An Outcast's Realistic Perspective

While standing in the forests edge I look onward at the port, some typical buildings that are used for storage and the two ships that are docked there. I can see moving shapes of ponies and gryphon’s working by moving crates and barrels. There is clear path through the pastures for me to walk from the forest all the way there without actually going into the city. The pastures were exposed without any trees or covers for me to use. I already know that I can’t avoid being seen, but at least I can more or less hide what I am. Covering my face using my scarf and sunglasses to hide my face completely, I put on my jacket with the hood on and slowly start walking forward.

I am too far away to be noticed, so can think about what I can do and say to gain passage on a ship. I have no doubt that my appearance would be suspicious if not frightening. Anyone in their right mind would be careful around a stranger covered in clothes, looking like he went through hell with a bow, some arrows and a sword. Not to mention that I am technically an alien to them. The ponies that I first met were not really scared as they were more curious and cautious. Most staid a safe distance away from me while some actually ran in to their homes. I can’t really blame them for their reactions, after all to them I was a tall unknown being. By human standards I was not frightening or imposing in any way. My height is five feet and seven inches, everyone in my family look younger. So people sometimes confuse me for different ages. Last time I was mistaken for between a sixteen and twenty year old. My voice tone makes me sound young, so sometimes I slightly deepen my voice to make myself sound older to make some people take me seriously. I may not look like much, but I can definitely take care of myself in a fight.

Regardless of my appearance, I am covered enough for those who see me to possibly confuse me for some other species. My hands are not as long as that of the diamond dogs, I don’t walk hunched forward, I don’t have any fur and nor do I have a snout. Or at least that’s how I think they look based from what I have seen in the cartoon. Everything else seems to look exactly like from the show so maybe the diamond dogs would look the same her too. Besides a minotaur, I don’t know of any other bipedal sentient species. Still, I won’t be able to fool anyone for long if at all. As long as I don’t make any trouble or gain any unwanted attention than maybe I can get a ride on one of the ships. I just hope that they don’t act upon first impressions and call out some guards or I am going to have to run, hide and or possibly fight.

Some strands of my long hair stick out of the hood and flow in the air. Having long hair makes it hard to deal with it when there is a wind going. When I first woke up in this world I only had one hair rubber band on me. It broke in three weeks after constant retying whenever my hair slips out or the band gets slack. I can’t tie my hair using anything else as it always gets untied later. And I don’t like to make my hair into a braid as it gets uncomfortable whenever I try to sleep. I hate cutting my hair so I left it how it is, flowing in the air and sometimes getting in to my eyes and face. I can only imagine how I look with those loose strands of hair flowing out of the hood.

I notice how the grassy ground is slowly replaced by dirt and eventually by concrete as I get closer to one of the storage buildings. The buildings are about two or three floors high, each was the same grayish white color with brown roofs and they were all in a row with the entrances facing the sea. They are in a line that leads all the way to the city. Around them were small houses, exactly what you would expect to find near a port. I can make out places that look like small inns, bars and health clinics. There were alleys between each building that were occupied by various crates, garbage cans and trash. I took the more straight forward direction that would let me get to a ship faster, but leaves me more visible for anyone to see. I could have gone to one of the ships at night and be less seen, however I really want to get out of here and I doubt my appearance would be any more welcoming at night than it would be at day time.

The first one to notice me was brown unicorn near the edge of the dock. By the facial characteristics and physical build I could tell that it was a he. He was near some crates and appeared to be in the process of moving them when he noticed me. I can’t really tell what that look is called, the one where their eyes are open but not comically wide and the mouth is just closed. It was neutral with no indication of any emotion, like you would see on an observer. I kept my eyes focused on the ship and let my peripheral vision look at my surroundings. Some other ponies and griffon’s begin to take notice of me as I get closer to the ship. The feeling that I have right now can be best compared to that of someone being lost in a foreign city and surrounded by strangers who did not speak the same language or that of being a little kid and being separated from your family in a big place like Manhattan. The fact that I am being watched by everyone (or everything to be more precise) doesn’t make me feel any better if not worse. I remember kindergarten, when I was in a play and had to recite lines for a large crowd. This was a European kindergarten so the crowds were as large as the ones you would see in a high school graduation. Some kids were fine, some cried and some pissed themselves on the stage. I was one of those who were able to get through it with stuttering and mistakes. The feeling of being seen and judged by others is almost the same right now. Except that these weren’t people in the human sense. They were cartoon characters, drawings that I could just dismiss in my head as not real and not care for whatever looks I get. So the effect was more of me having paranoia and being ready for almost anything. Obviously I was nervous, however I kept my cool as I walk up to one of the ship’s entrance.

No one stopped me as I walked up the sturdy flat plank going up to the ship with knotted rails on both sides of it for support. On the top near the entrance there was an earth pony sitting at a small table and reading a magazine of some kind. The pony was a male with a dark green coat and a yellow mane. He kept reading his magazine (probably this world’s version of playboy) without noticing me as I walked up to him. No point in dragging this out.

“Excuse me. Where can I find the captain of this ship?”

