Striving for Adaptation

I'm scared.

That was probably the only thought in my head since I woke up today. Fortunately, this time I have something to focus on without being distracted by hunger. Thank you, Ahirate, for the fruit bowl.

"But for the seven thousand steps, I rescind the thanks." I snorted and rubbed my leg lightly. Now the pain in my calves had joined the slightly eased pain in my back. Hooray, two for the price of one!

I'm not sure if that's the right way to put it, but okay. I have to get back to the main point.

"I'm scared," I muttered before grabbing an apple from the tray and taking a bite to fuel my thoughts. The first reason for my fear is that I have to do paperwork today. The second reason is that I have to do it with Daniel.

"What does he even know about paperwork? I thought aloud after swallowing a piece of apple. I don't think he understands anything about it. Most likely he will just be mercilessly sarcastic until the whole burden falls on me.

"No, Arthur, don't be pessimistic. Hope fades last." I tried to cheer myself up before taking a bite of the apple. How effective was it? Actually, it worked, I feel a little more cheerful. I seem to be good at motivating myself.

Or it's a sweet apple. One of two things.

Shrugging my shoulders, I took another bite of the apple and tried to pull myself away from my thoughts. Just get some rest. If I'm constantly nervous about being in the world of a cartoon and not being able to get out, I'll just go crazy, right?

Suddenly I heard a loud thud that made me choke. A moment later, I unfortunately heard Daniel's voice, interrupted by deep sighs: "Arthur, uh, I'm here. Come out, uh. Or I'll enter your, uh, house myself."

Wow, he knocked. How polite of him.

With a light tap on my chest, I managed to swallow a piece of apple and got up from my seat. Luckily, I was ready to go out this time, so I put on black pants and a white shirt. After all, you have to look decent when you're applying for documents in a magical land in another world, right?

Grinning, I quickly walked down the corridor, the sounds of Daniel's heavy breathing becoming more and more audible. I want to feel sorry for him, whatever happens to him. But I quickly remember our first meeting. What's an eye for an eye, I guess?

As much as I'm ashamed to admit it, the corners of my lips lift slightly at the thought. Anyway, I finally got to the place where my front door was missing. And right in front of the door stood Daniel, this time wearing a black tuxedo. With a top hat.

I don't think it's good, it's for paperwork. At least the top hat is definitely superfluous.

We just stared at each other for a few seconds before I crossed my arms and finally decided to ask, "Why are you breathing so hard?

Daniel ran his hand over his forehead and said quickly: "It's a funny story. I was looking for this costume for so long that I missed the train to Ponyville. So I had to walk here from Canterlot. "

Blinking several times in surprise, I asked with restrained curiosity: "And how far is Canterlot from Ponyville? "

" About thirty miles. I'm really sorry I was five minutes late. I was supposed to arrive at eight o'clock in the morning. But, damn it, I haven't run in a long time. I'm losing my shape. "Daniel replied, finally catching his breath and forcing a grin.

Wow. Entering another world has turned my sleep schedule upside down. I usually wake up at five. Five o'clock at night.

I shook my head quickly as a new thought popped into my head. A delay of only five minutes compared to a train ride? That doesn't sound very realistic.

Nodding slightly to myself, I asked incredulously: "So you're saying that at a distance of thirty miles you're only a measly five minutes behind the train?"

Daniel clicked his tongue and said with a raised hand: "Yes, entering another world, interacting with magic and other factors made me faster than Usain Bold. If it's any consolation, I'm not interested in setting world records and taking up half the book with my name. "

It's comforting, just a little. But doesn't it feel a little, well, free? It's too easy.

I opened my mouth to speak, but Daniel beat me to it: "If it seems very simple to you, then wait until I explain the workings of local magic to you in detail. Is it a deal?"

Reluctantly, I nodded and asked with restrained excitement, "Okay, that sounds like a more or less honest agreement. But when exactly are we going to study magic? "

Daniel smiled toothy and said with closed eyes: "Learning magic will be worth it right after you have done the paperwork, hooked up your house to the local utilities, gotten some kind of job, and attended a Pinkie Pie party. As you can see, I've arranged everything in order of increasing complexity."

