//------------------------------// // My Prejudice // Story: Grey Little Pony // by Dusty Miller //------------------------------// “It's an universal law-- intolerance is the first sign of an inadequate education. An ill-educated person behaves with arrogant impatience, whereas truly profound education breeds humility.” ― Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn Grey hung his head low as he stood behind Fluttershy as she knocked on the Old Oak library door. Twilight opened it and welcomed the couple. “Hi guys, won’t you please come in.” Fluttershy walked in and thanked Twilight. Grey followed like a scolded foal behind her. “What’s wrong with brave sir knight?” Twilight nickered. “Oh, he has a favour to ask you, if it's all right. Go ahead Grey, Twilight won’t bite.” Grey frowned to indicate that the opposite was probably true. “Twilight Sparkle, I have a prejudice I would like you to remove.” Twilight said with a smile, “I am familiar with your prejudice, you don’t get along with unicorns. Do you?" “Twilight Sparkle, I have two prejudices I would like you to fix. I have no good memories of Canterlot except when I was there with Fluttershy. I think I am prejudiced toward the ponies that live there. And that unicorn thing you just mentioned.” As Fluttershy ran out the door, she said. “Sorry, he’s your problem now!” Grey sighed. “So, if you could just fix me, I’ll buy you lunch, and I’ll be on my way.” “It doesn’t work that way. Not everything is fixed with magic. I have a plan for you.” Twilight shouted. “Spike! Follow list three from paragraph four on, for the rest of the day. Grey and I are going to Canterlot.” “What the…?” Asked Grey. Spike was upstairs, nestled in his bed. He scratched the comic book with his claw, so it would sound as if he was writing and not slacking off. “Got it.” Twilight waved at Grey as she went out the door, “Come on or we’ll miss the early train to Canterlot.” On the train they both sat on a bench facing forward. Grey had his forelegs crossed on his chest. “I thought you would give me a lecture or homework or make me talk to all the Ponies from Canterlot in the area, not this.” “Oh, my plan is not fully formed yet, but I too have been told to get out of my comfort zone and get away from my lists.” “Ya, how can you just walk away from your obligations?” Grey huffed. “It’s because I am so well organised that I can do just that. Besides, this gives us time to learn a little about each other. We did not get off on the right hoof and we both have preconceived notions about each other. And we need to become friends.” “All right, I’ll be as open as I can if it will help get rid of the bad blood between us.” “It’s not bad blood it’s bad ki, bad energy.” “How do you know that word? Princess Luna taught me that word. That’s our word. It’s like a connection I have with Luna and you intruded on us. Never mind,” Grey sighed, “you know more than I ever will.” “Don’t be so hard on yourself, you know things that I don’t. For instance, during winter wrap up, how do the earth ponies shovel snow in such a straight line or more to the point, how do you plough a furrow so exact the first time?” Grey humphed, “Because I’m an earth pony I must be good at agriculture.” “No, I …” “I’m just ribbing you. That’s everyday pony bias. The kind of prejudice and discrimination I grew up with was much worse. I think each species does it because the stereotypes are acceptable. That’s what I want to observe today. Is it true what ponies say about Canterlot? I don’t know anything about farming. When I got odd jobs with the Apple clan, I was a general labourer. Pulling, pushing, nothing more. During the harvests, my pay was to eat all I could. But I had to be gone before Old Lady Smith came out of her office. See, I do it too. I look like a mule and She can’t stand mules. It’s okay, she’s elderly and has her reasons. You seriously don’t know how to plough in a straight line? I don’t think I should tell you; it might be the only thing I know that you don’t.” “Don’t be silly, you know what it feels like to be an earth pony. Tell me, what does it feel like to plough or push snow or pull a carriage?” “It feels good of course. I think the reason we’re called earth ponies is because everything we do connects us to the ground. Whenever we pull or push it’s our whole body doing the work, starting in our hooves to our mane and tail. Pulling a carriage takes coordination and cooperation. Okay I’ll tell you how to plough a straight furrow the first time just to show off a little. You fix your eyes on a point on the horizon and walk towards it. Focus and walk without distraction. Fluttershy has trouble flying because she looks down and not straight ahead. You move or fly where you look. You fight with your eyes up. Ha, bet you didn’t know I gave flying lessons, did you?” “No, I didn’t. I like the explanation about the eyes and focusing. It's important for magic