“He’s not here. He’ll be back later. ” He spoke with an accent that I can’t really identify but I definitely heard it back on earth. He didn’t even look up at me as he said it. It does make asking questions easier if he is not freaking out on me.

“When will this ship set sail?”

“Two days tomorrow, we’re having time off” Again he answers without looking up at me.

I really don’t want to spend any more time here then I have to, two days would be too much. Maybe the other ship will be leaving sooner. I turn around and start walking back.

“Thank you for your time.”

“You’re well…come… ” How stereotypical, the pause in between a word to express shock. This is like the biggest cliché in every kind of show. I keep walking down without changing my pace and turn left as I leave the ship. Without looking up I can see in my peripheral that the pony was looking down at me confused before shaking his head rapidly before turning back to his magazine. At least the responses are as typical as the situation, the guy will most likely mention what happened it to a buddy or the captain.

As I walk to the next ship, the glances in my direction followed. There were more griffons near the next ship with only one pony lifting a crate and going to the nearest storage building. The looks they give me resemble that of curiosity. As I pass some crates and come up to the plank, I again start walking up the plank entrance to the ship. At the top near the entrance edge I see that there is a griffon standing up with his claws over the wooden rail looking at me. Looking and comparing the griffons that I have seen in this world and from the show I find that distinguishing genders is rather easy. The males have bigger beaks, slightly bulkier builds than the females and the animation style makes it easy to distinguish gender facial characteristics. I stop near the entrance and I notice that I was taller but that is probably because he was leaning on the rail, he lifted his head to look at me. I look him in the eyes and start to talk.

“I am looking for the captain of this ship. Is he here?”

The griffin is looking at me with wide eyes as though he did not expect me to talk. His eyes quickly looked over me and stopped at my bow and sword, his irises turned to pinpricks. Oh great, beginning signs of a freak out. Having weapons on me may not be a good idea when trying to communicate in a peaceful manner. However, I am not going into some situation that I don’t even know how it will end up without some means of defense. That and I am seriously paranoid right now. The griffin blinked once before opening his mouth.

“Uhmm yes…Yes! He’s here. What do you want?” He responded first in a surprised manner and then tried to make himself sound tough. His voice told me that he was maybe around my age and that he was really nervous. I can’t have the guy freak out on me now, not when this could be my best chance out of here.

“I would like to talk to him.”

“About what?” He asked too quickly, probably so curious that he forgot to whom (or rather what) he is talking to. I can’t waste time in dealing with him.

“That does not concern you. Lead me to him… would you kindly?” I made my tone of voice deeper to make me sound irritated and less patient but not aggressive. I really can’t afford to fuck anything up.

“Oh, uhm ok. F-follow me.” His eyes slightly widened with a nervous look. He took his claws off the rail and put them on the floor, now standing on all fours. He turned and motioned for me to follow him.

Some of the griffon’s further away on the deck were looking at the scene with curious expressions, I made sure to keep them in my line of sight in case shit goes down. As we were going to the ships cabin, I notice just how different this ship really is. It was relatively longer and taller than the regular old fashion ships. It was dark brown and made out of wood with metal pieces on the sides and some on the inside, logic says this thing should be sinking due to the weight alone. The deck seemed longer than that of regular ships and its sail masts looked like they can be retracted inside the ship. There was a sharp outline on the deck floor with hinges next to the rails that tell me that it can open outward like some door or something. There were some pipes leading from the floor near the walls and rails with what looked like clockwork mechanical peaces sticking out near some corners. Not very practical to have moving peaces exposed, it’s as if it made to look like something out of a fantasy. Oh that’s right I forgot where I was, so logic and practicality be damned.

As we got closer to the cabin door I noticed the steering wheel on top. Near it were three levers sticking out of the floor. One of them was probably to open that big hatch on the deck and the others something else that I don’t know. The gryphon leading me opened the cabin’s door and walked in with me after him. We were in a short corridor with three doors in respective sides and a staircase that was on the side that lead down. We went to the last door facing the entrance, it was light red while the other doors were the same brown color as the ship. The griff knocked on the door three times.

“Come in.” The voice was calm with a hint of authority in the tone.

“Sir, there’s some… thing here that wants to talk to you.” The griff said as he opened the door.

The room was like what you would expect the captain’s room to look like, the same thing like what they showed in the pyrite movies (except there is no dark gloomy atmosphere and everything is a god damned drawing). It was a big room with it has dark yellow wallpaper that has some designed patterns, a dark red carpet that covered the whole room and a giant window at the opposite wall facing the door. The entire left wall of the room was occupied by filing cabinets while the other side had what looked like a liquor cabinet near the window, some large plant next to it and a closed door (most likely the private quarters.) In the center there are some simple looking chairs for guests and a big table facing the door. At the table there is a seated griffon that was looking over a pile of papers that covered the entire surface with a quill in his right claw. The griffon was a light shade of grey, yellow eyes and had his head feathers styled back like it was hair. Seriously, how the hell do they do that?

