Chapters Xenophilia: The Cynical Human
July In... Somewhere (Chapter 1)
“One person's craziness is another person's reality.” - Tim Burton
The stranger's eyes shot open as he gasped himself awake on the ground staring up the the clear blue sky. He coughed and blew out the dirt that he inhaled from the sudden air intake. He grunted as his head throbbed, which sent dull pain up and down his spine. Attempting to move only proved to him that his muscles were too weak at the moment to possibly stand up. The stranger relaxed and focused on what he felt brushing against his skin. With some effort, he turned his head to the side and looked around.
Trees. Grass. Vibrant colors and blinding bright sunlight. An unfamiliar forest...
''Ugh... Jesus fucking Christ... What happened... My head...'' He muttered to himself turning his head back to the peaceful sky hanging above him.
The stranger was confused. And it felt like there was a very packed nightclub in his head playing extremely loud dubstep music. He felt like he was waking up from a deep dream. The memory of everything that happened prior to his awakening just... Gone... He rubbed his head with his right hand. There was a big gash on the right side of his head covered with dried blood. Shuddering, he quickly moved his hand away from it and quickly sat up. He then examined the rest of himself. Two hands. Normal. Though his right one had a light brown piece of cloth wrapped around it and their were obvious blood stains in it. Two arms. Normal. Two legs and two feet. Normal. He was just himself... Human. A clueless, injured human with a throbbing headache.
''Ugh... Where am I?'' The stranger thought rising to his feet and looking around the forest. It was any other forest. Trees, grass, flowers you name it.
''Perhaps you have just wandered far from camp.'' A voice in his head said to him in an odd way of speech.
''Heh... Perhaps...'' He said back to the voice as he began to stumble through the forest in black hiking boots. Perfect for the terrain. His vision was slightly blurred as his headache was worsening. Still walking at a steady pace he checked the digital sports watch on his left arm, it read 8:42 AM.
''Heh...'' The stranger mumbled staring at his watch and still walking. ''What happened... Whoa!'' He quickly cried out tripping over a rock and falling into a small, cold, clear stream.
''Water... Just... Water...'' He thought quickly rising out of the water and crawling back on land. Letting out a sigh and kneeling near the edge of the ground at the stream of cold fresh water, he gazed at his reflection in the water. The stranger was between 25 and 30 years of age, short messy raven black hair, serious green eyes, a small scar over his right eye. And plastered on his face was a blank, emotionless stare.
''Heh. Well aren't you a handsome devil?'' The stranger said jokingly at his own reflection before standing back up with a feeling of disgust rising in his gut. Standing up straight, he appeared to be about 6 foot 1, stocky, and well fit. He let out a sigh and continued walking in a random direction. To his mind, it was north.
''Ugh... Get back to camp... Pack up... Go home...'' He thought to himself walking down a nearby trail in a zombie like motion. After walking for what seemed like hours he came to a fork in the trail. . A sign stood in front of him one, pointing left, and the other pointing right, the left said "Everfree Forest", right said "Ponyville". He took the right path and headed towards Ponyville. "What an odd name...'' He muttered ''Then again...Yonkers, New York. Odd name as well... Well. Maybe the people there will tell me where I am.''
After a minute of walking or so, The stranger heard the sound of rustling and a few branches break. He turned his head over to the direction of the noise. A bush rustled on the side of the trail, then again, then again. A chickens head popped out. Confused, the stranger slowly backed away from the chicken. The chicken moved out of the bush with dead red eyes. What he saw next made a chill move down his spine. The chicken had the body of a snake and wings of a bat.
''What the fuck?'' He said aloud as he got a clear view of the creature before his vision blurred for a few seconds. Rubbing his eyes he looked at it again.
The creature just stared at him as if expecting the strange to run off.
''Run.'' The voice in his head told him. Trusting his gut and his instincts, he immediately looked away from the creature and sprinted off down the trail towards this ''Ponyville.''
''Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck! My mind is playing games on me.'' He thought frantically while running as fast as he could at warp 10 before tripping over yet another rock and falling face first onto the ground.
''God damn it!'' He shouted out loud quickly getting to his feet then falling on his rear to sit down.
''Ugh... This is a bad time to be fucked up...'' The stranger muttered out loud and began to rifle through the pockets of his hoodie and his cargo pants. A few seconds later he pulled out a plastic bag that contained a silver slightly dirty zippo lighter and a pack of cigarettes.
''Just need to calm down...'' He thought taking both the pack and the zippo lighter out of the bag and setting them on his lap. He then removed a single cigarette from the pack with his right hand. With his left he flicked opened the zippo lighter and lit his cigarette. He let out a sigh, rose to his feet, and took a puff of his calming cigarette. He couldn't help to think that something was watching him...
''Just my paranoia acting up... Ugh... I hate myself...'' He thought looking around at the surrounding trees.
Above him, above the tree line, a gray pegasus with a blonde mane, was utterly confused with the address on the package she received. Her eyes caught the movements of the lone human wandering down the trail, and swooped down for directions. The stranger heard the sounds of branches breaking, and turned his head towards the noise. Nothing was there. He resumed his walk, with the cigarette dangling from his mouth, the next thing he saw almost gave him a heart attack.
The same grey pegasus was hovering in front of him. "Hiya Lero!" the grey pegasus said with a large grin. ''Oh wait. You're not Lero...'' She said staring at him with oddly angled eyes.
''Gah!'' the stranger shouted. This alarmed the stranger, causing him spit out his cigarette and fall down on his rear. Again...
"Woah, sorry for scaring you Mister!" She said a little bit loudly again with a small giggle. ''I thought Lero was the only human around here!''
The stranger just sat there, staring wide eyed at the pegasus with a lot of confusion in his serious green eyes, unable to tell if this was reality, a dream, or if he was tripping on some sort of illegal drug. He noticed her. Um, she was a she, right? Sounded like it. Whatever. Her eyes didn't seem to be looking at him... Directly. In fact, her eyes were looking in the opposite direction of each other. She noticed him staring at her eyes.
"Um... Mister? Why are you looking at me like that? And why won't you talk?" The grey pegasus asked the human that was on the ground staring at her.
No reply. Only a silent, confused stare. ''What. The. Fuck.'' Those exact words went though his mind.
"Um... Do you know this place?" She showed the stranger the address on the package. To his surprise, it was written in English. Not some weird alien language. The tag read, "Golden Oaks Library, Ponyville". Still unable to speak, he pointed in the direction of Ponyville. right behind the unusual grey pegasus that hovered in front of him. She seemed confused at first, then she turned the tag upside-down, looked over her shoulder, and realized what it said.
"Oh... Hehe, eh, whoops." she said embarrassed. "Sorry for wasting your time, mister. Oh boy can't wait to tell everypony about this!" then she flew off down the trail, flying out of eyes reach. The stranger still sat there, very confused. "Am I going insane?" he said to himself lighting up another cigarette to calm himself down.
''My god... Whats going on? That was a fucking pegasus! They're fictional! Not real! Like God and Jesus. Thor, Odin, Unicorns, Loki, Talos, Allah, That false god from Star Trek: The Final frontier, Lucifer, and the flying spaghetti monster... Ugh... This is like that one scene in Evil Dead 2... Except no ones laughing... Ugh... Some 4th of July so far...'' The stranger thought to himself with a million thoughts running around his mind. Staring down the trail, past the trees, about a half mile up the trail and over a hill, lied a small comforting down. Buildings were familiar, similar architecture but vastly different in an almost cartoonish way. Each building was unique and painted in bright warm colors. Ponyville. A few miles further another human by the shortened name of Lero, short for Bellerophon, was sitting down with his family for an afternoon brunch.
Xenophilia: The Cynical Human
Ponyville Hospital (Chapter 2)
''A cynic is a man who knows the price of everything, and the value of nothing.'' - Oscar Wilde
''When you need a way to beat the pressure down... When you need to find a way to breath.. I could be the one to make you feel that way... I could be the one to set you free... If you never see me when the crowd is gone... It used to be so easy, can't you see? I could be the one to make you feel that way... I could be the one to set you freeee...'' The stranger mumbled to himself quietly as he climbed up the hill. His vision was worsening. He felt frail. He felt extremely tired and weak. But he was determined to get to the top of the hill, and Ponyville as well for that matter.
