StartingView OnlineShivering entranceStartingThe ponies of the crystal empire were shocked as they saw a bipedal rather hairless being walking into their town with its right arm hanging limply on its bag it was wearing across its shoulder and it seemed to be dragging its right leg a bit and had dark green eyes that were both tired and focused it was hardly clothed and seemed to be shivering fairly hard. a few ponies went over to it in concern majority remained at bay simply watching it one had run off to get some guards of sorts. When the guards arrived a pony had given the being a blanket to wrap itself in and it was hunched on the ground at about eye level trying to warm itself. It rose when it saw the guards approaching holding its functioning hand up in an effort to seem non threatening. The head guard looked him over then signaled him to follow he was led through the city towards what looked to be a large castle he silently observed his surroundings making many mental notes. and silently freaking out about the past hour. The guard occasionally glanced back to make sure he was still following him, though the human was a bit slow with the dragging leg. After a while they reached the castle and the human was escorted to a large office looking room where he sat and waited for his to be interrogator to arrive. And began to doze off the exhaustion from the odd day getting to him. When he awoke, he found it was completely dark save for the desk lamp it was at that point he realized another being was in the room and he rapidly slipped his hand through all the pockets of his bag making sure all was there after that panic was settled he looked towards the desk seeing what looked like a pink unicorn sitting in the chair behind it a look of surprise / caution speared on his face. "Hello." He said. The unicorn seemed a bit surprised and looked up from the paperwork it had been doing and smiled briefly before getting off the chair it sat on. Was at this point he noticed the wings on its sides. "Yes hello what is your name?" She spoke. "You first." He said an edge of suspicion in his voice and he pulled the blanket a bit tighter around his neck. The alicorn was taken by surprise at his reply then spoke. "I am Princess Cadenza Mi Amori or Cadence." She sensed a slight surprise from this being but it was but a blip amongst the sea of anxiety and suspicion coming off him. "My name is Brent." He replied, seeming to relax a tad. But while the suspicion faded mostly the anxiety remained strong. "Why is royalty interacting with me a simple being?" Brent asked. "Well we've never seen anything like you before and why was your leg dragging and arm immobile don't see any injuries?" Brent tapped the side of his head. "It's all up here." After a while of some more questioning from both of them Brent was escorted to a guest room as Cadence sensed no Ill will from him. When he got in the room, he noticed a lit fireplace and pulled a solar cell battery from his bag and placed it where it would get light from the fire to kind of charge and went over to the seemingly large for the ponies bed. And got comfortable and quickly drifted off to sleep. The next day when Brent went to exit his room he was greeted by a guard. "I am to escort you to the dining hall.” The guard said, indicating the way. Brent double checked he had everything in his satchel before following. Battery check, phone check, headphones check. He then followed the light grey guard to a rather large room with a long table in the middle there was a bit of a variety of foods on trays towards the head of the table and low and behold a pink alicorn sitting there. brent hesitantly went towards the head of the table, still rather nervous in the new world. He sat about 4 chairs away from cadence trying to get some food. "You know I could help you." Cadence said. brent simply froze at this and a blip of shame appeared amongst his anxiety. He sighed. "Could I have a hand er hoof." Cadence slightly smiled and her horn lit up as she lifted different articles of food to his plate based on his reaction of head shakes. Not too much of a talker it seems. Cadence thought. Right after that thought she heard a faint "danke" from brent. He began to eat quietly, not making any conversation for a while. "So do you guys have a library around here? Would be good to learn a bit about where I am." brent spoke. Cadence was quiet for a moment, surprised by the sudden sound. "Why yes we do, I could have a guard escort you after you finish eating." brent went back to quietly eating and a few moments later, the doors to the room opened with a slightly winded Shining Armor and a young adult Flurry Heart not far behind him. "We returned as quickly as we could when we heard about the alien." He semi yelled before noticing brent and just stared for a moment. Flurry did the same when she came in Cadence simply smiled at them. "Nothing to worry about dear." She said, That put Shining at ease but not Flurry. While she couldn't sense as much as her mother she could feel the negative energy coming off brent. "Well I’m done eating, could you call that guard." brent said breaking the silence, and he looked at Flurry who was still staring him down. He stared back. A battle of wills commenced. "Yes I will and Flurry please stop staring at him." Flurry broke eye contact. "Yes mother and where is he being taken? If I may ask." Cadence called up the guard that had brought brent here. "He's going to the library. He wants to learn about where he is." Cadence replied to her daughter. Flurry nodded and once brent had left the room, she spoke as she took a seat. "Under his sea of fear I can sense a strong will and a slight amount of chaos magic. Find that interesting as most that have strong wills don't have that much negativity do you feel it too mom." Cadence replied in slight shock at her daughter's perceptiveness. "No all I've sensed is his anxiety and as you said a small amount of chaos magic." The two continued to muse Shining found himself lost in their conversation. Author's Note A mild self insert of a story as i have the disabilities
Chap 2View OnlineShivering entranceChap 2.Brent was escorted to the library as he added to his mental map of this place. i Always was best at mapping buildings. He thought to himself before arriving at some smaller than the dining halls but equally as elegant doors. When Brent walked in he was awed at the sheer quantity of books not even his local library had as many as here. He turned. "Thank you. What's your name?" Brent said to the guard. "Oh, my name is Lacey." She answered before turning to stand outside the room. Brent pulled the doors closed before going into the library looking for a history or geography book. After a while he found one of each and sat by a stained glass window for natural light. Pulled out his phone booted up his headphones put his music on shuffle then began to read. The first song was Cohen's masterpiece. And with it playing apparently caused enough of a spike in Brents ambient chaos magic it caused both Cadence and Flurry to jolt. Despite the amount still being low. Brent unaware of this began reading. Up first was geography. He was not aware when in came Flurry Heart. Who decided to simply watch him as he read, well more watch his magic it would spike and decrease with each song that played depending on the nature or associated memories of them. After a few hours Brent had finished reading the books powered down his headphones put the books in his satchel then went to put the books away when he noticed the watching alicorn and was a bit spooked. "What the hell?!" He shouted at Flurry. Who fell out the chair she was on at this outburst. She had gotten so focused on his magic that she didn't notice him moving. "Why are you watching me?" Brent aggressively asked. She stammered a bit as he approached. "W-w-well we noticed a spike in chaos magic coming from you so i came to see what was happening. what were you listening to that caused that?" She said. "Well several songs of mine could be considered chaotic in a way two that spring to mind the most are cohen's masterpiece, and Kandinsky's quandary." Brent calmly said. "I have no clue what either of those are." Flurry replied. "Allow me to show you." Brent searched through his library before beginning to play Cohen's masterpiece. It was an impossibly complex song to Flurry. While it played Brent explained it was intended to be torture to the player. "Who would create such a song?" She asked. "Garry Schyman." Brent replied then went quiet to listen. Flurry did the same. After it finished, Brent went to put the books away as well as grab a few for later reading. Flurry offered to help but Brent refused "I'm about twice your height sure your a bit taller than the normal ponies still nothin on me. Sure you got magic but want to owe you all as little as possible." Brent said the last few words with a slightly hostile tone. "Sorry not a people person." Brent quickly said noticing his prior tone. "It's fine. Though a tad odd." Flurry replied. He's very untrusting and doesn't like getting help even with the disabilities he has. Seems to be a kind of living contradiction though actually it may just be his will or some conditioning from his past. Flurry thought to herself then noticed Brent was leaving. Without saying a word or hesitating he pushed the door open and started walking back to his room using his mental map. Theoretically it should be around lunch but I’m not hungry in the slightest. Eh got plenty of fat to use as fuel. He mentally dialogued before becoming aware of hoof steps behind him he turned as fast as he could without throwing his balance. "Why are you following me?" He irritatedly asked Flurry Heart. "Well to be entirely honest, I'm curious about a few aspects of yours." Flurry calmly said. Brent just sighed and kept walking. "Like how do you know where you're going? You've only been here a day." "Data retention is my brains specialty well what's left of it at least." Brent said still sounding irritated at her. "Audio and visual especially." He continued. Flurry hummed slightly at this and continued to follow Brent much to his dismay. She is kind of cute but still don't really want to interact with her currently. Can't exactly tell her to go away either. Don't know this place well enough to try losing her plus im too slow realistically speaking. Wonder where Lacey went. "Could you do me a favor Flurry Heart. right? Ask your mom if I could go to get some clothes feel weird without a shirt." Brent said looking back at her before almost losing his balance and looking back forward as a result. "Sure." Flurry said before running off. Brent sighed with slight relief and came to his room a moment later. Went in plugged his headphones into his battery since they had started beeping at him while he was reading. laid the battery so it would get light from the ceiling light. Laid down and turned his music back on then started to read a fiction book he picked up from the library. He found it funny reading fiction in a world that felt like fiction. Author's Note Music links Cohens: https://youtu.be/nlu2z2gkhhI
Chap 3View OnlineShivering entranceChap 3Author's Note Changed a line last chapter because it didnt really fit kents charecter Chap 3 After about half an hour a knock came at Brent's door and a voice he recognized as Lacey spoke. "Princess Cadence requests your presence Sir." She said. "Give me a minute." Brent replied as he got up. Went to the table in his room and while keeping them plugged in hung his headphones on his bag, then clipped the battery to the other side of the strap and swung the bag over his shoulder. Put his shoes back on. Then opened the door to a waiting Lacey. "Lead the way." Brent spoke. Lacy nodded then started walking Brent not far behind. She kept a slow pace knowing he couldn't keep up with the normal hoof speed. After a few minutes of walking, they came to the throne room. Brent immediately noticed two faces Cadence and one he was mildly dreading seeing Flurry. "I was informed that you want to get some clothing." Cadence spoke. Brent sightly nodded in response. "If you are prepared, we can take you to a tailor to get some made." Cadence continued. "That would be rather nice." Brent replied finally speaking. Though his voice was low and soft. Which seemed to be his usual tone despite being an adult male. Cadence rose Flurry did the same a moment later. "Let's get moving." Cadence said with a tone of authority. They all began heading towards the front doors Brent assumed when after a bit of walking he realized he was wrong nothing looked familiar. Lacey was unsurprisingly to him also following along. "Don't really want to leave the alien alone with royalty. Unless ordered to eh." Brent thought to himself while being irritated by the fact that Flurry also seemed to be coming along. "This society seems to be primarily female. A bit bizarre few species back home are like that." He continued thinking before his train of thought was interrupted by Cadence. "Here's the carriage you should fit considering Celestia can." She said. "Dammit wasn't paying attention to the directions we were going." Brent angrily thought as he got in the carriage leaning down a bit to fit the door way. After he got seated Flurry and Cadence swiftly got in followed by Lacey who pulled the door closed, then signaled to the earth pony the carriage was strapped to and he began walking pulling them along. The three girls sat on one side Flurry was still eyeing Brent. She couldn't quite get a firm read on him. An odd being certainly he had chaotic magic but didn't seem to really be aware of it or an openly chaotic being. After a fairly quiet ride they arrived at the tailors. Lacey opened the door and stepped out first followed by the princesses then finally Brent himself who stumbled slightly on exiting. His brain didn't like cars back home, and the carriage seemed to be similar enough in motion to cause the same effects. He noticed he was being watched by many ponies and suddenly felt both scared again and self-conscious. Then swiftly walked into the tailors followed by the princesses and Lacey stood outside the door to keep the populace out for now. Brent was thankful for her dutifulness. The owner of the shop came to the counter and was shocked by the three she saw waiting two royals and a tall thing. "How may I help you today princesses?" The tailor asked. "Well Brent here wants to get some clothing." Cadence said nodding her head back towards Brent. "Certainly just let me get measurements so I know what I'm working with." The tailor said as she pulled out a measuring tape using her wings to assist. The flexibility and dexterity of the wings shocked Brent, and he did his best to stand still for the tailor to measure him. When she asked him to take his bag off he did and his right arm hung limply at his side. When he was asked to lift his arms only the left was raised. After about ten minutes the measurements were complete. "Come back in about an hour and I should have several articles of clothes ready for you. I know shirts are the main priority but I'll make some pants as well." The tailor said. The three nodded and Brent thanked the tailor before turning to leave with the other two as the tailor went and flipped her sign to closed then went to work excited. "Oh and keep it simple bitte." Brent said to the tailor as he exited and was greeted by a blast of cold air and several ponies standing around waiting to get a look at him. He wondered what they would do for an hour. Expecting they would go back to the castle but Cadence seemed to have a different plan. "Well go to a public building try to get you and the ponies used to each other." They took a brief carriage ride over to a cafe/bookstore. When they went in the two princesses ordered drinks and some pastry items and all Brent got was water. When Cadence asked him why he gave the same explanation, he gave Flurry. "I want to owe you as little as possible and I already owe you quite a bit with the housing and soon to be clothes." Brent said as his water came up "Man even your largest size cup is just a medium where I’m from." He then went to find somewhere he could sit. Lacey followed him keeping an eye on the surroundings. Spotting a chair in a good spot Brent sat looked around noticed Lacey softly smiled then booted his headphones up and went to reading his book from earlier. Cadence and Flurry noticed the spike of magic as they waited but barely reacted this time. Finally they got their food items then went to find the strange chaotically charged human. When they did find him they found he was rather focused on his book. Flurry stuck her head over the top of the book but got no response aside from an irritated sliding of his book from under her chin. Flurry looked back to Lacey and Cadence with a slight frown. After a few minutes she took a more direct approach and levitated his book from his hand. Brent simply had an irritated look again. "Why did you take my book?" "Well uh was thinking it was a bit rude of you to be reading and ignoring everything else while in company." Flurry replied and looked back to the other two for support Cadence nodded in agreement while Lacey simply stood there neither agreeing or disagreeing. Brent slid his headphones off and turned them off and made eye contact with Flurry. "To me, that's not good enough of a reason to pull something out of my hand." He sternly said. "Now may I have my book back?" Flurry nodded and levitated the book back into his hand. "On one condition, you keep your headphones off." She said as her magic let go of the book. Brent nodded. "Will do your Highness." He mocked a bow. Then resumed his reading as the princesses and Lacey talked they occasionally tried to get him involved at which he would for a little bit before going back to reading. I'm an observer more than an interactor by nature. Brent thought to himself as he listened to the princesses and read years of experience allowed him to keep the two separate in his minds focus. When finally Lacey stopped the conversations to notify them it had been an hour. Brent pulled out a strip of cloth he had been using as a bookmark and put it back into the book and slid the book in his satchel before standing up. Flurry decided to smile at him despite his overall attitude toward her. Which greatly bothered Brent. In general kindness or affection towards him had always bothered Brent more so since his brain injury as he saw himself as little more than a burden on those around him. Which was the main reason that he hated help. As they went back to the carriage Brent noticed fewer ponies were staring at him only a few continued to. This caused him to loosen up some lowering his mental guards slightly. Then he went into the carriage sat and had a slight smile as the other three came in. Then they were off to the tailors. When they arrived, the sign in the window was still “on closed”. Brent banged his hand on the door irritated by the cold on his bare skin. Despite his higher than average body temperature Which was always high but more so since his injury the cold still bothered him more than the ponies. After a few minutes a faint click was heard then the door opened to a tired looking tailor. "Ah yes welcome back I've got everything finished got more than I originally expected done due to your request sir." She stepped back to let them in. Then ran into the back to bring the articles of clothing. Brent tried a dark red long sleeve on then said "Wait for it..." and tapped under his eyes a minute later his eyes changed to a matching red with a tinge of the original green all 4 ponies in the room were shocked. "How?" Cadence asked she hadn't sensed magic in play. "it's a genetic trait my mom has it too." Brent replied with an amused smile. "That will be 100 bits." The tailor said handing the rest over. Cadence levitated the said amount from her bag to the tailor. "I assume we can come here again should we need more clothing for him?" She asked. The tailor nodded. "He's an interesting challenge." With that they left. Cadence and Flurry levitating the clothes Brent couldn't fit in his satchel. The ride back had more conversation as Brent continued to loosen up. When they got back, he made sure to map the building till it connected to what he already knew. Brent went back to his room with the princesses behind him they placed his clothing on the table in his room after which he asked them to leave saying he needed to recharge a bit before dinner. They walked out politely obliging his request. He laid down shortly after turned on Halo CE's soundtrack and closed his eyes to nap.