“What?” The gryphon asked as he looked up. He looked right at me and his eyes widened in shock and then confusion. Those looks are seriously starting to get annoying, well at least it is not fear on his face. He then turned to the griff next to me.

“This… I don’t know what, wanted to talk to you sir.” The captain looked from the guy and then back to me again. His eyes looked me over and rested on the bow across my shoulder and then at the sword at my left side. This might get ugly soon.

“Alright, I am Gazer the captain of the Blue Wing. What is your business?” He regained his composure and had a serious look about him.

Gazer? Blue Wing? Wow this is not even funny, it is really sad how this world is lacking any originality. Gazer is a name you would give to a peeping tom, hell at this rate I am willing to bet that there is a name like peeping tom out there somewhere in this world. Blue Wing, the ship is brown and the color blue is way overused in expressing something to do with the ocean. I was almost thinking that he would have a stereotypical nautical accent.

“I would like to discuss something if you have the time sir.” I usually go by the rule of respect being earned and not given. However seeing as how I don’t have many options, showing some respect for the guy that can get me out of here is a good idea.

“I have some time, what is it?”

“In private If possible.” I turned my head to the guy that lead me.

The captain nodded his head to the guy and the griffin turned away looking at me until the door closed.

“Now what did you want to talk about?”

“I would like to have passage on your ship out of Equestria.” This caused a raised eyebrow.

“This is a trading ship, not a passenger cruise liner. There are other ships that you can buy a ticket for cheap here.”

“I don’t have any money to spend. I want to work in exchange for my trip.” Gazer has a look of surprise on his face. Granted it is not my best plan, but is the best one I have got. I can’t get any money unless I go to a city or some populated area without the risk of being found or caught. Working for my keep on the ship is all I could offer. My possessions are worthless for selling to anyone and are only useful to me.

“Look I can’t hire you. I have no money left in the budget to hire another worker and-“

“You misunderstand me. I do not want you to hire me, I want to leave Equestria on your ship while I work on it as payment. You give me passage and I work for you, for free.” Was I not clear or did he not get the offer?

“But working for nothing isn’t fair for you. I can’t just let you work for me and not get paid, the unions would have my tail feather for it.” What the fuck is this guy talking about? He could make work the hardest through the whole time that I would be on this ship and all he cares is that it would be unfair for me? Fine, whatever just get me out of here.

“Sir, I find it very fair. I don’t really need money and all I want is to travel with you out of here. I don’t need any lodging and I don’t eat that much. As far as you getting into trouble with unions, I won’t talk and you don’t have to say anything.”

“It don’t feel right. I would be taking advantage of you and it just wrong.”

“It is not wrong. You would be helping me out here and I would be repaying my debt.” Now a little well placed hint of desperation in my voice. “I have no one else to turn to.”

“Well…Oh fine. Ok, you can travel with us.” Huh, that was easier than I thought it would be. “Wait, do you even know where this ship is going?” Captain Gazer started opening the table drawers and pulling out a small sheet of paper.

“Honestly, anywhere is fine with me as long as it is not in Equestria. When are we sailing?” He began to write something down with the quill still in his claw.

“We are setting sail to Avias city tonight” Was that a bird pun?

Alright! I get to leave this shit hole tonight! How convenient, a little too convenient. My paranoia is starting to act up again.

“That is fine with me.” He finished writing and then looked up at me.

“What is your name?”

When I first came to Ponyville, the ponies have found my name to be strange and weird. My name is not all that common and I only gave them my first name and I can imagine the whole alien thing going if they knew my last name. I find it funny that they think my name is weird because their names are just two regular words put together in an unoriginal manner. Was I the only one who noticed this? Did their parents just wake up one day and decide to name their child Twilight Sparkle or Rainbow Dash or some other shit? Applejack, Big Mac, Granny Smith and Pony Joe have regular names in there and nobody seems to either notice or care. Even Zecora (a rather good name in my opinion) had thought my name to be too different to not be noticed. With the princess and all of Ponyville knowing my real name I can’t use it without the risk if it being somehow heard by any of them. The chances of my name somehow reaching them are small, but I am too paranoid to let even a small chance screw up my plans. So any name I pick I would have to change it later when I go to any other place that has not seen or heard of me. I would have to use some made up name or alias. That was something I thought through the whole first week when I left. I could use any cool anime name or something from an awesome video game. But then I would feel like a douchebag because that is what anyone else would do in this situation. Seriously, everyone would pick a name that sounds cool (technically I can do that because there is nobody around to judge me for it). Although because most of the cool names would probably also be strange for this world, I would have to use either simple names or my imagination. I came up with a list of some really awesome ones, but I kind of don’t want waist one for a freaking trip.

“My name is … Traveler” Ugh I suck, whatever. This is a onetime use anyway so who cares if this name sounds like someone made it up on the spot (which I technically did.)

“…That’s not a real name” Oh here we go.

“Says who Captain GAZER?” He lifted one finger/claw and opened his mouth like he was about to talk. Only he didn’t and now he has a look like he is thinking.