''Ugh...'' The stranger sighed finally reaching the top of the hill. from the hill he could see the top of buildings in the far off distance. To him, the roofs looked like they were made of straw, or thatch, like back in the Medieval Times. Maybe he was just in a third world country or something. Or possibly just medieval times...
''Army of Darkness shit. Heh heh. Try the Blue Lagoon... It'll... Clear your mind...'' A voice in his head commented with a chuckle.
''From the great beyond, a vision told me great warrior and spirit walker would help me on my quest. One who has been to the other side, and returned.'' Another voice said
''Just... Just be quiet...'' The stranger muttered out loud walking down the hill and coming to a bridge. Hearing more voices and his vision darkening, he blacked out.
''Argh!'' The stranger grunted loudly. The headache that had been tormenting him grown into an awful throbbing migraine, and it showed no sign of slowing or stopping. Just... pounding and pounding and pounding... The stranger's eyes shot open as he sat up in what felt like a bed. Scratching his head he noticed that it was wrapped in a medical bandage. Then looking at both of his hands, he noticed that his right one had a medical bandage wrapped around his hand and wrist. Looking around the room appeared to be a hospital. Only smaller then the ones he remembered, and lack of machinery. It felt... Primitive... And a shiver went down his spine... The stranger sighed, lifted up his black hoodie and his shirt and traced his hands up and down the sides of his torso.
''Heh... No stitches... Still have both of my kidneys... For now...'' He thought to himself getting out of bed. His eyes caught the door, he then began to walk over to it with his right hand reaching out for the handle. A few inches from the door handle, the stranger stopped in his tracks. He heard voices talking to each other on the side of the door. He snuck a bit closer to the door and pressed his ear against it. All he heard was muffled speech. Looking over at the bed he noticed a nightstand sitting next to it with a tray sitting on it. He slowly walked over to the nightstand, taking a half empty glass of water that was conveniently placed on it. Dumping the water out on the floor he walked back over to the door, put one side of the glass on the door and the other on his ear. He then listened to the conversation on the other side.
''How is he doctor?'' A male voice asked.
''Who is he?'' A female voice asked
''OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH ANOTHER ONE!'' A high pitched excited voice yelled. ''DO YOU THINK HE LIKES PARTIES? AND CUPCAKES? AND BALLOONS?!''
''Quiet Pinky Pie, tha doctor is tryin' to talk.'' A female voice with a southern accent said.
''Is this other human awake?" A rather feminine voice asked.
"Well, hes unconscious, covered in scratches and scars. And he came in with a bad gash on his head. As if he hit his head really hard against a solid object. Maybe a rock.. He seems to be like hes been through a lot." Another voice replied.
Unexpectedly to the stranger, as he backed away from the door to get back into bed. The door opened and a pony with a white coat and pink mane wearing a nurse's hat walked into the room. The stranger gave the pony an awkward stare before it spoke, startling him a bit.
''Get back in bed! You're seriously hurt!''
The stranger walked over to face the pony, towering above her, he looked her directly in the eyes, and simply said ''No.''
''Please calm down, and get back in bed. You shouldn't even be standing.'' The nurse pony said with concern in her voice.
''I feel just frickin' perfectly fine. Now I want a fucking explanation as to what the hell is going on here right now.'' The stranger said sounding a bit threatening, raising his voice, and staring into the pony's blue eyes.
''Very well, just get back in bed. I'll summon the doctor, and we'll explain everything. I'm nurse Redheart by the way.''
This ''Nurse Redheart'' simply had to open the door a crack and ask for the doctor to enter. Another pony wearing a lab coat entered the room as the stranger sat on the bed tapping his foot on the ground repeatedly and watching the both of them with a cold, blank, emotionless stare.
''Good evening. I'm Doctor Healing Touch. Would you kindly tell me your name please?'' The pony polity asked.
The stranger let out a sigh. ''Ugh... William Shatner.'' The stranger said bluntly. ''Now. I want some damn answers. Where am I? And how the hell are you talking? You're ponies. Beasts. Farm animals.''
''You're in the Ponyville hospital.'' A purple unicorn said entering the room, accompanied by 5 other ponies and a man. The man was less stocky then him, had shoulder-length reddish blonde hair tied into a pony tail, hazel eyes, and a red mustache and goatee.
''You were hurt really bad.'' A sky blue pegasus with a rainbow mane said to him. All of them stared at him as he stared back. For a few moments there was just an awkward silence. The stranger seemed to stare most at the man a few feet away from him the most though.
''So... Whats yer name?'' An orange earth pony wearing a stetson said in a southern accent while everyony else, inluding the other man continued to watch him in anticipation.
''Patrick Stewart.'' The stranger replied bluntly reaching into his pocket and pulling out a cigarette and placing it between his lips, lighting it with the lighter in his other hand.
''Um... Wasn't Patrick Stewart was bald? And way older then you are.'' The man with the reddish blonde hair asked him as he watched him light up a cigarette. ''And do you really have to smoke in here?'' Lero could see that the man was rude, but he brushed it off thinking he was just traumatized.
''What are all of your names?'' The stranger asked ignoring the mans last question and narrowing his eyes at them.
''Oh hi there! My name is Pinky Pie! what's yours? No wait I heard somepony say it what is it? Is it: William, Patrick, no it's a mixture of the two right? Ummm... Wilpat?" The bright pink pony with the frizzy cotton candy-like mane blurted out speaking way too quickly and excitedly. Pinkie's personality instantly became annoying and barely tolerable for the stranger. He mentally facepalmed himself. ''Pinky pie? What kind of stupid name is that?'' He thought to himself taking another puff. ''God damn it this is awkward...''
''Please excuse Pinky's randomness,'' The purple unicorn said to him. ''I'm Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia's star pupil.'' Twilight said rather proudly smiling. ''Heh. She sounds rehearsed. Like an annoying suck up goody twos student... Psh... Twilight Sparkle...'' he thought to himself and cringed at the name.
''Mah names Applejack, pleased to meetcha.'' The orange pony with the stetson said extending a hoof towards him. The stranger merely looked at Applejack, then at her hoof, then back at her and said with no emotion in his voice and exhaling a stream of grey, ''Yeah... I'd rather not. Thank you.''
''Oh my stars...'' The white unicorn with the purple neatly styled mane said quietly. Clearing her throat, she introduced herself. ''My name is, Rarity.'' Rarity said to him and backing away a bit. ''Doesn't she seem fancy now?'' He thought mentally chuckling a bit but keeping quiet.
''My names Rainbow Dash! Fastest flyer in Equestria!'' The sky blue pegasus said flying into the air and flying circles around the man. Immediately the stranger felt a distaste for her. Rainbow Dash seemed extremely arrogant to him. And the stranger despised arrogance.
''Alright easy there Dash.'' The man with the reddish blondish ponytail said to Rainbow Dash. She halted, then hovered behind him and wrapped her forehooves around his neck as he began to speak.
''You know I'm very surprised to see another one of my kind here in Equestria. I'm Lero, by the way. Would you mind answering a few questions for us?'' The man known as Lero asked him. ''Starting with your real name. Not the names of the men who played Captain Kirk and that other captain in Star Trek.''
''Daniel Newman.'' He said bluntly taking yet another puff of his cigarette.
''Daniel, can you tell us how you got here?'' Lero asked. Daniel shrugged his shoulders and let out a clueless grunt and flicked his cigarette butt out the window.
''Daniel,'' Twilight said calmly taking a step towards him. ''We found you earlier this morning on the outskirts of Ponyville with a big gash on your head. Tell us, can you remember anything at all?''
''Of course.'' Daniel said bluntly recalling the events of prior to coming here. Some of them... There was still a huge hole in his memory. ''Now, Equestria you said, Lero? I don't recall ever seeing that on a world map. Sounds Australian though.''
''Equestria isn't in Australia. It isn't even on Earth. I honestly don't know where this is. To my thoughts another universe far away from ours.'' Lero said to Daniel calmly. Daniel sat down on the bed hung his head, looking away from them and thought.