Chap 4View OnlineShivering entranceChap 4Some hours later Brent awoke to a worried voice outside his door. "Sir please respond." It took Brents brain a minute to process who the voice was. Only pony around that called him sir was Lacey. Brent sat up. "I’m awake, no need to worry!" He shouted. "Good I was about to start bucking the door." Lacey jitterly replied. Brent had a habit of locking the doors to the room he was in when he slept an extreme paranoia he had developed over the years especially when in new environments. "Guessing it's about time for dinner. If it is, I will be out soon just let me get dressed." He pulled one of the new pants on as well as a t-shirt that was a tealish blue. Then throwing his satchel on hung his arm up but left everything else on his bed and looked for a key to the room. When he found one he turned the internal side of the lock open stepped out then locked the door again before turning to face Lacey. She noticed the lack of his things hanging on the bag's strap "You do realize your things are unique enough that even if they were stolen, we could easily find them?" Lacey asked/told Brent. "Yes I do but it's just peace of mind for me knowing no one's touching my things." He quickly replied and began heading to the dinning hall. "And why do they keep sending you to get me why not maids, butlers or some other non security servant?" Brent asked Lacey as he walked. "Well I'm not sure but my guess is it's that im now familiar to you." Lacey replied after a moment of thought. "Makes sense in a way." Brent finished. After that the walk was silent till they arrived Lacey pushed the left door open and Brent followed in behind her. There were the princesses and Shining sitting in wait Shining and Cadence were at the head of the table with Flurry two seats down. They all seemed to be having a diplomatic discussion. Apparently Shining was making sure things went well as Flurry went on her first meeting with a lesser known species when they had gotten the message of Brent's arrival. They abruptly stopped when they noticed Brent who sat three seats away from the head of the table on the opposite side of Flurry. After a minute a few butlers came in with the beginning parts of their meals for each person at the table. After everyone started eating Brent decided to ask Shining a question. "What exactly is your position?" "Well you see I'm the head of the royal guard." Shining confidently replied. "Of the whole country? That seems impractical considering Equestria’s size." Brent replied not seeming impressed at all. "Even more so considering that you live in the northern corner of the country." He continued. Shining lost his confidence slightly. "That is a very analytic synopsis there, Brent may bring it up to Celestia, but this has mostly worked." He said keeping a level tone With that it went quiet as everyone ate. The rest of the meal had little worth noting afterwards Brent apologized to Shining before heading off for his room. Much later Cadence found herself writing a letter to Luna wanting to see if she could figure anything out about Brent from his sleeping mind. She felt a twinge of guilt when sending it off. Later into the night Luna prepared herself to enter Brent’s mind. Upon doing so she could see a story of sort was happening, but it was bouncing around at random points of the story she couldn't interact with him. A moment later she felt herself being pushed out of his mind with the chaotic energy it was generating. Luna found herself violently expunged from his mind and was rather shocked never before had she been forced out of someone's dream by the dream itself. Brent hadn't even been aware of her so he had no part in it. Perhaps it was an automatic defense of a human mind. She felt she would have to experiment further but not tonight she had other duties to attend too. When Brent woke up the following morning he had a slight headache. But got dressed put his gear in his bag then went to the library he had an hour before breakfast. Should try to learn more while he had spare time. Putting his music on but keeping it to the calmer tracks as to not alert the princesses that he was here. He searched for another history book but this one was on magic. He read a few chapters before realizing the time marking his spot. Then headed for the dinning hall. When he encountered Shining in the hall, it was a bit awkward after the prior nights interaction. But after a few moments of quiet walking Shining broke the silence. "So you seem to be a strategic mind. Were you military in your world?" Brent shook his head. "With these disabilities no branch would take me." He tried raising his right arm for emphasis and pointed at his leg. "Plus I tire easily seem to be able to handle more since I arrived here though." Shining nodded understanding what Brent meant. "Still you could have been in the back lines planning future actions." He then said. Once again Brent shook his head. "I can't handle stress very well I'm prone to blowing up or just shutting down when highly stressed. Made my last few years of highschool hell because I actually had to try to do well for the first time." Shining remained quiet after that till they arrived at the dining room Brent had found himself leading the way and he pushed the door open for shining. There was a worried looking Lacey in there. "Thank Celestia I was shocked to find you weren't in your room this morning." Lacey quickly said on spotting Brent. Brent nealt down to be on her level. "You don't need to wake me up every morning anymore. My internal alarm clock is catching onto this place." Lacey looked to Shining. "It's fine he seems to be rather good at getting around." Shining said. "You are dismissed from your duty of waking and guiding Brent." He continued. Lacey nodded to her superiors orders and left. As the two princesses came into the room Cadence having rather bad bed head. Her dreams having been rather interrupted by Luna's report on Brent and the disappointing lack of intel gathered. She made no mention of it though. This morning Brent sat the same number of seats away from the head of the table as Flurry still on the opposite side doing his best to evade eye contact as he knew that would spark conversation between them and he still had the prior conversation and what he had read whirling about in his mind. Magic was certainly an interesting thing more so here than the believed version of it in his own world. Every creature had some degree of magic including the ones that didn't actively channel it the larger winged beings including pegasie needed it to fly. Earth ponies gained increased strength. And Alicorns the rarest of all had the attributes of the three other species yet there were two sitting in front of him. And one was right in his face waving her hoof. "Brent you still with us?" Flurry asked. Brent blinked. "Yeah just lost in thought." "Well find yourself breakfast is here." Flurry sat back into her chair satisfied she had returned Brent. Author's Note Sorry for just cutting it i felt like this chapter was getting long must have been because the events.
