t you say he needed a friend? Why not something more, in due time?” she couldn’t help but continue to grin, Celestia spreading a wing over her friend. “I really am sorry, Galley. I should have made this entire matter clearer. You’re not in the wrong here, and I wish I had made that apparent from the start when I first entertained this possibility.”

“But what do I do? This isn’t just like I met him at a store or anything. This is different.”

Looking at the gryphoness with a caring gaze, Celestia couldn’t help but laugh softly. “I’m sorry, it’s something Cadence told me when Jason had some questions. Is it really that different? Our societies aren’t that far apart, and what my niece said holds true. I believe she told him to ‘make friends, find love, go on adventures!’ and that statement certainly applies to you. In your specific assignment I see no conflict of interest unless things sour, but that can easily be remedied with a transfer at that point. Until them, I see no reason to intervene legally or otherwise as long as Jason is fully aware of things.”

“Really?” Galley whispered, letting out a frustrated sigh and shaking her head. “I feel like quite an idiot. I may have not slept much and might have overreacted. Just a bit.”

“…a bit?”

Galley finally smiled, looking up to her friend with a shrug. The Princess was quite overjoyed by the fact Galley was beginning to perk back up.

“Now if things become awkward due to feelings not being returned, I certainly can understand the desire for a transfer, as I mentioned. But you haven’t even told the poor man what is bothering you. If I’ve noticed you being preoccupied, I’m sure he has too. So, Galley, what are you going to do?”

“Be a nervous wreck all day and eat lots of ice cream!” Celestia turned her head with an incredulous stare to see a familiar peppy gryphoness grinning at her. “Orrrrr I might go just talk to Jason, for better or for worse.”

“There you go. Goodness, you nearly gave me a heart attack,” Celestia grumbled. “Let me know how it goes.”

“Will do!”

It was only after Galley was out of the throne room that she sat down, looking at her shaking claws as she sat in a side hallway. Despite her stomach churning, the gryphoness couldn’t help but smile.

“One way or another, at least I won’t have to bottle it all up. And best of all, I think Jason will understand, however it goes.”

One comment from a week or two ago stuck in her mind however as Galley made her way towards Jason’s location; likely near the gardens after a media appointment.

‘With those feathers, you look like a cute half-burned marshmallow!’

Jason leaned back in the chair and took a breath of the fresh garden air. The media appointment had gone well, yet another round of questions and basic earth history sent soaring across the radio waves of Equestria. The only other thing for today was to review the additional citizenship paperwork and some potential jobs. Celestia had apparently been doing some ‘modifications’ with his tower, resources being shunted to that section of the forest.

Something was happening, but nocreature would tell him what.

Something. That word was still being used more often than not when talking about his arrival site. Perhaps he’d ask-

“Jason?”

The man immediately looked over to see his favorite gryphoness shifting nervously from claw to claw.

“Galley? What’s up?” Jason’s eyes then narrowed with a slight frown on his lips. “You look like you’re feeling awful. You ok?”

“Can we talk?”

“Sure. Maybe over there? Out of the way and such?”

Maybe you’ll tell me what has been bothering you this past week or so, but after yesterday I certainly have an idea.

Galley followed him over to the secluded stone area, a few small trees and shrubs providing a bit of privacy. A simple request to a nearby guard ensured that wouldn’t change.

“Galley, I know something has been bothering you,” Jason stated, sitting on a stone step as the gryphoness continued to fidget. “I honestly don’t know what it is, but I have a feeling it’s something to do with me. I can only hope I didn’t do anything that has made you uncomfortable, and if so, I-”

His words cut off as Galley shook her head, emerald eyes looking up to his.

“It’s not that, Jason. It’s the opposite. You’ve been fine, a bit too charming as a matter of fact. I just haven’t known how to handle it.”

Bingo.

Jason waited for Galley to speak, not about to be so forward to voice his suspicions.

“And you noticed instantly of course. It took talking to Celestia to snap me out of my own head. I even applied for a position transfer.”

Wait. What?

Galley looked up at him, the gryphoness shrugging tiredly, but a smile was on her features as a flurry of emotions danced across her eyes.

“I like you, Jason, more than a friend, quite a bit more. And instead of being an adult I completely spun things out of proportion in my own head rather than talk to you. I had no idea, have no idea what your reaction is going to be to all this, but clearly my attempts to ignore it all were pretty poor.” The gryphoness then began to knead her claws together, obviously waiting for his response.

So, I was right.

Oh, thank heavens I spent yesterday afternoon in the library so this wasn’t totally blindsided.