''Great beyond.'' A voice said in his head out of nowhere.
''Shut up Tonto!'' Daniel shouted out loud. Startling Lero and the ponies in the room.
''Who the hay is Tonto?'' Applejack asked cocking her head at him.
''Um... Are you alright?'' Pinkie asked concerned
''I'm fine! Enough questions!'' Daniel yelled. ''I just... I just... What the hell do I do now? Am I stuck here?''
''I'm sorry but you are stuck here.'' Rainbow Dash said over Lero's shoulder. Lero and everypony else nodded their heads in affirmation.
''Stuck?'' Daniel said surprised. Anger rising inside of him
''The same way I am. But you get used to it. And now that I think about it,'' Lero said pausing to have a few flashbacks, ''Equestria is a better world than Earth in everyway. The crime rate is low. There is no war. No poverty. Everything is almost perfect.''
Daniel didn't even know how to respond to that. He just stared silently at the floor for a few seconds, then out the window. The bright buildings of Ponyville weren't that far. Somehow... Looking at the buildings made him feel... Slightly irritated. Sure these weren't they boring grey concrete ones he was used to back home, but this all seemed like something out of a little girls mind. For a minute or so there was an awkward silence...
''Daniel,'' Twilight said breaking the silence, ''After I brought you here, I went to informed Mayor Mare of your arrival. And I had my assistant Spike write to Princess Celestia, though she said in her last letter she was going to be away in Saddle Arabia on business and unable to be here. Now, the mayor told me that she would be holding a town meeting tonight, and if possible if you would attend.''
''Say, where is the little darling?'' Rarity asked Twilight
''Hes with Fluttershy helping with the animals. Angel ate a bad carrot and got sick, so she needed help today.'' Twilight replied
''Town meeting? Like a city council?'' Daniel asked scratching his head.
''Twilight means everypony in Ponyville.'' Rainbow Dash commented
''The whole town?''
''Eeyup.'' Applejack said. ''Don't worry sugarcube, we here in Ponyville are very accepting folks.''
''Yep! Everypony here is extremely nice! And they can't wait to meet you!'' Pinky exclaimed bouncing up and down. ''And then later I have to plan your welcome party! It'll be the best welcome party in the world!''
''Welcome party?'' Daniel cringed again. He wasn't exactly one for parties. Or anyone as hyperactive as Pinky Pie for that matter. ''Well... At least she still has to plan it out... Ugh... So much for trying to look at the bright side of that situation...''
''Don't worry dude! It'll be fun!'' Rainbow commented
''Ugh...'' Daniel sighed
''There will be a lot of questions asked at the town meeting, be prepared.'' Lero said turning towards the door as Twilight and the others exited, then looking back at Daniel.
''Are you coming?''
''Yeah... I just need a moment.'' Daniel sighed, still looking out the window, and a million paranoid thoughts running through his head. ''Unicorns... Pegasi... Talking fucking ponies... Stuck...''
''Daniel just go along with it. You're just having a retarded ass dream. You probably drank too much again. Or drugs.'' A voice in his head said in an oddly calming tone.
''Right.''
''Heh... I remember last time you did drugs, crystal meth I think it was, you ran around the neighborhood in your underwear, blacked out, then woke up naked in a chicken coop with your dick stuck inside a basketball.'' Another voice in his head said in douchebaggy manner.
''Ugh... If thats what you wanna think...''
''I'm not the one thinking it. You are.''
''Enough. For all I care right now Its just a dream I'm choosing to play along with. Who frickin' knows...'''
Xenophilia: The Cynical Human
“The man who is a pessimist before 48 knows too much; if he is an optimist after it he knows too little.” - Mark Twain
A secretary came up to the mayor. “Five minutes Mayor Mare.''
“Thank you.” Mayor Mare turned to the ponies and Lero standing next to the Daniel. “I’d like you all to be by my side when I give the announcement. With any luck, having you six will put the crowd at ease.” She sighed. “I’m not going to lie. This is going to be more difficult than you can imagine. I have no idea how hundreds of ponies will react to this!”
“Don’t worry, Miss Mare, you can count our help.” Twilight encouraged. Daniel let out a sigh.
Mayor Mare smiled. “I’m sure your help won’t go unnoticed, Twilight.” She paused, then added: “It would probably be best if you four went first. I’ll come to speak for our guest after they've been calmed down.”
Twilight, Pinky Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Lero took their leave to meet the crowd. Only Daniel and Mayor Mare were left in the room. After a moment of silence, the mayor began to give him a small heads up of what to expect and how to behave.
“Listen here, Daniel, and listen well.” She said to Daniel staring him straight in the eyes. “I don't know Lero personally, but he's been in Equestria for nearly 3 years now, and hes long proven his worth to our community. Be prepared for questions, and remember the talk we all had a few minutes ago. Don't say or do anything offensive. Do I make myself clear?''
“Yes, Mayor Mare” Daniel replied bluntly. ''Fuck... This is all happening too god damn fast... Fuck my awful memory...'' He thought beginning to sweat.
“Good.” She and the human both headed for the door.
Meanwhile, outside, a vast, multicolored crowd of equines endured the idleness. The constant, bearing noise of a hundred conversations at once truncated everypony’s ability to hear. In the front of the crowd were news reporters: earth ponies and unicorns sporting tan jackets, fedoras, pencils, notepads, cameras, and facial hair. They talked amongst themselves above the din of the crowd, vocalizing their impatience, but also anxious to extract some juicy knowledge of what some ponies rumored a human, the first being the well known Lero, has appeared in Equestria.
The door opened and out came five well-known ponies and a human; four of the six who had saved Equestria twice from the wretched evils of Nightmare Moon and Discord. Lero, everyone knew was odd but a really nice and caring person who helped out whenever he could. Some ponies stopped their conversations to listen to what they may say, while most others continued to buzz on with theirs. The six only conversed among themselves, inaudible to the rest of the crowd, when finally Mayor Mare stepped out with Daniel behind her.
''Showtime.'' Daniel muttered bitterly to himself. ''Christ, I wish I had some nicotine patches on me...''
''Just stay calm. Clear your mind, and everything will be alright.'' A voice in his said to him.
''Thanks. Noted.''
As if one flipped a switch, the background noise ceased immediately when the human came into sight. All that was heard was the after-breath of several gasps. The cameras began blinking out harsh white flashes. The mayor climbed on top the speaking pedestal and panned over the captivated audience before finally speaking.
''I feel like a freak...'' Daniel thought.
“Citizens of Ponyville!” The speakers broadcasted to the whole of the crowd. “We are gathered here at this hour to welcome yet another human!'' Most of the crowd glanced at Lero for a few seconds, then back at the stage.
The newsponies furiously scribbled into their notepads as Mayor Mare continued. “Secondly,Twilight Sparkle, prodigy of Princess Celestia herself,” She gestured to said profusely blushing unicorn. “And Lero, the most dependable and the first human in Ponyville, have both personally assured me of his decent behavior, and I trust that each and every one of you will do the same. Fillies and gentlecolts, Daniel Newman!”
Daniel was then suddenly shoved onto the spotlight in front of the amassed pastel ponies. The crowd started to exchange hushed whispers and remarks as the other human stared at them with a stone cold blank look on his face. Daniel cleared his throat several times and spoke casually into the microphone.
“Hello. I'm Daniel. I'm new here.” He itched the back of his neck with his nervous fingers. Wondering what he should say to these other worldy ponies. ''Its a rather decent place here.''
Mayor Mare leaned into the mic right next to him. “Any questions?”
Dozens of hooves were noisily raised into the air, each one eager to gather information from this new being. The mayor scratched her chin. Lero merely stood in the crown and smiled at Daniel, hoping things would go well for him.
“Uh... yes! You there!” She randomly picked a pony.
“What’s your favorite color?!”
Daniel grabbed the mic. “Black.” he said bluntly. ''Though lately blood red.'' He added. This made a few ponies feel uneasy.
“Next question then.”
“Ooh! Ooh!” The same cross-eyed grey pegasus from earlier flailed her forelegs on a cloud above trying to get their attention. “Do you like muffins?”