Oh my God . . .

Rubbing the bridge of my nose lightly, I asked slowly, "So the most interesting thing in the fantasy world is going to be the last thing?"

"Hell, if that's what you want, you can come with me to test the new tank when it's ready. We plan to destroy hay dummies, brick walls, and other things. And we will also do off-road tests. "Daniel suggested, pulling his hand aside.

I swallowed quickly and rubbed my neck, "No thanks. I don't really like all that military stuff. "

I don't like the fact that tanks appear in fantasy at all.

Daniel chuckled briefly and asked, taking a step aside: "Well, then I don't really understand what you want from me. Can you clearly formulate your wish this time and preferably substantiate it with facts?"

I snorted in annoyance and took a step out of the house, before I slowly said: "I want to make at least some use of being in the fantasy world. You know, vivid impressions, happy memories, unforgettable experiences and the like! An adventure, in short. "

I was met with silence and an absolutely unimpressed look from Daniel. Then he said, slapping me lightly on the shoulder, "Okay, as soon as I have to go somewhere unusual, I'll call you. At least once."

I certainly don't take your word for it. And anyway, I'd rather have a light adventure with the local ponies than with you. But thanks, I guess?

Nodding quickly, I said reluctantly, "That's a good idea. I agree."

Then I let out a long sigh before turning my gaze to the city in the distance and asking reluctantly: "Now we have to go there, right?"

"Yes. Then let's go." Daniel said, waving his left hand and started walking quickly towards the city. He was definitely lying, he couldn't walk like that after seven thousand steps and a thirty mile run.

"Slow down! My legs hurt after yesterday." I said loudly with a hint of irritation in my voice as I started to follow him, staggering with every step.

Instead of stopping, or at least slowing down, Daniel only seemed to speed up. As soon as I let out an exasperated groan, he turned around and said he was going backwards: "Come on, come on, keep up the pace. Pushing the limits! Swing your legs! Move faster! And save money on trains."

I hate you. And I feel like I'm going to repeat this many times.

Barely able to bear the pain in my calves, I asked irritably, "Can you get your notebook out again or something? You were somehow more appropriate with it."

Daniel clicked his tongue and said, "Celestia said it was extremely unnatural and would do more harm than good in the long run. It's better to try to follow your heart. So I carry a manual in my pocket, but I don't use it, cool, right? "

" And what is your heart telling you? " I asked sarcastically when I finally caught up with him and stood next to him.

" My heart says knock knock. Because it's too busy pumping blood. I'll try to call my heart back tomorrow. " Daniel replied, putting a hand on his hip.

I don't even know if I should laugh at a very bad joke or be annoyed at the lack of a normal response.

Snorting, I said disappointedly, "Okay, expecting a normal answer from you was really stupid of me. Let's just go to town and deal with those damn documents."

"Excellent plan, Arthur," Daniel replied, snapping his fingers before abruptly turning and continuing his trek towards the city. I have to hand it to him, he walked a little slower this time. But it's still too fast.

Gritting my teeth, I quickened my pace and managed to catch up with Daniel. Thanks to that, my eyes were able to take in the view of the city. Ponyville. What a stupid name, but somehow cute. And indeed, the wooden houses look quite cozy.

Deciding to engage in at least some semblance of dialog, I asked, looking straight ahead: "So, how was your reception here? Was it difficult? "

At first Daniel grunted hoarsely for a few seconds, like the roar of a wild animal. But finally he said with a shrug: "At first I lived here for a whole year without any documents. Only two weeks ago I got a passport and similar papers.

Seriously? Then I'm probably lucky that it was taken care of so early. Although the documents still suck.

"And how did that happen?" I asked after taking a quick look at him, only to see a completely calm face.

Daniel cleared his throat briefly and said while flexing his fingers: "Well, the first month I was in the forest without any civilization at all. Then I was in the castle and under the tutelage of Princess Luna I studied combat, magic and strategy for several months. After that, I was appointed captain of her personal guard and was among the recruits for several months. "

I quickly waved my hand in front of me and said with a sigh, "Okay, that's too much detail. Round it up to the fact that you were too busy to get the paperwork. "

" As you wish. " Daniel said, shrugging his shoulders and not even turning to me.

