Connected Worlds

Chapters

Starting Anew (Unedited)
She's my Ex (Unedited)
Meeting The Trainees (unedited)

Starting Anew (Unedited)

Author's Note

This story is unedited, if anyone wishes to become a proof reader as well as a Editor of this story Please PM me!

Starting Anew (Unedited)

It was the day my life would change forever, yeah it sounded quite a big deal, and maybe not as grand as it sounded; but to me it would change my life forever. After nearly twenty-six years on Earth, I would be packing up everything I needed, and moving to a whole new world!
Though I’m sure all of that seemed rather out there, what did I mean about a whole new world, what was I talking about, well to not bore you with the history lesson I’ll give you the rather short version of what is going on.

It all started just a little bit before I was born, the news letter’s spoke of a rift coming seemly out of nowhere, and what came through...armor wearing anthro ponies! The armor they were reminded everyone of the medieval times of knights and such, and what was stranger, was that they held the power of magic and flight. Their leader at the time, the only one known as a Alicorn, Princess Celestia, came through as well, and when news broke out, everyone thought a huge fight would come.
‘The End Times!’ Some screamed, ‘Aliens!’ another group would chant, but the reality of it was rather simple...for them at least.
It seemed that there were testing a magical spell for a large scale Teleportation, something went wrong and it seemed a rift of time and space, (the brains theory really) allowed our worlds to be connected by that of this lone stable portal...the fact it was stable at all the way it was, was a miracle all on its own. It took quite a while, but deals and plans were made that would ensure that both sides were safe, but well, not all were happy go lucky to say the least.

After the shock of a new world now being a hip hop away, more races on the other world known as Equuis, more races were known to live over there! Gryphons, Dragons, you named the race it was possible there. Worry of the dangers of these creatures spurred humans on our side to try and have the portal banned or destroyed, again impossible or else it may or not imploded and destroy the worlds...even the most hated being on both sides wouldn’t DARE mess with that idea.

Humans weren’t the only one though, even more when the idea of settlement came to mind, there were many groups on BOTH sides that voice their clear hate of this idea, humans worried about known predators like gryphons and dragons, killing and harming them, and Equuis side of creatures hating the idea of human weapon of warfare like guns, and other such weapons. So rules had to be made, but even then rules were always meant to be broken as some would say.
Many stories of guns and other illegal items from both sides being brought over have been heard of, jail and being kicked out from the other worlds grew quickly in the first few years this was allowed, but over time, it was maybe, a few times a year.

But still...it was the year of 2019, nearly thirty years since the portal was brought into the world, and now it looked more like a train station. With the combine minds of both worlds, a sort of...’Gate’ that reminded me of something from Star Gate then anything, was made. To make it easier for those to come to and fro, a train system was made to allow more at once to sit through and wait to go on by, it took only a few moments but one moment you were in your world, and the next, the other. From what I heard it was a surreal experienced, one that I would be feeling for myself.
In my hand was my carry on, and my back, filled with other things like clothes, my cell phone, and work related items. The Canterlot Company would be providing me with more tools I would need for my job, but these were my personal tools just in case they didn’t have it, and I didn’t need to spend what little money I had left.

By the time I was in school, a schooling program was in place to allow other beings to come to our world to learn about the human culture and vice versa, I made some amazing friends, and I swear I maybe had two humans friends and the rest were non-human friends. I just felt more...connected to them growing up. Sure there was those stigma of humans and non-humans not wanting this, or that whole ‘be within your own race’ type things. But we were a new generation, and I aim to prove that with my job I was hired to do.
We had internet and phones for a long time now, the internet still rather new and Equuis just only started to use land lines half a decade ago, the reason was mostly how would power work, that would effect their world like it was our. It seemed magic held a great role and even help with human power as well, and with a near never ending supple thanks to unicorn magic, power cost dive bomb to the point ANYONE could have power with very little money...in a way it was almost free! My job was more so working on bringing more phone lines and internet connection to Canterlot, I was the more ready and able, and after background checks found to be the most...able to go.
You see agreeing to this job I couldn’t just hop from one world to the other ever day, the price of it would be huge and the work wouldn’t be willing to pay that much, no, if I wanted this high paying job, as I would be training fresh out of school ponies of Canterlot, how to work the machines to connect the internet to their homes and such, I would need to become a new member of Equuis, of Equestria.
For anything this was a HUGE choice to make, but it was something I wanted to do. For a year now I’ve been in a rut, a rut of not sure what to do, my friends helped me through a rather tough time I had with...someone, and family helped as well...well...all but one.... “Hey, Brandon! You’re not leaving without saying goodbye are you?”

I blinked slightly and turned to see the voice, and smiled at who I saw. My little brother, Jason was there with his girlfriend and his three little girls. Though he was only twenty four, he started his family young, found out his girlfriend, a human, was pregnant when they were only eighteen, close to nineteen, it was a big shock, but with all the problem we had as children as all siblings would, he was still a great father, and a better brother. We clasp our white, slightly darken hands together and pulled each other into a hug, his girlfriend of dark brown, making all his daughters nearly the same skin tone, the other four watching as we then embraced for a moment. As he knew one of the many reasons I was moving. “Sorry, Jason,” I spoke after we pulled away, my bags on the ground for that moment as I sighed, he stood a little shorter than me, with me being six foot and he just under that by a few inches. “I...didn’t think you all would come.”
“This is my big brother moving to a whole damn new world!” he exclaimed as his girlfriend gave him a sour look for cussing in front of their kids of five year old, three year old, and she holding their nearly one year old. He only chuckled softly as I did as well, pushing my fingers through my jet black hair, swept back a bit from the wind, and my style. “Course we come to see Uncle B off, but...well you know mom...” I frowned at the mention and sighed heavily. “We tried to convince her to come but...”
“Don’t worry about it,” I waved a hand slightly submissive. “I knew she wasn’t coming.”
“But still this isn’t fair to you...you...” he started but I cut him off as I raised a hand.
“Don’t you worry about it...don’t spoil your relationship or the girls relationship because she and I don’t see eye to eye...beside I want to go, because I want to go...I need to start new somewhere.”
“But, she...” I raised my hand to stop him, my eyes opening a bit as I gave him a half smile.
“As I said...She and I...didn’t see eye to eye on something, that’s fine by me. She is still our mother, and still Nanny A to the girls.” I smiled down to the two as they came over to hug along my leg and hip, my hand running through their puffy hair, as I went over and held my youngest niece one last time for a while. Giving her back to her mother, I looked back at the station, before my brother pulled me into another short hug. “Just...keep a eye on her will ya?” I asked as I rolled my wrist a bit. “Can’t choose family after all.”

