Chapter 1View OnlineUnnaturalChapter 1‘It’s another beautiful morning...Just like last time.’ I thought as I opened the curtains of the kitchen window. I stared outside as I saw the sun peaking over the hills and birds flew off into the sky searching for the early worm. I kept my eyes focused on the horizon, watching as light stretched over the freshly cut grass. My heart began to beat a little faster as the light came closer to the household. My breath got caught in my throat as the light hit my face causing me to shy away from the brightness. For a moment I felt all the senses around me drop into the abyss. The beating of my own heart told me that I still was there, anchoring me to the physical realm. My hands on the counter began to quake as I controlled my heart slowed down from it’s rapid fire, the blood in my veins lessened from pressure as they disappeared from view. My head fell forward exhausted from the adrenaline rush as the rest of my body felt the biting cold crawl over my skin like thousands of slimy insects. ‘Why do I do this to myself?’ I never had the answer. Best left alone. ‘Move, you fucking rabbit.’ My hand instinctively grabbed the hot tea as I walked around the kitchen. Avoiding the table that came up to my groin I walked to the double wide steel refrigerator grabbing whatever was cold as I took inventory on what was needed to refill. As I sipped the hot tea I looked at the clock to see the hands rest a little after 7 giving a few minutes to stuff the cold food down my throat as I walked to the backdoor. The door opened up to a fenced lumberyard with wood of all different kinds stacked neatly in piles. I walked over to a small warehouse that looked more like a garage with the main doors halfway open. Ducking my way inside I heard someone talking. ‘..That’s why we need to cut out the piece by an inch overwise the edging won’t have enough room to fit when we install the cabinet.” The other person was about to talk when he spotted me, “Morning Gabriel! How’s it going?” I just clicked my tongue as my head tilted sideways as I walked past them with my hot tea nearing the bottom, “Aww you know how it is, another day another box needed to be put together.” Nodding his head along he gave me a look, “I was talking to Woody over whether the floor space will have enough room when we install the cabinets.” Arching my eyebrow I set my tea down on the tool table, “Let me see the plans.” A magical glow encased a clipboard hovering in front of me as I took it. I flipped a few pages to read the diagram and numbers as I added the numbers in my head. “Yeah you don’t need to cut it.” I turned the clipboard around showing Woody the page I just read, “you see when we make the base wood to rest the cabinet on we shift them all to one corner and screw in the cabinet in the back. We don’t need to cut off another inch overwise the edging to keep the cabinets pressed to one side, we’ll need longer screws if we make the edging two inches instead of one.” His brown hoof tapped lightly against his head, “Right, how can I forget about that?” I chucked a bit, “It’s only Monday, the week is just starting.” “Yeah how was your weekend?” I shrugged, “Not interesting, just walked around the forest and did some digging to see if I could find some The grey unicorn smiled knowingly, “Anything else you did?” I looked at him suspiciously, “Well not much else but I found an old arrowhead that I think was used back when the sisters used to live there. Not sure that they are but it was an interesting find.” He huff in disappointment, “I mean did you go see the firework show over Ponyville?” Oh right, that one that celebrated the defeat of those changeling things he heard that attacked Canterlot and the wedding of the Captain of the Royal Guard and a pink Alicorn princess. I shrugged my shoulders as I got to work, “Saw it from my window, good stuff.” Blaze looked at me funny before letting out a sigh, “You know one day your going to have to show your face to somepony else.” “Blaze please, that day will come when trees grow golf balls.” “That Discord fella could have made it happen.” Shushing up his fellow pony Blaze looked around frantically before letting out a huff before sending a glare Woody’s way, “We don’t speak his name.” Putting up his hooves up defensively, I went back over to my tools and began to sort out what I need to use for the day. My magic screwdrivers in hand I placed a drill bit and cross head for the other, “The capital just got attacked I don’t think they would take well when I just stroll up in there and expect them to welcome me in so easily.” I gave them both funny looks, “Besides you two didn’t even go, so why did you think I would?” “Well that’s because I went camping with my boys at Winsome Falls and Woody did his own thing.” Woody shrugged his furry shoulder, “Well I actually had to do some work on my house. The floors in my kitchen were beginning to wear out so I had to tear them out and rebuild new ones. But I was able to see them up close when I finished up.” I hummed a little before balking, “Isn’t your kitchen floor like..big?” I said as I spread my hands apart. He nodded, “Yeah but I had some help from my son, his Cutie Mark is in the building like his old man. So it was a good experience for the both of us.” He smiled fondly as he recalled his time together with his son. “Right your guys but marks...I'm glad that I don’t have anything like that.” Woody was already moving a few finished drawers to make room for us to walk in, “Why’s that?” “I would be spending the rest of my days thinking about how I’m not in control of my own destiny and I would be branded with a tattoo that I definitely can’t show off unless