The Gate: A Strange New World

I woke up the next morning to the sun once again shimmering down on my face yet again. I felt that Celestia was watching over me, ensuring I woke up and knew that Applejack and I were together. I didn’t mind it, but I found myself sleeping in a bed for some reason. I last remembered helping Applejack sort the apples from harvesting yesterday. I felt tired and hurt and I recall Applejack insisting on having me stay the night. As I looked around the room I could see that I was in her room. I rubbed my face and as I did I remembered that my head was injured. It didn’t hurt nearly as much thanks to Aj. I then felt something move on my chest and I looked down and found Applejack sleeping on me sound asleep. She seemed so cute and peaceful as she slept with her blonde mane undone and slightly scruffy.

I ran my hand down her mane as she slept, feeling her soft hair. The slight movement of her hair seemed to make her move and wake up. She rubbed her eyes as she looked right at me.

“Morning sugar cube How’d yasleep?”

I began to blush heavily.

“Well, to be honest, it was one of the better nights of sleep I’ve had in a while”

Applejack hopped out of bed and began to stretch her legs a bit.

“How’s your head feelin’?”

“It’s better” as I gently rubbed my small wound where Aj put that cream on

“Good to hear” Aj went over to her small dresser, pulled on one of the drawers, pulled out a hair tie, and set it on top of the dresser.

She took a brush that was also on the dresser and began brushing her mane to make it less frizzy. I watched as she brushed her long-flowing mane to make it more normal like it always does. After she was done brushing she tied the bottom into a ponytail. Her tail was another story though, she took the brush into her mouth and walked over to me as she sat on the bed next to me.

“You feel like brushin’ my tail for me?” she said with the brush still in her mouth.

“Um sure I guess,” I said blushing a little bit.

She dropped the brush onto the bed, and I picked it up. She lay down with her tail pointed at me. I took her tail in my hand gently brushing it trying not to tug on it too hard and I gently began to brush out her frizzy tail.

“You’re pretty good at this partner’ Are you sure you’re not some sorta a hairstylist?”

“Not that I know of” I brushed a bit more until it looked smooth

Applejack wisped her tail back towards her and she put a hair tie on it.

“Thanks, sugar cube would’ve taken a while if I did it by myself”

“No Problem”

“Come on now let’s get you out of bed,” she said as she began pulling the covers off.

Luckily I was still wearing my clothes from yesterday though they were a bit wrinkled and messy. I moved off the bed and stood on her cold wooden floor. I did my best to rub out the wrinkles and get some of the dirt and grime off as much as possible. I looked somewhat presentable as Aj giggled a bit.

“Sorry, I figured you would’ve wanted your clothes on when I put you to bed last night”

“Naw, it’s okay, wait a minute how did you get me up the stairs I don’t remember?”

“Oh yeah you were lookin’ pretty tired after a while, probably due to your head, so I helped you up the stairs and you just done plopped down on my bed and passed out”

I scratched my head a bit cause I honestly had no recollection.

“Well, if that’s what happened I ain’t gonna argue, I half expected that you dragged me or lifted me”

Aj did laugh

“Well, I did a little dragging but to be honest you ain’t too heavy”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Oh, you know I'm just teasing, come on now there’s breakfast downstairs” Aj went over to the door “You coming?”

I followed Aj downstairs to the kitchen where Granny Smith, Big Mac, and Applebloom were all sitting at the table with a big ol stack of pancakes. I felt slightly awkward as they stared at me as I sat beside Aj. Aj could see what was going on.

“Alright, yall nothing happened last night okay”

They all kind of looked at each other and began eating.

“You say nothing happened, so what did happen?” Big Mac asked

I turn to look at him “Wait, you can talk?”

“Eeyup”

“Huh you learn something new every day”

“Nothing Big Mac he was plum tuckered out, so he fell asleep, in my bed, with me”

“Well as long as that’s all you were doing” as Big Mac glared at me

A plate was given to me by AJ, I grabbed a few pancakes and placed them on my plate. They were pretty good and tasted like Cinnamon and Apples.

“Did you put cinnamon applesauce in the pancakes?”

They all look at me with shock.

“Well, I’ll be darned, he done guessed it on the first try,” Granny said

"Most ponies just assume I put mushed-up apples and cinnamon in the hotcakes, but you got a good mouth there son”

“Uh, thanks”

“Wow I bet you could taste all sorts of things just from eaten’-em”

“Well, I have eaten a lot of food”

After a somewhat awkward breakfast, I helped clean up by doing the dishes.

“I appreciate the help sugar cube; you didn’t have to do all this and that from yesterday”

“I just wanted to help and to you know, see how you were doing”

“Well, that’s mighty kind of ya”

“If you need any help today I might be able to”

“Huh starting to sound like Rarity being generous with all this helping around, But if you gonna help you might wanna get some work clothes”

I took a good look at my current outfit and realized that my suit might not be the best option.