After our goodbyes were made, me promising to send them a letter as soon as I could, as radio waves and such couldn’t go past the portal. I made my way inside, waiting for the train tram to come.
Going back to what me and my brother spoke of, I thought back to why my mother and I weren’t on good...terms. even though it had been nearly if not just over three decades long since this portal came up, and knowing of another world...interspecies relationships were still rather new. Not that on their end, there wasn’t any, just when it involved humans, that number was rather low. Without getting into too much detail, long story short, I dated a unicorn for about six months, and when I brought her to visit my mother, (mind you we drove for about six hours to meet her) It...wasn’t the greatest moment.
Mom thought she was just a friend, as there were pictures of her on my facebook, but looking back, nothing really looking like we were a couple. Just pictures of us at the beach, and the fair, nothing really telling or showing we were a couple. That came to a shock for mom, the name calling came fast. Animal, beast, unnatural, all of these and much, much worst she used against my now ex-girlfriend...what did I do...Nothing.

I was a Mama’s boy, I didn’t have a father growing up, sure I met him when I was older but it was always me, my mother, and my brother growing up until he got his girlfriend, and three little children. We even unofficial changed Father’s day to Mother’s Day the Remix, as a sort of joke. And I guess I always went to her for approval on many things...and I guess that bled to my relationship, my first REAL relationship...with a unicorn.
Mother was...wary of them, magic, flying without the need of machines, able to kick down a brick wall with a single kick...and don’t get me started on the other races! She was scared, it was clearly shown...but as years went by, and untrue stories of mind control magic, or crazed heat mares and such. Hell even the idea that in their world, mares were sort of the males. Where here, guys were expected to be the money maker, it was the other way around for Equestria’s people. I liked to say it was her being worried for my safety...but I never saw the signs growing up, maybe I didn’t want to see it, didn’t want to believe it.

My non-humans friends even told me after all of this went down that they felt...unease around my mother, like she was waiting for them to do something to call the cops on them or something...naive...oh I was plenty of that...I loved my mom, still do, I just didn’t want to think someone who raised me, to make me believe that you should treat others like you wanted to be treated could be so...well that.
After that, my ex and I cut our vacation short...and me being the idiot I was...I tried to make it seem like it wasn’t a big deal, a downplay, ‘she’ll get use to it!’ I promised, she didn’t like that....and that was the first fight, the first real fight we got into.

There was a lot of yelling, of how I should’ve defended her, I should’ve backed her up, but I just sat in the back watching two people I cared about sling insults and curses to one another, she was right I should’ve did something, anything! Though, I just stood there, like a deer in headlights and watched.
Our relationship really didn’t heal after that, we were together for maybe another half year...ups and mostly downs before it was just...done, we both agreed together like adults...but it hit me pretty hard, and I hoped...in nota horrible way, maybe it was hard for her as well.

Hearing the train come and watching mostly humans come off, looking like families coming back from vacation, some coming here FOR vacation, I released a heavy sign and once emptied, climbed aboard.
The train itself kinda reminded me of a bullet train, though it wasn’t as fast as the name sake made it to be and looks. The slipstream like look seem to just work better when going to and from the portal, possible because of the ‘bullet’ like look to make it move more smoothly inside, either way, it worked, and it didn’t matter to anyone; however checks to make sure everything was fine, went underway, as I made my way inside.
My carry on beside me as I sat down, pulled out my phone for any last messages, before shutting it off and shoving it in my pocket. My hand, drumming on the top of my bag, as everyone else settled in. We were possible on the Tram for about half a hour...before we started to move. Leaning back as chattering went on, many first times riders, myself included, would see what the new world would offer. First a blinding light, a slight pop that did hurt my ears and eyes...and then...it was over!

The clicking clank of the tracks as the train went off gaining a bit of speed as Canterlot was coming up, showed that when the portal was first made, it was a bit away from anything that could be harmed, the tracks high in the air as I looked around outside, seeing clear blue eyes, even a few flyers moving clouds about, seemly it was black clouds, as I could see from where I was, the dampness of the grass down below, I guess we just miss a shower. Still the train made its way toward Canterlot, the capital of Equestria.
As the train came down to a halt, many were outside waiting for ether returning folks, as there were some ponies on here, or just seeing who was coming off. I was more then surprised when I saw a guard pony, one that wore armor with golden plates and silver leggings. After getting off with my bag, I made my way over, moving around the few that were there, when close; he released in a gruff voice. “Are you Brandon Casey?” this one was a unicorn, pale white with his mane hidden under the helm he had, though held blue eyes. I saw another guard...surprising looked just like him, only with wings fly on past. I remembered to keep the guards safe from those who would no doubt blackmail any guards if knowing who they looked like, the armor were enchanted to make them all look the same, save for any wings or horns they may have.
“That’s me,” I responded and even passed him my ID to prove it, it was my new Equestria one, seeing how I was now moving here, I needed to get it, and everything finalized before even coming here. Luckily because this was a sort of...test funded by the royals of Equestria, I was able to get mine done rather quickly; after they did the full background check of course.

He looked over it for a few moments before looking a booklet he had strapped to his hip, seemly making sure everything was in order before nodded. “Very well Mister Casey, please follow me, the Princess shall be meeting with you and the other humans at the new building.
Because of the idea of bringing power into this world was still new, as stated before, they would need a whole new building made by the hands of ponies and humans alike, my job was pretty much the door to door install system, though I was more into phone, cable, and internet, I was crossed train in making sure power was going into the home for lights, as well as heat, or to make sure everything was fine. My job here was to train ponies who would be the start of this new field, the contract that was given to me, would last a little over five years, and then would get reviewed for ether termination, or renewal. I wasn’t sure how many I would be training, but I already had a game plan on how, and even when training them was done, I would still be working solo to do more so of my field, because it really only took one person to install what was needed; even then, I would have to wait until a job was called for.