“Ok fine, fair enough” He shrugged and wrote something down on the paper again. Then he handed it to me. “Keep this with you, it’s your working paper and it will allow you to come back onto the ship if you get off of it.” Working paper? Must be this world’s version of a permit or document and why would I want to get off the ship? Unless he wants me to carry crates or some other work that would require me to get off the ship.

“Also you can’t bring your weapons aboard this ship.” Now I have a problem. I can live without the bow, but I need the sword. Zecora said that there still is some form of conflict in this world. There is no way in hell that I would go anywhere on this freaking toon world without a weapon. I have my knives but those can only go so far.

“I need my weapons.”

“I can’t have weapons on my ship. Why would you even need weapons these days?”

“These weapons have kept me alive for the past two weeks. I will need them for where I am going if I am to survive.” Half truths for both, but the captain doesn’t need to know that. Honestly, I don’t know what is out there. Maybe I will need it and maybe I won’t. I would rather not need it and have it then need it and not have it.

“You needed weapons in THE safest kingdom of the entire world?” The captain had one raised eyebrow as he asked. “I find that rather hard to believe. I know that there’s some places that need you to have a weapon to protect yourself, but not where we’re going."

“Sir, I only need my sword. It is important to me.” I was having a hard time keeping my voice in the same tone. The Captain looked like he was thinking hard again.

“Ughhh. I will allow ONLY the sword, but it has to stay hidden with me the whole time until we reach Avias. Is that clear?” Wow, two in a row. I am on winning streak today.

“Yes sir, thank you.” I untied the sword from my belt and handed it carefully to him. The sheath made out of cockatrice hide and the old rusting hilt made the sword look less of a weapon and more of an antique.

The captain looked it over before taking a dark green sheet of fabric from underneath the table (why does he have fabric underneath his table, did he prepare for this or something?) and carefully wrapping the sword around it before leaning it on the right side of the table.

“Ok, now that that’s out of the way. You should go and get a shower, because frankly ‘sniff’ you smell bad.” Ok he got me there, I can’t even blame him. After not bathing or changing my clothes for so long, I reek.

“Where would I go for that?” Taking a bath in the pear does not sound appealing to me in any way. I have at least some dignity left.

“There’s a bath house near here that you can go to.”

“I have no money if you can recall.” How the hell do you forget something important like that when it was said less than a minute ago?

The captain went through one drawer again, taking out a small red bag and then tossing it to me. I already had an idea what was inside, when I caught it and heard and sound it made it was confirmed. This guy just gave me a small bag of money or bits as they call them here.

“Sir, I can’t take this. It’s-“

“I can’t have you working here and smelling like that for the whole trip. Besides, it’s spending change and it’s the least I can give you for not getting paid.” Well I really do need a bath and if this guy is paying then why not.

“Alright, however I do not know where the bath house is.” This is weird. Things are going for my benefit a little too easy.

“Ask the one that lead you here to walk with you. Show him the paper so he knows you’re with us.” And with that he went back to his papers.

“Thank you. I will see you later than, sir.” He nodded his head without looking up as I turned to the door.

Leaving the cabin, I see the griffin that I first met leaning on the same spot as before. He does not hear me as I walk up to him.

“Excuse me.” The griff flinched before turning around to face me. I took out the paper and handed it to him. He looked it over it before facing me with an uncertain look on his face.

“So you’re going to be working with us then huh?” He didn’t sound as nervous as before, but he was still visibly not used to me. He handed me the paper back and I pocketed it.

“Yes, the captain said I should ask you to walk me to the bath house near here.”

“ ‘Sigh’ Let’s go” He said as he got down on all fours again and turned to the entrance.

“Hold on.” I took of the bow and snapped it with my leg in half. The sound made the griff turn to me quickly with a surprised expression. I untied the fishing line from both ends quickly and put it in my pocket. I took out my remaining arrows along the two pieces of the broken bow and threw them over the ships edge in to the water. I put my hands in my pockets and turn to the griff. “Ok, let’s go.”

The griff still had the dumb look on his face before he shrugged and stared walking down the entrance. I followed him down unto the pear and into the street. I couldn’t tell the time but I could guess that it was probably around one. There were some ponies and griffins both on the street and in the air. I am glad that the street was not as full as it was in Ponyville. If those ponies had not made some space for me to walk I would have had to push through them. For a small town they were really packed, although when I walked through it the first time I realized that it was way bigger than the show made it out to be with those cut scenes.

Some of the residents were looking at me as I walked through the street. I have noticed that the looks were of curiosity and not of caution or fear, probably because they can’t see my face. The bag of bits the captain gave me had weighted down my left pocket slightly. As far as I know this whole world use coins as their currency, it is like the old child view of how money works in the world. The ponies and probably every other sentient creature would think that humans are insane if they find out that our currency was paper printed bills. The paper bills were supposed to represent their value in gold so that we didn’t have to carry all of it and that the exchange of it would be easier. But you can’t even use gold as currency in modern day. Nobody goes to the supermarket and hands in pure gold when they try to buy something. Then there are credit cards that basically use money transfer as a means of purchase and payment. I can see why this would seem stupid in some way, but I guess that is what happens when society advances. In the future paper bills will most likely be out of circulation permanently and it will all be done electronically like now.