I want to get reported as sex offender.” Both laughed at my light dark humor as we worked around the shop. We heard as the doors to the front opened and our boss walked right in with a tired look on his face, “Honestly, I wasn’t expecting you guys to be here after all that happened with the attack that could’ve ended our lives, but hey! We got work that needs to be done.” We stopped what we were doing to see our boss Truffle Shuffle walking tiredly to my table, his hooves dragging across the floor lackadaisical like some child going to places he didn’t want to be, the bags under his eyes weighed heavily as his head sank a little lower than usual. “Jesus you look like shit.” I said as he sat on a stool as his wings adjusted themselves accordingly. “Still don’t know who that is, but yes Gab I probably feel worse than I look right now.” Concern was passed around as we stopped what we were doing to hear what he had to say, “Well the wedding wasn’t all that bad, sure there was the insect attack that I had the privilege of participating in and getting chased by look alikes but somehow I managed to escape and wait long enough to see the pink light blow every bug away. Then what followed as the best party I’ve ever attended as I danced into the night with enough booze to kill a minotaur.” He said with a pained smile as he gripped his stomach, “Then it was a matter of going home only to discover another after party for the welcoming of Ponyville’s heroes which I also joined for whatever reason I can’t remember and woke up with my head feeling like it was about to crack open like an egg and my breath tasting so bad I had to drink some mouthwash to get rid of the taste of last night out of my mouth.” We all gimanced as he folded his hooves to prop his head up, we all looked at one another as we silently relayed the same message ‘He needs to go home.’ “Hey, Truff?” The boss tilted his head over to Blaze who wore a sympathetic look, “Maybe you can take the day off and get some rest? We got everything handled over here, the job for Cherry won’t be finished until tomorrow afternoon.” Blaze held his eyes on Truffle all the while as the boss man pony didn’t put up a fight. The huff that came out as a raspberry made me think about how horses would make and messaged his forehead “Yeah, yeah… I just got to do a few things before going home.” No argument from them as he headed to his office to do what he needed to do for the day. “Sounds like he had a fulfilling weekend.” “Made me glad I wasn’t there.” “No use thinking about it.” I said as I grabbed the tools I left beside me, “What already did happen, no use thinking about it when it was outside our control.” Both pony’s gave each other a look before looking at me, “Are you at least worried about what could’ve happened?” I shook my head quickly as I glued together another side of the cabinet, “Nope. All I care about is that Trufle is ok and nobody was hurt. A hostile invasion failed and everyone there lived, laughed, sang and got happily ever after.” I quickly said as I worked. Both pony’s didn’t say anything back as they worked in silence. I contemplated turning on the radio when somepony ran the bell to the front desk, I listened in as my boss walked up to the front desk talking to somepony when a firm voice cut him off. “Where is he?” Author's Note Not sure where I’m going with this. Continue? Maybe...Dunno...
Chapter 2View OnlineUnnaturalChapter 2I didn’t move until I heard the clicky clop of hooves came around back and my boss’s tired eyes looked around before finding me, “Hey uh Gab? There’s somepony wanting to see you.” Putting down my tools I grabbed a rag to clean the glue from my hands as I walked to meet this person. The other two guys watched me interested as I passed by I could feel my heart slowly picking up speed as possibilities invaded my mind. I opened the door with my head leaning a bit down to not get hit by the low frame and in my corner I saw my boss slightly shuffling on his hooves (heh) nervously watching as I entered with a concerned look, standing across the counter stood a purple unicorn who’s entire face remained flat but changed to a hint of suspicion as I walked in. “Hello.” I began peacefully as I set the rag down in front of me getting my hands as clean as they could, “Can I help you?” She didn’t say anything except look me over as I stood there waiting for her to say something. As she studied me I did for her as well. I can guess that she’s a she by how short she was compared to the three other stallion’s I work with, not to mention her long purple hair with a stripe in it that stopped at her bangs. Her face was more rounded and the mussel shorter than a guy’s that reminded me of most horses back in my world. I took a quick glance to her hindquarters that displayed her tattoo of destiny, a bursting purple (go figure) star with six smaller ones circling around the bigger one. I knew that their marks were often related to their jobs so I would guess that she is something of a stargazer or astronomer of some kind? “So you're the human they call Gabriel?” My eye’s jumped back to her and for laughs I looked over my shoulder, “That right? If there was another one of me you let me be the first to know about it.” I joked but it seemed to fall flat with the audience when my boss slapped a hoof over his eyes mumbling something about timing while the purple one frowned at me. Ok, this is getting awkward. “Is there anything you need from me or..?” I left hanging for her to fill. “Yes, yes there is actually.” She said with a punctual tone, “I am here to ask you some questions regarding your stay here at Ponyville.” I raised my eyebrow. “Is this for an article or