“So...” I trailed off trying to make small talk in any way I could. “How many other humans are part of this program?”
“Including yourself, six.” He spoke as he brought me down the streets as I gazed about. “Four more were supposed to come...but we found they were part of that Non-Human hate group that been making their rounds. How we didn’t see that until it was too late baffled me. We only got lucky because one idiot got drunk and put on those...media, Storybook?”
“Facebook,” I corrected as he nodded.
“Yes well, Facebook, he put something about some plans that I am not allowed to disclose, and to get him out of prison time, he became loose lips on the other three.” I rolled and shook my head. Human Federation they called themselves, Racist like any other, willing attacking stores that employed non-humans, or sending threatening messages to those in interspecies relationships. Guess it didn’t matter where and how it came to be...there will always be haters no matter what. “After princesses speech, the four princesses shall be introducing the head of the program, a unicorn mare who too studies and lived in your world for about five years. She will be in charge of making sure who will be assigned to you, as well as the part of Canterlot you will be assigned to.” I could only nod at this, as it would make sense. Still with what basic information was given, we pressed on.

The building clearly had a more human design to it, square like with what looked to be about ten floors, in the back the large machines powered using magic gems that would be used to transfer power throughout the city. Beside the building was a large tower, phone, radio, and internet. Already we could see ponies working on it, making sure things were running smoothly with humans beside them working together, these must be the training to make sure everything is up to tip top shape. The guard held up a card and was buzzed in, the gate opening to allow us into the front yard, before walking into the lobby.
The lobby reminded me almost like a museum, which I supposed it would make sense as this was the first of its kind in the whole world. TV that held recordings on what the ‘power’ was, internet, cable, and such. Already there were some school children here, more so ponies, but a mix of a gryphon, hippogriff, and a human in the large group. Many of the children looking on in awe, as they looked around six years old. Being led up a few flight of stairs as the elevator system was still being made. I was taken to a large room, where five other humans, and about twelve ponies were about, all talking to one another.

I went in to mingle as the guard went off to do something, we all got to chatting, getting to know our soon to be students, before someone clearing their voice was heard, and we all saw them come out.
Almost at once all the ponies bowed, getting on one knee as the four princesses of the pony race walked out, we humans were slightly, taken aback or I was, but we did the same slowly as well, as no doubt for all of us, this was the first time we all would meet royalty.

Twilight Sparkle looking to stand about five foot nine, was the smallest of the group of four. With purple like coat, and a two tone color mane of dark purple and what looked to be pink. Her purple eyes gazing at the group, a almost large smile on her face. Her dress was that of a dark shade of pinkish purple, the bottom part white with a golden yellow stash opening from her middle part. a small crown on top of her head.
The one next to her was just a bit taller than her. Who nudged the former slightly with a smile of her own, a small whisper coming from her as the princesses of magic, or friendship, (wasn’t sure which seemed someone had a different title for her) This was Princess Cadance, the Alicorn of Love if I was right. A light pink coat with a three tone color of yellow, purple and darker mane colors. Her dress sort of reminded me of a downgraded wedding dress, all white, but with a pink heart where her breasts would be.

The next was Princess Luna of the Night, easily a six foot tall Alicorn, slim body with dark blue coat, and a flowing blue mane that looked like it had stars in it. Her dress seemed almost like a thin sundress, flowing with blue and black mixed along the arms and down the dress. The last Alicorn, was princess Celestia, and she was tall. Maybe six foot three if I had to guess, her sister’s head coming to her shoulder. Pale white, with a rainbow of colors mane, and a light yellow dress with golden cuffs along her wrists, her collar like necklace around her neck. And her crown on her head as well. Just gazing at them, you could almost feel the power and hold they had over their subjects.

The speech was rather short and sweet, mostly on the great work of two worlds being Connected, to work together to do great things. She explained about the four missing humans and what they were charged and how they hoped we wouldn’t allow such to spoil the relationship we had, or would bloom. A few more words were said before saying how the guards who brought us here when we were ready would bring us to each of our new homes, how our bags and many things we would need would already be there. With that said, everyone went back to talking to one another, food and drinks all about.

I was eating a rather wonderful cake, as I heard about the others were meeting the princesses and even our new boss, it would be great to meet them up close to speak, and even more so to make a good first impression on the boss. It didn’t matter to me she was a pony...long as she knew what she was doing. A slight tap on my shoulder as I turned, and then bowed my head quickly once seeing it was princess Celestia and the other three, before a soft chuckle came and spoke. “Raise your head my little human,” she spoke as I did so. “I am sure you are not well use to that sort of greeting are you not?”
“Bowing to princesses, or you referring me as ‘little human’?” as I was about the same size as her sister, so I wasn’t all that...little. Again she chuckled as did the other three before I went on. ‘Ether way...it’s a honor to meet you four, and a honor to be picked for this program...so far I’m enjoying Equestria.”
“I bet the idea of a free house in Canterlot also helped with that?” Princess Cadance said in a almost tease like tone as I chuckled and rubbed the back of my head. “Did you come alone?”
“Yeah just me,” I answered with a nod.
“It must’ve been hard,” Twilight spoke as I looked to her. “To leave your old world behind to start anew here?”
“To be fair...it was rather easy.” I said with a slight shrug. “Beside my brother, and three nieces, I didn’t really...have a lot to leave behind...well...a few things but I rather keep that to myself.”
“Understandable,” Celestia went back t o saying before looking behind. “Ah, your new boss is on her way to meet you!” she moved out the way, as I saw a mare come up wearing a grey like suit, and tie, but my hand tensed, my eyes widen...and a chill went down my spine...as her reaction...also mirrored my own. “I would like you to meet Lyra Heartstring, head of the programme, and your new boss!” she said with a clear happiness in her voice. However...unknown to them, she wasn’t only my new boss...

She was my ex-girlfriend.

She's my Ex (Unedited)

Author's Note

This Chapter is unedited, if you wish to become a proof-reader, simply PM me!
other then that, enjoy!