Miss Mare massaged her temples as Daniel answered that question too. “Yes I do.''
''What does Daniel mean?'' A young high pitched voice asked loudly, presumably a small child.
''Judgement of god. My family were religious folks. Mormons.'' He replied. His blank stare turned into a light frown.
''How old are you?'' A middle aged pony asked him.
''28.'' Daniel answered.
“How did you get here?” Another pony asked
“No idea.''
The crowd went silent for a few moments as a few of them spoke amongst one another.
''Hes weird.'' One pony said to another
''Just give him some time. He seems shy.'' Another said
''Whats a Mormon?''
''Lero,'' A sharp whisper said behind Lero. He turned his head and saw a mint green unicorn standing beside a cream colored earth pony.
''Me and Bon-Bon came as soon as we could. Whats going on? Is it true? Another human has shown up?'' Lyra whispered to Lero.
''Its true, look.'' Lero said pointing up to the stage where Daniel stood in the spotlight, preparing to speak again.
''Why is your head wrapped in a bandage?''
''No idea.'' Daniel answered bluntly
“That’s enough!” The mayor called out. She pointed to a journalist mare in the front who was waving her hoof in apparent frustration. “Your question?”
“Finally!” She levitated her pencil to her notepad. Daniel? Now that you are here in Ponyville, what is it that you will be doing here?”
''Theres something... Off about Daniel, Lero.'' Lyra whispered to him.
''I haven't known him long. I barely know anything about him, but from what hes said to us so far, he doesn't seem to have emotions. His expression... Its unreadable... I don't know what to think of him.'' Lero responded to Lyra as they watched Daniel speak. ''I mean... I'm sorta thrilled to have another human around here, but, he just feels so-''
''Alien?''
Lero nodded his head in affirmation. ''I kinda feel bad for him. Its like, someone has made him shut down all his emotions and he can no longer connect with them.''
''I honestly don't know. Mayor Mare has given me a room in a boarding house, but as for work, nothing so far. Daniel said looking right at Lero, who could see the desperation and fear in his face. ''Whatever Lero can do, I can do as well. Lero can you help me out here?''
Lero got on stage and took the mic, a few ponies cheered for him.
''Great...'' Daniel thought. ''Here everyone here sees Lero as kind as charismatic. I want nothing to do with these ponies but when your desperate... And you wind up in some extremely foreign land... Then you have to ask for help... Unless its Afghanistan... Or Detroit...''
''I'm sure that Daniel will be a helpful part of the community, and I'll help him learn how to fit in as I did.'' Lero said to the audience. ''When I first came here, I struggled to find my place. When I first came here, I had little hope. A small sliver of hope. I hoped that all of you would accept me as what and who I am. And that I'd make friends. And you know what? I did with effort. And this was unexpected, but I even managed to find love.'' He said smiling to Rainbow Dash, Lyra. And Twilight.
''Huh?'' Daniel thought looking at Lero as he continued to speak about his prior experience of being a new comer here in Equestria. ''That... Bestiality? I don't even know what the hell to think... Its fucking mind bottling...'' He thought letting out another sigh.
''Though, throughout the months I've spent here, learning Equestria's cultural norms, getting to know you all, I can honestly say I've never been happier in my life. The life I had before was... Just... Bland. I lived my live a day at a time. The same usual routine over again. But when I came to Equestria, my life changed forever. And I'm thankful. For being graciously welcomed, for my friends, and most importantly,'' Lero said pausing, ''My family.'' Twilight, Rainbow, and Lyra all blushed at his speech, and everypony present, including the reporters, before they went back to scribbling notes, applauded him.
''And I have high hopes, that our new friend Daniel, can adjust well in this world. And I will personally help him through every step.'' Lero said smiling at the ponies, then at Daniel. Lero held the mic out to Daniel, he took it and tunred back to the audience. Everyponies eyes were fixated on him.
''Indeed. I will try my best to adjust here, and thank you, Lero, for helping me.''
The Mayor took the mic next. ''If he wishes to take part in our community, then he has the right to earn his place.” She paused, processing for a moment. “No further questions for today. I’m sure you all have things to do. With that, I bring this town meeting to a close. Thank you all for your time.” Mare turned the microphone off and dismounted from the podium. the crowd began to scatter as ponies went their separate ways. Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Lyra, Pinkie, and Applejack walked up to them.
''Daniel, come with me and I will show you to the boarding house.'' Mayor Mare said as Daniel and Lero dismounted the podium after her.
''Lero!''
Lero then was assaulted by a long tight hug from his herd.
"Lero. That was a great speech. I love you. We all love you.'' Lyra said nuzzling Lero's chest as he held her.
''I love you.'' Twilight and Rainbow said at the same time. Lero wrapped his arms around all three of them and returned the hug.
''And I love all of you. I'd be lost without you three...'' Lero said enjoying their embrace.
''Ugh...'' Daniel sighed looking at Mayor Mare. ''Lets just get going. I wanna take a nap and think about all this.'' The mayor nodded and began walking in front of him, he followed.
''Hey Daniel!'' Lero shouted to him. Daniel stopped in his tracks and turned around to face Him and his herd.
''You're welcome to stay with us.'' Twilight said.
''We have a guest room.'' Lyra added
Daniel pondered this for a few seconds, before coming to his conclusion.
''Perhaps later.'' He said hesitantly. ''I'd rather be alone for now.''
''If you change your mind let us know dude.'' Rainbow said
''Our door is always open.'' Lyra said letting go of Lero and falling back on all four hooves.
''Noted.'' Daniel responded
''So Daniel, how about we swing by your room tomorrow? We'll give you a proper tour of Ponyville.'' Lero said smiling and Daniel, while Daniel frowned.
''What time?''
''How about 8?''
''Sounds fine, Lero. Not like I'm gonna be busy anyways.'' Daniel said turning his back to Lero and continuing to walk with Mayor Mare.
''Until next time Lero.'' Daniel said over his shoulder.
''Heh... Healing better than I thought...'' Daniel thought looking into the bathroom mirror. The gash on his head was now barely noticeable. covered up by most of his pitch black hair. Daniel flicked the bathroom light switch, turning it off as he walked to his bed. The boarding house a fair. Rustic. And smaller than his old apartment back home. One roomed. A small bed by the windows In the corner. A dresser. A desk. A small kitchen area. An over and a stove. A table and four chairs. A nightstand with a lamp on it beside his bed. The wall paper was s light blue. His room in the boarding house seemed both depressing and familiar to him.
"Well. On the bright side it's bigger than my old college dorm room. I guess..." He thought removing his shirt and pants and the hopping into bed. Staring up at the ceiling, he thought about his life up until this day. One bad day... He didn't know how exactly to cope with being trapped in another universe inhabited by one sole human and a bunch of talking ponies.
"Ugh... Jesus... This has to be a fucking dream... Ponies? I have to be extremely high right now. I mean, I've done drugs before and blacked out not remembering anything. But to think I've been sucked into some 5 year olds wet dream. Impossible. Ugh... Well... When I wake up I'll either be in bed. Or dead. Or something... Ugh... What's next? Magic?" He thought to himself bitterly still staring up at the ceiling for what seemed like hours before falling asleep.
Xenophilia: The Cynical Human
Books an' Cupcakes... (Chapter 4)
Insanity in individuals is something rare - but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -Friedrich Nietzsche
Darkness... A twisting... Wisping... Dreamlike... Darkness...
''No! Stop!'' A voice screamed in the darkness
''AAAAAAAAAAAAAUGGGH!''
''Coward.''
''PLEASE MISTRESS NHYMERRIA! GET THEM OFF ME! GET THEM OFF!''
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Laughter echoed in the darkness...
''Thoust pet is very amusing.''
''RESIST HER! RESIST HER! FIGHT!''
''Theres greatness in you.''
Knock Knock Knock Knock
''RUN FORREST RUN!''
''Why are you helping me?''
''Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth-''
''Why do these damn voices whisper to me...''
''Rachel? Is that you?''
''AAAAAAAARGH! IT HURTS SO FUCKING MUCH!''
''No!