survey? Because I got work that needs to be done, if you want to you can come back after 5 to come talk to me.” I told her off politely. She narrowed her eyes further at me, “No this is not for a survey and I need you to come with me to answer some questions right now.” She said again, this time in a more demanding tone. I raised an eyebrow and looked at my boss who looked just as lost as I was, “Am I being arrested?” She looked at me confused, “What? No, you're not being placed under arrest.” “Then my answer is still no. I don’t know who you are and if you don’t have a warrant or some court order that says I have to follow you I ain’t moving a muscle.” Her face contorted with anger until she let her head fall to the ground and let out a deep breath that shuddered her whole body, clearing her throat in a noble-ish way she stood up as high as she could as she put one forehoof to her chest, “My name is Twilight Sparkle, Star Pupil of Princess Celestia.” I watched her head rise higher as she proudly stated that last part. “Oh, so you're that pony.” I crossed my arms across my chest as she smiled to herself thinking she was getting her way. “My answer is still no.” Her confident pose faltered as she went back to glaring at me. “Gab.” My boss cut between us looking at me as he talked softly, “Don’t do anything you’ll regret, I don't want you getting into trouble.” Turning his head he addressed Twilight, “It’s just a couple of minutes right Miss Sparkle?” The purple one who nodded curtly before going back staring at me, “Hopefully, not long if he answers my questions.” Nodding his head he looked back at me, “See? Not that long, we can handle things from here until you get back. I’ll do a few of those topaz for Cherry Picker and tell the rest of the fellas, that sound alright to you?” I kept silent while I chewed the bottom on my lip in habit. I thought it over while my heart slowed down it’s speed drumming. After a few seconds I gave him a loose smirk that felt off to me, “Sure, I’ll count this as my lunch break.” Cracking my fingers, I walked around the counter to the front door of our business. In a gentleman like manner I propped open the door and gave the pushy purple pony a sauvey smirk. “Please lead the way.” She still gave me weird looks but less hostile than before as she gilded me to her base of interrogation. Author's Note Still no idea what I’m doing. Only that I’m doing it.
Chapter 3View OnlineUnnaturalChapter 3I could feel the stares of the technicolor hobbits as I followed Twilight. I could hear some of the ones talking about me and some even recognize me. I gave those few who recognized me a polite nod of my head and a few of them gave me one back with a smile. I kept my eyes Twilight as she trotted to a giant ass tree with a red door in the front. “Why here?” I couldn't help but ask before we entered the place. “It’s where I live, it has everything that I need when I’m questioning you. I hope you can understand.” She said in another curt response that started to get me on my nerves. As I entered the tree-house I envision myself being strapped to a chair with no way out as they interrogated me for information that I didn’t have or didn’t want to give. I was so close to running away before she could do anything and that’s when I laid my eyes on the most beautiful thing in the world. All my nerves all but disappeared as I looked in wonder at the piles and piles of books resting along the shelves. A sense of peace overcame as my eyes glazed over the hundreds of books lining the walls waiting to be picked up and read. “This is the library.” I gave a relieved sigh, Twilight looked at me again and watched me as I scanned over the covers of various subjects. “Yes it is, I’m not just the student of Celestia but also the acting librarian for the time being.” She explained as she turned the sign on the door from ‘open’ to ‘closed’. “We’ll be doing our examination in the back.” I barely heard her as I walked close to one of the shelves and hovered over the mystery novels. For a moment I swore from the corner of my eye she gave me a fond smile when I brushed against a random book. She trotted past me heading to the backroom that appeared to be shelved next to the geography section. I regretfully parted ways and followed her at a steady pace down a flight of stairs that appeared to be leading down in an underground basement. ‘Wait a minute. Examination?’ Her words finally registered when we walked further into the roots of the tree which I then realized shouldn’t be possible. Before I could ask how the heck this place could all fit underground she ignited her horn again and what I saw was not what I expected. A humongous open room big enough to fit my little shack that filled up the space with an assortment of tools and tables. It appeared to be a sanitary workspace with how well kept the floors looked and not dust in sight that made me give props to the one who had to clean this. A lone table with two chairs facing each other was centered in the room with overhead lights shining down. I got a better look at the scattered pieces of equipment that seemed fairly used from polygraph to wired up helmets hooked up in a complex machine. With all the instruments scattered around it looked like some mad scientist's secret lair. And I just willingly walked in. I concluded that this was not the quiet room for those who wanted to read in silence. ‘Is it too late to run?’ “Well then.” The library/interrogator/mad scientist began as she jumped on one of the chairs. “Let’s start with some simple questions.” Author's Note A chapter a day keeps the boredom away. Plus it helps motivate me to write my other stories. I think of it like therapy.