She's my Ex (Unedited)

So many thoughts raced through my mind, my hand still outstretched, frozen in place, as I gazed at her, the ex girlfriend I hadn't seen since we broken up...Lyra Heartstring. She still looked pretty much the same, her mane still in the same style, her mint green coat, her two tone mane and tail, and her golden eyes, watching me, both widen as my own. The room ether got very quiet, or I just couldn't hear anything at all...the silent was finally broken, when the sun princess, Celestia, spoke up."Uh...is...everything alright?" she asked as my hand slowly lowered, I couldn't say anything, I didn't know what I could say. After the break up I tried to call her, anything, but I couldn't get a hold of her. We did end it on good terms...as good as one could with how my mother acted and called her.

I turned my eyes over to the princesses again, seeing their concern looks, however the one that had the...strangest look, was Princess Cadance, she seemed almost on the brink of yelling out, or almost demanding what was going on. However, Lyra spoke, after clearing her throat, possible to clear the lump I saw in her throat. "We...know each other your highnesses," she spoke as her voice was still the same as I remembered it, sweet, and cute. "We...use to date, back on Earth."

"Wait...used?" Cadance asked and moved a bit closer. "What do you mean by that?"

"No offense," I said raising my hand a bit."That's...sort of personally."

"But, you..." Celestia placed a hand along the Alicorn of Love's shoulder, making her gaze at the taller of the bunch, with a sign she nodded her head and backed up.

"Excuse my niece...she the type that enjoys knowing when there is love in the air, and when feeling as if something needs..fixing...we shall leave you two alone." She spoke as me and Lyra bowed our heads, as they walked off to meet with some more ponies and humans. We both just stared at one another, both speaking at once.

"I...no you...I mean...!" we both said the same things at once...and after a brief moment, shared a soft laugh before I started.

"You...you look good." I said...I know, corny, every bad romance story where the 'hero' says that to someone they haven't met in almost full year! And here she was...my new boss of The Canterlot Company. "So...you...got a job here?"

"Yeah," she admitted as she rubbed her arm. "After we broke up...I move back here," which would explain how I couldn't get in contact with her. "My roommate Bon Bon, you remember her right, when she came to visit back on Earth?" I nodded, remembering that, seemly they been friends for years and during our forth month together she came and visit, would see her at times at Lyra's apartment. "Well she let me move back in with her, and after seeing in the paper about this program I took the course and passed. I became head of the Connection Program, making sure everything would go smoothly. This is sort of the HQ so to speak, Canterlot as well as Ponyville when we get that set up, will be under my control of making sure everything runs as smooth as possible, the other floors will be for other majors grids when they become open, a sort...call center when something that needs to be done that can't be done with the new local system."

"Pretty big step up then I supposed from what you were doing before." I commented as she nodded at this. There was that long awkward silence that followed after before I sighed. "Look, Lyra...with how we ended things..."

"Brandon, no," she started as she sighed and shook her head. "Look it's in the past, we shouldn't really...dwell on it."

"But you were right," I went on. "I should've stood up for you, I should've been there to be on your side when meeting my mom...and even more so when we fought and tried to defend her actions, making it sound like it was your fault..."

Though I claimed that the relationship was ended on good terms, both sides agreeing maybe it be best to have a break, a full on break...I knew it was my fault, or at least felt like it was more so my fault than anything else. It was a few weeks after the meeting went south with my mother, we started to talk to each other again more than the first day back, she needed time alone and I think I needed some as well, but when Lyra came over to spend some time...she saw the letter mom sent me, a letter that had something more than choice words inside.

***************************

"Brandon, what in Tartarus name is that?" She questioned, pointing to my coffee table as I slightly looked over and cursed under my breath at what she saw and was referring to. Mom had sent a letter, about how she wanted to know that I was fine, that there were these classes talking about pony mind control and that I should go with her to see it, I haven't responded to her about this, as the classes, or meeting wouldn't happen for another week anyway. I was busy making coffee for myself and her, as she held the pamphlet up, showing what looked to be a nasty pony in the background, making them look evil and sinister with their fingers glowed with magic, seeping into the mind of a, what I would guess, a mindless human.

"Just something mom sent me," I responded as I went back to waiting for tea to boil. "It's nothing really.

"What do you mean, 'it's nothing really,' do you have any idea what they say about ponies and other creatures that aren't humans in these type of things?" I could hear the clear displeasure in her voice, as I sighed heavily, removing the coffee pot when done and started to work on putting my cream and sugar for her, and myself. "And the fact that you are even thinking of going, what will your friends say, what do you think I'm feeling right now?"

"What do you want me to do , Lyra?" I asked looking at her as I sighed and placed the cup on the counter for her to grab, but she didn't go for it. It would be another fight whenever it came up to my mother, there were times she knew I spoke to her, and hung up after things were getting heated, I was trying to prove to mom that she wasn't the boogeyman she claimed her to be, but it was hard when the first impression didn't go as well. "To just not answer her at all, to cut ties with her, she is still my mother!"

"A racist mother!" she yelled out in anger as she held her arms beside her shaking, I could even see her teeth grinding a bit. "It seemed lately you care more about patching up things with her then with me, and then with this!" she picked up the paper with her magic and threw it towards me. "What in the buck, Brandon?!"

"She is still my mother!" I yelled back slamming my fist to the table that even rattled the other glasses that were on it.

We stared at each other, a clear glaring match, one trying to back down the other before I went on. "It's always been me, her and my brother growing up, she raised us on her own, and taught me everything I needed to know in life, I understand what she said hurt you, but if you don't want to help..."

"What do you mean, 'don't want to help,'!" she demanded with a huff in her voice. "She called me a mindless beast only useful for pulling carts and riding kids, and you think I would want to 'help' with that are you out of you..."

****************************

"Brandon?" I shook my head rather quickly as I rubbed my eyes. Looking up I saw Lyra staring at me...it was hard to think once before those eyes were like fury towards me, after remembering that last big fight...that fight was what broke the camel back. She let in anger after a few choice words between us went on, before the sound of the door slamming as I was left in my home alone.

I did end up going, and I don't even know why at this point, but I hated it, hated every moment of it. It was just a bunch of hate speech, and I saw a part of my mother I never wanted to see...There were parents there who said they happily disowned their own children for even going on a date or being friends with anyone that wasn't a human. Luckily, or maybe not, the 'kids' were all grown adults, many store owners that were around the area, even showed signs that said 'not human, not welcome' signs, and it made me sick to my gut....but at this point I was sort of in fight or flight mode. If I even tried to defend those from Equuis...what would've happened to me.