too.” Grey asked, “I don’t know if this is a personal question or not but what does doin’ magic feel like?” “It’s not personal. It starts in the brain with a thought. The thought I’m going to move that pillow.” Twilight’s horn glowed soft lavender. “My horn is stimulated with the thought that I’m going to do something magical and it is energised. It uses the natural energy of Equestra and the magic surrounds the pillow.” The pillow on the opposite seat was surrounded in a purple aura. “My horn is the fulcrum of the magic of Equestria. If I want to move the pillow, I must move it with my mind, not magic. Do you understand?” “A little. Cranky is teaching me how to use a sword. He says I must cut with my mind. Luna says she is going to teach me how to fight unicorns.” Grey snorted with a smile, “What do you think of that?” “A little sad really. There are better ways to end disputes than fighting and war.” “I know. What’s sad is that you have been in more fights and battles than I have. I haven’t been in any and that’s another reason why it’s frustrating for me. That’s why I act all irritated when I’m around you. I’m sorry.” “Missions. My friends and I have been on missions and adventures for Princess Celestia.” The train pulled into Canterlot station. “One thing that confounds me is the way earth ponies can use their hooves to make things and fix things. My nanny sewing buttons was fascinating to watch when I was a foal. I know it takes as much concentration as a unicorn, but, to us, it looks like cheating.” “What? Earth ponies using their hooves looks like cheating. Whereas earth ponies think magic is cheating.” “Do you have any hobbies, arts and crafts, perhaps?” “I used to make straw brooms and straw hats and give them as gifts. Then they started to use the term ‘basket weaver’ to describe me. It’s a reference to a therapy for mentally challenged ponies. So, I quit.” “You shouldn’t have stopped. intellectually disabled is the modern term. Don’t get mad. Sorry. And your name? Why did you choose to go with a nickname instead of your real name? Dusty Miller reminds me of the flowers bordering my mother’s garden.” “My choice was Dusty Dirty Mule or Grey as a Mule. That’s what they called me in Ponyville. I chose Grey to help disappear into the background.” “Okay, stop. I’ve been a resident of Ponyville for a good while now. And I have never encountered such kind, friendly folk. On Spike and my first day there, we were given the library to live in. Everything you say is a contradiction to what I’ve experienced.” Grey steeped aside allowing Twilight off the train first. The platform was massive next to the small train from the burbs. Tourist shops lined the street across from the station. Grey looked around, “I’ve always admired the architectural beauty of Canterlot. All this huge city built on the side of a mountain.” “Have you been here before?” “One of my teachers works at the Royal Zoo. Fluttershy loves visiting the animals, and we visit as often as possible. Princess Luna dropped me off here once for one of her challenges. Which I promptly failed.” Grey stopped at the end of the train platform. “Are you sure you want to be seen with me? This is your hometown and I’m Hicksville. I look like a mule. Stupid as a mule. Fluttershy says that both mule and stupid are obscenities when I use them like that. She’s a pink and yellow miracle.” “Let’s try and stay focused on positive memories. How about school field trips? I understand that all schools send their students here at least once.” “I couldn’t go.” “You could have applied for a student grant.” “That wasn’t the issue. The parents didn’t want me in the group, so they came up with a manure excuse about parental slips. Ms Cheerilee had to go along. So, I stayed in Ponyville and wove baskets for ponies I disliked.” “You’re really hugging the negative narrative. My new mission is to show you the positive side of Canterlot. Now I had the intention of giving you the full tour. But I don’t think we have time for that in one day. What highlights would you like to see, the castle perhaps, or the Royal Library?” “No, I want to see the ponies of Canterlot. I want you to explain to me why they are the way they are. I want to know if the stereotype about Canterlot ponies is in anyway true. As I said, I lied. I lied to Fluttershy and you. The people of Canterlot have never done or said anything against me. I want to find out if the Canterlot stereotype is the same as my view of Ponyville. My upbringing, in the hooves of Ponyville ponies, in my biased opinion, was not kind. It’s because of the way I look. They treated me like a mule, and yes, I can use that word. Don’t you see? It’s not Ponyville or Canterlot. It’s me. I’m the bigot. I’m intolerant of the ponies of Ponyville. I’m the ignorant one and I’m standing next to one of the brainiest ponies ever and it makes me ashamed. You graduated with honours from Princess Celestia's school