Chapter 4View OnlineUnnaturalChapter 4A rubbed my forehead in frustration as she continued to grill me on things I thought weren't that important. “Are you a part of any clan that associates itself with their species?” “For the last time, I’m not a Minotaur. I just happen to look similar to them.” Her face twisted adorably in concentration as my words seemed to fly over her head as she wrote down all her thoughts from hypothesis to conclusion before I could give anything to her. “Ok next question! When you see the color red does it make you feel assertive, aggressive, annoyed?” ‘Feeling pretty fucking annoyed right now and all I see is purple.’ I grieved internally as I clenched and unclenched my right hand. I would never start a fight with anybody unless they threw the first punch, that was my rule. But I was coming close to doing something when my patience started to wear down after two hours into my interrogation. I would say interrogation only that I have the right to leave and not come back but then she would feel blown off and she would later harass me for additional tidbits about myself. I’m not a social person, quite the opposite actually. I would prefer to not get in anyone’s business and if they wanted to speak their thoughts I would let them and from time to time I would give my two cents in if it was interesting enough. I’m not what they would call a pushover since I am assertive when it comes to things that matter. I am a very passive person, maybe even a peacemaker to some and they’re right. I don’t start fights and I don’t get into other people’s business, simple cut and dry thought process. I’m what they would call the average american Joe Smoe. Sorry if I offended anypony with that name. “How do you explain your species connections when you stated that your roots are indeed connected to theirs?” I could guess where she got that piece of information from. Before on the job I helped install a new kitchen counter to this one stallion who recently moved into town from Fillydelphia and when he saw me he couldn’t help but ask if I was in some way related to those raging bulls. I could only answer with, “Kind of?” I mean in Greek Mythology the Minotaur was half human half bull so it would stand to reason that we were closely related to the same species. I didn’t get to read up on this world’s history with how they were made so I made a fair judgement based on what I knew. ‘Now it’s coming to bite me on the ass.’ I thought to myself as she kept asking about my race. “Are you a result of their species mingling with other sapient creatures? When you say monkey, do you mean that at one point in time your species and theirs crossed which result in homo sapiens or ‘man’ as you call it and became as you are with centuries of evolution? Or are you the first ‘human’ of your kind to be made from cross breeding with their race?” “I don’t know, I just don’t know. Why are you asking about some race I have never met before?” I was done asking these 20-hundred questions last hour ago, it’s my turn to get some answers. “I’m not at liberty to say.” Wall all she had to say. ‘For fucks sake!’ “Ok that’s it! I’m done. You don’t want to answer my questions, I don’t have to answer any of yours then. You are extremely rude and I don’t want to see you anytime soon.” I pushed my chair back and winced as my legs protested from standing after falling asleep 30 minutes ago. I was halfway to the door when she spoke, “Wait please.” I froze in my steps after hearing the plea that sounded desperate. I turned around and watched as she also got out her chair and bowed her head to me. “Your right, I haven’t been forthcoming and I apologize for that.” She seemed sincere that I was torn to just plain leave and forgiving the poor little thing. My pet instincts won out in the end as I let out a breath “Alright then, let’s hear it.” I went back to the table and tucked my feet back in. She smiled in gratitude for giving her a chance and with a glow of her horn she teleported back into her seat. “Great!” She exclaimed and with another glow of her horn she 'poofed' an official looking document into existence that had a text the size of ticks that I could barely make out. “If you can please sign here and you agree to the conditions that are written down we can continue our conversation.” ‘God damn it.’ “Can’t you just tell me the simplified version? I don’t need to know all the details just the why.” She looked at me this time with a small trace of pity, “I’m sorry but I cannot. The reason why is because it’s been kept on the hush lately as both Princesses ordered it to be kept a national secret.” ‘Wow, this goes deeper than I thought.’ I was surprised. “Why does this have to do with me?” I thought as I feared what her response would be. “I cannot indulge in that information, unless you sign.” She pressed forward the document which I could see was a Non-Disclosure Agreement which made my insides feel all sorts of funny. I kept quiet as I debated heavily in my head. On one side I was in the need-to-know which would get me the answers to why she was hounding me. If I didn’t sign it and leave right then and there that could be the end of it and I would go back to living the quiet life before they found me. This would all be put behind me and I would go back to work. But then I started to think, what if they could be monitoring me even when I leave and I would have no idea why, with this at least I could find some immunity with the Princesses. I read the conditions which were pretty standard for any disclosure as long as I abide by the written agreement I wouldn’t get harassed by any local authority. After sitting in the chair for 5 minutes with my hands balled over my mouth I closed my eyes and resigned myself. Damn my curious nature. Without pause I put down my signature and Initialed where the small sticky arrows pointed to. “There, done. Now start talking.” I grunted at her, a little peeved at her and if I am honest, myself for consenting. ‘Further down the rabbit hole, I go.’ After giving the paper a once over and satisfied by what she saw, she magically whisked away the document in what I knew was a secure location. “After hearing about Princess Celestia’s defeat at the hooves of the changeling queen the Minotaur's took that as a sign of weakness and began attacking our embassies.” ...Well, shit. This isn’t looking good and she just started. “We quickly responded by withdrawing our troops and after seeing the reports Celestia made it mandatory for any Minotaur within Equestria to be questioned.” I began to feel numb all over as she gave me another one of her neutral looks, “After investigating your registry it would seem that the nation has declared you a Pony of Interest.” I can’t believe this.’ I thought as my nerves finally returned with vengeance's. “I’m sorry if this isn’t what you wanted to hear but as for right now you are to be investigated and if such time came to pass confined to your local quarters for security purposes.” Her eyes reflected on how much she enjoyed this situation as such as I do, “The Minotaur's have declared war on Equestria.” Author's Note Wow, didn’t see that coming did you? To be honest, me either.