I stayed until it was good enough to go, saying that I just wanted to get some fresh air, before leaving I met with another leader of a different group, that mom was trying to introduce me to. When I kept saying I needed to go...he almost felt like he was LETTING me go. 'It's all new to him.' He said easily like he was at a BBQ with a beer in hand. 'He'll come along.'

After that day...I knew mom was beyond helping, and that I made the foolish mistake of going, I tried to call Lyra, I left her so many messages, but it never happened, she didn't say anything after the matter. The last day we met up for coffee...was when she wanted us to break up.

Knowing she needed a answer, I only gave a half cocked smile and nodded. "Lost in thought huh, still do that?" she half joked as she gave a half cocked smile back as I chuckled. "So...have you and..."

"We haven't really gotten back to talking." I confirmed as Lyra only nodded a bit at this, her arms wrapping under her breast, holding along her elbows. I'm just glad that she didn't ask about me going to that thing with her, I really didn't want to have to explain that! "So...this is gonna happen...us working together and you as my boss...talk about..."

"Awkward?" she question as I could only nod slightly as she sighed a bit as well. "Our past shouldn't affect our work, we dated, we said our peace to one another, we broke up...simple as that."

She looked away when she said that last part, almost like she wanted to say something. I wanted to as well, to tell her maybe we could give it a shot, but with now our positions, her as my boss and me her staff...I don't know if that would be considered workplace rule. Reading up on pony culture, where it was the female that were more in charge so to speak, like how it was a man's world on Earth, here in Equestria, it was a mare's world, I didn't want to be the talk of, kissing up to the other sex boss. It wasn't my thing, and I hated anyone who would do so.

"Like I said," she went on as I was snapped back out of my thought. "Yes we have history, but that shouldn't stop us from working together right? At least I know you will work hard, and not have to second guess myself on that," she gave me a smile and laugh, as I had to join her on the laugh just a bit. "But...it is good to see you, Brandon." She held her hand out to me, as I gazed down at it, my eyes closed for a moment before shaking her hand slightly with my own.

"Yeah...You as well." I answered as I gave her a firm shake.

"So," my guard who I still hadn't gotten, or asked his name, spoke after the little meet up with Lyra was done. He and the others came in after watching their princesses leave after getting their orders to lead some of us if we didn't know, to our new home. Address in hand, key in pocket, as it seemed our bags were already there waiting for us, I followed along as I gazed around Canterlot, trying to remember where many key points were for ether me spending time alone, or getting to know the area. We wouldn't start work until the day after tomorrow, rest up and use to our new home, and also tomorrow I would be meeting with my two trainees as well, and when we would go on our first job what they would need to learn. "Getting all cozy with your new boss huh?" he asked a clear tease in his voice. "I don't blame ya...she rather hot!" I tsk a bit, even though we weren't dating...I be foolish to say I didn't have feelings for Lyra...but we weren't in a relationship, so if someone was trying to get together with her...

"It's not what you think," I rebottled as he only nudged me slightly and laughed.

"Hey, we are both stallions, I know when..."

"She's my ex," I answered quickly , making him slightly stop, before I stopped to look back at him. "What?"

"For real?" when I nodded my head his eyes only grew wide. "Whoa...okay sorry, I didn't mean to hit a nerve just..."

"You didn't know," I told him as I followed along after again. "So let's leave it at that." There was a small pause as he led the way, before I sighed outwardly when he asked.

"Mind telling me what happened?"

"Long story short," I answered as I looked away for a moment. "I've fucked up badly, let's leave it at that."

There was that other tense silent as we walked again, the sound of the marketplace all around as we walked on, the voices of many muttering down to sound almost like one. You could at times hear different parts of a conversation, one talking about bills, another about a bully problem, and one about hoping she would be baring someone foal. It didn't really matter how two nations, two worlds were so vastly different...everyone had the same problem.

"Just one last question before I show you to your home," the guard asked as I looked on over toward him again, my right eyebrow raising, as I was often told reminded everyone of someone from Star Trek when I did it. "Power...that's not what it's called right?" he asked as I blinked once. "The thing you humans are bringing over and setting up, that's not what it's called right?" I had to chuckle for a moment shaking my head at this as I answered his question.

"Nah, just something we humans used a lot, like, 'hey we got power at our place,' or, 'just getting the power hooked up today.' No, the correct term would be, electricity, we humans use it a lot for heating, lights, and other things that would need such a thing. I understand here ovens use magic and such, much like everything, or gas right?" when he nodded at this I went on looking ahead as we walked.

"I guess they just want to bring more options to the table," I kept going on with the information I knew off the top of my head, and also the information given if any soon to be customers would ask. "From what we were told, Canterlot would be a test run, and then it would be expanded down to Ponyville if enough people are interested in getting a install. Magical gems that are used to power up, freeze, heat up, or whatever, have a charge rate, and sooner or later they need someone to charge it with their own magic if can, or hire someone to. This is just something where as long as you pay your bills, 'power' is being pumped into your home at a normal rate!" He seemed to have taken that rather well, and luckily it was the end of it, for I was here, my new home.

There were some ponies going in and out, and some guards watching on, mostly to make sure nothing was taken, I remember giving them a list of boxes with numbers on it, and they were making sure none of the boxes were tampered with or opened. Just a added thing they wanted to make sure we humans were treated good...or a good first impression.

The home was three floors from what I was told, the main floor that would have the living room, kitchen and dining room, already it had the basic things I would need to live, so I wouldn't need to spend money. There was a bathroom on this floor from what I was told, and one upstairs, which would hold three bedroom, one being the Master Bedroom.

After all the movers were out and I made sure everything was accounted for, papers were sighed, deeds were given, I was left alone to look up at my own home. For as long as I was under contract, a bit of my paycheck would go toward paying off the house so it would be mine fully. However that would take years, that much I know for sure, and I would be making sure, at least for now, to always be in contract...I mean in a sense...free house right? Walking in, seeing all my stuff was in boxes, I knew I had a long rest of the day to go, so stretching myself out and clapping my hands together, I made my way up the stairs to where at least they empty all my bedroom stuff in the master bedroom, it was time to work.