for gifted unicorns and I barely passed out of Ponyville’s one room schoolhouse. You’re probably embarrassed to be seen with me.” “Oh my stars, the way you just opened yourself up to me was so personal. I’m now on a mission to make this trip to Canterlot special. I know a great spot for pony watching, we should hurry so we get a good spot. You don’t have to march like that. Are you getting taller?” “No. My training is improving my posture and walking. And there was an ant on the sidewalk. Fluttershy would be heartbroken if I stepped on it.” “A sympathetic warrior is a rare and welcome creature these days,” said Twilight. “Well it didn’t take long to figure out why people refer to Canterlot ponies the way they do. See how they all walk with fake airs. To me, it looks like they are all putting on an act. They dress for a part in a play. They try to wear dignity like a coat. The opposite of pompous is barbarian. I must seem like a barbarian to them. I’m a barbarian warrior created to protect the elite,” Grey grumbled. “I wish my brother was in town, you should talk to him. He’s the Captain of The Royal Guard you know.” “I know. You always seem to mention it. I don’t think we would have anything in common. After all he is The Captain of The Royal Guard and I just stand guard in front of a mostly empty building.” “Might I remind you that you are a knight as well. I was there when you were knighted, remember?” “All guards are knights. All knights are guards. I’m still not too sure why Luna did that. I think it was one of her challenges to see if I would stand up to her and a chance to do a little matchmaking. Fluttershy is the only reason I leave the Everfree Forest and return to Ponyville. I’m so grateful Luna matched us up.” “Perhaps it would be helpful to talk to your guild representative,” Twilight offered. “My what now?” “It's like a union rep. Elected guard ponies that help others with paperwork, new postings, et cetera. Don't you know?” “There is so much I missed with my training. I'm so out of the loop. I’ll tell Luna my rep is Fluttershy. That should get a royal eyebrow raise.” Grass park with amphitheatre. A quartet with a stone-grey pony played the cello. dignified Octavia physical grace Grey’s eyes went wide. “See her! Her coat is the same colour as mine was before Luna had me brush myself every day.” “Your girlfriend is my best friend, remember,” frowned Twilight. “My fur is getting this iron sheen. Luna gave me a brush. Oh my, it’s the only thing I own. Don’t pity me. I hate that. Look at her physical grace, the way she carries herself. She doesn’t need costumes to elevate her status. Listen to her music, there is a spiritual grace there.” “Why don’t you do one of your dance forms? No, just kidding, sit down, you don’t have to.” Grey stood up, took a step forward to an empty patch of grass and formally bowed to the east. He stepped back with his right legs and punched forward with his right front hoof, then crossed his right legs in front of his left legs stepped to the corner while making it look like he was picking a flower with his right front hoof, he then lifted his hoof in an arc and snapped a back hoof strike at the air as if he was striking under somepony’s chin. He reversed the process going back replacing the flower then suddenly, a lower scooping block. Then his right legs went behind his left legs and then he was facing 1800 from where he was, and double kneaded the air. He kept his eyes looking back stepped forward clicked his front hooves then mule kicked back. He crossed his legs again and 180ed, punched, crossed his legs and 180ed and back hoofed. Punched low keeping his leg outstretched then lifted himself up and punched with the other hoof. This went on for about three minutes. it seemed a coincidence that the quartets music and his form ended at the same time. Twilight said. “That was amazing, some of that applause is meant for you, you know.” “That is a kind thing to say, but I don’t believe you.” “It looked as though you were fighting two ponies and one had a long weapon of some sort.” “Really, you could tell. That is a complement then. The music flowed like that form, circular then straight. I do it in the morning sometimes. You need much awareness in the Everfree forest or you’re someone’s breakfast.” “I bet that is the first time you did your dance form to music.” “You would lose that bet. I do my forms while Luna practices her music all the time.” Pony heads turned to see who would say such a thing. “There is something like a big hummingbird that tries to stab me while I do my forums in the morning. That's why I swatted my tail when I did. I noticed a Royal Guard watching me. That makes me feel exposed, self-conscious.” Twilight and Grey left the park and marched down the sidewalk. A guard pony with a brush helmet hanging by its chinstrap from his golden armour so that his mane could flow in the breeze. And a mare that stood