Here things seem to cost less or maybe more now when I think about it. The episodes where Applejack was selling an apple for like three bits seem way too high. If it were per weight or something then it would be better. But there was the episode where Fluttershy went to the market to buy groceries and Pinkie was bargaining with the stand owner. Even the ponies are cheating assholes when it comes to money, big surprise. I have realized a long time ago that I will most likely never use any of this world’s money. What the hell would I even want to buy? This world is decades if not centuries behind on anything interesting to sell. Other than clothes, I don’t really have any major concern for money. Food I can hunt and scavenge in the wilderness, tools and weapons I can make (not very good ones but they can get the job done.)

The paper in my right pocket brushed my fingers as I walk, I haven’t even looked at it when the captain gave it to me. Taking it out and looking at it, I am not surprised that I can’t read it. Most of the words were written in a language that I never saw before. No wait, I did see something like this before. From the episode with the sisterhood social that had the flyer advertising the event. The symbols resemble letters, some even looked like Russian. Except that none of the letters or words were in Russian because then I could have read it. Some of the words on the paper were in English, but the letters were written either upside down or backwards like in that newspaper reporter episode. So it was a combination of words written in an unknown language with some English, which makes no fucking sense at all. The episode with the parasprites had a welcome banner for the bitch with sun tattoo on her ass written in English. Zecora had some books in her home that she let me read, it was the same issue. When I asked her about it she had no idea what I was talking about, it was as if she did not see any contradicting language or words in the book. Maybe it is something that only humans can notice, some kind of association or attempted translation into a language that I could understand. Same thing with the books that were in Zebrican, the language was visibly different from equestrian with only some letters that were in English. I tried to learn how to read equestrian, but Zecora had work and did not have much free time except in the evenings. Maybe latter I will ask someone to teach me.

“Soo… Traveler? Where do you come from?” So his curiosity perks up again with an attempt at conversation. I don’t feel like talking anymore after the longest exchange of words I had in the whole week.

“Far away lands that you have not heard of.” Technically that was not a lie.

“Oh, uhm what exactly are you? I-if you don’t mind me asking.” That last part was said rather quickly. Hesitant, probably doesn’t want to offend me.

“Dovahkiin.” Damn it! I never even got to play Skyrim. That just sucks. And now I feel like a douchebag for using that.

“Dova… kin? Never heard of you’re kind before.”

“Far away lands that you have not heard of.” I deadpanned.

“…right.”

We came to a stop near a white building that had an image of a bathtub etched into a wooden board and hanging to the side from the wall. The whole walk took about one minute and was really close to the ship. Walking inside a bell rang from the top of the door, I noticed that the interior was covered in tiles, a brown rug and a large counter on the left of the entrance. Behind the counter sits a single old looking dark blue unicorn mare. Her hair (or is it a mane? who cares) was red orange with streaks of grey hair to emphasize her age, it is styled back in a loose fashion almost like mine except my hair is longer. Her eyes were light brown with wrinkles forming around them. I can’t really tell cartoon ages but I would guess around forty or maybe more. She saw us come in and took noticed of me right away. She looked somewhat confused, but she shook her head rapidly and smiled up at us.

“Welcome to the Bath Wash Bay! How may I help you today?” That sounded like it was rehearsed. Her voice was light yet firm, like that of an old teacher who knows how to deal with children.

“I would like to take a shower.” Might as well get this over with it and I really do need a shower.

“ ‘sniff’ yea, you could sure use one.” Smartass griffin. He can’t see my face due to scarf and sunglasses, however if he could then he would see me giving him a rather annoyed look. (I know that I stink, I don’t need any more reminders.) Somehow he must have felt what I was thinking at the moment because he had a nervous look as he made the stereotypical gulp when someone thinks they got in trouble.

“I-I’m gonna go. I’ll see you later, bye!” He just ran off as if I was about hit him or something. Whatever, not like I need him anymore.

“Yes sir! Large wash rooms fit for any size! Here we provide with all your grooming needs! ” Well, I would like to shave and wash my hair.

“How much?”

“Payment is after the service sir.” It doesn’t really feel right with being called sir by someone who is probably twice as old as you. I guess here they bill you after so they know how much of their items you have used up. Cheap bastards.

“I want a shower, to wash my hair and a shave.” Now you know you know how much to bill me.

“Yes sir! Well we have a various selection of shampoos for your mane if that is what you meant. And we do have shaving razors.” Good to know that the hair and shaving issues are covered, but she still didn’t give me the price.

“How much for all of those services? I would like to know now so I would know if I will have enough to pay.” I can’t be anymore clearer than that.

“Oh! Yes of coarse sir. The price comes up to be six bits.” Back home I have been to some spas with an idea of how much something should cost. I can’t really compare prices from home to here because I don’t understand the money value, this is the first time I am actually spending something in this world. To me six bits seem like less than what I should pay, but I am not going to complain if it means spending less. Looking into the bag of coins I counted ten bits, enough to pay for the shower and maybe for something else. Now comes the next issue.