The man couldn’t help but smile, not able to resist a soft chuckle.

“Honestly, Galley, I had a feeling this was a possibility. I realized it yesterday as a matter of fact.”

“W-what?!”

Jason continued to grin, gesturing down. Galley followed his gaze, her own eyes widening as a rebellious tail rested against Jason’s feet.

“I was doing some research into social customs and stuff; didn’t want to get blindsided. I looked into gryphons especially since my friend happens to be one. Yesterday I had a thought, wondering what was bothering you so. The tail thing was an immediate clue to it all. I spent a fair amount of time thinking about it, but not as long as I thought I’d need.”

“And what did you come up with?” Galley asked softly, her gaze breaking from Jason’s to look at the ground.

“That I’m still acclimating to this new world and I most certainly didn’t expect to be dealing with this so soon. That said, I don’t think it’s a bad thing at all. I certainly find myself describing you as adorable in many ways more often than not, and safe to say I enjoy your company quite a bit. And yes, that includes finding you attractive in more than one meaning of the word.”

At his words, Galley’s feathers immediately returned to a familiar state of poofiness, the gryphoness looking up in surprise.

“S-so…”

“So, I have absolutely no idea where to go from here but I don’t see it as a bad thing, quite the opposite in fact. However, I’d definitely not want to ruin a relationship with a friend, or anyone for that matter by starting something when I’m still adjusting to life here…”

“Oh.”

Galley’s ears stuck straight up as Jason gently tapped her beak with a finger. “Hey, I wasn’t finished. I don’t want to start anything without getting some advice. I’d like to talk to Cadence, and maybe with you there too to see how best to handle this. There’s still a lot you don’t know about me, and I don’t want to rush into anything that hurts either of us, especially you.”

He looked over to the gryphoness, then suddenly reached over and grabbed her into a hug. “Galley, you’re my friend, one of the few creatures in this place I trust. The fact you think so highly of me is a bit overwhelming, but not in a bad way.”

“So, what about the whole species thing?”

Jason raised an eyebrow as the gryphoness relaxed in his arms, then shrugging at her words. “In what sense?”

“I didn’t know if humans could even like somecreature not human.”

“It’s a bit different when you’re talking to somecreature and you break free of the ‘not the only sapient creature’ thing. Then it’s, I don’t know; it’s freeing. It’s not just humans anymore, it’s humans, ponies, gryphons, dragons and so forth. That was the majority of the thinking I did in the Library, crossing that mental bridge.

You’re honestly no different than a human, I mean in terms of being around; fun, happy, a great sense of humor, all that. I’d have zero issues asking you on a date if you were a human, so why would the species thing be that big of a barrier? Physically? Eh, being around a bunch of non-human creatures acclimates you pretty quickly. I mean, it does help you’re my favorite creature I suppose.”

That comment earned a giggle, Galley pulling back to sit in front of the man with a rather teary smile.

“I hope that explains it. It’s a bit of a mental shift, but I did all the heavy thinking in that library, if I found individuals here attractive, how I reacted, all that stuff. I had been meaning to think about it ever since my first few weeks here. So…here we are. I wouldn’t have called you an adorably burned marshmallow unless I meant it.”

That earned a sniffle, Galley scrubbing at her eyes as the guard’s side shook slightly. “S-sorry. It’s been a long week, all thanks to my own doing of course. I didn’t think this would all go so smoothly, and just, well.”

“Did you really think I’d find everycreature here hideous? I started adjusting to the idea on some level when Cadence told me that apparently, I was attractive to other species here. So that was a full two months ago, and I’ve had some time to mull it over and get it straight in my own head.”

“I mean, I thought it was a possibility. Gryphons aren’t really seen as cute. More fierce and predatory. That’s a view that’s fading, but it still kind of hurts. Not my fault I love fish. Not many ponies find Gryphons attractive, let alone other species. Other gryphons don’t even find each other attractive at times!” Galley admitted.

“I can understand that. Well, I can safely say this human finds you all three and then some. It’ll just take me a bit of time to get used to the entire thing and make sure that my feelings aren’t just part of acclimating to here. That said, nothing I’m getting used to thus far is bad, so I don’t want you thinking that about yourself. Just new and different in a rather endearing way,” he paused, not able to resist a grin. “

So, in short? I find you rather attractive too, Galley, in quite a few ways, and I’m certainly open to see where this goes as long as we can get some advice that I desperately need, and you understand that I’m wanting to make sure any feelings I have are genuine amidst this rather big life change. So…slow and steady.”