I had a lot of unpacking to do after all.

Meeting The Trainees (unedited)

Author's Note

THIS CHAPTER IS UNEDITED!!!!
Hello all been a while, and sorry for the long delay when it comes to my story, and Merry Christmas to everyone, or happy holidays if you do something else.

I want to let this be known that if this chapter even more so in then end feels a bit rush, then sorry about that. I wanted to get this out mostly because work has been killer, yes i'm off for Christmas and I plan to enjoy my days off, but for this month because of the holidays its been nothing for me but 12 hours day shifts back and forth because everyone ether quitting or other bullshit. and the fact this chapter been on my save file computer so long I just wanted it done and over with so I could go on.

with that being said, a question. I noticed many keeps asking me about when next chapters are coming up. they will be up when I can. and I can't make plans as of now.

and two, a pole to which at 3am my time on the 26, I shall count. What do you want to see more of, Connected Worlds, or Sorry Isn't enough. the choice will mean the other story WILL be put on hold until ether done, or a MAJOR writer block stops me.

another thing I would need, is someone to be a editor, been looking and I would love someone to edit the work of said story. so if anyone wanna give their time. PM me, don't put a comment down in the story, simply message me on PM and we can get to talking. if more then one wants to, then I can have two proof readers, or I switch back and forth.

thank you for reading, thank you for understanding, and enjoy the next chapter!

Meeting The Trainees (unedited)

When I woke up, the first thing that hit me, was that I was in a different room than the one I was used to, thee colors were different, the bed felt oh so soft, and, as funny as this may sound; the air smelt...cleaner. The only things I really unpacked was the things I would need the most as of right now, clothing, items, kitchen like equipment; things along the line that I knew I would need. If anything else were needed at the moment that wasn't unpacked, well that would be something I would deal with as soon as I was able.

Dealing with my morning routine that went about using the bathroom, brushing my teeth and checking my hair, knowing sooner or later I would have to get it cut, as well as trim my facial hair as well. I slipped on some clothing that were that of a basic blue jeans and white shirt to get my morning meal started.

Though Canterlot was a mostly Pony like town, with the new idea of races coming in, it became easier to gather say things like meat, and other meat like product. And that suited me just fine with what I was going to have this morning. Opening up doors and the fridge, I saw they were packed full of food already, there was some magical effect on the food that also allowed it to last longer and not spoil as quickly as say on earth, not that it mattered here at this moment; as the food was just brought in the day before. As pans were placed down and the eggs cracked in, I stole a glance outside and raised a eyebrow at what I saw.

Though it was only about eight in the morning, there were both ponies and one human at work on...something, now seeing it as Power lines. Remembering that those would need to be set up, as well as the power junction on the poles, I was surprised to see how quickly the ponies were just setting up the poles. four unicorns worked on the poles, one using his magic to seemly open the ground, the other three using their combine magic to set said pole in place, before it was covered to keep in place. A few tests to make sure it wouldn't move, and they were off after looking at a map. The other team with the human, taking of course far longer mostly because of the fact of they were climbing up, and putting the things together. The humans working on the power lines and setting up the boxes along the top, no doubt for the internet connection as well as electricity, were also teamed up with some ponies, training day, in a sense.

The way the program spoke, saying that it would take a while to have lights and possible Wi-Fi in ever home in Equestria as soon as they could, made it sound like it would take years...if it worked like this, I bet it would take maybe months; but that was only in my understanding.

After eating and cleaning up my mess, I went back upstairs to get myself cleaned up, even though I already dressed myself and seemly ready to go out into the world, I forgot about my shower and shave. The warm water colliding with my body, steam covering the area...it sort of brought me back to thinking of one person, one pony I should say; Lyra.

After not seeing her for so long, and now just out of the blue I find out she is my boss...I mean, that's so much to take in, she was someone I would have to answer to if something went wrong, someone that I knew on a personal level someone that...no, I can't think like that. She is my boss now, the boat of which we could've sail, left the port without us, and I'll have to deal with that. Was that a little over the top poetry...maybe, but it doesn't matter, I guess it's just how my brain is wired I supposed.

I shook my head and sat down enjoying my meal, before truly sitting down went out and saw that the paper was here, a hot cup of coffee beside me, flipping the page open to read as I ate. Thinking on it, to myself, I felt sort of like those old style movies, the guy reading the morning paper, drinking a cup of Joe, ready to start their day. Course, I don't think any of them would've been on a world where it's not humans, but talking anthro animals of myth and legends. The paper was normal, as one could tell, normal morning news and such, a few little reviews on the next big book by someone, and then again more about humans and vice versa living in the new worlds now just a train ride away.

I came out of my train of thought, to a knock on the door, jerking my head up slightly, I looked over and noticed it was close to ten now, my food half eaten and now cold, I shrugged and went to answer, and got quite a surprised. Two mares were waiting outside, wearing everyday clothing, though I noticed their jeans and shirts seemed a bit...huggy.

The first was a bit shorter then I, possible the top of her head coming to my chin, a smoky grey like coat, with surprising deep golden eyes, her hips were a bit on the wide side, and I only looked beside she had a enclosed letter along her side that caught my eye. Her jeans were deep black, which for someone with fur and on a rather warm morning, would've thought she be burning up. A unicorn clearly by the horn jutting out her forehead, long dirty blond mane that slightly covered her right eye. Her tail matched her mane, but slightly curled along the end. Her chest...well I could see it clearly, though from the way she dressed it was like my female friends back home would say 'rock 'em if you got 'em.' And it showed that this one, in a sense was clearly...rocking them.

The other was a Earth pony, about the same height as myself, hell I think a bit taller with a deep red coat, and green like eyes. Her mane matching her tail, with a jet black color but she held curly like mane, and a matching tail, though her tail having a long pink streak going through it, possible tail dye. She was built more fit, showing that Earth ponies were not one to mess around with, from what I could tell, they had raw power and getting into a fight with one...oh boy. She had about three bags, one on each shoulder, and one along her neck, briefcase size with the company I was now working at, logo on the front. "Are you Mister Brandon Casey?' the unicorn asked me as I blinked for a moment, before nodding. "Great!" she exclaimed clapping her hands together as she smiled. "Thought we got the wrong house again."