Chapter 5View OnlineUnnaturalChapter 5“War?” I repeated dumbly as she nodded her head somberley to reaffirm her own words. “Yes, the nation of Graymourne home of the Minotaur's has declared that Pony kind to be an unreliable ally in times of crisis and with no notice pushed out every creature that was Equestrian and shut themselves in.” I attentively leaned forward in my seat as she explained the situation, “So naturally we are doing the same and when Princess Celestia sent ambassadors trying to explain the situation they declared her to be unfit for leadership.” She made a frowny face when she said that, like someone dissing on their idol. ...Oh wait, she is Celestia's student of course she’d take it personally. “Didn’t she sign a peace treaty with them sometime in the past when all nations were at war?” I read somewhere about that when I found a random short book lying around the cottage I now own from the previous owner. From what I could understand was that during Celestia’s rule the Gryphons and Minotaurs along with Reindeers fought over land owned by the Diamond Dogs would later become Sugar Maple Grove. It’s said they banded together to overthrow the diamond dogs and when they were eventually defeated they turned their sights on Equestria for whatever reason which in my opinion wasn’t the brightest idea but to my astonishment they fought over a hundred years and neither side gave an inch until they agreed to a ceasefire. Still thinking about it makes me question what they had that made it so they could go up against a literal god. I mean she raises and lowers the sun for God’s sake! What could possibly exist that could go up against something like that? “Around 700 years ago such a pact was made.” She was pleasantly surprised by my knowledge, “For their end of the bargain they cease all activities on any and all projects on developing weapons of war.” She made a very serious face when she said the next part, “When Celestia told me what they found when they infiltrated their weapons manufacturing division and discovered plans for their next confrontation.” She visibly shivered at the memory, “She said it was meant to be the end of all wars.” My blood ran cold at that and I instantly thought of two long and round metal shells that ended the war with Japan. If something like that existed here at one point... Twilight cut off my train of thought, “The Minotaurs are a proud race, so proud that they only follow those they deem strong and any sign of weakness is unacceptable in their culture. They only agreed to it when Princess Celestia herself joined the conflict and personally recovered and was pushed by the intruders back into their homelands.” Her voice became a tone of awe which I couldn’t deny was effecting me as well. “A few months later, the Peace of Sugar Maple Grove was signed at the Hall of Unity with the other four races that participated during the war. The treaty held strong for a few centuries and it’s sad to say it no longer applies to our present day when the Gryphons lost their king and are currently to this day still in a state of financial crisis while the Reindeers have withdrawn from the modern day society by fortifying themselves in their forest.” After giving the short version of the war my head reeled back to the present and the issues that were involved. “I-I mean you can’t just hide something like this from people. They’re eventually going to find out, it doesn’t make sense with all the secrecy and the fact that there’s some nation out there wanting to tear this land apart.” Eye witnesses, testimonies, freelancing journalists, hell even tourists came to mind as I thought about how it could end up backfiring in their face. “The logistics are being taken care of by her highness's administration who are working around the clock to keep the news from spreading and the guards stationed at Graymourne have already been oathbound to never relay sensitive information.” To stop even the press from getting a whiff of something this proportionate is insane to think about almost on par with the mafia taking over the media. I know the Princes has been around since the creation of this country but it still boggles the mind to even comprehend how well connected she is. Although now that I think about it, didn’t they have something similar to the Amendments around here? “Is that even legal?” “She is the Princess, I'm sure she knows what she’s doing.” Twilight wisely which to me sounded biased coming from her since you know: personal student and all. “But we aren’t here to discuss history or politics.” She turned her attention back to me which got me to straighten my back instinctively. “Curiously enough you appeared out of nowhere and started living outside of Ponyville with barely anypony having seen you and it’s stated in your record that you signed that said you had connections with their species.” She said as she 'poofed' a red folder into existence laying it in between us. ‘Fuck, I shouldn’t have done that.’ I was only trying to be thoroughly detailed and this is what I get. Wait a minute. “Are those my Registration Records?!” I yelled in surprise as she flipped open the folder. “I am Princess Celestia’s student, I know the Mayor quite well so of course they let me see residents' public records.” Ok, this is just... God, too much. “So what, you think that I’m some sort of terrorist?” She gave me another look that I made me want to hide. “I am not implying anything but for our sake I will say that you are in a conundrum.” She put her hooves together as she gazed deeply into my eyes, “But this is suspicious.” She taped the folder, “With you being an unknown new species only adds more questions that will have to be answered on a later date but for now I can say that you're cleared but please have an open schedule for my next visit.” And don’t try anything her eyes seem to say. She ‘poofed’ away my folder, “after I finish my report I’ll have to give my assessment over to the Royals Guards and await further judgement.” Her final declaration had snapped me out of my shock and I took the silence as an initiative to leave. As I took the first steps out I stopped, “One more question before I go?” I took her silence for me to continue, “What would’ve happened if I didn’t come with you?” “If you didn’t cooperate then I would’ve been forced to get that court order in less than a day and instead of me there would’ve been Royal Guards to detain you to Ponyville’s police station until further notice.” Oh…Oh man, I hit my limit of dealing with shit for the year right then and there. As I left the basement Twilight stayed where she was and listened as the sound of my footsteps faded away. When she no longer could hear me she talked out loud, “You can come out now.” An orange earth pony with a stetson hat stepped out from behind a table. “Ah still don’t feel right by this sneaking like some cat waitin’ for the mouse.” “We had to make sure he was telling the truth and you're the best pony I could think of when it comes to that.” Applejack nodded her head in appreciation. “So what do you find?” “Well it sounded like he was telling the truth,” She scratched the back of her head, “But there wer’ some things he said that didn’t make a lick of sense.” Twilight furrowed her eyebrows, “Like what?” Applejack looked left to right, “Like how he said that he