Galley nodded, shifting from claw to claw as she bit her tongue.

“…you don’t have to raise your claw or anything to ask me something,” Jason chuckled.

“So, does that mean an occasional hug is alright?”

Ok, Galley is definitely living up to her adorable designation.

“It means hugs are fine, Galley. I know I said I wasn’t a huggy individual, but that doesn’t seem to apply when it’s you.”

The man wasn’t surprised when she took a few steps forward and returned to relaxing in his arms, Jason then letting out a soft huff.

“You know, that night in the tower really helped. You were asleep on my lap, and goodness I was a wreck. I assumed you had a mate or whatever passed for it here, but just having someone close made it a bit better.”

Galley shifted to look up at him, her white cheeks a brilliant shade of pink as she then glanced away.

“I was awake, actually.”

“Wait, huh?”

She nodded, claws clenching slightly. “You were hurting. I didn’t know what was wrong, not fully. But I wanted to help, and you also made things a little less scary, even if you were an alien. I was so dang scared up there, and you just made me feel safe.”

Jason’s claw clenched, giving Galley a tight squeeze as he tried to not let the lump in his throat rise to his eyes. “You knew something was wrong from the start, and you’re still right here.”

“Where else would I be? Sure, I could tell something was off aside from you being an alien, but that wasn’t my business.”

“You don’t understand, Galley,” Jason remarked, letting her go only to have the gryphoness hop up onto the stone ledge and sit next to him. “After the Event, survivors were treated differently. Sure, there were those accepting and treating them like anyone else, but being pitied or feared was a common reaction. Coming here was a fresh start, at least until those blasted nightmares happened.”

“Well, considering the crazy stuff that happens in Equestria most won’t think twice about it. The Princesses seemed to take it all in stride, well, aside from Twilight.”

“I wish I didn’t have to tell her that, honestly, but I thought it best I did.”

“Yeah, that was the right call.”

Jason didn’t say anything for a few moments before he let out a groan, smacking a hand to his face.

“Jason?”

“I promised Cadence I’d let her know if this aspect of my life changed, that she’d be the first to know. I have a feeling I might be needing some earplugs later today. Even the thought of it had her nearly exploding with excitement.”

“Oooooooooh.”

“But before we inform her, may I ask why you have these feelings, if that’s appropriate?” Jason questioned with a slight sigh. “You’ll have to forgive me if I have the nagging doubt of being a simple passing intrigue, but I really am curious.”

Galley could only shrug her wings, gesturing towards Jason with a set of claws.

“I mean, it could be that you’re a human, that curiosity, I won’t deny that,” she murmured, “but I don’t think it is. That would have faded. I just find you interesting, Jason. You’re fun to be around, and you…um….”

The man grinned at seeing the gryphoness fluff up, Galley finally letting out a huff.

“You make me feel safe, alright?” she admitted. “I feel like I can trust you, a lot more than anyone else I’ve met. To me, that means a lot. Everything else I’ve learned about you just adds to that.”

A gentle hand on her shoulder made the gryphoness stiffen, then immediately relax happily.

“Thank you, Galley,” Jason replied, “that makes a bit more sense. No matter where we end up, I truly never hope to break that trust.”

Galley nodded, the fact her feathers still were sticking out making it rather difficult for Jason to not laugh. She was adorable, but he had to be careful. The last thing he wanted was to have her misconstrue a gesture, especially when he was still figuring everything out.

Withdrawing his hand, the man ran a hand through his hair and let out a soft chuckle.

“Sorry. Just, it’s one thing to contemplate something, another to talk about it,” he admitted. “I hope you understand why the word ‘slow’ is going to be used a lot in terms of us, or however that progresses.”

“I assumed so,” Galley admitted. “But I’d be a bit more concerned if you did suddenly just, accept stuff and roll with it.”

“Suppose that’s true…” Jason’s voice trailed off, the man suddenly slapping a hand to his face with a groan.

“Oh no.”

“Huh?”

Jason winced, massaging his temples.
“So, you know how I want to meet with Cadence later today? Just…maybe set up some regular talks? It's only now starting to fully sink in of how much she's going to have a field day with this.”

The knowing grin on Galley’s face seemed to confirm just that face.

Author's Note

Things finally get out in the open! :yay:
Poor Galley. She was trying! But a bit of progress, well, slow progress.

Can anyone else already hear Cadence yelling happily?
I can. :rainbowlaugh:

Probably another chapter or two as this 'book' winds down.