“Speaking of Rarity I might have to see her about my outfit for the Galla”

“Oh, that’s right I gotta pick mine up from Rarity before we go, thanks for Reminding me, why don’t we go there together?”

Aj tilted her hat as she headed out the door with me close behind. We walked down the dirt roads into Ponyville. As we walked I was getting noticed by some of the townsfolk. They probably think that I'm dating Applejack or something. I did get a little embarrassed and blushed a little

“You alright Mel?” she said as she looked behind her.

“Everypony is staring at us”

“Oh, I see let’s just get to Rarity’s then”

Aj and I quickly made our way to the Carousel Boutique. As we entered the door made a jingle as Rarity called out to us.

“Just a moment” After a few seconds Rarity came out wearing red-rimmed glasses and had measuring tape around her neck.

“Oh, hello I didn’t expect the both of you here, at the same time”

As she looked at the both of us with a grin

“Are you two….”

“No Rarity, Mel hurt himself and I was just taking care of him”

“Oh my, what on earth happened?”

“A branch fell on my head” as I show her my covered wound.

“Oh, Darling you must be more careful”

“Well, I just came by to pick up my dress,” Applejack said

“Oh yes, I have it right here” as she used her magic to lift the box containing Aj’s dress.

“Thanks, Rarity but Mel here-” as Aj nudged me

“Oh yes I was hoping to get a suit made for the Galla, I know you must be super busy with making the girls theirs in all”

“Oh, darling of course I can come follow me”

Rarity turned to her workshop.

“Well, I guess I’ll see you at the Galla then Aj”

“Me too, take care now” As AJ left I walked into Rarity’s Workshop.

Her workspace was filled with rows of thread, ribbons, and rolls of fabric, pony mannequins, and a sewing machine.

“Nice setup”

“Thank you dear now let me get you measured” as she used her magic on the tape around her neck.

“Hold out your arms for me”

I held out my arms like I was t-posing as Rarity took my measurements.

“Hm, uh-huh, okay, got it” The tape flew back and was placed on the table.

“I’m glad to be making this for you darling I’ve always wanted to make human clothes for a while and now I have the perfect model, I've made jackets for those attending the Gala, but I've never made trousers before”

“Well, there’s always a first time for everything eh”

“Oh yes, indeed would you like it to be for day or night?”

“Night since the Galla is in the late afternoon and will continue into the night”

“Okay, and what style would you prefer?”

“Um not sure something original I suppose my knowledge of suits is rather limited”

“Hm, I think I have an idea of a style that I know you’ll like, know how many buttons for the jacket?”

“I’ll go with two I know three is also an option”

“Of course, and what about the trousers I could tapper them for you if you’d like?”

“Sure”

“How about the lining, I can do light, so it won’t be too hot for you I have this fabric that’s perfect for cool nights”

“Sounds lovely”

“Alright I think I've got everything down and I’ll have it done for you just in time for the Gala”

“Thank you so much Rarity, I believe the Government will compensate you for your troubles”

“Oh, Darling you know I can’t accept money from you and besides you being my model works out perfectly for me anyway”

Rarity began working on measuring and cutting out patterns of fabric. She used her magic to levitate them up to me to make sure they were correct and to adjust accordingly.

“So, you were with Applejack yesterday?”

“Uh yes I was”

“What were your intentions?”

“I wasn’t busy and wondered if she needed help”

“Ah, I see you helped her?”

“With her chores that is and that’s when the branch fell on my head”

“Pardon me darling but, why did you?”

“Well, I was checking on here since the hotel fight and all”

“Oh yes that, even though I don’t remember exactly what happened it must have been traumatic for you as well”

“A little bit but being with you guys gives me something to take my mind off it”

“Well, Equestria does have its magic I suppose”

“Rarity can I tell you something?”

“Of course, darling”

“But like something like super-secret, like something that only me, you, and maybe Luna know as of right now”

“Absolutely”

“I may have a tiny little itsy-bitsy crush, on Applejack”

Rarity’s face just dropped “Oh my”

“Yeah I know it’s weird and different, but there’s just something about her that I like ya know?”

Rarity gave me a look to insinuate that she was very interested.

“I mean she’s strong, honest, hardworking, dependable, and her flowing blonde mane and those green, emerald eyes she’s just…. (ahem) looks beautiful to me”. I said blushing

“I understand darling and don’t worry your secret is safe with me”

She gave me a wink as she went back to her work.

After a few hours of cutting and measuring Rarity had gotten the pieces ready for sewing.

“Thank you again for modeling for me dear”

Just then I heard I knock at the door, and Rarity tilted her head in that direction.

“Who could that be?”

“Wait here I’ll be right back”

I walked up to the door and opened it, and the sergeant was standing present.

