Chapters 1-5View OnlineLyra's DiaryChapters 1-5Dear Diary Bons brought home a HUMAN today. She’s the best marefriend ever, she knows exactly what to bring me to make me happy. Here I was thinking that she couldn’t stand my research of humans, whatever could have given me that idea? Did I mention he’s a new human? That means I don’t have to share him with Rainbow Dash or any of the other “Elements of Harmony” Those greedy mares have their own human, they’d better stay away from mine. I’ll defend him from them any way I can. He scratched behind my ears too, oh sweet Celestia how heavenly it felt. I’ve wished for that ever since I witnessed him doing the same thing to Rainbow Dash, I can see why that jealous nag won’t let him out of her sight. Someday I’ll have hands like those and scratch Bons behind the ears too. Humans look a lot alike both of them have dark manes and light colored skin, neither of them have cutie marks and aside from their clothing they look very similar. But they do have their differences. Alex Roberts has small creases around his eyes, his skin is slightly darker and he’s taller. My human, Matthew Brennan is shorter with lighter skin and darker hair, he looks like he weighs more but I can’t tell how much of that is him and how much is that shell that he wears everywhere. Speaking of that shell, I don’t like it, he can use it to hide his face from me, I tried to get him to take it off but he gets aggressive if I even suggest it. Bons says I just need to be patient and more importantly remain calm, that he took off that helmet when he was alone with her. It’s not fair, he’s supposed to bond with ME! He’s mine not hers, it’s just not fair. I’ll figure out how to tame him yet, it’s just a matter of time. Signed, Patiently Waiting Dear Diary Is my research into humans more dangerous than I thought? Matthew said something that really scared me today. When I asked him if he was going to eat his arm (due to hunger of course) he laughed and replied “It’s either that or a horse.” He bared his teeth when he said it. I know humans are omnivores so the fact he eats meat is established and as I said in my research notes that may include ponies and other living creatures. I prayed to Celestia and Luna with all my heart to have a human of my own, I’m afraid I’ve eaten more hay than I can stomach. If he wants to eat me that’s fine, but I couldn’t live with myself if he ate Bons. But I must endure if for no reason other than the fact that only I can see the promise involved with researching humans. Of course it was explained to me that both of the expressions “I’m so hungry I could eat my own arm.” and “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” are supposed to be comical exaggerations of hunger, he promises me that no one would do either of those things. But I’m not so sure, I’ve been hungry enough to consider eating grass that has been trampled on, is eating your own arm or an intelligent creature that different for something that eats meat? Signed, Scared yet Determined Dear Diary I may have discovered a new ability, but before I commit it to paper I must be certain. This field of research is still too new and fragile to suffer falsehoods. Signed, Intrigued Dear Diary, Matt must be a different subspecies of human, he can fly. That would make him the pony equivalent of a pegasus. How I missed this is beyond me, he has no discernible flight limbs or organs. In fact I wouldn’t even know this if I hadn’t asked Derpy if she’d seen a human. Of course she assumed I meant Alex, he is the popular human but my Matthew will be the favourite human soon enough. I just have to discipline him not to talk about anything that will scare the other ponies away. But she was able to confirm that she had flown into him after making a delivery. Normally I would not trust an eyewitness report from a visually challenged pony such as her but upon close inspection of the area I was able to locate paint from his unusual clothing on the side of a building and a human shaped impression on the ground, I made a cast of the impression on the ground and shall save it for further analysis. Signed, Looking forward to training Dear Diary, Bon-Bon continues to search for my lost human, I think that we’re better off waiting. He knows where his home is and will come back to me when he gets hungry or tired, just like a dog. I shouldn't say that, Bons gets mad at me when I treat him like a snuggly wuggly pet. He's a person, just like any pony. No matter how dextrous his hands are. In the meantime I’ve had a chance to examine the casting of the imprint he left behind after being knocked out of the sky. The clothing Matthew wears looks like a material that mixes rubber and some tough fabric with oddly positioned lumps in the middle of gaps between the metal plates. These plates are symmetrical on his body although the right forearm seems much thicker than the left (almost 2 whole centimetres). They resemble in some ways the armor worn by the Royal Guard, but seem designed for something other than pastries the paint on the metals is scratched, burned and otherwise worn in a way that suggests that he’s been attacked by something very dangerous. Unlike his limbs his body is completely covered in metal plates, all perfectly crafted and interlocking, I can’t believe the workponiship that must have gone into it. I have yet to touch it but if it’s as common as Alex says then it may be made out of aluminum, if so he is wearing more bits worth of noble aluminum than all the noble ponies in Canterlot could afford. As for the ability to fly, I theorize at this point