“Do you have a private shower? Something closed off?”

“Our showers come equipped with curtains for the privacy of everypony!” She said those words with such exclaiming pride that it makes me wonder if she is related to Trixie.

“That is good. How about a locker?” I have my backpack and clothes, my growing paranoia won’t let me leave them out of sight. That and I don’t trust anybody here.

“Yes sir! We have lockers for all you things!” Her enthusiasm made seem younger that she was. A world where everyone is happy, I find that hard to believe. The old pony was looking me over, paying attention to my clothes and scarf.

“Why do you wear so many clothes sir? They don’t seem like any kind of formal wear.” Her curiosity got to her, like everyone else probably. Here they only wear clothes on formal occasions, parties and their version of Halloween. I didn’t want to explain to anyone at Ponyville why I wear clothes when Rarity first enquired and Zecora was either too respectful to ask or she didn’t care.

“It doesn’t matter. I would like to get started.”

“Yes sir! The lockers are on the right of that hallway there and the wash rooms are on the left. Just place your things in a empty locker, close it and take the key. Here, let me show you!” She walked around the counter and waited for me to follow her.

Walking behind her I notice her cutie mark, it was a back scrubber. How the hell can someone have a talent for cleaning others? That to me seems like a shitty deal that life gave out. Nobody dreams of being janitors, trash collectors or cleaners. That is just the way life works, we need those people because nobody else is going to clean or take care of those things, but it doesn’t make it any easier. I would know. Back when I was still at home, I needed money so I took any job I could find. I ended up as cleaner at a small law firm office for once a week. I didn’t like it, I hated it and I know that nobody else would like that kind of work. However, here is different I suppose. They say that if you do what you love than you never really have to work. But just because you have a talent and end up doing it for a living doesn’t mean that you are happy with it.

We entered a large white locker room with no one it. I realized that this was the only room with lockers, which means that it is shared by both genders. It seemed like all the lockers were free. The ponies usually don’t carry any things around unless for shopping or some reason. The lockers were all colored dark grey, small, had top and bottom lockers and they were all about my height. I took the top closest one to the entrance. I took off my backpack and placed it inside. The mare was still there and seemed to be waiting for something. I reach over to my glasses and notice how she was looking attentively. She wanted to see what I really look like without my clothes hiding my features, probably no other living being that needs to wear full body clothing. Except now there is another good reason for me to keep covered other than decency.

I pulled back the hood, took off my sunglasses and unwrapped the scarf from my face. The old mare gasped and covered her mouth with her right hoof. When I look at my body or into a reflection, I see myself as always did. My body was real in the way I always perceived it with the same textures, colors and details that contradict the world that I am in right now. This world is plain like a drawing with solid colors, almost no details or sharp textures. I don’t know what the ponies see when they look at me, probably their own reality version of me. When they first saw me in Ponyville all those months ago they commented on my scratches and wounds. It seems that this world highlights my scars, makes them stand out even if it is a light scratch that you would have to look very closely to even notice. In my childhood I received many cuts and bruises, most kids do. My face has some permanent cuts and marks that really stood out to the ponies. I have light cross cut mark on my right cheek and a deep small horizontal on the left. Some cuts near my eyes from old fights have left me with some gashes. I caught a disease when I first arrived to New York. It ended with me losing some small pieces of flesh, two small holes in the center of my fore head just above the eyebrows and some various other scars. They were all small and barely noticeable, didn’t hurt my chances with girls in any way. In fact, a published psychology paper says that scars attract women due to an old part of the brain and survival instincts.

Acne was bitch when I was younger; it took me my whole junior year in high school to clear it up. Acne doesn’t go away so I have to clean my face regularly to keep it away. Zecoras plant extract as soap was alright, but I have not washed my face for some time now. Every single one of the slightest old cuts and scratches shows up, the old cuts on my lips, the old hot water burn on my chin, the massive abrasions on my cheeks. All of those old scars that nobody can’t see or even tell if they happened have all been highlighted in this world for the locals. They were not stupid and could tell that some of them were from fights, part of the reason why they were so cautious in the beginning. I don’t even want to think how they would react to the other parts of my body. Some scars never heal and those are the ones you can see clearly.

The old mare was staring with wide eyes as I take of my jacket. My arms were exposed due to my short sleeve shirt. Her eyes widened even more if that is possible. It was either the scars, the visible veins or the lack of fur that made her gasp again. I am done scaring the old girl.

“Can I have some towels? Large ones would be preferable” She still had that shocked look when she looked up and opened her mouth.

“Yes.” Her voice was raspy with a hint of fear. She walked off back to the entrance while I started taking of my shoes and socks.

She came back with two large towels on her back and a basket with some bottles in her mouth. I reached out and took the towels. She flinched when I outstretched my hand but relaxed when she realized I only took the towels. She put down the basket on the ground not too far from my feet.

“Now you know why I wanted a private shower room.” There is no point in pretending that I didn’t know why she was so shaken up. She looked up into my eyes and was even more frightened.