remarkably close to him looking down on Twilight. Blocked their way. “Well hello, little miss fancy flanks.” Twilight groaned, “Hello Flash.” He continued, “Guess who made full first-class lieutenant. Gold bars and everything? Who's this?” “This is my friend from Ponyville, Grey meet Flash Sentry and Damsel Fly, isn't it?” “Ha! A pony from the sticks. Good to make your acquaintance. This must be such a thrill for you, in Canterlot and meeting an officer newly minted and promoted of the Royal Guard himself.” Damsel Fly eyed Twilight up and down clutching Flash close. Grey sighed, “I'm sorry, Ms. Sparkle, but you broke military etiquette and did not introduce me properly.” She scowled at the arrogant stallions surrounding her, then the light came on. “With apologies, allow me to introduce Captain Grey, Princess Luna's personal Everfree Forest guard.” Flash Sentry snapped to attention, “Sir, good to make your acquaintance.” He fumbled with the helmet strap as he talked. “Are you related to Earl Grey? Sorry about being out of uniform, and all. I was almost home, you see, and the hair and all.” “Flashy, Daddy, why didn't you introduce me to your boss? Is he your boss?” Damsel Fly asked, turning her attention to Grey. “As you were.” Grey said flatly letting him off the hook for the uniform violation he knew nothing about. Twilight waited until they were out of ear shot, “There, you got what you wanted. Proof that Canterlot ponies are stuck up.” “I found no joy in that. I've fantasized all these years. I dreamt of bashing an upstart like that my whole life. First, it was a fantasy. Then it became possible with my training and strength. But my training gave me the strength and confidence to ignore him and I held my tongue and beat him even more with just a word to you. As far as I can understand.” Twilight shook her mane, “I was hoping to avoid ponies like that to make my point being not all Canterlot are stereotypical arrogant jerks.” “And let me say that not all stallions are like that. My old friends in Ponyville were, sad to say.” His moment of happiness faded. “I know jerks. I grew up with them. I’m being a sower-puss, as Fluttershy would say. I’m bringing the mood down when we should be celebrating the defeat of Flash Sentry. I bet I can make you smile.” “Very doubtful,” she groaned. “Jerks know jerks. I'll bet, somepony has nicknamed him Flank Sentry by now.” Twilight smirked, “Okay, that's a good name for him.” * * * Lunch at the Salad Sandwich Shop. “My treat. This is a secret guard pony hangout.” Twilight whispered to Grey. Grey stared at the menu board. “I’ll have your cheapest sandwich.” “No such thing,” said the chef from behind the counter. “What does the Royal Guard usually have?” Grey asked. The cook raised an eyebrow. Grey turned to Twilight, “I can hear Luna right now.” “How exiting, what is she saying?” “No, not like that. She’s not talking in my head. I mean she would tell me not to be so indecisive and order something. ’Lead, follow, or get the hay out of the way’.” Twilight paid for two daily specials and levitated them over to an unoccupied table. “Have you considered another line of work?” Grey dropped his sandwich on his plate, “Are you insane? That is inconceivable. Have you thought of leaving Celestia? I owe Luna a debt that I can never repay! It’s as if I was starving and Luna gave me a few strands of hay and I can never repay that simple gesture. I want to be at her side always, I want to be at Fluttershy’s side always too. I’m conflicted, confused and not too bright, by your standards.” “You don’t know my standards." Twilight bit into her sandwich. “You’re right again. How do you do on Princess Celestia’s tests anyway?” “Oh my, I’ve had so many examinations. I get very neurotic if my marks get even a little close to mid-nineties. And yourself?” “I don’t get percentiles. I get challenges and it’s pass or fail, and I have failed more than one. And I am ashamed. Another reason why it is difficult to be near you. School was a constant struggle. I couldn’t afford the books, so I had to study in the library. But it closed early and then I had to sweep the streets then find a place to sleep and maybe steal a morsel of food before morning.” Twilight lectured, “studies show that overachieving honour students, such as me, are the second most stressed students. Ponies with hardships as yourself are the most stressed; as I understand from a study I read. Wait a minute, Ponyville thinks the world of you. Like the prodigal son returning to be their personal guard pony. What you say makes no sense.” After lunch the two continued on their way. Twilight led Grey to a park bench on the edge of the Royal Garden. They sat there in quiet contemplation. Suddenly Grey jumped to his hooves and bowed to the sister princess behind them. “As I said, elder sister, my guard pony would sense our presence before your most faithful student. You, therefore, owe me a