//------------------------------// // Ponyville // Story: A New Field // by Battlefield3vet //------------------------------// Grayson's Perspective "Because I hate to see the innocent suffer." I answered the mare's question with the simple statement which was partially true, but the main reason was I needed information about what this place was. I assumed she had questions for me as well, which I was more than happy to answer. I was finishing wrapping the bandage when she broke the silence, "What is your name?" A simple question with an equally simple answer, "Grayson, What's yours?" "My name is Twilight Sparkle." An interesting name, but assuming names like her's are normal, my name was probably unique in her eyes. Or ears rather. "Can you walk?, If not I can help." I wanted to make it seem like a friendly gesture, but I didn't want her to get hurt if there were more mercs roaming the forest. "I think I can walk just fine, but I would like if you could come back to my home in Ponyville to answer a few questions." This was the first time a female of any species had invited me into it's home. Unfortunately it wasn't human, but I had to say yes. "Sure," I replied, "I have a few questions of my own. I would really appreciate it if you could answer them for me." "Believe me, that won't be a problem." With Twilight's short and promising response we set out in the direction of Ponyville. After walking for a few minutes, we were on the edge of the forest with a small village in sight. I figured I wouldn't need my weapons for a while, so I stopped and hid them in bushes at the forest's edge. Twilight noticed that I wasn't next to her and turned and saw me placing my KSG into a bush, thick with brambles and thorns, my ACR and Five-seveN were hidden in similarly difficult-to-access locations. I kept my M1911 and combat knife concealed in my uniform. I assumed there were still mercs lurking around, and I didn't want to be completely unarmed if/when they showed up. "What are you doing?" asked Twilight. Her second question, more were sure to come when we reached our destination. I decided I'd better get used to answering questions, as it was something I saw myself doing a lot of in the immediate future. "Hiding my weapons, I think it is best to come across as friendly and I don't think I can do that carrying lethal weapons." "You're positive nopony will notice them? They stand out pretty well." "I don't think anyone will want to reach through thorns and brambles that thick to get a device that they don't know much about." "Hmm... Well, we're almost back to Ponyville. Hurry up because I want to get to asking questions." She began walking again. A small wince dashing across her face every time she set weight on her injured leg. She was most likely wondering what would happen if small children came across my weapons, but I'd imagine that forest wasn't the most popular spot to hang around, especially for small children. After walking for a few more minutes, we walked/trotted/limped into town. I noticed right away the bright colors of the other ponies, along with the curious stares of said townsfolk. I guess that was to be expected, if the only thing you've seen is creatures that walk on four legs, a creature about two feet taller than you walking on two legs would be something to stare at indeed. We finally reached the purple mare's residence. The dream of all children, a house that was made of a hollowed out tree. "Well, here we are." "Interesting, where I come from, not many people live in trees. Well, we best go inside, I don't know how many more awkward stares I can take." It seemed that some ponies heard me as I saw a few ponies turn their heads away, except for a turquoise one with a lyre marking on her flank. This one was looking intently at me and almost studying me. When she realized I was looking at her. A huge grin appeared on her face. I quickly followed Twilight inside before the situation got anymore awkward. The interior of the tree house was just as impressive as the exterior. The high walls were covered in shelves bulging with books. It had been a while since I last read for leisure. Maybe after questions she would know me a bit better and could recommend a book to read. "SPIKE!", yelled Twilight. "Yes? What is it Twilight?" responded a child's voice that I assumed was Spike. "Can you come down here?, Bring quills, ink and parchment too." Quills, ink and parchment? No wonder she didn't recognize my weapons. The guards/military probably carried spears and wore huge bulky suits of heavy, non-bullet-resistant metal armor too or something like that. Down the staircase came a small... dragon? Yes, dragon, carrying the dated(from my prospective, to the natives of this interesting land this was most likely cutting edge technology) writing materials, "So Twilight, what do you need all this for... WHAT IS THAT!?!" exclaimed Spike nearly tripping down the stairs. "My name is Grayson, I'm a human being. Don't worry I don't bite." I said, smiling for the first time in a while, revealing my teeth to the unicorn and dragon. "Those teeth..." began Twilight," are they for, tearing meat?" Twilight finished her question and was obviously growing fearful, then slowly moved in front of Spike in a defensive manner. "Yes, but I have never eaten pony, or dragon, dragons exist only in mythology in my world, and besides, I've heard horse doesn't taste that good any ways." A sigh of relief came from both Twilight and Spike as they noticeably relaxed and resumed their previous activities. "You said you're a human being?, Like those things Lyra is obsessing over?" "Who?" "Maybe, I doubt it. Maybe I'll have an answer by the end of our question session, which reminds me. Spike, notify Princess Celestia of the arrival of our guest. I would like the Princess to be here too if possible to here him answer our questions. Make sure to include that he's friendly." dictated Twilight. "... also he is friendly. Done! Now I'll just send this to the Princess and wait for a response." Spike then burned the letter with his breath. "Why'd you do that?" I asked. "That's how I send letters to Princess Celestia." answered Spike. "How does that work?" This time Twilight chimed in, "Spike's flame breath is magical to where it can send messages to whomever I need to send it to. I just tell Spike who to send it too and it is sent." "Seems simple enough, how do you receive messages?" That question answered itself, as Spike opened his mouth to answer he burped out a ball of fire that turned into a scroll that was shortly engulfed by a dark purple aura, similarly to Twilight's horn at this time. I assumed that this was some of the magic that had been described earlier. I could ask later. Twilight had unfurled the scroll and began reading, "Dear Twilight, This human you have described is very interesting, I will be coming to Ponyville to see and hear more about it. Joining me will be Princess Luna, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. Each will most likely have questions of their own as well. Feel free to invite your own friends as well. It would be best if they all knew what was happening as well. Until tomorrow keep him somewhere, preferably out of sight. I, along with everypony else, is very excited to learn about this creature. Warmest regards, Princess Celestia." "She sounds nice." "Oh believe me, she is. And you also get to meet her sister Luna, and Cadance! She's the wife of my brother and Royal Guard Captain, Shining Armor." Twilight finished, barely being able to control her excitement. These ponies sounded really nice. By the way Twilight described them, I felt fortunate being able to know them. She also mentioned her brother being Captain of the Royal Guard, he sounded like the one to talk to about the threat of the mercs roaming Equestria, but I didn't want to explain my dark past to all of these ponies. They all seemed so innocent. But if I really had to I would.