“What happened to you?” Her voice was almost a whisper.

“Life.” These scars are not signs of pain, abuse or war. They are part of my experiences, my accomplishments, my victories, my losses and my life. My gaze remained the same emotionless expression as I looked at her. “I don’t need anything else. I will see you at the front desk to pay when I am done. Thank you.” She must have gotten the hint because she turned and slowly walked back to the entrance.

I did not waste any time as I quickly stripe off my clothes leaving only my leather cuff, bracelet, pendent, and underwear. I locked everything up, took the key, put my knife in the basket, picket up the towels with the basket and quickly walked to the shower rooms. The key was like a toy because the way it was shaped and how it was a light yellow color. The feel of it was of some metal, probably steel.

My paranoia was screaming inside my head for how vulnerable I am here, exposed with only one knife for self defense and tired with an out of shape body. (This may end really badly, I have to do this quickly and get out of here.)

The shower room was large, tiles were everywhere except for the ceiling and the showers were lined up like locker room showers. The inside of the shower was way bigger than the regular ones (it could fit three or four people easily) with a large mirror on the right side of the wall and curtains completely covering the entire entry. There were three closed showers that I could see with the sound of running water and steam coming out from them. Someone was witling a tune I could not recognize. Quickly going inside the nearest shower and closing the curtains completely. The entire room was well lighted and the curtains have covered the entire entrance which meant I would not have try and hide if anyone walks by. I take of my last piece of clothing and turn on the water. The water was cold, the shower had colored knobs like the ones at home so I can regulate it to the proper temperature. I have not felt water on my bare skin for a long time, too long. I close my eyes to enjoy the feeling completely. For just one small moment in time, for almost a second I felt like there was nothing wrong. A delusion from a tired, paranoid and angry mind. I open my eyes and turn to the mirror.

Jesus Christ! No, really. Looking into the mirror I am greeted by an image of Jesus. That is if he had some of the scars and holes in his face that I do. On second thought, I look more like Rob Zombie. My body looks bad, some of my muscles have shrunk and my abs are not as well formed as they once were. (Did a two and half months really screw me up this badly?) The dirt and grime on my face, the extremely dark circles around my eyes and the long hair and beard makes me look like I went through an apocalypse or something. Back home some people used to tell me that if they were to just listen to me and not look at me, they would think that they are talking to an old man. Now I sound and look the part. I always had dark circles around my eyes, however they were never this dark. It was not a very pleasant sight to say the least. No wonder the old mare was scared when she looked into my eyes.

I started to wash myself as thoroughly and quickly as I could. There was some steel wool in the basket that I didn’t hesitate to use. Not cleaning for weeks leaves some stuck exfoliated skin on the body that sucks up dirt and sweat. My back acne was not doing any better, I think it got worse now. Exercising and practicing martial arts have made my shoulders look horrible over the years, that is part of the reason why I always prefer to wear a shirt even on a hot summer day. The shampoo and conditioner were alright for my hair. It felt refreshing to have all the dirt and sweat off my body and hair. After completely washing myself, I am left with only to shave my face and then I could go. I found a straight razor and a plain white can that had an image of shaving cream on it. I only used modern day razors and electric shavers so this going to be difficult. Each move had to be carefully and slowly done so that I do not cut any arteries and kill myself. Slowly shaving with a sharp knife was not comfortable. I ended up finishing with some small cuts on the chin and one small cut above the lips. However now I don’t have a beard or a mustache and look like myself again. I have not seen myself like that for over two months. The dark eyes made me look somewhat older than I am, but not as much as with the beard. I couldn’t wash away the dark circles, the insomnia must have broken a lot of capillaries to cause this much of a darkening. Some good rest and food should make it better.

Drying up quickly with the towel I put on the months old underwear to my dismay. I have only a single set of clothes and nowhere to wash them. Washing myself so that I would put back on my dirty old clothes again makes all the effort seem wasted, however I do not have many options currently. Wrapping my waist with one towel and placing the other over my head and shoulders I cautiously open the curtain and look out. The previously three occupied showers were empty with no sign of anyone else here. I quickly run up the locker room and carefully look in. There was no sound and I do not see any one in there. Running in I open the locker and begin to dress up. It feels horrible to put on old dirty clothes after such a nice shower. What a freaking waste. I finish dressing up with all my clothes, placing my knife on my belt and everything else back on where they belong. It feels good to at least be covered, even if it is in dirty clothes. Putting on the glasses and gloves, I take the basket and walk out to the front desk. I was finished with no problem and I did not need to use my knife.

I see the old pony is behind the counter and reading something. I did not cover my face with the scarf because she more or less saw everything already. Placing the basket on the desk and reaching out into my pocket, I pull out six coins and place them on the table. When I look up at the old mare, I see her staring at me with wide eyes and a gaping mouth.

“Thank you. Have a nice day.” I turn to leave.

“How old are you?” Her voice was no longer a whisper or any traces of fear. Yet it was not the enthusiastic voice of happiness that ended with the word sir. It was the voice of an old caring woman with sympathy and sadness.