cupcake,” Princess Luna said to Celestia. “Princess Celestia,” Twilight gushed, “I am so happy to see you. I didn't expect to run into you today. I mean I hoped, you know but I didn’t actually expect to.” Celestia and Twilight talked casually exchanged pleasantries and smiled. Luna looked down at Grey. “Is this how my guard pony spends his leisure time, lounging around Canterlot?” “I am on my own challenge of self-improvement. I have two things left to fix/discover on my own hierarchy of needs. Today I am getting rid of my prejudice of Canterlot ponies and certain unicorns.” Grey shot a glance at Twilight. “I’m sorry, I’ve discovered I’m a bigot and not deserving of your time,” Grey’s ears drooped. “A very admirable self-challenge indeed. Bringing your bias to the surface is the first step in understanding where it comes from. And what, pray tell, is the remaining need?” Luna asked. “Creativity. I feel I lack or have no form of expressing myself.” “Oh, yet I’ve watched you make things out of grass and straw. Your training props." “Pony folk look down on what they call basket weavers.” “What about the martial forms and patterns you perform? I do enjoy playing my music for you while you train.” “You do? I'm sorry, that's different. I see that as work related. I am so grateful but that is kinda personal. He turned his eye to Twilight. "I have a jealousy issue too. Perhaps I could dedicate my life to being a thorn in her flank.” “And what kind of pony would that make of you?” Luna smirked, “besides, I have it on good authority that there is a long line of applicants for that position.” Grey suddenly felt sorry for Twilight. Celestia and Twilight continued to exchange pleasantries and laugh. Luna and Grey turned their heads at the cheerful sound. They both looked on with similar blank faces. “You wish your relationship with me was as theirs? I, too, wish my relationship with my sister was thus. I'm sorry Sir Grey, it can't be like that between us. Our relationship is, professional. Isn’t it interesting that we both desire the same thing though?” “I was just saying to Twilight, how grateful I am to you. I'm not that eager to please, am I?” “You are, in your own way. Is that what you’re envious of? You just now thanked me?” “I wish I could open myself like that,” Grey sighed. “So, why don’t you? Is there something holding you back? Is my fearless guard afraid of what other ponies think of a guard courageous enough to open himself up and be friendly? Twilight Sparkle is the epitome of friendly.” Grey sighed, “I've never seen her so happy.” “If it's true that opposites attract, would it also be true that like repels like? You two are alike in many ways. Would you not agree?” “I'm sorry, but I have to disagree, Princess.” “An apology is not necessary when you disagree with me in private conversation. You both overanalyze, private person. I, on the other hoof, owe you an apology that is overdue. Your hard training regiment does not include praise. I told you that when you accepted my tutelage. When you do your job well, that is the expected. You are critiqued in your errors, so you learn and develop. Grey, my personal Everfree Forest Guard Pony, you are doing well.” It was just a word, but Grey beamed and blinked the water from his eyes. As the princesses walked away Grey shouted, “Princess Luna is best princess!” Twilight was shocked, “That was an egregious breach of protocol if my brother was here...” The princesses smiled, turned to each other, and spoke in unison, "He's your problem now, Twilight." Grey cut Twilight off on the sidewalk so he would walk next to the street. “Gentlecolt position.” “Thank you but it’s not necessary. I am fully capable of averting a splash from a carriage.” “I’m not putting myself in a position to get splashed on because I like you. I’m not Chauvinist or snobby, I do it because that’s who I am.” Then it happened. Walking back to the train station along a long flower bed, a squirrel took a shortcut between the trees to rustle through the flowers. Grey casually said “Snake.” Twilight leaped up and wrapped her legs around an overhanging branch. “You are truly a jerk.” “Guilty as charged. It wasn’t even a joke, just a comment. That was amazing. You didn’t coil first, you just leaped. Martial artish in a way. Most impressive.” Twilight hung by her legs, “Are you going to help me get down or not?” “Um, not. You don’t understand what just happened. What you did was pure instinct and beautiful in its own way. Allow this earth pony to direct you. Now surround yourself with your own magic and picture yourself slowly lowering yourself to the ground.” She did. Purple magic flowed from Twilight's horn surrounding her. She let go of the branch, turned 1800 and lowered herself to the sidewalk. “You still don’t get it. I’ve been a porcupine all day because I have been near you, and reminiscing about my crappy upbringing. but now I feel wonderful. A word has