heard about the Minotaurs but hadn’t really given the full details on how he knew. It’s almost like he left out the small details on purpose.” Twilight didn’t even catch that, for all she knew he could have done it at the very beginning and was just only feeding her half the story. It could have been staged from the very beginning and it could have gone under her nose, luckily she had the insight to grab Applejack when she did. Twilight carefully weighed her options and within less than a second she came to the only conclusion, “He will need to be further monitored.” She would get to the bottom of this, one way or another she will get her answers. Author's Note Hey everyone how’s it going? Sorry about not getting this chapter out on Friday I just went to go see the New Mutants which it just.. Yeah. Then I was about to finish up the chapter when I heard the news about Chadwick and I just… My god I’m not going to lie, I cried so hard I fell asleep and I barely had the energy to go do something. I’m starting to come to terms with it but I never expected in a million years for something like that to happen. I really hope everyone’s doing ok and if you have free time please take a moment to pay respect for the man and everything he represented. May he rest in peace, with love from a fan.
Chapter 6View OnlineUnnaturalChapter 6My whole body felt numb when I got back to the shop. I mind was in the wind as I robotically walked in and went straight to the back. I heard them going at it with the sawblade being used and Woody passing by with two pieces of wood stacked on his back. “Hey Gabriel! I thought you weren’t going to show up today. What happened when you were with that crazy unicorn?” He remembered telling him the story of how she made everybody in town go crazy over a doll and it stuck with him ever since and he made it a habit to keep a healthy distance between them and her known associates. I was about to tell them but then I remember the contact I just signed and I made a face that looked to them like I tasted something foul. “I can’t talk about it?” was all I could say. They gave me their same weird looks when I explained to them about my world, “Huh? Why not?” This time Blaze asked as he put away the limber with a magic ‘poof’. “I signed a contract.” Blaze eyes grew ten sizes that day, “You signed a contract?! What the buck were you thinking?!” He asked in a fearful tone as he animatedly waved his forehooves in the air. Blaze may not look like it but he is a very paranoid pony to say the least. It actually was even worse when I first worked there, it took a lot of convincing and that took a whole year for him just to warm up to me. Although he might’ve finally gotten around with me his paranoia didn’t just stop there. Anything that makes him a little bit suspicious he will get all over it until he’s satisfied. I never got the full story only from Woody only vaguely answered that something happened to Blaze in his youth which led him to mistrust about anything and to what happened was to my imagination. “I had my reasons.” I tried to placate him by raising my hands in a show of surrender. “If that’s so then we won’t judge won’t we Blazy?” Woody nudged Blazes shoulder who still mumbled under his breath about signing death warrants and whatnot. “She just wanted to get some answers about my stay and how I got here.” I told them honestly, “She’s just a curious mare who wanted to know more about my culture.” Woody waited for more but seeing as I wasn’t saying anything else he cleared his throat, “So you told her that you're from another..” She waved his hoof around indicating his intent I somewhat sheepishly rubbed my neck, “not exactly?” I tried to put into words, “She, ah. Was very enthusiastic about my species and my customs and norms but we never got around talking about that part.” I tried to remember if the topic of my previous residence was even mentioned but I realized that indeed she never asked or assumed at best that I was from the same place as those bullmen which made sense to me when it was all she ever asked about. But what they always say about assuming will never be any different even in different worlds or realities. Woody understood, “That I know best, when that gal puts her mind to it she’s like a one track different wavelengths mindset, something I nor anypony else could understand.” Happy that they were in an understandment (Blaze still shot me a disappointed look) I walked back into my little workshop corner. While I was glad all that was over the lingering knowledge of something else bigger is happening at the outside world kept eating at me. Even as I was installing frame’s into the cabinets my head continued to repeat what she said the last few minutes, I cursed under my breath and with a heavy heart I set down the screwdriver, “Fuck it I’m going.” Still working they lend an ear while they did their tasks, “Going where?” Woody asked as he sanded down the wooden ledges. “Home, I’m going home. I’m calling it in early.” I grabbed my tea mug I left on my work counter I left that morning, “Not going to do much anyhow, I got some things that need to be sorted out before tomorrow. If you need anything give me a holler, I might not be there.” They looked at me as I ducked under the half open garage door back out into the outside world. I could hear their small farewells echo, my hand tapped against the ceramic when I opened the door to my home. I set down the mug in the sink and with a heavy exhaustion bowed my head thinking about what my future will come to. I had no doubt they would be keeping an eye on me, everything I do will now be monitored if not already. I could feel the walls lean in as I thought about all the things she told me. War was no joke and to be inadvertently involved just by misleading information on my part. To be honest I only wrote that I’m a part of a different species of this planet to get away from the government when I realised that I’m an alien in an alien world. The men in suits could come knocking at my door or even when I’m asleep to canter me away into an underground lab doing god only knows to me. I know I’m overreacting since if it was the reverse if an alien came to me I would make the call to insure the safety over me and everyone I’m associated with. In any alien situation the only logical way is to turn yourself in and peacefully explain the situation. There are no E.T. moments where one becomes the hero and sends them off back to their world, it doesn’t work that way. I thanked God that me or any of the pony’s I met so far hadn’t been given any strange otherworldly disease that could’ve killed them and spread out like smallpox and kill off half the world's population. If it wasn’t death plaguing my thoughts, it was life in a concentration camp as a P.O.W. I couldn’t keep doing this and I knew that I wouldn’t be able to sleep like this. I needed to vent out my frustrations in only one way I know how. Now where did I put those shorts? Author's Note Sorry for the long breaks, had 4 doctors appointments and didn’t get to eat all day. Had to catch up on work with my day off and look around to find a boat or canoe for fishing. Now my brother all of a sudden wanted to come over for a cookout? Buying meat nowadays doesn't grow on trees. I wrote when I had my time and I should be keeping back on track.