Of course I want to know the details. But with his way of speaking, I'll just fall asleep from all the little details.

Just as my thoughts ended, I felt a shadow fall upon me. A quick glance was enough to understand the reason. A wooden house. It looks like we've already entered the city limits.

Looking around, I saw a lot of ponies walking back and forth, talking to each other or just relaxing on the terraces of their houses. But with the next step, this whole peaceful picture froze. Absolutely every pony in my field of vision was staring at Daniel. Or at me. Either way, it was very uncomfortable.

Finally, the tension in the air reached such a high level that I couldn't bring myself to walk any further and just stopped in the middle of the road. Daniel, on the other hand, just kept on walking and only asked after a few seconds: "What happened this time, Arthur?"

Didn't you notice!?

Swallowing nervously, I slowly ran my hand through the air, pointing at the ponies around me, and said, "They look at us like some kind of villains or threat. It's really stressful!"

Daniel let out an audible groan before coming over to me and whispering, "Right now, don't move. I have an idea."

I raised an eyebrow in embarrassment, for obvious reasons. What good could he come up with? Nothing. But I don't think I can stop him.

Daniel took a few steps away from me and took a deep breath. Then he slowly removed his top hat. Suddenly he put it to his chest and bowed before he said loudly, "I am fully aware of what each of you thinks of me. You have every right to hate and fear me. However! I must go beyond the bounds of decency and ask each and every one of you to trust me. Without exception! If it is too morally difficult for you to do me such a service, then at least do another human being, Arthur, a favor.

Oh. I didn't think for a second that he would say something like that. Is it possible that this is at least a little bit sincere?

For a while after Daniel's words, there was silence in the air as he continued to bow. Finally, one pony dared to look away from us and whispered something to another. The next moment, both ponies started walking away from us. Then several others repeated this action. Extremely slowly and tense, the ponies looked away from us, and some even returned to the conversation.

Daniel let out a long held sigh, put his top hat back on his head and pointed his thumb behind his back before he said, "Let's go. The destination is close."

For a few moments, I couldn't take my eyes off the ponies, who were returning to their activities with great intensity. Finally, I shook my head and asked: "Okay, but how could you be sure that your speech would work?"

Daniel forced a grin and said: "I wasn't sure. I just said and did what I thought was appropriate for the situation."

I don't even know why I didn't expect that.

With a snort, I followed Daniel, who had managed to take a few steps away while I was thinking. I quickly caught up with him and could allow myself to think for a moment. Why were the ponies so frightened? Certainly not because they saw an unfamiliar sight. After all, Daniel had been living here for a year. I hope he wasn't lying.

So the ponies were frightened just by his presence. Which, by the way, is supported by his own words. Taking a deep breath, I asked, turning my head to Daniel, "Why should the ponies be afraid and hate you?"

"Because I have done bad things. Objectively not good. "Daniel replied calmly and continued to walk forward. To be honest, it's not pleasant when you're not being looked at during a conversation.

" And what exactly have you been doing, Daniel? "I asked with some concern in my voice as I continued to stare at him.

"Ai, ai, ai, Arthur. If there's one good thing I've been taught lately, it's personal space and information. Here I have the right to refuse to speak for no logical reason. " Daniel replied, wagging his finger at me.

Bruh.

Snorting, I just shook my head and said: "Okay, I won't get an answer from you. But as always. Then I'll find out for myself what you've done so terribly."

Daniel just shrugged his shoulders and pointed to the front, before he tiredly asked: "Tell me, does this look like a town hall? I seem to have forgotten my glasses again."

After blinking a few times, I finally noticed the detail. In fact, he doesn't have glasses right now. But he didn't forget to put on his top hat! With a brief chuckle, I turned in the direction he was pointing and saw a tall wooden building in front of me. There were simple roads in all directions from it, not even dirt roads. It is hardly distinguishable from the most elementary paths.