Chap 5View OnlineShivering entranceChap 5About halfway through eating Brent noticed he smelled and asked about where he could find a shower his room had a toilet but that was all. Shining quickly answered. "There is a communal guest bathing room. I can show you where after breakfast." Brent nodded and thanked him before continuing to eat. The three members of the royal family spoke while Brent remained rather quiet. As per usual with his nature. He finished before the others and peacefully waited for them to finish not wanting to be rude. If it weren't for his size and magic coming off him, he could very easily disappear. He had considered that a positive trait most his life before being taller than almost everyone around him even in his own world but there it was only by a little more than a foot. Here he loomed over all others even when he was seated he was only at a little above eye level with the ponies. Soon enough Brent was once again snapped back into reality but this time by Shining. "Can show you the bathroom if you're awake enough." He said slightly amused by Brents habit of spacing out. Brent quickly stood ready to follow and prepared to map. "Lead the way." He found most of the walk was heading towards his room. "Could I go grab some clean clothes before we continue?" Brent asked Shining who which nodded. "Go ahead I'll wait here." He said to Brent Brent walked off to his room and stuffed a shirt and some pants into his bag. He wished he had some extra underwear but oh well would have to make do for now. He went back to Shining and continued to the bathroom where he was rather surprised to see a large circle bath with a small fountain in it and several stalls of what he assumed to be showers. Shining showed Brent where the bathing essentials were then left him to himself. Brent grabbed a thing of shampoo which multi purposed as a body wash considering how the ponies entire bodies were covered in hair and a towel then headed over to the bath undressed pulled his phone and the history book out of his bag then stepped into and quickly sat in the bath. Turned on his music and letting the warm water relax his muscles began to read for about ten minutes before remembering the main reason he came in here. He then popped the cap off the shampoo and scrubbed some into his hair and slid over to the fountain in the middle to let it rinse the shampoo out then stood applying some shampoo into his hand and scrubbed himself down once more then slid back down into the water. Then went back to his stuff and continued to read for another half hour undisturbed. When he thought he had been there long enough. He got out and got dressed then put his things in his bag followed by his dirty clothes. Would have to ask where he could wash his clothes. When he exited he noticed how it seemed to be much cooler in the main castle than in the bathroom. The ponies didn't quite have insulation fully figured out. Wasn't much Brent could do to help there. He was more of a mechanical engineer than anything else, structures were his grandfather’s speciality. His walk to his room was quiet till suddenly Flurry popped up Brent jumped at this more jolted, really. She followed him and talked a bit saying she wanted to hear more music and get to know him better. Brent at a cross of glad someone showed interest in what he liked and wanting to continue his lack of interaction. Agreed to let her in his room. Flurry seemed rather pleased at this. Brents innate sense of self worthlessness and paranoia Caused this to bother him slightly. Where do I start with the music? Oh Halo ODST would be good lovely jazz there. Or should I just put it on shuffle. He thought. 1500+ songs mainly soundtracks so a good bit of variety. When they got in his room he decided to start with Kandinsky's quandary. The other song he had mentioned to her in the library. His magic instantly spiked when it started playing. This song seemed even more impossible to Flurry than Cohens but it still enthralled her, nonetheless. With that song began an hour plus of conversation and listening to music. "So why is it you alicorns are so rare?" Brent asked Flurry. "Well for the most part alicorns have had to be made by another alicorn from a normal pony of any race. I am the first alicorn to ever be born an alicorn." Flurry replied. "So you're one of a kind amongst one of a kinds. What is it your best at?" Brent continued knowing each alicorn had something they were only capable of. "Well I'm not too sure yet I know im very magically gifted. But nothing else has shown yet. however I do seem to have a small amount of each other alicorns abilities. When I was young sometimes Luna and Celestia would have to fight me to keep the moon and sun in their proper positions and I do seem to have some of mom’s ability to sense emotions." Flurry said with a small smile. "What is it your good at?" She then asked. "Well to be honest I was decent with machines and math prior to my injury but now my brain runs at a small fraction of the speed that it used to." Brent somberly replied. Flurry frowned at this. "Well you must have been rather intelligent before. As you still seem mentally capable." She said in hopes of raising Brent’s spirit and as she said this Gwyn lord of cinder started playing and despite its desperate and sad tone it seemed to help boost Brents mood. "Thank you." He said and a surprise to him as well as Flurry he hugged her. He quickly broke it "Sorry don't know why that happened." He said in a confused and apologetic tone. "Its fine, was actually nice though brief." Flurry calmly said. Brent went quiet and just listened to the music which thankfully kept the lack of conversation from being awkward. A song or two later Flurry tapped Brents good shoulder and when he looked she gave him a hug. He slowly returned it still uncomfortable with affection even though he enjoyed it. They stayed like that for a few minutes before Flurry broke it off. Brents mind was still kind of realling last non family hug he had was in middle school. A partial side effect of his ability to basically melt away. Since on earth he didn't have magic coming off him and he tended to stay near walls so he was largely ignored. "So why do you think magic is coming off me?" Brent asked wanting to change the topic from affections. "It's most likely because your body isn't designed with magic in mind and yet seems to be rather adaptable. It's probably because that lack that any magic that enters you becomes chaotic in nature though you seem to naturally generate some. With enough time you should be able to properly contain it possibly." Flurry answered. This answer didn't really give Brent any confidence in fact it worried him. "How the hell do I generate magic if i'm not built for it?" He thought figuring it would be too aggressive sounding if he asked it out loud. Last thing Brent wanted to be right now was aggressive. Though with the sudden flurry of emotions and thoughts in his mind he did want to be alone. He found himself partially lifting Flurry at her midsection. "Sorry I need to be alone right now." He said as he held her to his side under his arm. This threw his balance a little but he managed till he set her down outside his door then gently closed it Flurry was surprised by what just happened and she just sat for a moment trying to monitor Brents emotions a little to get an idea of why that just happened. Anger, lust, depression, fear, and most of all confusion. She respected his wishes and walked away. "Calm yourself you can’t explode from the magic right? Nothing about spontaneous magic explosions in anything you have read so far. And next that interaction with Flurry purely platonic right? Has to be, your minds just so desperate for affection it’s trying to interpret it as something more than it is. Don't be a damn idiot. She’s an interesting person no pony and your pathetic excuse for a human. Only logical reason she would have any interest in me is the music. Considering the majority of how I’ve been towards her." He aggressively spoke to himself. Yet that doesn't explain my own feelings what was the fourth alicorn’s ability again? Oh yeah friendship. Flurry said she had a little of each one so that must be a big factor or am I just in denial? Fuck if I know this is why I avoid emotions. They make no sense unlike machines and numbers. Still have a lot of studying before I understand this place. Some basic scientific rules are still in play though that’s reassuring. He continued but internally this time. Author's Note Gwyn https://youtu.be/AB6sOhQan9Y Kandanskys https://chrisrandle.bandcamp.com/track/kandinskys-quandry
Chap 6View OnlineShivering entranceChap 6After another hour or so of his mental breakdown and listening to music to calm himself, Brent emerged from his room feeling hollow and hungry. Was lunch time after all. "Wonder what's available?" He walked into the dinning room to find a lone Cadence who seemed to be waiting on food and working on something. Brent gave a soft "Hello." to her before seating himself two seats away. "So how can I wash my clothes?" He then asked in a louder tone. This seemed to snap Cadence from her focus. "Ah yes I could have a maid come to your room to gather and wash your dirty clothing." She Said as her food came in. Brent nodded and waved his hand to get the maid's attention after she dropped the plate she came over to him. "Could you get me something to eat or lead me to the kitchen?" Brent asked her. She nodded. "What do you want?" "Well, honestly I want a cheeseburger but I highly doubt you have the means for that as you ponies don’t eat meat. So I’ll take a Caesar Salad." She nodded and trotted back the way she came. While waiting Brent found himself about to snap when he noticed a small flickering flame between the tips of his fingers no heat came off it was purely a visual. He would experiment with this latter somewhere safe and private. For the time being he opened his fingers, and the flame was gone. He then checked that Cadence didn't see. Old secretive habits were kicking in after earlier. After a few more minutes of idly reading the magic history book, the maid came back with his food. "Thank you very much." He said as she dropped it in front of him. As he started eating he began thinking about what he read. So the general use of fire magic is widely seen as taboo amongst the ponies except with dragons. From the images I've seen of dragons I kind of have more in common with them physically than I do the ponies. Maybe I would get a pass? Brent’s mind went quiet with that trying to just stop existing for the time being. Brent went into auto pilot he finished eating then went back to his room. Next thing he realized he had locked his door and was sitting in front of his fireplace with his fingers at the ready. He waited for the flame to pop up then he snapped into the fireplace a flame appeared and was roaring but no heat came off it and the logs under it were untouched. He watched it for a few minutes when it just vanished. "Must be that chaos magic they've been talking about. Wonder if it's just flames or its what I’m thinking of when I snap. The thing my mind always goes to when I snap is Bioshock's Incinerate. So may be stuck on flames till I manage to break that habit." Brent continued to muse on this for about 15 minutes before a knock at his door snapped him out of it he unlocked and opened it to a maid she was levitating a basket by her. "Let me take that and give you my clothes." Brent said as he reached for the basket. She moved it out his reach then walked in levitating any clothes she found strewn about into the basket. "Could you leave me a basket and show me where you wash the clothes? So I can do it in the future?" "I can leave you a basket but I can't show you where we wash them." The maid replied. Well that's annoying. Brent thought as she walked out and closed the door. Brent got the feeling, it was time to initiate his plan get a job then manage to move out of here. It’s nice here but at the same time it bothers him staying in another's home. Didn't fully understand what made him want to move out but whatever it was it was strong.
Chap 7View OnlineShivering entranceChap 7A few weeks went by. In those weeks Brent would occasionally wake up with a headache as Luna continued her efforts to get farther into his mind she was starting to be able to push through some of the chaotic blasts getting closer to her goal. Also during the weeks Brent managed to get a job at the bookstore. He spent the majority of his day there even outside of working he even ran into Lacey when she was off duty. They chatted for a little catching up some before both returned to what they were doing. Brent was taking inventory making sure everything was where it was supposed to be. His interactions with Flurry had dwindled since he started working and she was off on diplomatic work. Yet she continued to have a genuinely happy response towards him when they did meet. After a few weeks of working Brent got enough to buy a little house on the outskirts of town near where he had first arrived. It was barely furnished a few chairs a bookshelf and a twin sized bed in the bedroom. that would be Brents first priority to buy a bigger bed. He worked on getting things organized he didn't have much to organize so didn't take too long. After getting his few items sorted out he began familiarizing himself with his new home, he noticed a good size window that would be good to put his battery under. And found he had some simple washing and drying machines and the bathroom was large which seemed to be the norm here. He first thought he would have to get a shower chair soon but then remembered his leg hadn't been as weak since his first night. Come to think of it, I haven't needed my medications either since I've arrived ones that kept me barely functional. I also haven't had my previously constant nerve pain since I came to Equestria must be the ambient magic. After a few more days of working and nothing happening. Flurry somehow found Brents house and decided to visit one evening. "Why and how?" Brent asked. "While it is a bit harder to track now, I can still sense your magic and a few ponies gave me directions." Flurry said as she tried to look into his house. "Answers the how but not the why." Brent replied stubbornly making sure to take up as much of the doorway as possible till he got a complete reply to his question. "Well I was curious what you were up to and what your house is like." Flurry replied still trying to peer around Brent. He sighed slightly before stepping back. "Come on in. Not much to look at right now saving up for a bed first." Flurry looked around the rather plain and empty room before heading down the one hall. Up first was the bathroom, then the laundry room, and finally Brent’s bedroom. Brent called down the hall "Stay out of my room please!" He was in his kitchen looking for any snack items he could pull out. After new bed I'm getting a couch. He thought out loud as Flurry re entered the living room. "Don't have much to offer food wise Flurry. I'm not too much of a snack person. So all I have is-" "It's fine. Here to talk and check in." Flurry said cutting Brent off. "What did you have in mind?" Brent asked. "Well honestly I'm not too sure. What made you decide to move out? There was plenty of space for you." "That's my issue I've been stuck living with someone else ever since my injury but here I've managed to regain independence!!" Brent shouted then coughed. "Been a long time since I raised my voice like that sorry Flurry." That wasn't really anger more like frustration coming off him. And no magic spike? Flurry thought. "Well glad to hear that." She said with a nervous smile. "And are you sure you don't want any help getting this place furnished?" Flurry sat in one of the two chairs as she said this. Brent did the same and set the bag of chips he had in the space between the chairs then nodded. "Yes I'm sure already owe you a lot." He then impulsively snapped and the image of a small table appeared on top of the bag of chips. Flurry blinked twice her eyes widening slightly. "So that's why I can't sense you as well your beginning to be able to control the magic right?" Brent sighed at this. "Kind of can't do more than these illusions though. You're the first to have seen, and I didn't mean to. Just have a neurological twitch that will cause me to snap or shake my leg. Usually the latter. Hasn't happened as much here usually was an anxiety thing." "So do I cause anxiety?" Flurry quietly asked "Yes and no. Like having you around its the uncertainty of what you'll do that makes me anxious, like things being simple and predictable so when they aren't im anxious." He replied. Also I can't get a read on your true motives so that doesn't help. He continued in his mind. "Also there is something you could do to help me with furnishing, is there anyone good with electronics around here also someone I could get a speaker from?" "A no to the electronics but I think I know someone who can help Sunburst the local magic expert. Well more well researched in it. And for the speaker only pony I can think of is Vinyl Scratch in Ponyville. I'll introduce you to Sunburst tomorrow. Getting to Ponyville that's all up to you." The illusion of the table disappeared and Flurry used her magic to get a chip. And a moment later Brent did the same but with his hand. "So are you going to go back to the castle soon for dinner? About time for it and all I got is simple cooking. I was lucky enough to find a griffon selling some chops of meat at the market for pretty cheap so i'm having ribs myself. Wish you guys had bbq sauce." with this Brent looked out the window seeing the last of the sunlight got dark pretty early up here. "Yeah i guess i'll get going, you don't have guest space. Goodnight." Flurry said as she walked out. Brent spoke his thought aloud once the door was closed. "Why would I need guest space you live like 6 blocks away and are one of the most powerful beings on the planet." With that he cooked ate cleaned and went to sleep. His dreams felt like more of a mess than usual that night. Author's Note Feel like a lot and nothing happened this chapter