''Will the circle... Be unbroken... By and by... By and by... Theres a better... Home awaiting... In the sky... Oh... In the sky...'' A chorus sang before fading into the darkness
''What do we say to these god damn tyrants?!'' A voice yelled and barely audible voices cheering.
''NO!''
''A man choooses! A slave obeys!'' A voice boomed
''Hi ho silver away!'
''Daniel... Where art thou going?'' A cold eerie distorted female voice said in the darkness. ''''Its not over between us... Thou is my pet, and always shall be... Thou can't keep running forever...''
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
''Hey Daniel? You awake in there?'' A seemingly familiar voice called out in the darkness.
''Daniel? Its us!'' Another voice called out.
''Yo wake up! Its 8 already!'' An also seemingly familiar brash female voice called out as well.
''Should ah just buck the door down?'' A female voice with a southern accent asked jokingly
''Very funny Applejack...''
''Maybe we just let him sleep in just a few minutes...'' A meek female voice said quietly barely loud enough to hear.
Daniel quickly sat up in his bed, drenched in sweat. He checked his watch immediately. 8 AM on the dot...
''Coming! Hold on a few minutes!'' Daniel yelled at the door then rubbing his eyes for a second. ''God... Theres so much shit in my head...'' He thought to himself getting out of bed. ''Ugh... Not a fucking dream... All these fucking voices in my mind and all these fucking holes in my memory... Ugh... Fuck my life...'' He thought to himself feeling extremely bitter and letting out a deep sigh as he quickly put his clothes on and rushed to the door.
''So your telling me that two princesses rule all of Equestria? Kinda like a monarchy?'' Daniel asked taking a bit out of his cupcake. Daniel was sitting in sugarcube corner with Lero, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Applejack, and a shy yellow pegasus who spoke less than him. Sugarcube corner was oddly made from candy on the outside, which boggled his mind putting aside the fact it very much resembled a giant gingerbread house. But inside, the bakery where Pinky Pie worked felt warm. And comforting.
''Eeyup, Princess Celestia raises the sun and Princess Luna raises the moon.'' Applejack said to him grasping a tankard of cider in her hoof somehow and brought it to her lips as she took a sip.
''And Mayor Mare is just in charge of Ponyville.'' Lero said enjoying a strawberry sundae he was sharing with Dash and Twilight.
''What? Raises the sun and the moon? How the hell is that possible? Thats... Thats not possible. Its not science.'' Daniel said with confusion in his voice. '
''Magic silly!'' Pinkie said in her usual energetic popping up from behind him with a fresh tray of cupcakes then setting it on the table. ''You have to try these! Its new my recipe!''
''Mmm, these are great Pinkie!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed after biting down half of it.
''Magic exists here Daniel, I didn't believe it myself at first.'' Lero said in his usual calm manner pushing his sundae away and taking a cupcake. ''Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are alicorns, which means they have the power to raise the moon and the sun. They're pretty much gods.''
''Its very true. All unicorns and alicorns can use magic. Though Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are the only alicorns in existence. Well, Cadence is but she can't do anything with the sun and moon.'' Twilight commented. A purple aura surrounded one of the cupcakes as it somehow flew over to her. Daniel's eyes widened as he watched the cupcake float over to Twilight.
''That has to be a fucking parlor trick. Like Jesus turning water into wine. Or pulling a rabbit out of a hat.'' Daniel said bluntly pointing to the cupcake Twilight was eating that was grasped by the magical purple aura.
''Watch your language Danny!'' Pinkie said concerned. ''This is a family place. Wait do you mind if I call you Danny?''
''Sure. Sorry.'' Daniel said rolling his eyes.
''It isn't a trick. its magic.'' Twilight assured nodding her head.
''Pegasi can use magic too. To manipulate the weather and walk on clouds.'' Rainbow dash commented
''Ugh... Winged ponies controlling the weather... What next? Dragons or some shit?'' Daniel thought to himself looking around the bakery.
''I haven't heard you speak yet.'' Daniel said to the quiet yellow pegasus sitting next to Applejack. ''Whats your name?''
''Fluttershy...'' She said quietly
''Come again?''
''Fluttershy...'' She said a bit louder, loud enough to be heard.
“She’s not very good at meeting new folk.” Applejack commented. “But she’s real sweet. But really shy.”
''Hm. Well. Its good to meet you Fluttershy.'' Daniel said to her. Fluttershy looked away and cracked a small smile.
''Now, Daniel, we barely know anything about you. Can you answer a few questions for us?'' Lero asked
''Fire away.'' Daniel replied bluntly slouching in his seat.
''Do you remember anything? Anything at all of how you came to be here?'' Lero asked leaning in and looking him right in the eyes.
''No. Its all a blur and the details allude me.'' Daniel said scratching the back of his neck. That was a lie of course. ''Say, do you have a library around here? I need some more information about Equestria and how everything works around here.''
''I actually own the library.'' Twilight said. ''Along with my assistant Spike.''
''Speaking of Spike, why is the little guy?'' Lero asked putting one arm around Twilight and his other around Rainbow Dash. ''I know Lyra is with Bon-Bon running errands.''
''Spike is re-organizing the shelves back the library remember?'' Rainbow commented. ''He seemed to be in a very good mood this morning.''
''Ah, I remember.'' Lero said. ''Should we go see him? We can get you a few books too Daniel.''
''That would be great.'' Daniel said standing up.
''Ugh... I being stared at...'' Daniel muttered as he and the others walked down the street of Ponyville. Ponies of all different colors and race littered the streets looking at him as they walked. And Daniel noticed a few pegasi in the sky, some flying above and others watching him.
''Its not everyday we get another human around these parts ya know.'' Applejack commented
''Heh... What are those tattoo things everyone seems to have?" Daniel asked looking around at the ponies on the street who were staring at him.
''Its a cutie mark. It’s something ponies get when they discover their special talent.” Applejack said. ''Ah tried to live in Manehatten with mah aunt and uncle, but then ah realized that mah place was here on the farm. When ah came home, this here appeared on mah flank.” She gestured to the three red apples contrasting her orange fur.
''Heh... Kinda like merit badges in boy scouts...'' Daniel muttered under his breath as they approached a giant tree-like house. Oh wait... The sign above the front door read ''Golden Oaks Library.''
''Heh... This is the place that weird grey pegasus with the screwed up eyes was looking for...'' Daniel thought looking at the library. ''So, this is the place?'' Daniel asked out loud even though he knew the answer to the question.
''Yep.'' Lero said as entered the library. Daniel and the others was greeted by a small purple... lizard thing...
''Oh hey guys...'' He said with his voice faltering as he gawked at Daniel. ''Wow. This is really something isn't it? Hi I'm Spike.'' The little purple dragon said with a smile extending his right claw out for a hand/claw shake. Daniel sighed, then knelt down to shake his claw.
''I'm Daniel. Heh. First talking ponies, now talking iguanas.'' Daniel said shaking his claw.
''I'm not an iguana! I'm a dragon!'' Spike shouted, breaking the hand/claw shake and crossing his arms.
''You look like one. But you lack wings.'' Daniel said standing back up. ''Without them you look like an overgrown gecko or something.''
''He’s a certain breed of wingless dragon.” Twilight explained. “But he’s still classified as a dragon.”
''Can you at least breath fire? If you can't then I'd just classify you as a normal lizard or something.'' Daniel said
''Spike can send notes and letters Princess Celestia with magic fire, but his actual fire-breathing skills aren't that great... Last time I checked, It wasn't very hot, and it wasn't very long either.'' Lero said to Daniel before turning to Spike. ''How you been Spike?''
''Thanks Lero, and I've been pretty good. Incredibly surprised with meeting you Daniel. You seem a bit rude, but alright.'' Spike said glancing up at Daniel and Lero.
''I admit I am at times. But most of the time I try to refrain myself from being like that.'' Daniel said with no emotion in his voice as usual and with an unreadable look on his face. Speaking of notes and letters, Spike let out a burp, then a flame came out, and a scroll landed on the ground. Spike grabbed the scroll and cleared his throat...