It definitely looks like a town hall.

Suddenly an idea came to me and I said, shaking my head, "No, no, this is definitely not the town hall. I think we've passed it."

"Understood, we have the city hall in front of us. Come on, let's go." Daniel replied before slapping me hard on the back, making me groan in pain. My back was not completely healed yet.

"Don't ever do that again. And stop touching me anyway. This is strange. " I replied with a voice full of irritation. Unfortunately, Daniel only gave a short grunt and walked silently towards the town hall.

Asshole.

Taking a deep breath, I followed him at a fast pace and soon we entered the town hall. And in front of my eyes was a very large hall for, I guess, meetings or celebrations. It doesn't really look like a place to get documents.

Daniel took a quick look around and said, suddenly turning to the right: "Well, it looks like their office is here. Come on, if you're quiet enough, we'll find out real quick."

Despite my reluctance, I couldn't help but be curious about his words: "Is it good to be quiet? What do you mean by that? "

" The fact that you must remain silent until you are directly questioned. Clearly understand who is playing what role in the dialog. Are you smart? "Daniel replied, tapping his fingers lightly on his temple.

More or less. Although I doubt very much that you will do anything good.

In the end, I didn't say anything and we walked calmly to the door. When I entered the room behind it, a large table with a lot of papers appeared in front of me. A bespectacled mare with a gray mane and fur the color of coffee and milk was sitting at the table. Mm, coffee and milk is my favorite.

"Mayor, there is a case. Two cases to be exact." Daniel said calmly, lightly tapping the door frame with his fist. I wonder if he's practicing his newfound knocking on the door? Or did he just like to enter my house without asking?

My thoughts were interrupted when the mare looked up from her papers and adjusted her glasses slightly with her hoof. She stared at him blankly for a few seconds before she let out a surprised sigh and said, "Oh, former captain of the guard! I didn't expect to see you."

I wonder how he was able to magically advance at least a little in the army? He doesn't seem like the responsible, disciplined type.

Daniel took a few steps toward the table with the papers, and from his pocket he pulled out a rolled scroll with a seal in the shape of a sun. After twirling it a bit in his hand, he placed it on the table and said: "Sorry to waste your time with small talk, but I need you to take this document."

The mayor grabbed the rolled-up scroll and quickly ran her eyes over it. So quickly that after a few seconds she asked me: "I take it you are the foreign citizen who urgently needs to be granted citizenship?"

"Uh, yes, probably?" I replied uncertainly, clearly confused by the wording. This does not look like a standard document.

The mayor nodded slightly and focused on the scroll again before grumbling, "Okay, I agree and will now give you a questionnaire to fill out. Oh, I hate decentralization. Why do I have more responsibilities than some griffon president?"

The Griffon President? Oh, another deviation from the series. I hope the next deviation from the canon is not a world war.

While I was thinking, the mayor managed to get up from her seat and bend down to open the desk drawers. While she was busy, I turned to Daniel and asked as quietly as I could: "How difficult is this questionnaire?"

"Well, there is one difficult question. About the cutie mark. Daniel said, placing a finger on the cheek. My cheek.

With a sharp movement, I threw his hand away and snorted before saying with restraint: "The cutie mark reflects the pony's special talent, if I remember correctly. How can we even answer that question? "

Daniel chuckled briefly and replied with his hand in his pocket: "Personally, I wrote that my special talent is a quick solution to all difficult tasks. And it was accepted! So, just write in the questionnaire, at least a few related words. You can do it, right?"

Are you asking?

Before I could snort, the mayor cleared her throat loudly and said: "Please fill out the document and in a few days you will be able to obtain citizenship."

I took a deep breath and looked at the questionnaire and the pencil next to it. I grabbed the last one and started to fill in the answers. First name, last name, so far it's easy. Reason for your arrival? After blinking a few times, I asked, turning to Daniel: "What should I write in the reason for my arrival?"

"Forced to leave the previous state due to personal circumstances beyond my control." Daniel replied calmly.

Uh, that sounds good enough. It seems to be.