turned the tide. The same thing happens in battles and wars and civilisations. A word, an act, an idea and everything is different. An unplanned chaotic event. I am my old self and you are cranky; wait till I tell Cranky and Old Sod. I call Discord, Old Sod, by the way.” “You do not mention that name in Canterlot.” Snarled Twilight. “In a moment I am enlightened. Canterlot ponies have no challenges in life except to be refined. want to be refined and out refine each other to falsely elevate themselves and I don’t care. What Canterlot people worry about means nothing to me. It was Ponyville not Canterlot. They have Nothing in common. See me, this is me when I pass a challenge.” Grey trotted a happy dance in place. “Is this how you feel after an exam?” “Yes, I suppose it is.” They walked toward the train station along the warehouse district. Grey sniffed at the air, “Hey, we’re close to Draco’s. Would you like to see some Guard Pony magic?” “From an earth pony? Sure, “She finally smiled, “let’s see what you got.” Grey closed his eyes and inhaled through his nose and exhaled through his mouth. “Got it. Please follow me, my lady.” Grey led Twilight toward a brick wall. “Tell me when you can see it.” “It’s just a wall.” Then the bricks shimmered and fogged and dissipated away, making the double action saloon swinging shutter doors of Draco’s Tavern appear. “It’s safest if I go in first. Wipe your hooves.” Grey pushed through the door, looked around and held the spring-loaded door open for Twilight. “Welcome to the Warrior’s Tavern. An off the grid watering trough for any military personnel. The one rule, no mention of rank or position.” Twilight gasped, “This exists in Canterlot? It’s so, um, rustic.” Tables, chairs and bar were clean, but everything along the walls was layered in dust. “No offence.” She took in the ambiance of the room. “Hum, you made me wipe my hooves and now I’m standing on sawdust. Nice joke. I’ve never seen a place like this before, not even in the outskirts of Ponyville.” Grey nickered, then walked up to the bar. “Draco, my good pony, a pint of Pony Ale and any tea like substance you may have for the lady.” Draco whistled through his teeth at Twilight Sparkle, “Since the last bit of unpleasantness that almost destroyed Canterlot, we don’t serve changelings here.” “Oh my stars, you think I’m a changeling? You think I look just like Princess Celestia’s most faithful student? She batted her eyelashes several times. Goodness, can you give me a test just to be sure, please.” Grey face hoofed, “Goddesses, she loves tests. Can you give me my pint while I wait?” Draco answered bluntly, “Shut up rookie.” Then shouted, “Draco, get out here.” Draco answered, “What the hay do you want?” Grey informed Twilight, “They’re both named Draco for some inexplicable reason. Ones older than the other but they won’t even say if they’re related.” First Draco mottled white unicorn informed second mottled white unicorn Draco, “Didn’t you foal sit for Twilight Sparkle’s mother, Twilight Velvet, a few times? Ask this possible changeling a question only her daughter could answer.” The second Draco rubbed his chin with his hoof. “Alright then, she liked menu cards. How many…” Twilight interjected, “One hundred and twenty in a packet. She prefers the Sunflower Yellow. Easier on her eyes.” Grey commented, “Getting her to talk is easy, getting her to stop is the trick.” First Draco cuffed Grey’s ear. “Manners, that’s a hero of Equestria. Draco, make a pot of tea from whatever we have left from what mom drank.” Draco Number Two levitated a chipped teacup and a pint of Pony ale to a corner table. Grey held the chair for Twilight. He clinked her teacup. She responded, “That’s not necessary.” Grey took a long pull of his drink, “So, how does this place work?” Twilight’s horn glowed lightly to steady the teacup between her hooves as she sipped. “I don’t know how you found it. You sniffed the air twice so there must be a scent only the guard can smell. The door is an extremely powerful portal spell. This room is someplace else.” “Yah, the Dracos talk about their farm sometimes. We’re probably there. You’re wrong about the smell. I was just play acting. I can feel it when I’m close. They say the entrance changes locations every so often." “Full disclosure, as I said. You keep saying Ponyville likes me. Let me tell you what a typical school day was like. First thing in the morning I’d try to find some grass that was long enough to eat then off to the schoolhouse. I’d try to concentrate, but it was so hard for me. I’d much rather look out the window and daydream. No lunch. I think Applejack would leave out some imperfect apples, sometimes. I couldn’t afford to buy the schoolbooks, so I had to read the textbooks in the library. It would close at sunset then I’d have to sweep the streets. I’d catch a few hours sleep, but never in the same place, the townsfolk hated that. Twice on the