"Dear Twilight Sparkle, I have returned from Saddle Arabia on royal business. Bring this other human to Canterlot Castle immediately. I suggest you bring Lero and your friends as well. I'm sorry that I can't bring any transport for you, you'll have to take a train. This is urgent. From, Princess Celestia." Spike finished reading the letter.
''So now I get to meet the princesses?'' Daniel asked looking down at the letter.
''Yup... I have to warn you Daniel, to be incredibly respectful. Heh... Celestia onced threatened to teleport me into space to see how I would react under pressure.'' Lero said having a flashback.
''Thats a comforting thought...'' Daniel muttered. ''Well... Today I'm going to meet a so called goddess of the sun. Of course I should fucking pay respect... Wouldn't want to be shot into space and possibly burn in the sun like Lero said. Then again. He might be just trying to trick me. Fucking royalty... Respect is earned... Not just given out freely... This is why I hate royalty... I don't care if Princess Celestia is a goddess...''
Xenophilia: The Cynical Human
Judgement Day (Chapter 5)
“If you meet a loner, no matter what they tell you, it’s not because they enjoy solitude. It’s because they have tried to blend into the world before, and people continue to disappoint them.” - Jodi Picoult, My Sister's Keeper
''Damn my short memory... Heh... Last time I rode a rain I was about 4 or 5...'' Daniel thought to himself, sitting on a bench tapping his foot impatiently on the ground. It was in almost noon, according to his watch, the sun was high in the sky, and the colors were brighter than ever, hurting his eyes. It was amazing to see ponies in different variation of colors.Twilight had just finished talking to the ticket administrator, and trotted towards Daniel with eight golden tickets. "Alright I've got the tickets for the next train! Which should be here in about..." she turned to the clock on the wall, "Ten minutes! Grab some snacks if you're hungry."
''Not in the mood for sweets.'' Daniel said. Twilight shrugged, "If you say so." she trotted to where her friends and Lero were, the snack bar. Daniel looked at them, talking, laughing, and smiling. He hasn't seen this much happiness in many, many years. Daniel had a hard time processing all this. The ponies that walked past him just glanced at him with curiosity and spoke amongst one another. Every time he did catch a pony he just shot them a cold scowl, causing them to move along. A yellow female unicorn with a blue mane ran up to him, levitating a newspaper and a quill dripping in black ink in front of him.
''Ooh! Ooh! You're Daniel the new human! Will you sign my newspaper? Please?'' The unicorn asked quickly and excitedly. Daniel leaned his back against the bench and stared at the newspaper. He along with Lero and Mayor Mare were on the front page. This was taken while Lero was giving his speech about his past experiences and determination to do his best to mentor Daniel. Daniel leaned to the right to catch a glimpse of Lero and the others, He was wiping some frosting off of his chin leftover from a cupcake he had just finished. Then a mint green unicorn by the name of Lyra came up from behind Lero and hugged him around the waist.
''Hey Lero! Made it on time!'' Lyra said happily nuzzling his back. Lero spun around and returned the hug that lasted for a few seconds while everyone ''awwwwwwed.''
''I'm happy you got here when you could.'' Lero said planting a kiss on Lyra's lips. Much to Daniel's disgust as he looked away and back to the anxious yellow unicorn and the newspaper.
''Ugh... Fine... Damn paparazzi...'' Daniel muttered grabbing the quill and the newspaper, scribbling his first and last name on it then handing it back to the unicorn. The unicorn squealed with delight.
''Now get lost!'' Daniel said sharply to her.
''Thank you!'' She said trotting off. ''How rude....'' She muttered under her breath as Lero and the others walked up to Daniel.
''Hey who was that?'' Rainbow Dash asked. Daniel let out a sigh and stood up, stretching his arms.
''Just some random unicorn that wanted my autograph.'' Daniel replied.scratching his chin. He heard a noise, metal creaking, then a large whistle. "The train is here!" Lero said turning to face the train. Daniel looked to where the noise was.
"That's the train?" Daniel asked cocking his head at the train. ''Looks like something from the 1800's. Reconstruction era at best. Maybe 1874.''
''Reconstruction era?'' Rainbow asked with confusion.
''Ulysses S. Grant... Civil War hero... Was in charge of the Union army after several incompetent generals... Below average president... Didn't strongly take charge of his government and as a result corruption flourished under his watch. Was an honest person himself but chose his advisers wrong...'' Daniel mumbled to himself quietly.
"Yup! And it's our ride." Applejack said. The train came to a complete stop, then whistled again. "All aboard!" The train conductor yelled and blowed a whistle twice ''All aboard the train from Ponyville to Canterlot!” Several ponies boarded the train, whispering to one another as he passed by some of them. Daniel heard one pony say his name and mention something about apparent rude behavior. Daniel stooped for a moment before getting on the train. Looking into a crowd of ponies that were boarding another caboose, he saw a man in the crowd. It was him. But he was dressed in all black and a neater haircut. But there was an odd feel to him... He wasn't him... No... It was... The man smiled at him and waved before walking off and disappearing.
''Heh. Just a fucking hallucination. Minds still playing games on me...'' Daniel thought looking away. He boarded the train, walked towards the back, and sat down. Daniel looked out the window and looked blankly at the mountain, snow covered the land where they were going, except their destination. Thought running through his mind. A couple rows ahead, the mane six, Lyra, and Lero were all talking. "Daniel looks kinda lonely, don'tcha think?" Applejack said.
''I'll go sit with him.'' Lero said getting out of his seat.
''Me too!'' Pinky said happily and bubbly as usual hopping out of her seat.
"Go ahead." Twilight said.
''I don't really like him, Lero. He may be a human... But hes kinda a jerk if you ask me.'' Rainbow Dash said putting a hoof on Lero's shoulder, making him stop briefly in his tracks. ''We'll just have to get used to him. I'm going to attempt to know him a bit better.''
Pinkie rushed to the seat, sat down, looked at Daniel, and smiled ear to ear. Daniel looked at her with an unreadable expression on his face.
''Um... Do you need something?'' Daniel asked
''Yes!'' Pinky replied with a huge unnatural grin on her face.
''Er, what?''
''For you to be my very very best friend!'' Pinkly yelled with excitement. Making Daniel cringe and shudder slightly.
''Hey Daniel, Pinky.'' Lero said gesturing to Pinky and sitting in the seat across from Daniel.
''Lero.'' Daniel said bluntly still with a stone cold unreadable expression on his face.
''How are you feeling?'' Lero asked readjusting himself in his seat.
''I'm fine. Just paranoid about meeting Princess Celestia.'' Daniel answered. Pinky pie just watched the two humans talk about one another.
''So, tell me Daniel, what did you do before you cam here? Career wise.'' Lero asked
''Ugh...'' Daniel sighed rummaging through his many pockets. He pulled out a badge, which shined brightly in Celestia's radiant sun that was shining through the windows. The badge displayed the symbol of the Los Angeles Police Department. Also, Daniel's badge number was strewn across the bottom. “Newman. Eight-One Five. LAPD” He said, reading off his ID number.
“Wowie thats so awesome! Hey, what’s ‘LAPD’?” Pinky asked while admiring the neatly polished badge.
''Los Angeles Police Department. Terrible city. But at least it keeps me busy, adds actual purpose to my life. Keeping the streets clean of any lawbreakers.'' Daniel said still holding up his badge. He was going to confess that he had a soft spot for drug dealers, but he decided to hold it back thinking it didn't matter here.
''You're a police officer huh?'' Lero said surprised. ''How long have you been doing it and what was it like?'' Daniel was about to answer until Pinky randomly licked the badge. Daniel raised a brow at this and immediately slipped his badge back into his pocket. ''Um... I'll pretend I didn't see that...'' He though to himself before answering back to Lero.
''I must admit, every single second I spent wearing the uniform was a pleasure and absolute addiction. And a real challenge. Always tested the limits of human psychological, emotional, and physical strength and boundaries...''
''So Danny what made you want to become a police officer?'' Pinky asked
''Danny?'' Lero said cocking his head a little.
''Just a small nickname.'' Daniel responded bluntly
''Don't worry. Lyra calls me fingers sometimes. Applejack, Mr.Handy, and Dash calls me big guy.'' Lero said with a chuckle.