Chap 8View OnlineShivering entranceChap 8The next day Flurry did as she said she would and introduced Brent to Sunburst. "So your that human everyone was talking about a while ago. How can I help you?" Sunburst asked. "Well, I was hoping you could figure out how to make a solar panel and larger capacity battery for my house.” Brent replied. "Not quite sure what a solar panel is but I can try." Sunburst replied. Brent pulled his solar battery out and placed it on the table they were at. "This is a solar panel, but its small." Brent said as he pointed at the black layer on the face of the battery. "I can try but I would have to take it apart." Sunburst said in quick reply as he picked it up with his magic and looked it over. "Also, could figure out what you use for your battery while doing it." "It's a sad sacrifice for making things easier on me. Where would you rather take it apart your own place or mine?" Brent replied. "Your place would work just need to get a few things." Sunburst rapidly said then warped off. Brent just waited for a cup of coffee in hand. About ten minutes later Sun reappeared with a saddlebag on his back. The flash and crackle surprised Brent. Magic is still weird despite the amount I've read. Brent thought. He finished his coffee then they left. Sunburst was actually rather excited about taking the battery apart but he was rather careful, sketching what he saw as he took it apart layer by layer got to the actual battery first since he had to go in from the back. When he pulled it out, he noticed a grid of wires connected to the panels. He examined the panels first getting very detailed sketches. After that he examined the battery and figured out it was lithium. Which wasn't exactly rare, but it was an uncommon metal. "To get a high capacity battery purely made of this would be expensive." He said to Brent. "Bloody hell why must it be difficult?" Brent said. "I think I can make some solar panels for you. Should ask Flurry for help for the battery." Sunburst said as he put the battery back together. Brent plugged his phone into it while it was weaker it still worked. "Thanks a lot Sunburst. and could you make some wires long enough I could run them from the roof into here as well?" Sunburst nodded and then left in a hurry to work on this new technology. Once he was gone Brent looked at where he wanted the battery and snapped a rather solid looking 3ft tall 2ft wide rectangle appeared with some plug holes usb and outlet. Brent tried to touch it since it looked solid but his hand went right through and he got a buzzing sensation. A minute later it disappeared. "I got my hopes up, don't think I’ll ever understand this particular magic. Guess I should set up a trip to Ponyville in a few days.” Brent walked down to the train station it was late afternoon, and he got a ticket to Ponyville for three days from now. His walk back was rather quiet but he had a sensation of being watched. He looked around none of the ponies seemed to really notice him anymore. "Must just be paranoid." He arrived home to find a package at his door with a letter. "From the Crystal Empire ponies. To give you a head start." He opened his door and slid it in with his foot and slid it over to a chair when he closed the door. Went and got a knife from the kitchen then slit the box open. A lot of bits, a few books and some pastries Brent had a not so sneaking suspicion this was primarily from Flurry who likely knew he would reject it if it was given directly. Whole emotion reading thing. "Screw it I'll play along with this can't always be anti help." The rest of the day was rather quiet. Brent made plans for tomorrow feeling worn out at the moment. He also put his music on as he did this and started reading one of the books he got and quickly lost interest, "Not my kind of genre." Despite this he found himself opening it again a few moments later. Was what seemed to almost be a mystery book but not fully. He read a few chapters before putting it down and eating dome of a bear claw that had been in the package. "Better than Panera Bread's for sure." He resumed reading for a while ate dinner went to his bed read some more then went to sleep. That night Luna made it to his mind and despite not interacting with him saw some horrifying things. Lots of weapon designs and in the deeper conscious everything being very graphically burned and torn apart as Brent sat. He turned to look at her, "You shouldn't have come down here." He menacingly said as a strong blast of chaos magic hit her forcing her up into the normal conscious. And if it weren't for weeks of training would have fully blasted her out. "Think I’ll look around Where I won't be violently ejected." She said being careful to not run into any other personalities of his consciousness after what she assumed was the insane one. As she continued her exploration, she came across a large void in his mind with caution tape around the edge. She tried flying into it but the instant she crossed the edge she started falling. Using the last of potential air she had beneath her wings she flung herself towards the edge dragging herself back up. "That was bizarre never lost my power in the mindscape before. Something is very wrong with this one. " she said to herself when not a moment later. "Oye how the hell did you get here?" A personality shouted as he walked to her. "Have to report this to the central." It continued as it grabbed her and drug her away from the edge. It was wearing an American police uniform that was a bit tattered. Luna fought to escape its grasp but somehow she couldn't overpower it. "The central whomst is that?!" She shouted at the personality. "You know the guy you deal with when were awake. The big core of Brent's personality and someone's upset insanity why im beat up." Both parts of what he said alarmed Luna. "If your beat up how come i can't effect you?!" She once again yelled. "I'm the law around this wreck of a mind. Keep things as tidy as I can but since we came to pony land I've been working double time it feels like." They were nearing what Luna assumed was the center a large square pillar with a few doors. "We will be pulling him out of rem sleep because of your intrusion." The cop personality said. It was with this Luna made her final escape effort. she slammed her hooves into the ground flared her wings up and fired a bolt of magic at the personality. He was flung into the air his hand tugging her as he flew but her wings countered this pull. She took flight and headed towards her entrance but not before catching a glimpse of his dream through the dome that topped his conscious. In it he was being pushed out of his old home seemingly because they thought he was using them. Luna could sense this was a nightmare but she couldn't bring herself to help not with how his personalities had treated her. She flew out through the portal she had made. Waking up feeling disturbed at what she saw but not sure if she should report it. She felt both violated and like she violated him. She sat in her bed for a while before going back to sleep to check on the rest of Equestria. The following morning Brent had a headache a few points below the one he had when he stroked. This greatly alarmed him he panicked for a few minutes till the headache went away. He got up and did his morning routine till some heavy knocks came at his door. He had two guesses as to who it would be: Flurry, or Sunburst. Turns out it was just the mail pony with a letter for him. Brent hadn't seen a point in getting a mailbox yet. He looked the letter over. From Canterlot but doesn't say from who. He pulled it open and was hit by the smell of lavender. He pulled out the letter it was rather fancy handwriting. It read. "We do apologize for our intrusion on your mind and hope this scent calms you." Brent was thoroughly confused by this. He shook the letter out and a few petals of lavender fell out he picked them up still soft means there rather fresh. Must have been an express delivery but from who? May never know. Brent made another outing to the market as he had about used up his food for the week only needed enough for a few days. The morning was a bit colder than it had been for his first few days here, it barely bothered him now he had shirts. His eyes chameleon trait still fascinated some of the ponies, At the moment they were a dark orange. He found himself getting discounts from the ones that started just a bit too long. After his shopping and returning home to deposit the food into his fridge. He was off to work putting on his store vest over his shirt, He would be managing checkout today. So a boring day He had been provided a chair for when no one was checking out. And while he was waiting, he would ideally hold his fingers in the snapping position watching as different elements floated between his fingertips. He didn't dare snap. A few of the elements he generated were electricity, what looked like a small tornado, a whirlwind of leaves which reminded him of Leafstorm from Pokemon, and waves of water he could probably make the store appear underwater with that one that would terrify everyone, and finally musical notes, he actually snapped with this one and The ocean on his shoulders, started playing throughout the store, "A purely audio illusion, neat." A majority of the ponies seemed rather shocked At the sudden music but after a few seconds most seemed to enjoy it. The illusion stuck through the whole song it requiring less magic and all, Brent did this several times different songs each time almost all were from game soundtracks though. At the end of the day a staff meeting was called. "Whoever caused that music to start playing today keep it up. It drew in a good number of customers." the manger said while looking at Brent, he was pretty sure it was him, with the music being rather unlike anything from Equestria. After the meeting, Brent told the manger that in a few days he would be gone for a trip and that it may take a few days. The manger accepted this a little disappointed though. Afterwards Brent was off to get a new bed with the bits he had been given while it wasn't near the size of the one in the castle it was comparable to a queen sized bed back on earth. He scheduled its delivery for tomorrow afternoon during his lunch break. With that Brent was off to his home to find a waiting Sunburst who was levitating what looked to be a set of solar panels and wires beside him. "I worked on this all day. Was rather fascinating." He said as Brent approached. Brent indicated to the roof for the panels it was a rather flat roof perfect for the panels which had little stands to keep off the ground. Brent then slightly opened his window for the cable which had a usb plug attached to it. Which would work for now. Brent then got an extra blanket to block the gap made by the window being slightly open. Was a temporary fix he would have to get a more permanent one tomorrow with him leaving for Ponyville the next day. Brent thanked sunburst and gave him a hundred bits as repayment. Practically spent everything he was given now.
Chap 9View OnlineShivering entranceChap 9The following day Brent went to work and was back on checkout, till lunch when he went home for delivery, where he immediately laid on the new bed once it was set up, very soft and he could fully stretch out again this rather improved his mood for when he went back to work, Would have to get a new sheet set and quilt for this bed. Not that he could really do the fitted sheet part, was further incited to not ask for help after his dream. Also kept getting the feeling of eyes following him, So he was very on edge mostly. He did his best to appear calm, and he decided to not play any music after lunch. As it would likely reflect his feeling. Didn't mess with elements either not wanting to take risks. After work he went to the lumber yard to get some for properly filling the gap. When he arrived home, it had already been filled in. "Now into full paranoid mode." Brent said as he got a knife from the kitchen and put it in his satchel. "Going to sleep lightly for sure." He made a few sandwiches and went back to his room locking the door and window tight, the sensation of being watched went away when he reached his room. First time I've felt secure since this afternoon. He thought, thus he remained there for the night ate his sandwiches, read and went to sleep knife close by. The following morning he packed up his suitcase he got when he moved out. Made some scrambled eggs with ham on the side, then ate keeping the knife in easy grasping range. Made a few sandwiches for the ride and filled his canteen with ice and water. Grabbed his ticket and bits pouch then left making sure to lock the door. Got half an hour before my train leaves but best to try to be early, especially with how slow I am. The walk was rather empty, few others were heading to the station, Brent caught a slight glimpse of something about twice his height, but when he went to fully look at it, it was gone. Shrugged it off as still being paranoid. He arrived at the station with ten minutes to spare and sat on an empty bench, put his headphones on and listened for a while before a unicorn came and sat by him, there was still had a gap of course. This unknown pony being near him further increased the on edge feeling he had, slid his headphones off his left ear, then put his hand in his satchel and grasped the knife ready to strike. "Well you seem awfully tense, mind if I ask why?" The unicorn said with a slightly disarming smile. "Well someone had been in my house last night so minds on high alert. No evidence of a break in just something had been done." Brent replied relaxing his grip on the knife a little. "That doesn't sound very pleasant." She replied Brent just nodded and put his headphone back over his ear. A few minutes later Brents train arrived. He got aboard found an empty seat sat and closed his eyes, was about a 6 hour ride so he would get there in the afternoon. May as well sleep, knowing he would feel worn out on arrival otherwise. After a few hours he woke up to the conductor calling for anyone getting off at a little town. As well as a few ponies getting on the train. Most ignored him but a particularly little filly caught sight of him and insisted on sitting in the set of seats in front of him. The little thing was a dark green with a dark grey mane and tail. The filly turned to face him, he elected to ignore her and closed his eyes again. Just to be awoken half an hour later by the filly messing with his limbs, its mother had clearly fallen asleep. It was particularly interested in his right hand, He swatted at her with his left hand, she retreated to her seat. Then he inspected his right hand, nothing he could see or feel. He then looked to the filly she indicated for him to lean forward, which he did. "There's a lot of magic concentrated in your hand, mister." Brent blinked a bit leaned back returned to his music and ate a sandwich. Figuring it was just the child being a child, or filly being a filly to be more contextually appropriate. After a bit he was dozing off just to be interrupted by the train stopping. "Ponyville all off for Ponyville." The conductor yelled back into the train. Brent rose stepping off the train and only slightly getting the disoriented feeling, funny larger vehicles didn't cause it as much. With that his search was off. Felt creepy asking around for Vinyl, but it was preferred to wondering the unknown town. He eventually found his way to Vinyl’s residence knocked and mentally debated on heading back, before the door opened to a dark grey earth pony, who appeared shocked at the sight of Brent. Another voice came from inside, "Yo who is it Octavia?" "My names Brent." Brent called into the house answering for Octavia. "Ah yes, may I ask your reason for coming here?" Octavia nervously asked. The nervousness irritated Brent, but he understood it. "I'm here to see if I can buy a speaker for my home." He replied. Octavia looked back into the house. "Please give me a moment to discuss with Vinyl." She retreated into her home closing the door behind her. A minute or so later a white unicorn Brent assumed was Vinyl opened the door. "So your that human that's made the rounds in the news. I've also heard you have some interesting music. Care to share?" She beckoned Brent in. He ducked down a little to get in but once he was in he could stand at full height, his hair hit the ceiling though. "Wow you really are tall must be around Celestia's height." Vinyl said as she walked further into her house with Brent lagging behind for two reasons: he was slow and looking around as he walked. They came into a living room with a couch and what seemed like a love seat Octavia was on the couch and Vinyl plopped down beside her on it and Brent sat in the seat opposite to them. "As I stated the reason im bothering you today is that as far as im aware you're the only pony that has any speakers. I brought a good number of bits to pay." "First let us hear some of your music, then we'll talk business." Vinyl said with a tone of finality as she looked at Brent expectantly. Brent slightly sighed he could tell Vinyl seemed like the electric and dubstep sort and Octavia more classical. "Don't think I have anything that would really fit your taste Vinyl." "I'll be the judge of that." She replied. Brent nodded and started with Moombah's Halo 4 remix, which Vinyl seemed to like but not Octavia so much, then played Alpha from Minecraft. It seemed to be more Octavia’s speed. After a while of playing music. Vinyl offered to give Brent a speaker in exchange for recording some of his songs with audio crystals. He agreed and with that Vinyl and Octavia got three songs each. As Brent went to leave Octavia offered he stayed there for the night since it was late. Brent agreed to this, and it was arranged that he would sleep on the couch. The music pair went to make dinner and Brent just sat in the living room feeling awkward, he pulled out his book to read while waiting. Meanwhile in the kitchen, both Octavia and Vinyl seemed a bit excited by the male in their home, Vinyls tail twitching slightly, despite this they focused on cooking, and talked a little about him and his music. "He seems rather nice, despite being awkward as tartarus." Octavia said. Vinyl just nodded. They ate, the two tried to make conversation with Brent but he was on autopilot feeling burnt out. After he had finished eating and put his dishes in the kitchen. He asked for his too be bedding for the night. Once he got it he laid down to sleep. The music pair decided to leave him be. Author's Note Not exactly sure the direction the story will go from this point so i changed the rating