Chapter 7View OnlineUnnaturalChapter 7“Are ya sure this is a good idea Twilight?” Applejack asked again as she adjusted a green pack on her back with Twilight trotting next to her wearing some green camouflage jacket with an adventure looking hat she saw once on the cover of Rainbow Dash’s favorite books. “We are the ones suitable for the job, Applejack.” She said as she adjusted her helmet, “If I’m right about him and he is a spy then we have to gather Intel on his current activities or possible need to stop him before he sends off any vital information he might have gathered beforehoof.” Not even 5 minutes after Gabriel had left she and Applejack left the laboratory to gather equipment for their surveillance on their unusual outsider. “What I meant was bringing Fluttershy along?” Looking back at their slow walking quiet animal lover, her head was down and a fixed frown marred her face. Twilight already had gone through her head on who to bring along and immediately ruled out Pinkie on being able to keep stealthy, and then came Rarity who would be uninterested in coming and would no doubt take time in preparing. Then there’s Rainbow Dash who they couldn’t find but with her air superiority could jump from cloud to cloud getting an aerial view of their suspect. So they took Fluttershy when she happened to be in town at the moment although when they told her their plan she seemed distant and has been acting this way ever since Twilight asked her to come with them, surprisingly she didn’t hesitate to join their investigation. “Are you OK there, Fluttershy?” Jolting out of her own thoughts the yellow pegasi looked, “O-oh, yes Twilight. I’m fine, I'm just thinking about something else.” Twilight slowed down to put a hoof on her back, “Whatever it is, remember you can count on us to help you.” Fluttershy gave her a weak smile, “I know.” Twilight looked forward to examine the workshop she previously had been in. The steel building stood firmly structured close to the Everfree Forest which is questionable as to who would ever want to build anything near the spooky forest but the pony in charge wanted it for reasons. A silhouette of furniture masked the background as the title ‘TS Custom Housing Construction’ crafted into fine oak displaying proudly over the building. “Applejack what do you know about this place?” Applejack scratched the back of her head in thought, “Ah never been here before myself, although I've heard about them from some pony’s at the market. Started around two years ago ah reckon and they keep working inside for the most part, when it comes to deliverin’ their boss Truffle takes a few of them to help install the cabinets and whatnot.” Twilight floated a notebook in front of her, “That's what I’ve got written down so far, nothing too suspicious. Although their homemade appliances are superb, the influx of customers are sparse but it keeps them in business. Each one is a contacter of their own with one Blazing Glory who sells highly priced coins for market values and is currently enrolled in school to become a full time entrepreneur in advertisement.” She turned the page which changed from a unicorn to a Brown Earth Pony that looked half as muscular as Big Mac, “Woody Wagon is the profitable stallion who works three jobs as Ponyville's lessee with around 13 homes to his name which he is constantly referred to as the go to maintenance worker. He crafts miscellaneous items that involve wood of any kind from chess parts to hoofcrafted bow and arrows. It’s also been said that he's a skilled artist.” Twilight fired off Applejack almost got whiplashed from her words, “Also the same he’s married and has 7 foals.” Twilight raised an eyebrow at that before flipping it over to the last page that showed a photo of a grey Pegasi with green eyes, “And finally there’s the boss Truffle Shuffle who has lived in Ponyville his whole life and has been mentioned by everypony she came across. He’s adored by everypony in town, who described by the mayor as a ‘fun loving prosperous Pegasi who’s more down to earth than any Earth Pony she’s ever met.” Twilight turned the page, “Most of his records show a clean history other than being late to pay for his taxes a year ago,” She mumbled something under her breath as she looked closer a the small print, “Married no foals….leaves to go do out of town jobs...gets most supplies from a stallion by Burnt Oak-” Applejack made a sound and embarrassingly waved her hoof for Twilight to continue, “mumble...mumble….mumble….And has not gone against any authoritative figure which determines that he is quiet cooperative.” Twilight finished happily which Applejack realized that she was waiting for her to say something, “That’s..That’s a lot of things Twi, you really dug deep on this.” She felt her cheeks warm up, “Sorry about that, I wanted to be thorough in case we need to present our findings to the Royal Guards. Shining always told me to be detailed when it came to an investigation,” She rolled her eyes, “As if he needed to tell me that. Give me a day and I can come up with charts!” Applejack smiled at her enthusiasm, “So where are we supposed to look for him?” Twilight floated back