''Heh. Well. You see, as a child I used to live in a rather quiet and peaceful city in Idaho. I loved it. Nothing ever seemed to happen, then when I was 12 or so me and my family moved to LA. A lot more crime there. A lot more bullies. I lived in the ghetto. The worst possible place in the city. I despised everyone around me and I swore to myself I would never be anything like them and escape it. And I would do anything to eradicate gangster scum like them. So I finished school and did all my studying and training, to become a loyal enforcer of the law.'' Daniel said having a few flashbacks.
''It must have been terrible for you...'' Pinky said quietly, her bubbly mood starting to slip away.
''Have you ever been injured on the job? Like shot or stabbed?'' Lero asked with concern in his voice. Lero didn't know how to react to what Daniel had just said. He felt... A certain sadness for him. So did Pinky, only hers was a bit stronger.
''Well, I've gotten injuries that have almost killed me. Painful. But it didn't matter as long as I did my job well.'' Daniel said bluntly looking over to Pinky pie, who was staring him right in the face with her big blue eyes.
''Why didn't it matter?'' Lero asked curiously and worriedly leaning in a bit.
''I have nothing to live for. Being a firm protector of the law was the only thing that kept me from killing myself by shooting myself in the head or jumping head first into a wood chipper.'' Daniel said rather coldly frowning and looking away from them and out the window. That statement only made them feel worse about them. ''People are scum. Some good. And some good. And I may hate humans but I had to protect the few good ones in that world. For the greater good.''
Lero was about to speak but Pinky cut him off.
''Danny! Life is too great to live depressed! And I swear to Celestia I'm gonna change your attitude and turn that frown upside down! You need to be happy! Pinkie took a long, big breath, "When I was a little filly and the sun was going do-o-own," Daniel sighed and decided to zone out, looking outside at the environment. The snowy terrain had disappeared and grass was now all over the landscape, including trees, flowers, and a clear sky. It was strange to him how two different weathers can be so close to each other, but it wasn't the first time he has seen it. The train was surprisingly large on the interior, but seeing it outside, it was small. Pinky continued to sing ''At the gala'' and other songs... This slowly angered Daniel...
''Daniel, did you have a girlfriend?'' Lero asked relaxing back in his cushioned seat.
''No. Lyra, that light green pony, I take it shes yours.'' Daniel said still staring out the window and trying his best to ignore Pinky.
''Well, Lyra is actually my wife. As well as Dash and Twilight.'' Lero said looking over his seat to them. Who were all engaged in a conversation filled with laughter and happiness.
''All three of them? Married?'' Daniel recalled the other night where he saw all of them hug and Lero telling them he loved them. He assumed they meant love in a friend way.
''Wait wait wait wait... So your a-''
''Polygamist?'' Lero said cutting him off.
''Yeah... Is that legal here? And socially acceptable?'' Daniel asked feeling both extremely annoyed with Pinky's singing and feeling disgusted. Daniel wasn't a person who cared for morals. In fact he kinda despised them. Daniel was the sort of person who believed you could do whatever the hell you want as long as it didn't harm anyone else in anyway. Though in the case of having more then one wife, he hated the idea. Daniel viewed marraige to be only between two people who loved each other. What concerned him was the implications it could create within a family. Daniel viewed the concept of a polygamist family as a single controlling Shepard and a flock of lambs.
''It is, and it actually is.'' Lero explained. ''You see, the mare-to-stallion ratio here is one stallion per four mares. So monogamy is actually frowned upon and considered selfish. Like cannibalism. I was hesitant about it at first, but, things escalated and our love for one another strengthened.''
''Theres a big problem about that, Lero. What about jealousy in this herd?'' Daniel asked
''Well, everypony is pretty laid back about that. Including myself when I was first assimilated into Equestria's cultural norms. You get used to it, and to be frank, its very happy. Love is love...''
''I don't know... Equestria is a very different place... This is going to take a lot to get used too..'' Daniel said letting out a deep sigh. Daniel couldn't take it anymore. Pinky's sing which he tried his best to ignore. He snapped.
''SHUT THE FUCK UP! SHUT THE FRICKIN' FUCK UP PINKY! THATS ENOUGH! ENOUGH! ENOUGH! ENOUGH! ENOUGH! ENOUGH!'' Daniel screamed standing up from his red cushioned seat and berating Pinky. Silence filled the train. Lero and everypony present stared at him in shock. The nerve he had to scream that out loud. Pinky's frizzy poofy light pink mane somehow deflated like a tire. It was a darker pink, droopy, and stringy. And tears began to swell up in Pinky's eyes as she slouched in her seat with her lip quivering in fear.
''Pinky I'm-'' Daniel said calmly before being cut off.
''GET AWAY FROM ME!'' Pinky screamed bursting into tears, jumping out of her seat, and running down the aisle and into another part of the train. Feeling heavy regret Daniel tried to run after Pinky, but she was too quick, and Daniel just stood there in the middle. Feeling worse then he already was. All of a sudden Daniel was hit by a colossal force of strength, knocking the wind out of him and sending him flying into the wall, and bucked him several times in the face.
''You made Pinky cry! Your a monster!'' Rainbow Dash yelled hitting Daniel in the face and knocking his head into the wall.
''I'm sorry! Fucking stop!'' Daniel yelled trying to defend himself, but didn't out of fear it would make his situation worst.
''Rainbow Dash stop!'' Lyra yelled restraining the strong sky blue pegasus in a golden aura of magic. Lero, Twilight, and everypony on board just watched them in astonishment.
''No! I haven't seen Pinky that bad since that surprise party incident! I knew he was bad!'' Rainbow yelled struggling to break free of the magic aura that was holding her.
''Rainbow, he just got upset by Pinky's singing.'' Lero said standing up and walking over to his herdmate, who was beating the shit out of the human who lost his temper and fell out of line...
''For the record...'' Daniel said wiping blood off his face. ''I'm extremely sorry. I didn't mean to provoke you Dash.'' He said rising to his feet and grabbing hold of a nearby seat to use as support. ''Look... I'll make it up anyway you want. Promise! Oh god... MEDIC!''
''Oh dear Celestia, somepony get a doctor!'' Twilight yelled
''Dash... Please... He just lost himself for a moment... We'll get Pinky, we'll work this out, we'll forgive and forget...'' Lero said hugging Rainbow while she was still strung up by Lyra's magic. ''Please, for us?'' He said stroking her multi-colored mane.
''I'll forgive him... But that won't mean I'll like him...'' Rainbow replied
''So we're all in agreement then?'' Lyra asked
''Thanks Doc.'' Daniel said holding an ice bag on his left eye. ''Rainbow is pretty damn strong.''
“It’s fine, really. I’m just glad to help an injured soul. Thanks Celestia I got her in a flash.'' The dark brown doctor stallion said with a chuckle. ''It could have been worse. Much worse.''
''You got that right.'' Daniel thought looking at the doctor with his vision slightly blurred. ''She could have knocked my fucking head off.''
''Rainbow, apologize to Daniel.'' Lero said to Rainbow who was sitting in her seat hugging Pinky, who was looking at him with dried tears on her face. Gazing at her with his good eye, he immediately felt like the worst kind of scum out there.
''Not until Daniel apologizes to Pinky first.'' Rainbow said. Daniel stood up weakly.
''Whoa there, easy, this ain't a race.'' The doctor pony said. ''I've done enough, just take things slow.'' He said walking back into the previous part of the train he came from.
''I'm fine. Just a few bruises.'' Daniel said bluntly walking over to where Rainbow and Pinky were. He sat down in the seat across from them and put on a small smile that barely passed for real. Though he felt incredibly sorry, it was somehow out of his power to actually crack a real smile.
''Pinky...'' He said trying to look her in the eyes, she only looked away out the window. ''I'm sorry. So so sorry. And if theres anything I can do for you to make up, anything at all, just let me know.''
''Anything?'' Pinky asked looking at him, making eye contact.
''Anything you want.'' Daniel said
''Will you be my friend? And will you come to your official welcome to Ponyville party tomorrow?'' Pinky asked, a small smile creeping across her face, as she was expecting a yes.