Chap 10View OnlineShivering entranceChap 10That night Brents right arm thrashed about for a while before smoothing out the movements and eventually stopping, he had no notable dreams that night. Brent woke up to the smell of cooking food and a sore right arm and neck. He sat up got slightly dizzy waited till it faded and went towards the kitchen. When he went in Octavia noticed him first. "We figured we would give you the most energy boosting meals we could find so that your good for your trip back." She said cheerily. Brent acknowledged this with a slight smile and a "thank you." then went to sit on the couch and try to clean up his bedding he grabbed the blanket with both hands and folded it up, then set it aside it was after that he realized he used his right hand then shouted. "Holy shit!!" As he wiggled his fingers to confirm their function. The two ponies hurriedly came into the room asking what was wrong, Brent just raised his right arm and waved it at them. "Nothings wrong everything's perfect as can be." He said with a grin. Internally questioning how. Shortly after that he was told food was ready. He went in to eat, forcing himself to use his right hand over his left, it was weak and uncoordinated after years of no use but it felt good. Atrophy is interesting my muscles general tightness minimized its effect but still, have to build it back up. Brent thought to himself as he ate. While he wasn't on autopilot, this time he still chose to be mostly quiet. After eating he used their bathroom to change, then left with his speaker thanking the pair. "Feel free to come back when your more awake!" Vinyl called. Brent just waved back at them without turning around. He thought about how this was possible as he walked. "Not ambient magic its too weak. No one cast a spell on me I'm pretty sure. Leaves one thing must be the chaos magic." he accidentally snapped at this making a whirlwind start to appear before it abruptly disappeared. After that Brent got on his train no problems arising. He continued to think to himself about the occurrence. Before he was tapped on the shoulder by something sharp, Brent looked over. It was a hodgepodge of a creature. "May I speak to you?" It asked. Brent just nodded then it sat in the seat next to him and snapped. Everything seemed to stop. "So you've finally started putting it together the chaos magic has been helping you out the whole time you see, the ambient can't touch either of us. Your book smart but a little too stuck on logic to use the magic you have properly." Brent opened his mouth to ask a question but Discord shushed him. "Before you ask no its not healing your brain, it's just helping rewire your nerve paths, some things not even our magic can do. Oh and I've made sure you've grown those arteries you were missing dont want you just up and dying on us.” "How the hell did you know that?" Brent angrily asked. "Well Luna had told Celestia and I, one of the things she learned while in your mind, well she didn't really tell me i was just listening in. I've been keeping an eye on you and things related to you since you first started to gain control of the magic you have." A few things clicked in Brents mind. Why he had been feeling like he's been watched, the unexpected repair, the figure he saw when going to the train station. The headaches. The letter. "I do have to apologizeIi intended on showing myself to you earlier, gave you that rather large scare and all, but in my defence I've spent the last 24 hours using my own presence to keep Twilight from sensing you. Alicorns especially are good at sniffing out chaos magic. Well we appear to be nearing your home." "What how? Only been a few minutes." Brent asked rather confused. "Well you see while things have appeared still to you, we've actually been flying through the chaos dimension. Oh and one last word of advice. Stop trying to be so logical you'll never get full control of the magic otherwise, also apply that advice to your potential relationships." Brent was about to reply when they popped into his living room, he thudded to the ground while Discord smoothly landed. Discord snapped at the area beside the chairs and a couch with an erratic color scheme appeared. "You're welcome, farewell for now, you know or will know how to find me should you need something." Discord waved as he walked into a portal that Brent assumed went to the chaos dimension. He just laid there for a few minutes processing everything he just learned, then finally rolled onto his back and sat up. "Looks like i'll have to start going against my own nature if i want to succeed here. What did he mean by applied it to relationships?" He began thinking and trying to loosen up his mind so he could attempt to make something more than an illusion he had coffee table in his mind, then he snapped and a coffee table about half the length of the couch appeared, he tapped it with his foot it was solid. "Now does this create new matter or take it from somewhere else, most likely creates it considering how this stuff has worked. Even though there should be a massive explosion of energy because of it, I'll take Discord's advice on it." "Now for the big ticket." he snapped and the battery from some days ago appeared, for a brief moment then fizzled out, "Ah come on." Brent said with a bit of anger. "Well can't complain too much got you back after all." He said while pointing at his right arm. "May be able to actually make a more complex dish now not that I've the energy." He glimpsed at his phone, 11:20. So it's late morning, early afternoon. But it feels like it's been a full day already. "No more surprises please, whatever god is listening. Not even good ones." After a few quiet minutes, knocking came at his door. "Just had to tempt fate didn't you." He said to himself as he walked to the door and opened it to a guard with a letter. "Message from the princess." He said as he levitated it into Brent's hand. His right hand tried to swat it away, but the left grabbed it before it could. "Thank you sir." Brent replied as he closed his door. "Look you, I'm glad your back but can't have you doing shit like that." He sternly said to his right hand, it seemed to be subconsciously controlled when he wasn't paying attention to it. He then sat on the new couch pulled open the letter and started reading. "Brent we invite you to join us for dinner tonight, would like to discuss something with you, Cadence." Brent tossed the letter on the table sighing "Best rest myself for tonight." He stood and headed to his room to lie down and, while not intending to he fell asleep. He awoke to a thudding on his door. "So many ponies have been knocking I'll have a dent pretty soon." He grumbled to himself as he got up. "Who the hell is it?" He said with a raised voice as he approached the door. "We're here to transport you to the castle for dinner." A feminine voice replied through the door. Brent found himself sighing again. "Oh yeah that. Was hoping to be alone for the night.” "But sir there's several princesses here, all are expecting you." The guard replied. "Damn so basically even if I don't come with you I'll end up there." Brent replied as he put his shoes on. Then walked out the door, ignoring the guard and heading straight to the carriage. "Wish I could get there without the ride." Suddenly the memory of Sunburst teleporting occurred in his mind. He snapped attempting to mimic it and suddenly flopped in front of the castle. "Well that worked, to my absolute surprise." He then went up to the entrance, and a guard pulled it open for him. Brent walked in while dusting himself off along with a few flakes of snow. He was immediately taken to the dinning hall where 4 alicorns and Shining were sitting at the table in wait. Two Brent was familiar with while the other two were foreign to him and he assumed they were Luna and Celestia. "Why are so many powerful beings here just because of me?" Brent immediately asked. "Well there are several things about you that are alarming to our country's security." Celestia replied. "A few examples being: the ridiculous amount of weapon concepts in your mind, second the amount of chaos magic you hold and your lack of full control over it comboed with your naturally violent mind." Luna continued. Brent couldn't deny any of this. "Yes my mind is more geared toward violent application of my abilities. But I have no intent on letting that happen even back home I tried to use it for more peaceful creations despite my mind constantly coming up with new ways to harm and kill." He said trying to defend himself. So I guess things never change, I have been fighting my own nature for a long time. He thought after speaking. "Well I continue to sense no ill will from him Auntie." Cadence said to Celestia. "And clearly neither does Flurry." "While that may be true, we still need to keep a very close eye on him." Celestia replied getting a sensation similar to Discord from Brent. She tracked Brents movements watching for a snap. He could sense the sister's unease towards him despite being bad with emotion. So he chose to sit quietly unless spoken to. Shining decided to speak up. "Speaking of my daughter, she seems to have taken an interest in you. I'm warning you if you harm her I don't care how much chaos magic you got I'll hunt you down." Brent just nodded in reply to this feeling overwhelmed by the day. Author's Note The issue with my writting is that while i have ideas i often end up not quite making those ideas. And ive started causing my arm to hurt just cant stop writing.
Chap 11View OnlineShivering entranceChap 11After spending a few minutes of fully processing, Brent abruptly asked while trying to have a non aggressive tone. "Why the hell were you even invading my mind in the first place? If my nights of waking up with headaches were any indication, it was clearly trying to keep you out." "Well, it started with Cadence asking me to look in to you, but after that it was because of the challenge your mind presented." Luna replied looking to Cadence and Brent did the same but with a betrayed look. Cadence felt the guilt she had almost entirely forgotten overwhelm her at this plus Brents anger sent her over the edge, she closed her eyes and yelled. "I'm sorry I just wanted more information." Tears were going down the sides of her face. Brent stood put his fingers together to snap and then did so and just disappeared from the dining hall. None of them could get a read on where he was, when a few moments later a note floated out of a small portal. "You should have asked, instead of invading me, and I'll be gone for a few days need to calm myself and let you all get your collective shit together." Discord seemed overall pleased with how things had gone he particularly enjoyed the panic from the moments before and after Brent snapped. "They were expecting you to act on your anger." "I do my best to be non confrontational basically expected of me my whole life." Brent replied "And thanks for letting me stay here a while." "Oh it's no problem at all as a fellow being that has chaotic magic your welcome here." Discord replied. "Alright, I'm going to try to sleep feel completely drained." Brent said. "That would make sense since you brute force your way into here and your chaos magic isn't infinite. One night here should charge you back up." Discord replied waving goodnight to Brent while still watching the dining room. He had a bizarre amalgamation of a dream that made zero sense even to him, was like a gmod animation on crack, Discord, the sisters, and the heavy were all in it. No clue what was happening but it was enjoyable nonetheless, some point heavy exploded and reassembled himself as pyro who then started chasing Celestia and doing something that warranted The sun being spawned on him, the ashes became the demoman who started chasing Luna while firing pipes. And Discord was just watching the insanity on a lounge chair. Occasionally laughing. Brent woke up feeling energized for the first time in a long time, he checked his phone for the time but it was just an error, still had the dull sensation of anger as well as hunger. "Could you or let me pop out to get some food? Don't know how you manage those portals, really." "Why bother going out?" Discord asked as he snapped a new bowl of what Brent assumed was a popcorn mix appeared. "Well the snapping to make stuff still feels weird even more so the idea of making something i'm putting in me. Not like you in that your body doesn't follow any rules. I'm still just a fragile flesh bag even with the magic." "Oh alright, I'll open a portal and you can get something." Discord replied sounding exacerbated. He snapped and a portal just large enough for Brent to go through opened. He appeared in an alleyway Of an unfamiliar market, it was warm so no where near the crystal empire and there were a lot of gryphons, "Must be in another kingdom." when he emerged from the alley, the street was rather crowded, this gave Brent the beginning of a panic attack when he remembered he was taller than everything else. Not as much as with the ponies but still rather noteworthy. he smelled cooking meat and immediately started looking for the source. Being very careful to not run into any of the gryphons and keeping a hand on his satchel and clipping its, flap afraid of pickpockets. he eventually found the source beginning to lose his worry none of the gryphons really cared that he was there. He pulled a few bits from his bag and gave them to the stand owner, getting a few sticks of various meats in return. He was beginning to feel tempted to move here, away from the royals that feared him for some reason, and around beings that couldn't really care less that he was different, but he preferred the look of the ponies to the gryphons. He found his way back to the alleyway where a portal opened for him the moment he entered, he walked right in to find Discord out of his lounging position and sitting up, watching something intently. Brent didn't ask and instead made a chair in the corner of the room sat and ate his meat sticks while reading with his left hand. "So how many days has it been back in the real world?" He asked Discord "Oh about 1 and a half, you haven't missed much." He replied. So that confirms it, time is very different here. Brent thought. He still didn't want to return to equestria still feeling angry at Cadence and Luna. "I would recommend you blow off some steam." Discord said with a sympathetic tone. "Less you go proving them right when you inevitably return to Equestria. Don't want you going the route I did. If you do, I won't stop you as long as you don't hurt Fluttershy." After a few minutes or what he assumed were minutes Brent took Discord's advice going out of his house and conjuring up a field of the mannequin soldiers from Fmab and started snapping various elements appearing to destroy the Mannequin's. He finished it off with a flaming whirlwind which incinerated any remaining soldiers. He felt much better afterwards and heard clapping coming from behind him. "Bravo, quite the show." Discord said. Brent just smiled feeling relieved. He was still angry with Cadence and Luna, but he no longer felt the aggression. "Think I would like to go back home now." He said. Discord just nodded and opened a portal leading into Brents living room. He walked through and it started to shut behind him. "Could you send a message to Luna for me, if she enters my mind again she may not return this isn't a threat it's a warning." He said then the portal closed.