I turn around to see her with a sad expression on her face. She reminds me someone that died a long ago, a dear old friend that I did not even think about until now.

“Old enough.”

“What did this world do to you for you to end up like that?” Her voice was sad and her eyes began tear up.

“Nothing that I did not do to myself. Don’t worry about it.” I turned and left without waiting for any response.

I could have made her feel better by calming her and telling her something, anything. However, I felt like getting some kind of revenge on the ponies. I know that she did not deserve to cry, however I cannot waste any more time and risk being found out just to calm her down. She would turn on me if she knew who and what I am, it would make no difference no matter what I do or say.

Placing the scarf over my face again, I walk quickly to the ship. My paranoia returns as I walk through the streets with more locals outside. There are some ponies that do not pay attention to me, but there those that do. No one had any troubling looks so I felt better. I quicken my pace and try to listen in case I might have to run. I make it to the boat and walk up the entrance where the same griffin that I first meat stands in the same place as before. I didn’t bother asking his name and I do not really care for it.

“Halt! Your working papers?” What a jackass.

“Are you serious?”

“No, I’m just joking with you…Sorry” He had a big smile on his face when he said that. How the hell did his beak stretch like that? Fucking cartoon planet.

“Where am I to sleep and place my items?”

“Oh right, you didn’t get to see the barracks yet. Come on!” He started walking back into the ships cabin with me following him.

There were more griffins on the deck, some looked at my direction and then turned back to whatever they were doing. Entering the cabin and going down the staircase, I noticed that there are three floors as we entered the second one after passing the first. At most these olds boats have only two floors, it is as if the interior of the ship got bigger on the inside. (At this rate I will not be too surprised if I see a big blue police box out of nowhere.) The barracks was one large room across the entire ship with bunk beds parallel to the walls. The entire room was made of light brown wood, had only six windows with three on each side across the length of the entire room. Each bed had a dark grey bed sheets and covers with a single white pillow. Some of the beds had bags placed on or near them. There is a bed that has the top bunk near one of the support beams on the ceiling, making the back closed off like there was a wall.

“Is that one taken?” Pointing at the top bed that was next to the support beam. The griffin looked at where I was pointing.

“Nope, it’s free. You can have it. Put something on it so others would know it’s taken.”

I threw my bag onto the top bunk bed and pulled myself on to it. My strength is weaker then it was two months ago, however I am still strong enough to lift myself. The bed was barely big enough for me to lie down completely. The sheets felt like the cheap blankets you would get on an airplane and the pillow was small. It does feel more comfortable than the ground or any tree by a lot. I jump off the bed and turn to go to the door. The griff is still looking at me.

“Thanks. Is the captain in his room?”

“Y-yes.” Why was he stuttering now? Whatever. Walking up the stair case and next to the captain’s door, I knocked.

“Come in.”

The room has not changed since I previously here, except now I did not see my sword there. The captain was sitting in his chair as before and looking up at me. Looking me over, he frowned.

“Did you take that shower that I told you to?”

“Yes. I only have one pair of clothes. At least I do not smell as bad as before.” The captain sighed. “Here is the change of the money you gave me.” I was pulling out the bag from my pocket.

“Keep it. It’s cheap change and at least something for not paying you.” He is still going on about that? I do not need it; however it would be foolish of me to give it away. I can use it for something if things become desperate.

“Thank you. How much longer before we set sail?” I took of my scarf and sunglasses as I asked. The captains eye widened slightly but then returned to normal. He must have seen worse things or he doesn’t care what I look like.

“In a few hours when the sun sets.”

“Thank You. Is there anything you want me to do?”

“Not yet, you’ll be assigned your job later tonight.”

“I will see you later then.” He nodded his head and looked down at his paper covered table. Apparently he did not notice how I did not refer to him as sir or captain.

Walking out onto the deck I notice how the sky was a slightly different color, the suns position has changed. There were more griffins walking to the entrance and flying onto the deck. Some looked at me and kept going, others tried not to stare at my face with no success. I do not care anyway what they see when they look at me. I leaned on one side of the ship and looked at the city in the distance. The highest buildings that the city has are ten floors and there were about four or maybe more of them.

I barely noticed how some of the griffins have begun to pace around and move things. The time to leave has started. Everyone was either standing and looking around or walking and doing something. In few hours the ship started to move and turn to the sea. (It moved and turned to the side way more faster than any regular ship, it was almost a perfect ninety degree angle.)

As the ship moved away, I quickly walked up to the end of the ship and looked at the slowly disappearing land mass. The captain walked up next to me on my right side on all fours and sat down looking out at the same direction that I was.

“It is beautiful isn’t it? After all these years and it still gets to me.” I did not respond as he continued.

“ Goodbye Equestria. Until next time we meet.” He then gave a salute with his right claw.

The land was covered in twilight as the sun sets behind the mountains. Looking at Equestria as the ship moved away, I outstretched my right hand and flipped my middle finger at it. The captain obviously misunderstood the meaning of my gesture as he nodded approvingly at me with a smile. (God I hate this world.)