that human flight is a fragile ability, it may be that Alex was capable of this at one time as well, I believe that the scarring on Alex’s back or his age to be the reason he is unable to fly anymore Perhaps I should cut short my inspection to find him, the poor little guy could be hurt. Signed, Suddenly concerned Dear Diary I know I should be focussing completely on finding my Matthew but I can spare enough attention to write this as I trot. I found blood on the ground near the impact crater, I can only summarize that it belongs to him and he is in fact injured, close secondary examination shows that it is from his left leg. How that could be injured with the shell of metal that surrounds it is beyond me, I will have to examine him carefully after he goes to sleep tonight for any injuries. Anyways I should focus more on finding him, he unknowingly seems to be headed right for the Everfree Forest, even worse he’s headed for the entrance that is in sight of both the library and the shut in Fluttershy’s cottage. I won’t lose my Matthew to either of them. Signed, In a rush
Chaper 6-7View OnlineLyra's DiaryChaper 6-7Dear Diary, By Luna’s starry mane I am furious. I was too slow and now my Matthew has been taken by that foalish hermit Fluttershy! She has so many animals to keep her company, why does she have to go a take my Matthew? What’s worse is that Alex Roberts and Matthew Brennan seem to be engaging in dominance displays, Alex had even pulled his weapon out to intimidate Matthew into submission. I don’t think it worked because Matthew showed no sign of giving in. I will have to watch these two very carefully as I will be able to learn much about human pack dynamics just by watching them as well as being on hand to stop them should things get out of control. Am I wrong to be so upset by this? From what I could see it looked like Matthew couldn’t even stand, how does flying relate to him walking, or was this injury caused by Alex? Perhaps I’m lucky to have Matthew instead of Alex, Matthew seems more peaceful although he is skittish. I’ll just have to work harder to make him feel comfortable in my home. I just have to get him home first, either from the hermit’s house or the hospital. I’ll need to see where they go first. Signed, Confused and worried P.S. what are a group of humans called? A flock, herd, pack, swarm, perhaps a murder? I’ll have to ask Matthew later. Dear Diary Alex saved my Matt. I believe that despite the aggressive threat displays humans do care for one another after all. Of course they do, you can’t build a civilization without harmony. Even the three great tribes of equestria fell, unity amongst all the populations is required for civilization to flourish. I would like nothing more than to continue my observations but Bon-Bon is insisting we spend some time alone together. Has it really been two weeks since we spent an entire day with nothing but each other? Has it also been an entire week since I’ve even touched my lyre? Maybe Bon-Bon is right and I am taking this human research too seriously... Is the academic knowledge or money I’m making from this really worth it? I’m not so sure anymore. Signed, Glad to get that off my barrel. P.S. - I have to really start thinking about what I’m really feeling. I’m just not sure anymore, with things between me and Bons going so badly, I wonder if it’s over. I mean, we had a good run, right? I mean, I wonder if there may be some deeper connection with Alex or Matt that I could never get with Bons or any pony. I’m always thinking about one or the other since Alex got here. And Matt, I know he looks frightening to most ponies just like Alex, but I’ve really looked at everyone else. She was a good friend and we had some good times, but I don’t know if we ever really connected. I mean, as soon as we got intimate things were always uncomfortable for her. Sometimes, I think she went through the motions to please me.
Chapters 9View OnlineLyra's DiaryChapters 9Dear Diary I’ve spent the last 2 days observing Matthew to the best of my ability. My attempts to enter have all been foiled by the rabid rabbit with the carrot based weaponry. I have been unable to ascertain if this behaviour also applies Matthew, although judging by the fact he has yet to take a step outside I observed a curious incident later that day that confirmed our mutual fear of that psychotic little rodent. It was late afternoon and thanks to my ears at a distance spell I overheard that little yellow and pink mental case asking Matt to get firewood. Well, of course my Matt would do anything asked of him. He’s so thoughtful. I wonder if all humans are like them? So, my observation. I saw the back door open very slowly, and Matt poked his head out, looking around. It was so cute. Once he was satisfied the coast was rabbit free, he ran, no, sprinted towards the wood pile. It was amazing. Any other time I saw him move around he had a limp. He must really respect, or fear, that rabbit. Just before getting there, he lept and rolled to a crouched position with his back to the wood. He quickly grabbed a few sticks and sprinted back to the still open door. That little white discord took that moment to block his path. Matt show exceptional athleticism by leaping over the bunny of doom and rolling back inside. As he was passing by the door he kicked and slammed it shut on the nose of that little monster. The rabbit made a crude gesture with his paw that should not have been possible. Signed, Athletically Impressed P.S. imagine what I could do with Bons if I could move and flex like that. Blossomforth eat your heart out.