same park bench and I’d get swatted by any passer-by. They didn’t want me to settle in one spot. I slept best on the racetrack or on the outskirts of town. I’d just barely pass the grade. There was no honour roll or valedictorian or hardest worker plaque for me. I just ate some of the food for the graduation party, then ran away and cried the night away. How was your graduation?” Twilight blinked, “You were homeless and going to school?” “Still homeless, technically. Luna offered me barracks in her Everfree Palace. I prefer to sleep outside.” “You sleep outside, at night, in the Everfree? I’m sorry, but this is a lot to process. You, were homeless, in Ponyville? During your formative years. I’m so sorry.” “Don’t pity me, I said I can’t stand that.” “Still, my heart goes out to you. I got all the honours,” Twilight sighed without any emotion. “It just was, expected. After the graduation ceremonies, I hung the scrolls, put the trophy on the highest shelf and felt nothing. The amount of work I did trying to please everypony didn’t seem balanced with the awards I brought home. My parents fear me.” She sipped her tea. “During my entrance exam for Princess Celestia’s school for gifted unicorns, I accidentally turned my parents into potted plants. They’ve been slightly distant ever since. Then my first days away from Canterlot, the girls and I defeated Nightmare Moon. Mom, dad, and I are not close anymore. “She sighed again, “As I said, my parents fear me. Time to find the positive. I saw you smile today. You are always like a recruitment poster of a Guard Pony on duty. Ever vigilant isn’t the word. Hyper-vigilant, that’s it. Every stereotype rolled into one stubborn stallion. I don’t see myself as prejudiced. Let me quote Applejack, boy howdy, you fit that label. I know you don’t believe it, but my brother worked awfully hard to become head of the Royal Guard. I know it makes a pony hyper. I wish we could talk freely.” Elder Draco examined a pint glass with a large crack down one side. After deciding it wasn’t worth the magical effort to repair and clean, he tossed it in the glass recycle bin. It exploded with a crash. Twilight jumped and Grey twitched an ear to the sound and grinned. “You expected me to jump at that noise, didn’t you? I did, a little. And my hyper awareness assessed the whole situation in a second. I might be a tightly wound spring, but I can handle surprises.” “Yes, that and your scar didn’t tell you danger was imminent. Fluttershy told us about your magic mark.” The grin washed off Grey’s face. “You girls really know how to take the wind out of a stallion’s sails. I defeated Crystal Dragon Nightmare Moon on a training exercise. That’s how I got this scar. It’s a great story. No pony cares.” “Please don’t say that. Tell me, how did you find this place?” “I felt it, like a breeze touched my face.” “Like magic?” “No.” He grunted. “One last question, why don’t you ever relax? And don’t give me that I’m a stoic guard pony nonsense.” Grey snorted, “Watch me relax.” He inhaled through his mussel and exhaled through his mouth. The muscles in his face lost their tension. His scowling mouth went neutral. Grey’s shoulders slumped and his bones softened. “Did Princess Luna teach you that spell?” “That wasn’t magic, I don’t have a cheat like magic. That was hard work. I was given instructions, I practiced, and I learned the technique.” “Did you visualise anything in your mind?” Twilight raised her eyebrows as she sipped her tea. “A word, perhaps?” “I recalled one of my teachers yelling the hard word for attention. Then saying softly meditate. Except it was in one of the Eastern dialects. Hard soft, yin yang, etc.” “Yah, you performed magic. There’s an earth pony in Canterlot that makes coffee and teacups. The porcelain is frictionless. It doesn’t stain and the dry remnants slide right out.” “Sounds like it be too slippery to hang on to.” “I’m sure he thought of that. He makes them almost indestructible. The magic of an earth pony soaked in every single cup and mug.” “Huey, your friend has just mastered and perfected his craft.” “Telekinesis is one of the first things a young unicorn learns. I think the word levitate, and the teacup rises. If it’s a complex spell, I may think in the language the spell was written. I know the word levitate in several languages. Each word has minuscule differences in translation and development. That’s why complex spells have a higher chance of going wrong. My first big spell blew up in my face and almost killed my parents. “I said earlier that the disadvantaged as yourself can attest to have the hardest time in school. The second most challenged are the ones in my group, struggling to move a point of a percentage up.” Then she saw it and gasped. Twilight walked to a corner of the tavern where an old rectangular shield was jammed in the wall, covered in the dust and cobwebs of a millennia. “It’s his. “Its Star Swirl the Bearded’s