Reluctantly nodding, I quickly entered his answer and moved on to the next item. Your date of birth. But a second before I typed the year, I changed my mind. Suddenly there's another calendar. This time I turned to the mayor and asked politely, "Uh, excuse me, Miss Mayor, but what year is it?"

"One thousand and one years after the expulsion of Nightmare Moon." The Mayor replied immediately while she was immersed in her documents.

After blinking a few times, I was able to force myself to shrug and just write: "July fifteenth, nine hundred and eighty."

It turned out to be easier than I thought.

I looked down again from the next item. State your education, if any. After thinking for a few seconds, I decided to do it all myself and wrote: "The teacher of fine arts.

Finally, I came to the last question. The one Daniel said was the most difficult. Well, I draw for a living. I paint as a hobby, sometimes. One day I will definitely have the courage to teach others to draw. So what other talent can I have besides drawing?

Without coming up with a decent answer to this question, I quickly wrote that my talent is drawing. Then I put the pencil down on the table and said: "I'm done. Now what? "

The mayor nodded quickly and muttered without taking his eyes off his papers: "Considering your special case, nothing more is needed. Come and pick up your passport in a few days. You'll paste the photo yourself somehow. Well, if you want to."

Wow. It was very, VERY simple.

I stared at the mayor in disbelief for a few moments before Daniel suddenly spoke: "Now that this case is settled, I have a second case for you, Mayor."

The mare looked up with difficulty and forced a smile on her face, as if urging him to continue. Noticing this, I looked at Daniel with some irritation. It almost looks like manipulating someone else's kindness.

Anyway, Daniel pulled a second scroll out of his pocket, this one with a crescent seal. He put it on the table and said, "Princess Luna is concerned about the situation in Everfree Forest. Since I plan to conduct preparatory activities on the territory of the administrative unit you administer, I need a signature in the form of a consent."

The situation with Everfree Forest? Of course, I remember from the animated series that he is very dangerous, but still. Wait, my house is located very close to this forest. I don't want him to do any activity next to me!

The mayor picked up the scroll with her hooves and began to read, but I took the moment to say, "And how exactly are you going to solve the problem of the forest? If there is one? "

She cleared her throat and said in a tired but businesslike tone: "Yes, I don't quite understand why you need a permit for individual enterprise to solve the problem. "

Daniel calmly put his hand on his hip and said: "I have counted the money allocated to me to solve the problem, and it is clearly not enough. So in order not to rob the city treasury, I am only asking for business permits. "

Silence hung in the air after these words. I don't know what was in the mayor's head, but mine was full of mistrust. I don't believe a word of it. Probably the document is fake, there was no request and he just wants to do strange things to annoy others.

But the motive. What's the motive? Doing strange things sounds too strange, even by this guy's standards.

"Okay, we will arrange everything in the near future. Right after we take care of, well, this." The mayor said wearily, waving her hoof in the direction of a pile of papers.

In response, Daniel quickly took off his top hat and said, turning on the spot: "Thank you, Manager! I will definitely tell all the ponies I know to come to Ponyville to vote for you. "

A small laugh escaped the mayor's lips, but no words followed. I, on the other hand, did. I saw Daniel leaving the office and said awkwardly, "Uh, yeah, I will vote for you too, if they give me a pass!"

What nonsense.

Feeling a wave of shame at my own words, I quickly turned away from the mayor and quickly walked away. To make matters worse, a sharp pain shot up my back. That's it, I realized it was stupid to try to copy Daniel! I get it, I won't copy idiots anymore!

While I was chastising myself, Daniel and I managed to leave the town hall and stopped on the street, at a fork in the road. Scratching my chin lightly, I realized my position. My brain didn't bother to remember the way. Sighing, I asked very reluctantly: "Will you take me home? I don't remember the way. "

Daniel rolled his eyes and said, pointing straight ahead, "Go there. You'll find something for sure. "

" It's too vague! " I replied irritated and turned to face Daniel. Only to see the emptiness. Pulling myself together, I tried to look around. But that didn't work either. He had simply disappeared!