''Yes. Both of those.'' Daniel said smiling. Pinky's mane seemed to re-inflate as her hair became poofy and lighter again. She then grabbed Daniel with her forelegs and gave him a tight hug. Lero and everypony else smiled at them.
''Oh thank you thank you thank you!'' Pinky said returning to her happy and bubbly self. ''I promise, I'll do everything I can to make you happy and smile more!''
''I'd like that.., Thank you. Um... My heart soars.'' Daniel said returning Pinky's hug. ''Heh... Her mane kinda smells like cotton candy...'' He thought.
''Well, I'm glad you two made up. Rainbow?'' Lero said looking over to Rainbow dash who was sitting with her forelegs crossed.
''I'm sorry I attacked you and gave you a black eye and a bunch of bruises. Its just... Nopon- Er, no one insults my friends like that. I... Lost my cool...'' Rainbow said bitterly not making eye contact with him.
''Thats fine.'' Daniel replied as he and Pinky broke the hug. A pony came from a door in front of the train, wearing a Fez, and a red jacket. "Tickets." he said, all the tickets were held in the air.
''Take it.'' Daniel said flatly as the pony collected his ticket and moved on to the next.
"Please be ready to exit the train." The conducter said. All the ponies stood up, grabbed their belongings, and were ready to leave the train.
"Hey look, there it is!" Pinkie Pie yelled, pointing her hoof at the castle gates. The train rail wasn't going through the gates of course, it led to a train platform.. The train slowed down, letting an irritating "Screech."
''Ugh... Typical...'' Daniel muttered upon hearing the train stop.
"Please exit the train." the conducter said. Everyone exited the train, Daniel waited for them. "Hey, where's Daniel?" Lero asked, looking for any other tall humans among the crowds. After the crowd disappeared, Daniel came out from the train, Then waved to them.
''Over here!'' Daniel yelled as everyone ran over to him.
''So where are we headed? The palace?''
''Yes. We're going to the castle." Twilight said
''Well, shall we?'' Pinky said.
''We don't wanna keep the princess waiting. Its rude.'' Lero commented.
''Well.. Lets get this show on the road...'' Daniel muttered to himself.
"We shall." Rarity said. They continued through a hallway, with guards. As they walked passed them, each one seemed to take a glance at Daniel, keeping their serious mood. The walk seemed like hours, even though they have now reached the end in a minute. Two guards stood in the way, holding gold spears. "Uh, tough security, don't you think?" Twilight said to the guards. The guards shot Daniel a cold look, grunted, then let them pass.
“Miss Sparkle, you and your friends must come with us to the Royal Throne Room. The Princess wishes to meet with you all..” One of the guards said in a gruff voice.
''Heh. Kinda reminds me of Spartans.'' Daniel thought. ''I'm impressed.''
"I think it's best we get going now." Fluttershy said in a quiet tone. They walked through the streets, everypony stared at them as they passed. This made Fluttershy extremely nervous. They had almost arrived to castle, just a couple more houses and stores, than they'd be at the gates. A unicorn selling jewelry stepped in front of them, "Hello mares and sirs, may I interest you in some jewelry?" he pulled out case showing emerald, sapphire, ruby, and diamond necklaces.
"They look lovely!" Rarity said, "But no thank you." The seller frowned, slammed the case shut, and trotted away. "How rude."
''Probably just fakes. Plastic painted to look like metal and glass painted to look like actual gems.'' Daniel commented before thinking to himself. ''This is why I hate street venders...''
They continued their walk, trying to avoid as much sellers as possible. Eventually, they arrived at the gates of "Canterlot Castle." Four guards stood by the golden gates, staring at nothing. "Halt!" one of them ordered. They stood still, while the other three investigated them, searching various parts of their body. After inspection he nodded, and the gates opened. "It's been kinda quiet on the way here." Fluttershy said, walking through the gates to the castle. "Yeah, she's right." Rainbow Dash agreed. "Well then, what should we talk about?" Twilight said. No one said a word. "Then we should keep going." They had to climb three flights of stairs, before finally reaching a large golden door.
This was definitely the throne room. Daniel could see two high-backed chairs and they were held in high esteem. They were situated so that the ones who sat on them would be able to see everything in the room. One of them had a sunny look to it and the other had dark luminescent scenery. Sitting in one of the thrones, was a tall regal looking mare that was as white as snow and as majestic as a lioness. She had a warm smile written on her face as she stood up from her throne to greet the group. And her long multi-colored mane seemed to sparkle in the sun light and wave in the wind on its own.
''How is her mane doing that? Ugh... Magic... Of course... Lero compared her to a god after all...'' Daniel thought bitterly
.“Hello, my name is Princess Celestia. I apologize for my dear sister's absence. Princess Luna and I are the rulers of Equestria, and our duties are to raise the sun and moon. What is your name?'' She said in a majestic royal voice and gesturing to Daniel.
''You don't exactly roll out on a red carpet.'' Daniel commented bluntly. The mane six and Lyra all gasped, while Lero let out a sigh and rolled his eyes. Daniel was standing in the presence of the most powerful being in Equestria. The goddess of the sun. And he just let that rude comment fall out of his mouth like that. Daniel gazed upon Princess Celestia with a neutral expression and a million thoughts running though his mind. He didn't know how to react to the majestic princess and co-ruler of Equestria. Daniel felt two things. Fearlessness. And curiosity.
''Be polite.'' Lero sharply whispered. Upon hearing this Celestia narrowed her light greyish magenta eyes at him.
''You will respect my authority, now, what is your name?'' Celestia asked again.
''Daniel. Daniel Newman.'' Daniel answered. ''Heh. Its ironic. My last name considering the fact that I am actually new here.'' He said with a nervous chuckle. Celestia glanced at his black eye and bruised face with concern and worry rising in her heart.
''What happened to your face Daniel?'' Celestia asked calmly to him meeting eye contact.
''Daniel just lost himself and accidentally provoked Rainbow Dash into beating him up.'' Lero said calmly, looking over at Rainbow Dash.
''Lost himself? Explain.'' Celestia said now looking over to Rainbow Dash, who shuddered a little bit where she stood.
''Yeah... Daniel lost his temper and yelled at Pinky. Making her nearly cry her eyes out.'' Rainbow said standing by her friend Pinky.
''Its all good now! Me and Daniel are best friends!'' Pinky said happily bouncing up and down.
''Is that so?'' Princess Celestia said looking at Pinky, then at Lero, then finally at Daniel.
"Daniel. I'm going to access the memories of your life before coming here." Princess Celestia said taking a few steps foreword.
''Wait what?'' Daniel exclaimed backing up a little. ''No. That shit sin't going to happen. Its private! My fucking private thoughts!''
''Daniel please, don't struggle. Just go along with it.'' Lero said putting his hand on his shoulder trying to calm him.
''I wasn't asking for your permission.'' Celestia said, her horn glowed brightly as she launched into Daniel's mind. What Celestia saw was too horrible for words. Celestia saw his life. His childhood. His life was peaceful when he was young. Then the darkness came... And over time the gangs, the violence, the peer pressure of his city started to degrade him. Daniel became depressed at a very young age. One day, he fell madly in love. He was truly happy for the first time in many years. Then he lost her, Which sent him into an even deeper depression. he hurt himself... He attempted to kill himself several times... The Daniel who's mind she was currently invading was a broken man. Mentally and emotionally. A shadow of what he used to be before having his heart broken and tormented amongst his own kind. A pessimist who just stumbled through life without any ambition for the future except for death. Daniel... A troubled soul... Who despised almost everyone and wanted to die... Who had a negative outlook on life the likes shes never seen or heard of... She hated seeing him this unhappy and hurt... Seeing all these painful memories and near insanity made Princess Celestia shed a few tears before she broke the connection. She couldn't bear to see any more of his past memories.
''You weren't supposed to see that...'' Daniel said casually falling to his knees and staring at the ground.
''I'm sorry Daniel.... I'm so sorry...'' Princess Celestia said, a few more tears ran down he face as she looked upon the broken human, thinking to herself with heavily emotional thoughts. Princess Celestia wanted to help this poor troubled human. No... She along with everyone else was now determined to turn his life around... For the better... For the best....