“Sir you didn’t make it back last night and several (ahem) ponies saw you coming in here with that orange pony”

“Her name is Applejack, and I was at her farm helping when I got tired, and I fell asleep there”

The sergeant gave me a look like every pony else.

“Well, when you’re done here the president would like to see you, my men and I will be waiting at the Gate when you're ready”

“Thanks for the heads-up sergeant”

He gave me a salute as he headed back to his men. I closed the door as I made my way back to Rarity.

“Is everything okay darling?”

“Yeah the Sargent was just wondering where I was last night, also the President wants to see me again”

“Oh, whatever for?”

“Not sure the Sarge didn’t say, I hope I'm not in trouble I haven’t done anything wrong I don’t think”

All this paranoia was rushing through my head I started getting anxious.

“Oh, darling please I'm sure whatever it is I'm sure you’re going to be fine”

“I don’t know, you don’t know what it’s like working for the President the man runs a country and can order people to do whatever”

The thought started to weigh on my mind and I started having flashbacks from the first assassination and the raid at the hotel. I plopped down on Rarity’s sofa and started to hyperventilate when Rarity rushed over and put her hooves around me to calm me down.

“It’s okay darling I’m here shhhhhh” she began rubbing my head as it helped control my breathing. After a few minutes, I calmed down as we both looked at each other.

“It seems you’re under a lot of stress dear and I am going to make you less stressed, follow me please”

Rarity got up and I followed her to one of her changing rooms. Rarity went up to a big wooden dresser and pulled out a couple of robes. She walked back over to me and handed me one.

“Please get changed and come out when you’re ready”

I did what I was told, I took my suit off and changed into the very soft, plush robe that she handed me. I was confused as to what she had planned but I just went with it. I came out with the robe on and saw Rarity had hers on.

“Alright let me just put my mane up and I’ll light a few candles”

Rarity used a scrunchy to put her mane up using her magic, after that she took out some matches and began lighting candles and placing them around the room. The fragrance smelled of lilacs and lavender which made me feel at peace.

“Okay now that the atmosphere is set up we can begin”

“With?”

“For your spa treatment of course. Whenever I get overwhelmed and stressed I find a spa treatment works wonders for me. It helps me reset and be more focused so I'm giving you one today”

“That’s very nice Rarity but doesn’t the spa have a sauna and everything”

“You’re quite right but you need treatment regardless of a sauna”

Rarity went into the kitchen and came back with a pitcher and a bowl. She poured warm water into the bowl and waved for me to come sit down.

“Now I'm going to drape this towel over you and the bowl, that way the steam gets trapped inside and helps open up your pores”

“Just like a sauna!” I said

Rarity nodded as she draped the towel over me. The steam filled my face and felt rather nice. I could feel my nostrils clearing up and my face getting damp.

“Feel free to come out it gets too much for you”

After a few minutes, I pulled the towel off of me as my face felt good.

“Alright now it’s time for the mask” Rarity levitated a bunch over to me and let me pick one.

“I’ll take Hydrating Amethyst”

“Good choice”

Rarity walked over to a lounge chair and had me lie down as she applied the mask. She grabbed a silicone brush and dipped it into the cream and began smoothing it on my face evenly. She put the cream and brush off to the side after covering my face. She then put cucumber slices on my eyes to help with puffiness and the bags.

“There we go, now wait here for just a moment I'm going to apply a mask of my own, just sit back and relax”

Rarity grabbed the cream and brush and went into the bathroom to apply some to her face. After resting for a while I could hear the sink and thought she must be washing her face before applying and after a few minutes, she came back out.

“Alright now let me remove your mask, it can irritate the skin if left on for too long” Rarity grabbed a damp wash cloth and began gently wiping it off my face in one direction and patted it down to dry.

“There, you look amazing darling now I'm going to use this facial serum and smooth it onto your skin with this rose quartz roller”

Rarity dropped the serum on my face with the eye dropper and began smoothing it into my face with the roller. It felt nice having the smooth quarts roll across my face coupled with the serum.

“Now I'm going to use this aloe vera face spray to rejuvenate your complexion”

She gave my face a few spritzes of the spray, and I could feel my face tingle a little bit.

“I feel like I've done enough to your face for now, would you like your nails done?”

“Okay as long as you don’t paint them”

“Oh of course, here place your hands into this warm bowl to let them soak”

Rarity dumped out the old water and filled it with warm water again as I dunked my hand into it. Rarity then went to grab some things from the bathroom. She came back with some nail grooming stuff.

“You can take them out now”

I took my hands out of the water and dried them off with a towel. Rarity took my hand in her hoof and began filing them down. She then used a tiny plastic pick to scrap all of the ick under my nails.

“There we go your hands look much better now”

I looked at them and she did a very good job.