shield.” Grey moaned, “Why should he need a shield?” Twilight swooned, “It has his mark on it and he scratched his initials here.” “Please don’t do this.” “This, this is a natural treasure. Long thought lost.” She used her levitation to lift the shield. Dust came off as a sheet of grey snow off a rooftop. “Princess Celestia must be informed at once.” The pair were in the same position relative to each other but now, they were on the street. Grey fell from his seated position to his butt on the road. “And that’s how you get kicked out of Draco’s.” Grey starred at the brick wall, “I didn’t get to finish my drink, and I’m probably banned again.” “I’m sorry I had us kicked out of your favourite bar, but that was an important historical artefact.” “Please don’t pursue it. And it wasn’t my favourite bar. It was the only one I’ve ever been in. Luna sent me there to find comradeship. Celestia sent me there to improve my morale after one of my screw ups. Every time I leave the Everfree Forest I mess up.” “Because it’s simply fight or flight? The harmony of the Everfree?” “No. I can’t say there’s harmony when I’ve seen predators gulping intestines.” * * * Train Twilight settled onto her seat, “I feel an apology is in order. I never addressed your dislike of unicorns. And I am responsible for us getting barred from the Warrior’s Tavern. I suppose this is how you feel after you don’t meet your expectations with one of Princess Luna’s challenges. It is disheartening. I’m sorry if you still have negative feelings towards unicorns.” Grey returned to his grumpy self. He slouched in his seat; all legs crossed. Grey sat up suddenly. “There it is, that’s what it is to be an earth pony!” A brown and black colt galloped next to the train. “Look at him go! So focused, so determined. Running as fast as the train. If he gets too close to the engine, they will blow the whistle. To cross in front is forbidden and his parents will be informed.” Twilight had her forelegs crossed on her chest, “Did you?” “Yes.” “And what did your parents say?” Grey sighed, “You weren’t listening, were you. Its not an issue.” Library Grey held the door open to the library. Twilight walked in. Looking back she asked, “What about your jealousy toward Spike?” “Yo, Spike! I was envious of you. When you first arrived in Ponyville, Fluttershy was gushing over you because you were a cute baby then, and I was jealous. I'm sorry. We good?” Spike was doing a rush job on the chores, “You, jealous of me?” He yelled over the sound of rushing water and clanging dishes, “Ya dude, we’re good.” Twilight turned to Fluttershy, “Boys, unbelievable.” Grey bowed his most formal bow, “Thank you, Twilight. I am no longer bigoted towards Canterlot ponies. I realised that my prejudice was based on incomplete information and gossip. I have learned and grown. And that was our objective. Mission complete.” Twilight asked, “So, we’re friends now. And no more hard feelings towards unicorns or the citizens of Ponyville?” He looked at his hooves, “Um, well, I don’t know. Fluttershy is my only true friend. I now have acquaintances in the Guard. This is all new to me. I have not forgiven Ponyville yet.” Grey snorted, “A Guard Pony is honest. No, I can’t do it. Total honestly. You have all the traits that irritate me. I still think magic is a cheat. I think you got a privileged upbringing. You didn’t catch on when I said I grew up homeless. That means I grew up without a family. Luna says we’re similar in many ways. That ticks me off too. That’s on me, that’s all my thinking. I am still the prejudiced one. I need to mature more to be your friend.” Grey escorted Fluttershy out of the Old Oak library, “I’m sorry Fluttershy, I failed your mission. Allow me to make Canterlot sandwiches tonight to make it up to you.” “I’ve lied to both you and Fluttershy today. I’ve been seen with Discord. I work for the reformed Nightmare Moon, and I live in the monstrous Everfree Forest. I could very well be the next threat to Equestria. If you wish to escort me to the Canterlot dungeons, I won’t resist.” Humph, you’re all jerk and very little villain. My experience with evil and jerk stallions makes it obvious which you are. Fluttershy was preening Owlawishus. “Flutteshy, today Twilight took me to Canterlot and we had lunch and I saw a beautiful nude musician and we sat on a park bench and the princesses caught us playing kissy face and then I saw a squirrel! And then we got kicked out of the Warriors Tavern!” Fluttershy, please know that I would never do any thing like that. I have the utmost respect for you and your relationship with Sir Jerk Face. “Oh Twilight, I am so sorry you had to put up with him all day.” “Oh Fluttershy, I am so sorry you have to put up with him every day.” Are we going to play the ‘Grey is sorry and will do anything to make it up to Fluttershy, game’? I’m getting good at it. I’m making Canterlot sandwiches tonight. Oh dear. Page |