Chap 12View OnlineShivering entranceChap 12"Hopefully I Can get some relaxing time now, without royals trying to see me as threatening, though Flurry most likely knows im back, with her magic sensitivity." Brent said as he sat on his couch not bothering with the lights and turned on his music. Up first was bb corps which if any of the alicorns besides Flurry heard would likely increase their concern about him. He just relaxed for a few hours dozing off on the couch, flopping over. His energized feeling being countered by the exhaustion from letting his aggression out. He noticed he felt exhausted a lot recently. "Should try to go to work tomorrow. Even if I can make anything appear feel like I should keep myself busy." A little while later Brent woke up to knocking on his door "Please no guards or royals." He opened his door and was tackled by Flurry onto the floor. "I was so worried when you disappeared." She squeezed herself around his midsection. Brent snapped, and the door closed. "Sorry I just couldn't handle the situation anymore, knew if I stayed much longer I would have exploded on you all." While saying this his right hand had started stroking her back. She was very soft and he could feel slight tremors under her skin as her muscles twitched at his touch. Just laid there like that for a few minutes as Flurry's grip slowly relaxed her wings had popped out and draped over him as if she was making sure he was safe and comfortable. "I was so scared." She quietly sobbed. This didn't really make sense he had dropped a letter, eh screw sense friends with the lord of chaos so what point is their to it. He stopped petting her and hugged her back. "Look I understand your very relieved Flurry, but I would like to get up now.” She flapped her wings lifting herself off of him and landing herself on his couch. Brent got up and sat on the couch as well. Then Flurry scooted herself closer to him. He started petting her again, she hummed happily. "So what ended up happening after I left?" "For a while we kept looking for your magic but after a few hours Luna and Celestia left. And apparently Luna searched for your mind that night, I honestly don't know what's up with mom she was a wreck for a while after you left and I've been avoiding her since the dinner. So where have you been?" "In the chaos dimension with Discord sorting my mind out. Trying to avoid the royals, went to another kingdom for a little bit. So not much." Flurry leaned on Brent "Well I'm glad you came back." "I'm still torn on if im glad I did. Get to see and hang out with you, but run the risk of being invaded again. I'm pretty sure my mind would deal with Luna pretty well now that im aware of her intruding." He continued petting Flurry unsure as to what he should do. "Well it's still plenty light out want to do something?" He said trying to rise but Flurry’s weight on his right side made it difficult. Couldn't exactly push her off either. "May have full control but its still rather weak." "I'd like to stay here. " Flurry replied. At this Brent gave up on trying to stand. "If we're staying I may as well put my music back on." Brent said as he reached for his phone with his left hand he began to sweat on his right side: heat and nerves induced. Flurry at last fully sensed his unease and decided to take it back a few notches and pulled off Brent this surprised him and resulted in him slamming his head into the table. Dazing him for several seconds. The world felt like it was spinning and his right arm was twitching from the sudden event, clearly proving that some effects of his brain damage on the limb remained. after fully regaining himself Brent sat back up then stood and stumbled while standing still. His brain had clearly had enough for the day. Heck the week even. "I need to lay down." He said to Flurry stumbling his way to the hall Flurry flew over and placed herself under his arm trying to stabilize him. She had never seen him like this before, so she was rather concerned. Meanwhile Brent had realized he was mentally shutting down despite the relative earliness, pretty soon he would be saying stuff that made no sense that or straight up pass out. They made it to his room and Flurry made sure he laid down gently. Brent quietly thanked her as he pushed himself close to the wall. Then closed his eyes feeling ready for sleep. Flurry decided it would be best to stay nearby for the evening/night. She jumped up on his bed laid near him and draped her wing over him. Carefully listening to his breathing she eventually fell asleep herself as it turned into a smooth rhythm. Brent was the first to awake not exactly remembering the last ten minutes of the previous day and he realized there was something soft over him that wasn't his blanket as well as a rhythmic noise. It was dark and he reached for his phone his hand instead colliding with something in front of him it was fluff Brent moved his hand upwards till it found Flurry's muzzle he drew his hand back at this realization. And just listened to her breath for a while before falling back asleep himself. When he woke up again it was light out and Flurry was gone. He sat himself up on the edge of the bed wondering where she had gone off to. He got up and went down the hall to find her in the living room levitating a plate in front of herself as she ate. "Good your awake, figured I would let you sleep in." "What the hell happened?" Brent asked. "Well you hit your head and decided to lay down then fell asleep. I stuck around to make sure you were okay and fell asleep myself." Brent nodded this made sense to him and walked into the kitchen to make himself something to eat feeling extra hungry, while he was doing this he realized the sorry state his fridge was in barely anything left in it, either Flurry could really eat or he had forgotten how little food was left. "Looks like i need to go shopping." Flurry perked her ears up on hearing this paying attention. "Perhaps I could help some?" She asked a hint of hope in her tone. She could hear Brents shrug in his voice. "Why not?" "Because most the time I've known you, you have been rather steadfastly against help.” She replied. Brent came out with the pathetic makings of an egg sandwich having no reply to Flurry he just sat on the couch near the left arm of it out of habit. It was quiet as Brent ate. "Well it's decided then market, then work." He said, then looked at Flurry. "Same goes for you." He booped her lightly while saying this. Author's Note Bb: https://youtu.be/PvgqgMiIWak
Chap 13View OnlineShivering entranceChap 13Brent actually had a fairly good day at work that day. It felt fast though, when he arrived home he found Flurry sitting outside his house. She must still be avoiding Cadence. He thought. "I should get you a key if your going to make a habit of coming here. Discord can just pop in if he wants to hang out, you however are stuck out here." He unlocked and walked into his house Flurry close behind, he decided to make use of his speaker. Which he had modified to be Bluetooth capable and started playing some music. He also once again tried making the battery, and it stuck he hooked it up to the panels and made a cord for the speaker and an extra to plug his phone into. The speaker was normally powered by magic but he hadn't wanted to try doing it with his own, so another modification he had made was for it to use electricity. "Well, that's neat." Flurry said. "Why didn't you do that sooner?" "Well, I had tried a few times, but it didn't stick till this time, and with the mess the last few days had been didn't really have the time." While he was thinking about making things Brent went ahead and copied his key and gave the copy to Flurry. She popped it off to somewhere she could easily bring it back if needed. "So what to do?" Brent shrugged. "hang out?" He pulled a book off the shelf and sat on the couch Flurry did the same. They read as the music played having a rather quiet evening. Brent thoroughly enjoyed the peacefulness while having Flurry around. The fact he was growing attached to Flurry scared and made him happy at the same time. He was growing more comfortable with the prospect of contact continuing to forcefully adapt his nature. They read till both began noticing their hunger. "So in the mood for anything in particular?" He asked as he headed for the kitchen wanting to experiment with the spices and herbs he had just gotten today. "Uh not really anything would work for me." Flurry replied really just curious what he would make. "Alright then." Brent said pulling out the things he needed he would make pasta with a white sauce and a pork chop for himself. Vaguely remembering the things mom had taught him. He got to work 20 minutes later the meal was ready he brought the plates to the coffee table and went to get some cups of water. He was intensely against alcohol after his father. "Now it's much simpler than anything at the castle." "It's quite alright I actually rather like the overall simplicity of things with you. Very upfront unlike some things I deal with." Flurry replied. The meal was rather quiet after that. Just enjoying each other's company as they had been for a while. After they both finished Brent got up to do dishes Flurry stopped him. "Let me, I should help if i'm going to be around here more." She pulled the dishes from his hands with her magic and trotted into the kitchen. Brent just watched her go then sat down and listened to her and the music. Closing his eyes to immerse in the sounds till he caught himself falling asleep. "Still have An hour before a logical point to go to sleep mate!" He said to himself as he slapped his face to try and wake up. He left a mark which Flurry noticed on coming back into the living room. "What happened?" "Oh just trying to wake myself up." he ended up slightly sniffing her as she walked by. "Think we could both use a shower, you want to go first?" He asked. She didn't really smell bad it was just a strong odor. "Sure.” Flurry replied as she went down the hall, glancing back at him with a look he couldn't really understand. "While not as confusing as I had expected relationship's are still weird, furthermore when thinking about one with a different species." He waited on Flurry to finish pulling out the spare bedding from his twin bed expecting she would rather sleep on the couch then with him again. When suddenly. He was hugged by a still damp Flurry from behind, he could feel her wings flapping to keep her at the height she was. "Despite your seemingly hostile exterior you seem to be rather caring." She said. "I'm a guard dog in nature, once someone gets me to care for them ill do my best to protect and care for them." He said in a monotone, not exactly understanding why she said that. He turned himself around in place. "Well you seem to be done with the shower guess I’ll take mine." He said while looking at her. She sighed and lightly kissed him on the lips then moved. Brent just went to his room got some clothes would sleep dressed since he had a guest then got in the shower. was rather quiet now, felt like the house itself was prepping to sleep. When Brent came out the shower and went to his room he found Flurry curled up having managed to wrap herself up in his quilt, he flicked the light and went to lay on the couch grabbing his headphones first put Halo CE on and tried to sleep He woke up to Flurry looking at him rather close to his face. "I was expecting you would lay down with me." She said sounding a little disappointed. "Well I'm not going to invade a sleeping woman's space or mare to be more appropriate." He said as he sat himself up. "Plus you seemed rather peaceful." What do I do to get my point through to him? He clearly realize I intend to be here a lot more but besides that. Flurry thought. Brent had gotten up to do his morning routine "You realize it's the weekend right?" Flurry asked him. "Yes I do and I don't see what that has to do with my routine.” "Well you've grabbed your work vest for starters." Brent blinked realized what he was doing and put his vest down."I’m just rather out of sync it would seem." Brent said coming back to the couch. When he had Gotten comfortable Flurry flopped her head on his leg and he started petting her his hand sinking into the fluff that was her mane. "So are you going to do anything other than work and come back here in the evenings?" Flurry abruptly asked. "Might start hiking the mountains you have around here or if I can figure out the portals travel. Not comfortable teleporting somewhere unknown, Not till I smooth the landing at least, could ask Discord for help with the portals later." This reply really surprised Flurry. "Never saw you as the traveling type seem like a homebody." "Well I don't have the internet to learn about the world with anymore and books only go so far, so in order to fully sate my curiosity about a place is to actually go there. And with my pool of energy, there is no way I’m traveling via normal means."