Chapter 10View OnlineLyra's DiaryChapter 10Dear Diary Like my former research subject, Alex Roberts, Matthew Brennan seems almost obsessed with keeping ponies happy. Unlike Alex Roberts who has a practically non-existent self worth, Matthew Brennan seems to have a separate motivation, fear. He usually hides behind that tough stallion act, and I know how easy it is to fall for him that act. I know one of the things I took away from dating Rainbow Trash Dash is recognising the differences between the outside act and the pony inside. I should be more respectful here, I don’t know if this will ever be published. I also hope Bons doesn't read this. Where was I? Ah, yes. It took the remainder of seeing Rainbow Dash trying to hide her insecurities for me to see it. How could I have been so blind to it? He practically galloped out of my home the morning, he must have reeked of fear too. Perhaps that black material that covers him from neck to... What are those shortened fingers on the feet called? Ah, toes. Perhaps that material is more than simple clothing, I will have to investigate it further at some point. I could manipulate him. His fears are simple and easy to use. But that wouldn't make him love like me. while I could control him with fear, we could never be friends, or anything else. That makes me wonder what horrors would have caused this kind of fear in him. It breaks my heart knowing such a sweet pony person went through such terrible things. With Alex it was easy, I mean 60 years of galloping for your life with drive anypony a little crazy. It begs the question, how did he, so obviously full of fear, take up a profession where you have to be brave all the time. When we're alone and he's calm and in a good place, mentally, I'll ask him. Maybe humans can push past fear better than ponies. That would make sense, since they're predators. Anyway, I will have to make sure to approach him with kindness, compassion, and love. I value my relationship with him, and I don't want to lose that. Seriously, if that nag insensitive Rainbow can woo a person as damaged as Alex, surely to Celestia I can build a good relationship with Matt. But why am I still focusing learning to domesticate him? I want to be his friend, those two days with Bons reminded me why I love her so. She’s always there for me, always kind, loving and otherwise there to make me happy. Was that Rainbow maned tram pegasus right? Am I really only capable of focusing on one thing at a time and ignoring everything else? Signed, I hate you Rainbow for doing this to me, again! P.S. I need to focus more when writing, I had to cross out a lot of things in this entry.
Chapter 11View OnlineLyra's DiaryChapter 11Dear Diary I managed to break Matthew free from his prison, the poor guy was institutionalized... No, I have to be honest, he was enjoying himself. He did stand up for me against Rainbow and then again against Fluttershy, he even asked me to show him around town. Maybe this direct approach has some merit after all. Also in research news human males have nipples it’s not just the females of the gender, although Alex informed me that they’re non-functional. Imagine the possibilities. In my daydreaming I may have said some... awkward things in front of some fillies. I hope that doesn’t come back to bite me in the flank. As much as I hate Rainbow Dash now, I have to admit, we did have some fun times. Signed, Lost in my memories.
Chapter 12View OnlineLyra's DiaryChapter 12Dear Diary, The more time I spend around Matthew Brennan the more time I must reassess my conclusions. While Alex is a solid dependable subject of study who I’ve been able to predict. Many actions of Matthew has been anything but. He seems understanding of my studies and sees past the eccentricities, just like Bon-Bon. His ability to change behavior at a moments notice suggest he may possibly be mentally unstable. Although these abrupt changes usually are followed by a personality that seems remarkably stable. The most radical of these changes occur when the subject is startled or feels threatened. Usually this change is aggressive but when the subject is out of his protective clothing he is more likely to have a fleeing or “flight” reaction. This differs from ponies whose default reaction to fear is flight or freeze. I theorize that humans have an additional reaction, an “attack” reaction. I would like to create this reaction in a controlled environment but I can’t seem to bring myself to do so, I feel guilty when I think about it. Am I losing my objectivity? Signed, Questionable Objectivity
Chapter 15View OnlineLyra's DiaryChapter 15Minor discussions on Matthew’s home. Similar to what we know about minotaurs, humans are tool users. However unlike minotaurs they seem to appreciate nature, I will need to check this theory in conversation with Alex Roberts before adding this to my work. Matthew has implied that he and Alex are very different, I cannot see many differences in casual observation. Both have the same skin and hair colors along with roughly the same shape (although having yet to see Matthew naked I cannot be sure.) leaving height as the largest noticeable difference. Differences in behaviour however are more common, perhaps signifying a different land or “nation” of origin. Although from what I have overheard from Alex’s discussions with Twilight different nations speak with different accents or even languages. Similar to how cities here often have unique