“How about some lotion I have this stress-reducing lotion that would be perfect”

Rarity grabbed a small jar applied some to my hands and began rubbing it in thoroughly.

“Ah now don’t your hands feel nice”

They did feel nice and smooth as I rubbed my hands together.

“Now do you feel more relaxed now darling?”

“I do, thank you so much Rarity”

“The pleasure is all mine”

I then heard a small ding coming from the back.

“Oh, your clothes must be done wait here”

Rarity went into the back to grab them; she came back with my outfit all clean and fresh.

“Here you go” as she levitated over to me.

“If you'd like to change now I don’t mind”

I nodded as I went into the changing room and put my suit on, it was nice and warm from getting out of the dryer. It felt smooth again after she ironed it down. She even cleaned my shoes for me. I walked out looking sharp as ever as I rejoined her.

“Say, would you like some tea; I also have some biscuits too?”

“Sure, all this relaxation has gotten me a little hungry”

“Oh, I also have some sandwiches as well”

“That sounds wonderful”

Rarity and I went into her lounge area, I sat down on the couch as Rarity went into the kitchen. I could hear her getting everything she needed ready and a few minutes later she came out with a tray of tea, cups, biscuits, and some sandwiches.

“Voila my favorite blend of tea, and some cucumber sandwiches as well as some biscuits”

“Oooh I don’t think I've ever had a cucumber sandwich before”

“Give one a try darling”

I picked one up and took a bite.

“mmm is that humus?”

“Indeed, I had no idea you had such a refined pallet”

“I’ve eaten a lot in my time”

We continued to drink tea and food together as the sun was getting low.

“Oh my, time does fly when you’re enjoying yourself”

“Yeah the Sargent’s probably worried”

I sat up and brushed my pants.

“Well thank you Rarity for your time”

“Your welcome dear, I'm glad I was able to help you relax before your big meeting”

“Until next time” I gave Rarity a small bow as I made my way to the door.

I walked down the road towards the gate and saw the Sargent waiting like he said

“Sir you look better”

“Yes sir I feel a little better shall we go?”

He nodded as he got into the driver’s side, and I got into the passenger side. We drove through the gate and back to my world. We made it through and saw the major waiting for me. I jumped out and went to greet him.

“Major”

“Mel good to see you so-” he gave me a weird look.

“Oh, I got a spa treatment from a friend of mine”

“I see well the president is waiting for you in my office” The Major turned and started walking as I followed close behind. Even though I was relaxed the thought of what was coming crept into the back of my head. The Major opened the door and inside sitting at the Major’s desk was the president himself. Now I'm starting to panic since up until now I've always communicated with him over the computer. I could only imagine what he was doing here personally.

“Mel come in sit down,” he said

Nervously I sat down in front of him.

“Am I in trouble?”

“No of course not, the reason I'm here is that I have an important task for you to handle, whatever happens in this room is confidential, no one knows about it understand?”

“Yes sir”

“Good, let me get straight to the point we need you to collect DNA from those ponies beyond the gate”

I was completely dumbfounded when he said that.

“Excuse me?”

“We need DNA from the ponies beyond the gate preferably blood samples and we need you to do it”

“But why?”

“I’m afraid that’s classified above your pay grade son”

The idea of this began rushing through my head as to why

“The only reason why you would need DNA is either you plan on making ponies to send over there to spy on them or you create some sort of countermeasure in case they decide to invade tell me I'm wrong”

“Like I said it's classified which means you can’t tell anyone about this and to make sure you don’t the Sargent will be with you at all times to make sure”

“And if I say no?”

“Then we’ll fire you and find someone else to do it”

“Do you think Celestia is going to be okay with that I’m the only one she trusts”

“Exactly all you gotta do is grab some DNA and bring it back no one has to know”

This whole thing just makes me sick to my stomach. On one hand, I betray the ponies that I’ve come to know and never see them again, or lose everything and never see them again regardless.

“Fine!”

“Very good why don’t you get some rest the Gala is coming up and you need to look presentable”

I got up out of my chair and walked out the door. I began getting furious and started swearing as the major walked over to me.

“Look son I know you care about those ponies, but you have a job to do”

“Betraying an entire race of beings just because were afraid of them was not part of the job description!”

“Look they have an entire world full of resources”

“Yeah cause that’s what it all comes down to right, fucking money”

The major dipped his head in distress.

“Look why don’t you sleep on it, maybe your dreams will be more pleasant,” he said as he gave me a nod as he headed back into his office.

I walked to the barracks with the sergeant following close behind me. We walked into the bunk area, and I took my shoes off and laid down on a bunk. I looked and saw the sergeant staring at me as I rolled over to my side. I wasn’t sure what the Major meant and just as I was about to close my eyes I began to drift off into sleep.

What do I do, betray the ponies or betray the government?