Chap 14View OnlineShivering entranceChap 14"Yet you think you can hike." Flurry replied. "Well, yeah I got the teleportation for if things start to go wrong." Brent retorted "Just concerns me, weather can be unpredictable up here especially outside the city." Flurry said concern ebbing into her tone. "Just don't want you getting hurt you've already had enough of an injury with this." Flurry said tapping his head with her hoof. Mention of his injury from others tended to make Brent uncomfortable in a way it had outcasted him from society but here there was no frame of reference and now he mostly was functioning normally bar his low energy. Despite his limited ability with emotions he could fully sense the compassion in what she said. They wound up hugging each other Brent trying to sooth Flurry. Flurry wanting to fully express her caring for him but not entirely sure how to get around the seemingly unbreaking mental barrier he had that inhibited the potential progression of their relationship. "We should go out today, there's a few nice restaurants and an inclosed park we could go to." Flurry said getting a few ideas. "An inclosed park? Haven't heard about that before." Brent replied. "May be because you spend all your time in two places. ," Flurry said giving him a bit of a sly smile. "As I think I've said/made clear im not the most social person. If you want to go out and about should plan it out." Brent said in a quick reply. "No thanks." Flurry replied wanting to be a little spontaneous while knowing to be careful with Brent. She had sat up at some point during their conversation and Brents hand was still semi stuck in her mane. "So it's late morning now what to do?" Brent asked while his mind was already screaming several different answers at him his lust, old ideals, and need to not risk their comfortableness with each other battling for control. The fact he felt sexual desires toward her seriously irked his old ideals so they were the most intense two. She could feel the conflict happening it was similar to the time he kicked her out of his room, but they were closer now so she wasn't worried about being kicked out. He put his music on the calm tracks and after a few songs the conflict seemed to have drastically lessened. She put a wing around his back trying to further calm him. He leaned into her appreciating this. "So what was that about?" Flurry asked. "Honestly I'm still at war with myself. Let's get out of here for a while should help." He stood put his shoes on and got his satchel. While he was doing this Flurry had already gone to the door and waiting on him. They exited the house to a thin layer of snow on the ground was enough to crunch though. The snow still made Brent nervous remembering how not too long ago any shifty terrain snow sand whatever Made him extremely unstable, he relaxed when he stepped in and had no problem. "Can't remember the last time I enjoyed snow." Brent said as he walked out. "If you intend on staying up here you best get used to it." Flurry replied. "Fine by me im built for low temps so long as there's no wind or rain." Brent replied following Flurry as he had no clue where they were going. "So where are you taking me?" "To the park." Flurry said smiling lightly. "It has an enchantment, so no weather gets to it. So even in the dead of winter there's a nice warm place to relax." "So it's basically a greenhouse." Brent replied his scientific side getting to express itself for the first time since he made the table. "Would assume so." Flurry replied not wanting to question at the moment So they arrived at the park, which besides a sign the only indication they arrived was a sudden cut from snow to a clear grassy field with some trees, benches and paths. There were a few groups and families here. Brent and Flurry went over to a tree as a warm breeze went by. Brent being lazy and feeling a bit too warm snapped and the sleeves of his shirt were gone. "This kind of feels like mid spring temps." He said as he settled down, back on the tree. Flurry lied down near him. "Yes it does, this area is either in spring or fall depending on the time of year. The fall and spring of a more temperate area that is." "So it's just varying levels of cold here." Brent replied as he closed his eyes to enjoy the atmosphere. "More or less yes." She replied. They sat and chatted for about an hour until leaving for brunch. Brent continued having his internal battle the old ideals were losing and lust/love were winning, love yes that's what he was feeling for her 100% sure now. They arrived at a rather homey restaurant. "Was thinking you were going to pull me to a fancy place, though I do prefer one's like this." Brent said "Most fancy places don't do brunch, and good to know." Flurry replied. They were soon seated at a table by the window. They had a good meal before heading towards his place, when they arrived he knelt down at her level held her shoulders. "While I would love to have you come in, I think you should check on your mom and maybe spend a day at home. I could also use the time to finish reformatting my mind." He gave her a quick kiss before lightly pushing her shoulders to get her moving "Alright see you later then." Flurry said as she took flight. Brent opened his door to an empty house. "Sure this would make Discord happy saying goodbye to the last of my old logic today." He sat feeling very strange at fully accepting this then just put his head in his hands for a while feeling like a computer with too many programs running. When he got over this he laid down on the couch closing his eyes, trying to let his brain finish adjustments as fast as possible. "Not as mentally flexible as I used to be it would seem." Meanwhile Flurry arrived home and immediately started searching for her mother on finding her they talked for a while by the end Flurry felt less angry with her mother and Cadence had said she wanted to properly apologize to Brent and wanted to actually invite him over for dinner instead of an order masked as an invite and asked if Flurry would deliver the invite. Flurry agreed but wanted to wait for tomorrow knowing Brent needed some time and space. Back at Brent's house "Hey Discord, you available?" Brent said to empty space. "Why yes I am, just finished a tea party with Fluttershy." Discord said not actually in the room yet. "Could you teach me how to do the portals please?" Brent asked. Discord slid his way into the room suddenly appearing while wearing a suit. "I thought you'd never ask." He said. "It's actually quite simple, similar to teleporting just need an image of where you want it to go it can be vague don't need the precision of teleporting. concentrate and think of opening a door and there you go you should have your own portal. Now you try." Brent thought back to the market Discord had dropped him at before did as he had said and opened a portal that he could see the market through though it disappeared shortly after it appeared. "Oh and it's the only way you can get to the chaos dimension without draining all your magic." Discord continued. "And if you want a truly stable portal you have to make it from there or you don't have enough of the magic in you or the ability to focus it to maintain one by yourself." "Okay good to know so I dont accidentally cut myself in half." Brent replied. Discord lightly chuckled. "We wouldn't want that."
Chap 15View OnlineShivering entranceChap 15Discord and Brent hung out for a while before Brent realized he was growing tired and asked Discord to leave. "Socializing even with friends drains me." "It's quite alright." Discord said before disappearing. Brent spent the rest of the day in relative silence no music just reading and thinking. For the first time in a while he had thoughts of earth and his family appear in his mind. Been about two or three months since he arrived, and he was sure his family was better off without him. Maybe mom got the life insurance and his computer was easily worth a thousand itself. though knowing mom she likely wouldn't sell it very sentimental. "Stop thinking about the past you, idiot." He said as a tear welled up the first since his stroke. "Why do I miss them? They loved me even though they shouldn't have." He broke out crying at this and continued to do so for a few minutes before wiping his eyes and sniffling slightly. "Move on, this is my second chance I can actually do things again. But all I want to do now is sleep. Sleep the pain stops a wondrous thing." And so he did just that went to sleep and somehow slept all the way to the next morning. "Well that happened." He said as he arose. Hunger was strong, and he still felt a little distraught. Breakfast was a simple thing of several fried eggs, some toast and coffee medium roast. Caffeine still had no effect on him but he enjoyed the taste of coffee. "God that drove the docs crazy nothing boosts my energy." He ate quietly after saying that. He debated on trying to do a weekend shift for his job, or taking a brief trip. I don't need the money for much other than food, so may as well do a trip. He snapped a portal appearing. Went to the chaos dimension said hi to Discord then popped out in a Minotaur town. He got a few odd looks but was once again widely ignored Intel he ran into a bull. The bull turned around and snorted in his face sizing Brent up, Brent readied to snap but the bull just shook his head. "Watch where you're going and you should bulk up a bit there. Your muscles are too thin for around here. ," He said as he walked away from Brent. Brent let out a breath glad he didn't need to go on the offensive. Knowing himself, he likely would have gone overboard if he did. He continued his exploration of the small town and started to notice he was being eyed by some of the Minotaurs some suspicious other curious but none interacted with him for a while. Till one cow came up and asked. "How did you get here? And who are you?" "I got here with inter dimensional portals, and my name is Brent." He replied "Dimensional portals never heard of anyone doing that before." She replied. "It's not something many can do" Brent replied being made uncomfortable by the female for a reason he wasn't exactly sure perhaps because she has breasts, gotten used to females not having any and he had just gotten rid of his old ideals. "Well then you are a rather unique bull." She said with a slightly flirtatious smile. Brent just made a portal under himself falling in front of Discord’s house he saw the cows surprised face as it closed. "Well not going there again anytime soon. Should head home I guess. " He opened a portal to his living room and was surprised to find Flurry sitting in there with a piece of cake. She seemed equally surprised by the sudden rift and him walking in through it. "So I take it Discord taught you to do that and where'd you go?" She asked. "Went to the land of the minotaurs ended up being made very uncomfortable by a cow, think she was trying to flirt with me." "Glad I wasn't there then would have likely gotten aggressive with her." Flurry replied as she finished her cake. "Because you're my special somepony." She said as she walked over and nuzzled his leg Brent kind of froze he knew how he felt and had a good idea how she did, but to hear her say something like that was particularly jarring. His mind wasn't expecting this at all. "Brent you alright?" Flurry asked looking up at him concerned. "Yeah sorry." He lightly pet her head. "Just you saying that sent my mind for a whirl." She giggled a little at this, taking flight to reach eye level. "Should get used to it." She said with a smile as she got closer to his face. She gave him a rather passionate but brief kiss. "Cause I'm gonna be around here a lot more from now on." She turned flying towards the couch slightly whacking him in the face with her tail. In an act both flirtatious and trying to seem innocent. Brents mind still kind of lagging behind fully caught up and he blinked a few times before following her to the couch. "So how did things go with Cadence?" He asked as he sat. "Pretty good. She said she wants to properly apologize to you over a dinner if you would like to go." Flurry said as she leaned on him. This time causing no discomfort. "If I were to go i would have to clean myself up first walked a lot today." Brent replied petting her. "That's entirely up to you. I don't mind either way." Flurry replied as she leaned a bit more. "Think i want to stay home this evening, especially after my trip im feeling pretty low on energy. Still need to shower either way. So may I please get up?" He spoke and asked. "Not yet." Flurry said snuggling into him. He internally sighed at this irritated but also enjoying it. "I love ya Flurry." He said. "I know it's a strong emotion. Though it's nice hearing you actually say it." she popped off his side aggressively moving up into a kiss. "accidentally" knocking him over. It was once again passionate but longer lasting this time. He returned it but pulled away after a few moments. Not entirely certain if he was ready for this kind of interaction. "Could we hold off for a bit?" Flurry sat up. "Of course." She said feeling disappointed. Brent slightly weezed under her weight sitting on a smaller area of his chest. Don't know how i one arm carried her before. he thought as he said: "Thank you Flurry." He tried to sit up but her position wouldn't let him. "Could you scoot back or get off me so I can sit up?" He asked as he put his hands on her sides to push her back. She obliged sliding herself down to his lap. He sat up very briefly after she moved and gave her a light hug. "Thank you for your patience with me." Author's Note Realized ive been revising bits of chapters a lot more as of late trying to keep things realitively organic
Chap 16View OnlineShivering entranceChap 16After a little he convinced her to let him get up and shower. When he came out he heard his music playing. Specifically Magic and saw Flurry moving her head with it. He quietly watched her as she did this. Surprised him she could manipulate his phone much more she knew where to go there weren't many apps but enough to confuse any who weren't familiar with it of course she had watched him go to his music a few times. When the song ended, he made himself known by stepping into the room still saying nothing. He sat in a chair still having the ones that came with the house which he has added cushions to. Had one on each side of the couch he was by the battery and speaker collectively. Flurry moved to be closer to him still mildly moving with the music. He reached out to lightly pet the top of her head her mane was rather thick naturally so it resisted. It felt relaxed in the room, this caused his low energy to start getting to him. He found when he blinked his eyes were staying closed longer each time. Think it may be time for me to go to bed. He rose and headed back to his room after turning the music off leaving his phone on the battery figuring Flurry would decide to join him at some point. He laid down being near the wall and tried to go to sleep facing the wall rather than out. A few hours later Flurry came in to find Brent in deep sleep and she lied down close to him putting her wing over him once again. He twitched some when her wing touched him. He was too deeply asleep for any other reaction. Flurry closed her eyes listening to his breathing till she fell asleep as well. The following morning Brent woke up around nine and carefully as not to disturb Flurry slid out from under her wing and started getting ready for work as quietly as he could. Figuring he would just get breakfast at work. He left a little note for Flurry and walked out to work not wanting to teleport everywhere. It was nippy that morning. He would need to make a jacket for himself soon though he preferred not using his power out in the open. Not in obvious ways, that is. Didn't like drawing attention to himself. He already stood out enough here. Could probably make himself look like a pony but that idea made him uncomfortable, "Basically lying if I did that." He arrived at work to find the building was still closed. "Well that's peculiar, chiefs usually here by now." A few ponies mostly co workers were also waiting for the shop to open up. Brent debated on popping in and opening it up but that would reveal his ability to the masses. The crystal ponies were pretty chill and he had royal backing but still. After a few more minutes. "Fuck it!" He snapped appearing in the back of the store and coming to the front opening the doors from inside none of the ponies there showed any sign of surprise except one that was running off. "Unexpectedly calm reaction." The ponies all filled in a few thanked him even. About five minutes later the boss came in as Brent was eating his breakfast. "Who opened the Shop?!" He yell/asked looking around. A few pointed their hooves at Brent he tried to shrink knowing it was a bad idea to have opened the shop. "While it bothers me you broke in, I must thank you. Maybe should make you co manager." Brent shook his head. "No thanks not interested in a promotion. But