her papers, “Earlier today he said that he lives right next to her place of work so we can guess that it’s that one.” She pointed her hoof at a small house that sat next to the wood shop with a fence running along the front hiding everything inside from public view. The house looked old from it’s faded out green color and some painting dried up for so long it was peeling off. One viewing window with a curtain drawn over it rested next to the natural oaken door that helped aid anypony to see who was at the doorsteps. “Do we snoop around the back or..” Applejack finished awkwardly never having done this before which fortunately her Twilight has, as a skilled research scientist of course. “First we need to know where he is.” Flipping the page over she read, “He stated that he works from 8 to 5 from the shop, but since he’s a contractor his time schedule could change around that time frame. We can take a guess that he’s still working, it would give us enough time to-” “He’s in the back.” Twilight turned to face Fluttershy who looked away shyly, “How do you know?” The yellow Pegasi’s glanced over her right shoulder, “I asked Mr.Butterfly.” She gestured to the small insect that hovered next to her. Oh, of course. “Well then, lead the way.” Fluttershy took lead as she followed the small insect, they walked around the fencing towards the forest which looked less scary in the daytime. “This is around the Whitetail Woods? That explains why it feels less..imposing.” Applejack nodded her head, “Eeeup, from what ah heard they wanted nothing to do with that enchanted forest. But they needin lumber and all for their work so they go out from time to time to gather up their supplies in this part of the area.” Twilight nodded in understanding, “So that’s why it’s built close to the woods.” Feeling a bit safer they approached the back gate with it’s gates closed, Twilight almost did a double take when she saw the runes inscribed around the gate. From what she could tell it was a fairly easy warding off charm that kept away small predators, the crafting was adequate nothing too noticeable although she found several ill convinced cover ups that whoever wrote this tried to correct their mistakes by covering it with what appeared to be..glue? Shaking her head at the noticeable and somewhat childish mistakes she looked at the other two who appeared to be looking at the runes as well. Twilight took the time to peek between the gates gap, her only eye saw lumber of all sorts neatly scattered around and like magic her eye connected with the one they were following. “What do you see Twi?” Twilight went silent for a few seconds, “I see him...doing some sort of dance. He’s lifting his arms up and positioning his legs wider than his shoulders. Now he's touching the ground on the left and holding it...Now the right...He’s thrusting his hips out and I think he’s saying something. I can’t read his lips this far but it looks likely a incantation of some sort! Maybe he’s trying to get in contact with his superiors!” She whispered excitedly to not be overheard. “Twilight, I think he’s stretching.” “We don’t know that Fluttershy. He could already be in contact with his leader discussing what his next or-Oh he’s picking something up! They’re black and round at the bottom they're shaped like headphones that Vinyl Scratch wear--” She cut herself off when she realized what she just said, embarrassingly she pawed the ground when she saw the two flat expressions on her friend's faces, “OK, maybe he was just stretching.” She made a mental note to look up more bipedal anatomy when she got back. She turned back peeking between the gate’s gap to look at the human only for her only eye to widen, “Go back! Go back!” Caught off guard the two scrambled in panic while Twilight hastily ran towards the forest to find something to hide in. Quickly spotted a conveniently tall bush she jumped head first into, poking her head out she looked and couldn’t see where Fluttershy or Applejack was but she knew well enough they had the foresight to hide. She heard the sound of something unlocking followed by a creak and groan of old wood being moved. Twilight had to crane her neck around a tree blocking her view to see the human bouncing in place making his figure jump up and down like a Pogo-stick and like a silent alarm he took off into the woods going at a steady pace leaving an open gate behind him. “Quickly, after him!” Twilight jumped out the bushes and next to her she saw Applejack crawl out from behind a tree, “Where’s Fluttershy?” “Here.” A small voice came from the same place she she was hiding in. Twilight was confused, “When did you get in there?” “Umm, I found it the same time you did when we ran,” The bush responded. Twilight ears twitched when she heard the falling echo of the human’s hoo-footsteps she corrected. “Come on, Girls.” Rearing herself she galloped after their target with her friends running right behind her. Author's Note Not much to say, fast week.
We all always loves you Chadwick BosemanView OnlineUnnaturalWe all always loves you Chadwick BosemanMy you fly with the angel's in heaven, we all always love you. Author's Note Love you Chadwick.