"The last one was a gryphon after all," the Earth Pony pointed out. "So the fact you thought to ask if he was,, Brandon the Human...was rather stupid."

"Hey!" she huffed, puffing her cheeks out. 'I had to make sure!"

"Beside hearing that," I said giving a slight raise of my eyebrow. "You asked me, who I was...well...why do you want to know, and who are you two?"

"Oh, right!" the still unknown unicorn spoke as she brought her hand to her chest. "My name is, Lily Quarts." She answered my question before pointing to the other. "And this one is Ruby Plush!" I always did wonder about the strange names these ponies gave their children, Ruby Plush...Lily Quarts...the last one was alright but the first...

"Ruby is fine," The Earth pony responded. "My parents gave me the last part 'Plush' because of all the stuff animals I was given at my birth. They did it as a almost inside joke, and it sort of stuck." I could only nod at this, and tried my best to hide back a smile, I mean really, who names their child in such a way, that it was considered a inside joke, and then just let it stick?

Either or, I allowed both mares inside, so that I could get a better understanding as to why they were here. Ruby, setting down the three bags, claiming that one would be for the each of us, and one was for me mostly. Opening it up, and checking inside, was greeted with the basic gear I would need if I wished to set up the internet, phone, and TV when they were ready to be installed. Touch screen pad, with basic set up, which, if my hunch was right; I would need to explain to the two, as no doubt these two were assigned to me to be trained.

Finding a personal lettered confirmed such a idea, as I read over rather quickly on what I would need to do, a contact number, which confused me for a moment until I saw what else was in the bag; and also our work uniforms...how all that fit as I claimed a briefcase size bag...I still have no idea!

The last item in the bag that surprised me, was what looked to be a cellphone, with the company logo on the back. In this world in a sense, they would be considered like Apple, though as we were the first, it would make sense that they would supply their own phone, or cellphone plans. As I kept reading, basic Q@A's about where to buy such things if new customers wanted to buy said computers, phones, cellphone, then lastly TVs before I heard, Lily, speak.

"So..." she asked sitting on the sofa, leaning forward a bit and seemed to smile. "Someone like you have a marefriend yet?" Ruby, I saw, quickly shot her a glare before exhaling quickly. I had a vague idea where this was going, but I decided to just play with it, to see what she meant.

"Not at the moment," I answered truthfully, as I didn't understand where the future would lead me, still reading through a few pages, as I briefly caught, Ruby, reading her own, smaller user guide book.

"Really?" Lily asked with a sort of gasp at the end. "Somepony like you, and you don't have the mares, or gryphons after you, I simply can't..." Before she went on, I closed my eyes, sighing heavily and lowered my booklet before blunting asking.

"What's your gain with asking personal question, not even a hour after meeting?" she seemed taken aback, and even did a sort of splatter noise.

"What...I don't..."

"Forgetting for a moment, that in a sense not only am I your trainer, but your supervisor to make sure you do your job, today no doubt a interdiction to meet, and here you are, seemly trying to flirt with me." I raised my eyebrow, as her own eyes widen quite a bit, her ears splaying back as she rubbed the back of her head. "So, before anything else, I want to ask one simple thing; are you flirting because that's in your nature, flirting because your interested...or flirting because you are trying to get brownie points from me; answer carefully."

It may have seemed rough the way I worded things as such...but I needed to know and also to put some ground rules down. I know yesterday when I saw Lyra, a part of me wanted to just try and patch things up more, and then maybe... It would be a fools idea in my thought, I knew that. But if Lily thought she could try to do something to maybe cut her some slack...I didn't know, and I wanted to find out. "You're..." she started off as I watched her. "Not... a Coltcuddler, are you?"

You know those old school cartoon, where when the mind stops, you hear a tire SCREECH to a halt, never knew what that felt like; until that moment! "WHAT?!" I almost roared out, not in anger, but utter surprised! A Coltcuddler, from what I understood, was a term calling when two stallions, or two males were in a sexually relationship. The other side would be known as a Filly-Fooler or something along that line; but the fact that she just asked me that!

"Lily, what the buck?!" Ruby yelled just as loudly as she stood up and quickly spoke. "Mister Brandon, please, excuse my friend! She has the habit of speaking before her brain can kick her in the flank, she no doubt didn't mean it as..."

"Explain, now," was all I said, my eyes slightly narrowing as Lily only laughed sheepish.

"W..well," She started as Ruby was still gazing at her with a rather wide expression. "I heard in your world, the males are normal the one in charge...and seeing some human movies that came over here, I saw it was the females you know...flirting with the boss to keep their jobs; I guess I thought that...was the common thing to keep one job?" I didn't know if she was ether freaking stupid...or being truthful with me with that sort of thing. Her friend was possible thinking the same thing as me, because she was just groaning and shaking her head back and forth, her finger and thumb rubbing the bridge of her muzzle. "W...what, and even then I heard that males in your world are in a more higher power...so I just thought...I would take what stallions do here, and flip it?" she said again releasing a sheepish smile. "I just thought because you didn't...seem interested that you were..."

"Gay?" I simple answered with a matter of fact tone, as she looked down, ears flatten as I sighed and held my chin in my hand, eyes closed as I thought about it.

"Allow myself to be clear, once; and only once." I told her, and Ruby as I gazed at the two mares before me. "Flirting with me, or trying to cozy up to me, will NOT give you brownies points. As not only am I teaching you the basic of how these things work," I said pointing to the bags of machine and tech. "But, if I feel that you are not grasping, I have to tell Lyra of this, and see if one can be replaced, because at this point, there would be no reason to train someone who can't do the job, are we in agreement so far?" Ruby nodded rather quickly, Lily, a bit after but there was still a slowness to it, either because of the shock of me calling her out, or something else. "So, what was said here...that's the only warning I'm giving, I don't care that you thought I was gay, what I care about was that you were trying to flirt your way to keep a job mind you, you never even started. Do that again, and I will have you resigned, or request to be placed somewhere else, clear?"

"C..clear," Lilly spoke with another nod. "I'm sorry I just..."