what's my duty today?" He replied. The boss thought for a moment. Much later in the day Brent was bored and playing with elements again feeling an urge to snap but denying it. Waiting for his shift to end. He clocked out and headed for home. And was about to teleport himself when he heard an almost explosion like sound as large black crystals came jutting out the ground towards him he barely warped out the way. He saw the crystals continued going till they reached the castle shattering its door down. He looked for the source and saw a blackish grey cloud with glowing green eyes moving in his direction. "Oye who the bloody hell are you? And why ye fuckin up me town?!" He yelled at the cloud going into fight mode. An amused laugh came from the cloud as it dissolved revealing a black unicorn. "Who am i? I should be asking you that you pathetic thing." More crystals suddenly jutted out the existing at Brent he snapped releasing a high intensity flame melting the crystal down before it got far next he did the same to the line of crystals. Trying to not burn anything else. "Well that's interesting, lets see how you handle this." Sombra cast his nightmare spell on Brent his mind just deflected it with the aid of his magic. "Your not just any creature are you?" Sombra asked as he continued to approach Brent shook his head. "Actually I am just another creature though I'm not from this world. And mental spells can't do shit to me anymore except give me a headache." "Is that so?" Sombra said as he launched a blast of magic at Brent. He hadn't been expecting this and got knocked back and down to a knee. He got up revealing some burns on his chest his shirt and vest ruined. "Aw fuck that burns feels like electric burns though. You want to play electric I’ll give ya electric." Brent said glaring at Sombra as he snapped releasing several blue bolts of electricity striking him from multiple sides. As he did this he heard Shining call out to him. "The towns protected you can let loose and you've got some backup as well." Flurry and Cadence landed on either side of Brent as he created a tornado with several elements in it around Sombra. Battering him with many different forms of pain one second engulfed in flames the next frozen as he was getting tossed around in the tornado. "Enough!" Sombra yelled as he made a burst of energy around him dissipating the tornado. "I am the king you will bow to me." he made a concentrated beam of magic on Brent slamming him into the ground before he could snap as well as holding him down with crystals . With this, the alicorns sprung into action blasting Sombra with their magics. He just kept walking laughing as well. Till he got to Brent whose face was wedged into the ground. "Your powerful just not combat ready, I'll change that in due time." Sombra said as he smacked Brent’s head with his hoof drawing blood. This enraged Flurry she slammed herself into Sombra flinging him away from Brent. She began trying to break the crystals holding him down freeing one of his arms. Before getting hit by magic herself Cadence tried to come in before also getting blasted at and narrowly dodging. The two distracted Sombra long enough for Brent to completely free himself and snap crystalizing Sombra in a black tinted crystal sphere. Brent collapsed after this having drained his magic remaining barely conscious. "I never want to do that again." He said. Flurry came over to him looking at his injuries rather concerned. "We need to get you medical attention!" She said. Brent just raised his arm. "I don't think I can walk right now." He tried sitting up but failed. "Well just get you a stretcher then." Flurry replied waving at someone Brent couldn't see. He blacked out his brain having had enough for the time being. He woke up much later in the middle of the night finding he had a lot of bandages: over his chest his hand and he assumed one on his head. He looked around and saw Flurry was asleep sitting beside him. He smiled a little. "Sorry to worry you." He went back to sleep feeling hungry but not wanting to bother anyone. When he awoke the Following morning he was surprised to find Celestia also in the room. "I heard about and saw what you did." She said coming up to Brent. "While I've got no loyalty to equestria no one's touching the crystal empire while I'm here. You can thank her for that." He nudged his head toward Flurry who was just waking up. "That's fair and reassuring." Celestia said. "It seems you have more control of your magic than we originally thought." She continued. Flurry was fully awake, but she stayed quiet. Brent tried to sit up but his body wasn't having it. He got a massive jolt of pain from his injuries mainly the ones on his chest. He hissed. "Son of a bitch." Flurry moved at this concern across her face Celestia also moved trying to help. Brent waved them both off as he laid back down. "Don't worry about me. What are you going to do with that guy I froze up?" He asked Celestia. "We aren't entirely sure yet. The sphere he's in is extremely heavy and seems to absorb magic casted on it. So it's a good prison. Perhaps you could try moving it when you've recovered?" She asked. "Unless I go to the chaos dimension, it may take a while before my magic is recharged, don't think I've got enough for a portal and it likely will prioritize healing." he calmly replied. "And could i get some breakfast? Didn't get dinner." he said with some more urgency. Author's Note Magic https://youtu.be/tBfE9UPTfg8
Chap 17View OnlineShivering entranceChap 17After he had eaten. Him, Celestia and Flurry discussed his position and how he would be handled. To be treated similarly to Discord but supervised by the crystal royals rather than the sisters. "It's nice knowing we have the two users of chaos magic on our side. In theory" Celestia finished before leaving. It was just Brent and Flurry for a while after that she had laid her head on him and he petted her while in a semi-asleep state. His muscles were worn out after yesterday he could still feel the deep sting from the burns and there was what felt like a gash through his right hand. A nurse came in to change his bandages and he saw his hand had stitches on both sides something had clearly gone straight through his hand he hadn't noticed because adrenaline at the time. He knew his magic would ensure any destroyed bones or muscle would be fully repaired to its original state if it could grow arteries it could easily do that. For the time being, though his hand was out of commission hurt to move the fingers. "Back where I started it seems." Flurry lifted her head at him speaking. "What?" "Just thinking about how my right hand is useless again." He said to her. As he petted her with his left. He learned later that day he would be let out under the condition he kept his physical activity low for about a week. Flurry offered he stay at the castle for a while which he didn't exactly want to do but saw it as the most logical option. "Alright I'll stay with you." He said not exactly happy about not being able to go home. "But could you get my stuff? The headphones phone and small battery specifically." "Yeah, I'll be back in a bit." She hopped off her chair and headed for his home. About fifteen minutes later she returned with his satchel holding his stuff. "One more night here then I'm free-ish." Brent said. "And thanks Flurry." He put his music on starting with The Last Of Us, which gave him fond memories. "Spent so many hours replaying this and writing stories in its world." Flurry raised her head. "You write?" "Eh depends on what you count as writing." He went quiet and listened to his music getting occasional blasts of memories from some of the songs. The day mostly went like this occasional bits of conversation but otherwise just listening together. "You know you don't have to stick with me." Brent said to Flurry. She nodded. "But I'd like to." She replied snuggling her head into him. He smiled and snuggled back. "I'm glad we met." "Same here." She replied. It remained like this till dinner. Flurry and him both had salads a nice and simple meal with Parfais as a dessert. This gave him memories of his hospital stay after his stroke slightly painful. Flurry picked up on this and gave him a worried look. He patted her head to assure her that he was fine. Then snapped getting no effect. "Seems I'm right healing comes first. Slightly disappointing." He said. Flurry gave him a quizzical look. "What were you trying to do? " "Just trying to get my book from home. But no dice." He replied petting her head then just putting his arm around her closing his eyes. He fell asleep like this. Come the morning after breakfast they brought a large for them wheelchair into his room for his discharge. He got up significantly less of it but still stabbing pain in his chest. He remained quiet the pain keeping him that way. He was pushed to the castle a good number of ponies greeted and thanked him. He smiled and nodded feeling like he was being rude not saying anything but he still couldn't really get himself to speak above a whisper. They passed Sombra as he was encapsulated near the castle. Saw several guards posted around him. They arrived at the still bashed open door to the castle. Brent had melted down the crystal that did it but what remained still had to be removed before repairs could be done. Brent dearly wished he could help, but at the moment he was back to being useless. He thought he would be taken to his room from his previous stay but soon realized they were going the wrong way soon they arrived at their apparent destination. Flurry opened the door and rolled him in. "Wait this isn't the right room!" He said trying to raise his voice. Flurry just shook her head. "Your staying with me while your here. You heard what the doc said, need to make sure you aggravate your wounds as little as possible." She rolled him to the bed and he got up and laid down in it sinking somewhat. He rolled to the middle and started looking around the room he was in. There were a few things clearly making the room feminine and fancy but overall it was rather simple for the general appearance of the castle. Flurry hopped up and made her way over to him using her magic to make curtain things fall from the top of the bed frame. "Hey Flurry, I don't know what you're planning but no getting frisky right now still rather beat up." Brent said. "I know just want to make sure you're comfortable and heal up so you can make good on your promise." She replied lying by him belly up as he was lying on his back as well. He started rubbing her belly being gentle. "I want to help with repairs rather bad but I’m too damn weak right now." He complained. "Focus on healing and getting enough magic for a portal so you can speed up your recharge." Flurry replied looking him in the eyes. "Since you can't do both at the same time." Several days later, his wounds had mostly healed some left scars his hand and head specifically. "That's another to the head scar collection." He ran his fingers through the two scars that crossed the top of his head. "Sitting and standing doesn't hurt anymore, that's a plus." He examined his chest there were a few thin pink lines but otherwise nothing remained of his burns. "You alright in there?" Flurry called "Yeah, I'm alright be out in a moment." Brent replied from the bathroom. He came out after putting his shirt back on. "What is it we're doing again?" "My aunt is coming up for a visit tonight, slightly fear how she'll react to you though." Flurry replied. Unless the sisters told her about him, he will be a completely new thing to catalog to her. She thought with some dread. Brent snapped popping a suit jacket on trying to be semi formal. "Man it's nice having that back." Flurry gave him a look "Your supposed to be charging up on your magic." "Why not have a little fun?" He asked smiling at her. "Because if something like Sombra were to happen right now we wouldn't be able to stop it!" She yelled at him frustrated. "Were supposed to be really powerful mom and I, yet we couldn't do very much to him." She cried. Brent hugged her trying his best to comfort her. "Alright I’ll be serious about my magic till it's back to normal." He said while rubbing her back. Ater about a minute They left the room. "Hope you're prepared for a potential barrage of questions Brent." Flurry said looking up at him. "I'll do my best to endure them if it comes to that." Brent replied as they walked and he yawned. A few minutes later they arrived at the main room near the front door to find Twilight was already there talking with Cadence and Shining. Flurry walked right in Brent however tried to stick near the wall. "The fourth and final princess, eh hope I don't get treated the same as the sisters by her." Twilight placed her cup down and looked toward the wall Brent was sliding against she had sensed him. "Oh you must be Brent. It's nice to meet you." She hopped off her chair came over and extend a hoof to Brent. He shook it. Well that went differently than expected. He thought as he said. "Yes hello, and you are?" "Oh I'm Twilight Sparkle princess of friendship." She formally replied. "But you can just call me Twilight. Heard a lot about you from Cadence and Shining." She finished with a smile. This was spooking Brent some his brain had been so braced for this to go poorly. He nodded with a small smile and went to sit. Twilight did the same returning to where she had been. The royals resumed conversation while Brent remained quiet seeing no reason to push himself in it was family talk after all. He would have to thank them for lessening the number of questions he inevitably would be asked. Eventually his silence was noticed. "Hey you there Brent?" Cadence asked. He nodded. "Just didn't see a reason to include myself in the conversation." Ah yes his tendency to space out /secluded himself from conversations they told me about. Twilight thought. Conversations resumed. One's Brent participated in. Till they were told dinner was ready. Once they arrived the four royals resumed talking and Brent quietly waited for the meal to come out. While he was no longer muted by his pain still felt most natural being quiet. especially around new people, more so because he had no real gadge of Twilight yet. She had a more notable presence than Cadence and Flurry magic wise but not to the sisters level. "Aside from today I have barely heard anything about you." Twilight suddenly said looking at Brent. He just shrugged "Not much to talk about really." He replied. "Aside from my magic i'm really nothing special." Flurry nudged him giving a disapproving look after he said that. Twilight shook her head a little. "Are all humans like that?" She asked. Brent seemed surprised. "Like what?' "Self deprecating Or ignorant of their own traits!" "Well not all of us but a lot of my generation is that way. Dark humor as coping with the ever degrading state of our world. Also a degree of self hatred in some cases." He answered. "Degrading how?"Twilight asked. "Well our world is heating up and it feels like our governments aren't trying to stop it well some are. A few results of the rising temperatures Have been extremely erratic weather felt like there was always a forest on fire and mass extinction of ocean life such as corals." "That sounds very scary to be honest." Twilight replied while the others had a semi horrified look. "Agreed but it's our fault careless burning of fossil fuels mass cutting down of forest, humans while were intelligent, were also rather short sighted most the time." He continued "Fossil fuels?" Twilight asked. "Coal oil,etc. Long petrified organic material in the simplest sense i think." The food had arrived while they had been talking. They all ate afterwards Brent headed towards Flurrys room as the others talked feeling depressed after thinking about earth. "If only i could go back with my magic could probably fix a lot."
Magic desctiptionsView OnlineShivering entranceMagic desctiptionsAuthor's Note This was going to be in the next chapter but it made it feel very off Magic desctiptions Ambient: Naturally created by the land and the kind all creatures had also helped with healing simpler injures. Simple: The kind all ponies had as well as a few other species and can be improved with training or aid from cutie marks. Artifact: The second most powerful of the normal magics Items that have either been imbued with great amounts of magic or have naturally absorbed enough over a long period of time. Alicorn: Second rarest kind of magic also second most powerful beings with alicorn magic are far more magically powerful than all but a few being's. The final rarest but most powerful kind of magic is Chaos magic: Rather unpredictable in nature it like antimatter on earth is instantly destroyed by another kind of magic when it naturally appears as flashes of light instead of violent explosions. But for the few beings that can harness it. It is extremely powerful and due to its unpredictable nature almost anything is possible with its use. Main example would be Discord the being made of chaos.