accents. Myself and Twilight have naturally suppressed our native Canterlotian accents in order to generate acceptance here in Ponyville, perhaps human nations should be thought of as city states similar to ancient Equestria (pre-unification era research needed to verify) “Ahem. Ms. Heartstrung?” A figure looked over my shoulder, something my sitting position on the bench usually prevented. “Heartstrings.” Couldn’t he see I was busy? “I am Dr. Ocsid. I represent a group interested in your human research.” My magic slammed my ~~diary~~ research book closed. “Excellent, I’ve already produced one book. You can start with that.” I’ve changed my entire life and spent almost every spare bit on my research since before the humans arrived, if they wanted my information they would have to give me the respect of at least paying for my book and reading it. “We were hoping for something uncovered by your books.” No. That thin tailed brat wants to steal credit for MY research, I think not. “No. If it wasn’t included in my first book it may be included on my second book, it’s in research stages right now so you will have to wait.” Be strong, be firm. Don’t let him sweet talk you out of getting the acceptance you’ve sought most of your life. “I see, well I doubt you would be publishing this information. You see, my group wishes to know how likely they are to willingly serve a force not in line with the harmony of the world. Perhaps on how to force them to change their minds if they did, theoretically join them. This is all theory of course, I’m sure the Royal Guard has already approached such a fine researcher to find this out. I’m sure they wouldn’t go to a second rate anthropologist like Twilight Sparkle for this.” Of course they wouldn’t, Twilight doesn’t have a clue on how to do original research. She’s all about collating previously gathered information and adding the facts together to get results. But they haven’t come to me about it… “I’m afraid I cannot comment on jobs I may or may not be doing for the Royal Guard Mr.Ocsid.” Leave him the impression that I AM the go to mare for humans, even if Twilight is I don’t want to lose my reputation before it even gets started. “Doctor! My name is Dr.Ocsid! I didn’t go through years of e- I mean medical school to be called mister Ocsid, that ruins the whole point!” Woah, he’s got a temper. “Look, Dr.Ocsid. I’m trying to relax here and get my thoughts in order for the next chapter. If you could make like a changeling and buzz off I’d really appreciate it, humans are a very complex and contradictory species and it takes a lot of effort to understand them. If you’re that desperate then you can find one and ask them yourself, they’re a fairly friendly species and unlike some ponies I do not hide research materials from others. Have a good day.”
Chapter 13View OnlineLyra's DiaryChapter 13Dear Diary, Piano. Matthew Brennan plays the piano! Even the best unicorns would be hard pressed to match him. I swear I didn’t force him to sit down or anything! I opened the door between the shop and the apartment upstairs and he was pressing random keys. I had thought nothing of it as even a foal will press random keys on a piano when bored. I went upstairs, interrupting Vinyl and her marefriend in a rather intimate moment so I could make my purchase. If Matthew was bored by music I wanted to spend as little time here as possible with him so he wouldn’t think I’m boring too. Image my surprise when I opened the door to the shop and heard him playing. A quick piece that left me feeling vaguely homesick. Vinyl being Vinyl was about to interrupt before Octavia slapped a hoof over her mouth, apparently she was as interested as I was in his playing. The next song he played almost broke my heart, about halfway through Vinyl buried her face in Octavia’s mane and started crying like a foal who lost her parents at market. Octavia faired much better her legendary composure limiting her response to watery eyes and a single sniff. I would have probably ended up like Vinyl if I wasn’t worried that he could stop at any second. I think that he was trying to hold himself together. When he noticed us I could swear I saw a tear in his eye. Now that I’ve had time to recover I can’t help but feel better after that experience. Is that part of the magic humans possess? Not the pony ability to draw others into the music but the ability to put the music into others, or perhaps to draw the emotions out of others. I’m scared of achieving results. What if he plays something that turns me into a violent monster. What if I can’t hold all the emotions. What if his people are some form of changeling, drawing the emotions out for easy feeding. I need to stop being silly. Judging by how embarrassed he looked when he caught us listening I think it’s far more likely he accidentally shared a of himself with us than took a piece from us. I hope that doesn’t mean he proposed to the three of us… I’m not sure I could handle being in a herd. Signed, Emotionally Drained. P.S. I managed to find the second piece of music I heard him play. In the hopes that eventually ponies will someday have access to the human “internet” I have copied the “address” of this piece of music. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6ochFRSU64 Author's Note I kind of went off here, but... Well I'm not sure if I like the results. I rarely plan my chapters out (except for Foalhood) as a result everything just kind of happens.