"Just don't do it again, I want this to work, I want a friendship in the workplace, but if you think I'm going to make it easy because you bat a eyelash, then you should find a place to work somewhere else."

After such, they left with their bags, ready to read from the books themselves before the first job. If our building were to be the first to be hooked up, it would be good training to show them. Still...it was already a weird morning with that. And with the time it already was, it was just a little bit after lunch...and my gut was growling. Going off to just make a quick sandwich, I was about to pull the bread out...when a knock came to my door. With hands grasping the counter, I thought about ether answering, or just leaving it be...I was going to leave it be, until the knock came again. Releasing a sigh, I went on over to answer the good, about to greet them, when I blinked in surprised, and confusion. For Princess Cadance herself, was standing outside my doorway!

"Hello!" she spoke with a clear glee to her tone, her hands clasp along the front of her hips, her pinkish dress and crown sat on top of her head. "Brandon right? May you permit me to come inside, so we may speak?" what was I to do, a princess, mind you a princess not of Equestria but of the Crystal Empire...which thinking about it, is the Crystal Empire outside of Equestria border...and shouldn't she and her husband be King and Queen? "It's nothing bad," she must've took my silent as a form of hesitation. "Please?" she asked, holding her hand out toward my door...with a nod I moved to the side and allowed her inside, maybe it was just to get a worded knowing of me doing well in my new home. I've heard the princesses were nice, they were nice enough when I first met them, and this world did have different...logic then that of the human world. Not really knowing what else to say, or even if I should have even allow her inside, to hear whatever she had to say, was one of the reasons I allowed her inside anyway.

She walked in to take a look around the boxes of my moving still around as she crossed her arms, in a more of a casual way than anything, before she then spoke. "Still unpacking?" she asked looking back towards me as I nodded.

"Haven't really had a lot of time to unpack as much as I want." I responded with a shrug. "only those of what I will need right off the back, and my bedroom." When she nodded at this I added. 'I have some Red Rose tea...Orange Peaco flavor, would you like to try some?" she seemed to light up but nodded at this.

"I do enjoy tea," she agreed as she took a seat in my living room. "Though I haven't tried any human tea, is it your favourite brand?"

"I...Don't really drink tea," I admitted but started up the water to boil. "My brother's girlfriend gave it to me a few days before I was moving...it was..." I was going to say my own girlfriend's type of tea, every pay I had to buy at least two boxes to last until the next pay, I didn't mind all that much. But remembering of the tea, almost brought back the habit of saying it, but the Princess of Love, was working on her title.

"You're Marefriend, Lyra?" she finished as I sighed and moved back to the living room as the kettle went on to boil.

"Ex," I reminded her. "She's my Ex."

There was a slight pause, not really sure why she was here, or even knowing what to say to get the talk flowing. However she did say something, or the way she said it, caught me off guard. "Why are you hiding your feelings for her and not working on it?" I jerked my head a bit again as she said such things to me, her eyes still showing the same kindness to them when I met her yesterday and just a bit ago, but I could see the gears turning. "I mean, why did you..."

"If that is the reason you are here," I spoke looking her dead in the eye. "You might as well leave, now. What happened between the two of us, is between the two of us; no third party allowed!"

"But what is the reason?" she almost demanded. "I can feel the tug you have for her, I am not called the Princess of Love for nothing, and I can feel she had the same toward you, so why..." Before she could go on, I stopped as I raised my hand up. She stopping as I answered.

"There are things about humans you have to understand," I spoke calmly and slowly, trying to hide what I was feeling, as I didn't want her to know too much, as it really wasn't any of her's anyway, to know of mine, or Lyra's past love. "And that we don't tell a lot of people about our past, even more so when they think what they are doing is supposedly right. That boat has sailed and it won't be coming back to the same dock." The Alicorns hands clasped over her lap as she watched me, studying me in a way as I went on. "So I'll ask you nicely to back off." There was a short pause as I heard the whistling of the water boiled as I got up to get it, cups in my hand...before roughly clanking them to the table as she asked.

"Is the reason," She asked as I sighed, before my eyes widen at what she said next. "The reason you broke up...is the same thing you're running away from?"

"Running away?" I repeated as she nodded her head as I came back to the living room, but didn't sit. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"You moved away from home, sold everything I'm guessing, and decided to live here. A family you said, and you only spoke of your brother...but not of your father or mother," when she said mother, I slightly jerked, I didn't mean to...it just happened. "Ah so that's it...something to do with your mother? Did she and your mother have a disagreement?"

"You can go now," I said with a frown as I turned my back to her. "Like now."

"Whatever it is I'm sure..."

"You don't know ANYTHING!" I raised my voice and even saw moment outside my window...her guards perhaps as I sighed and took a deep breath. "You may be the Princess Of Love. But let me tell you something so you will understand kay...love with human is different. Sometimes hugging and saying sorry won't help okay, thats one, two, driving into things you," I made the point by pointing to her. "Have no right asking, and I'm asking you, to NOT speak to her about that. If you wouldn't want someone to be in your relationship with whoever you are with, and start saying what they think is right until you either cave and let them deep in, or whatever your trying to do!" I looked away and again, sighed heavily. "Stay out of it, there nothing to fix, nothing to go back to. I may of a long time ago had feelings for her before, but those...Look just go."

This time there was a long pause, before she came up to me, I was about to go on her again, before I watched as she placed a card on the counter, her name, her address and another set of numbers. "I may be a Alicorn of love, but I did take quite a bit of classes on helping people in times of need." She spoke, placing her hand along my shoulder but I refused to look at her. "If you need to talk...send me a letter here, and put the number on the envelope, it will tell the post office to send it to my personal box.

"I could see the pain you had when you saw her the other day, and the possible wanting...i can tell you both have a path and I want to at least help with it. And your right...my Shiny even says sometimes my...hobby of playing match maker can be...rough." She softy chuckled but released my shoulder to leave. "Being alone...isn't always the answer young Brandon. Remember that."

The click of the door closing as I turned off the oven before slumping along the counter. I looked to the white, pinkish card, her name in gold. I flicked it on the table as scuffed, I was fine...i was...however one thing stuck up to me, to what she said.

"Am I running away from it..." I spoke mostly to myself, and mostly to anyone that would listen.