Alexander's FOM:
No matter what they say or how they retort, every person on this planet has thought at least once in their lives that 'this world is full of surprises'. It was this statement and this statement alone that Alexander was pondering at this particular moment in time and in this specific area in space.
If this world is filled with surprises then what makes it surprise us? We know that it's eventually coming, so when it does why does it still surprise us? I guess you can argue that it's the same as watching a horror film. When the main protagonist gets to a door you know for a fact the monster is hiding behind. No matter if you seen the monster before or not it still surprises you when they open the door, even when you knew it was their all along. Alex thought to himself as he continued to prod into the subject further.
Would it make any difference if the surprises happened less frequently? Would it affect your reaction to such an event? What would the variables be in this equation? It were these questions that lingered inside Alex's vast and a bit barren mind. While he wasn't by all means a 'know-it-all' he still liked to entertained himself with questions like these.
So now that we got that frame of mind set up; wouldn't it be completely logical for him to see all these surprises come? Would Alexander still be taken by surprise from the sudden event? I mean that's what it means when people say 'surprise' right? In order for something to be surprising the victim of such event would have to be... well... surprised.
The obvious answer no matter what anyone else will tell you is 'yes'. Given a perfect scenario and a perfect world the outcome would always be the same. The person would see the surprise coming and thus brace for it to come. Once there, the person would have no reason to act surprised. After all they did see it coming.
However, this theory cannot be applied to us humans living on earth. This is because our world is not perfect and is far from following the path of being logical. So when Twilight's horn started to glow and all the boxes in the back of Alexander's van started to rearrange themselves. Alex did the most 'logical' thing to do at that time; he fainted.
Twilight's FOV:
A couple minutes ago...
Twilight understood that not everypony was perfect. She knew that everyone has their own flaws that make them who they are. Without imperfections during interactions the pony, or person in this matter would just be plain boring to hang out with. Sadly, the ‘person’ she was currently with had one of the worst imperfections she could ever think of. He... he was messy.
She came to this realization not seconds ago when Alex opened the door to his yellow 'van'. Van, such a funny term for a carriage. Twilight pondered quietly to herself as the doors flung open to reveal the monstrosity that was the cargo hold of the vehicle.
Normally Twilight was rather easy going with little messes here and there. After all she did create some messes own her own when she studied, but this... this was something else.
Every single box that wasn't packed tightly together was thrown all around the cabin making the end result look like a hurricane had its way with the room. Even the silver dolly that Alex used was buried under the debris of boxes. While her eye twitched from the large mess and unorganized structure of the boxes she was secretly thanking Celestia and Luna that she wasn't back their when this all occurred.
A large sigh was heard to her left. Turning towards the source of the sound Twilight came to see that Alex wasn't pleased with the results either. He had a look in his eye that showed to her that he was tired. Just from that look alone Twilight knew that he had been doing this job for far too long.
Slowly Alex assessed the situation only to once again sigh when he tilted the first box over. "Well this is just going to suck isn't it." Alex claimed taking the toppled box out of the van then placing it on the ground.
"Well isn't this kinda all your fault? I mean you were the one to put the boxes into the van in the first place." Twilight commented as she looked at one of the labels that was attached to the box.
Sarnia Bayshore
Exmouth St
2 / 4 box
2 saline and 2 water
"Not really I packed all the boxes in order yesterday. Sarnia near the front, then Chatham and Windsor closest to the back. If I hadn't swerved on the road, then my first order which is St. Elizabeth should be right here." Alexander replied as he titled another box this one revealing a Chatham order. "It looks like the boxes went through a blender." Alex mumbled to himself as he prepared to reorganize all of the boxes.
Twilight didn't even have to think before she acted. Alex was being kind by not blaming her for the mess, seeing as she was the one that caused the swerve in the first place. So purely out of instincts Twilight pulled all of the boxes out of the van with her magic.
Once all of the boxes were out of the van she walked by each one looking for any label that had the word "Sarnia" written on them. After she had all the Sarnia boxes located she put them all back into the van. In the span of a couple seconds she had reorganized and restructured all of the boxes into prefect groups. Even the saline and water that Alex usually left aside was sorted with each corresponding order.
With a satisfied smile upon her face she picked up the nine boxes, 10 water, 20 saline and placed them all neatly on the silver dolly she had left out of the van. "Tada!" Twilight cheerfully claimed as she looked over to where Alex once stood.
Instead of a heart warming complement that she thought she would have gotten for all of her hard work, she was rewarded by a passed out Alex. "Oh my gosh! Are you okay?!" Twilight yelled out as she rushed over towards Alex's body, "Did I hit you by accident with one of the boxes?" Just like her first question she was rewarded with nothing but silence.
"Alex! Can you hear me?" Twilight yelled poking the limp body. Nevertheless, no matter how loud she yelled or how hard she pocked, the body would not respond. She knew that he wasn't dead by the clear breaths he was taking.
Maybe he just fainted?... yes that's probably it! She thought to herself. Sadly, the only diagnostics to help a fainted person is to wait for them to come back to consciousness.
Alexander's FOV:
"Alex... Hello?" Alexander strained to hear as he started to regain his senses. The back of his head was pounding in pain. The thought of all of his hangovers in his life started to play in his mind. This was a headache to end all headaches. The little droplets of rain coming down from the sky wasn’t helping him recover from his current state one bit.
"Finally!" Twilight cried out as Alex cracked one of his eyelids open. Relief was clear in her tone as she nudged his side with her muzzle. “Are you okay? Do you need me to help you up?” She asked in short concession, holding out a helping hoof.
“Yeah I’m okay… I think.” Alexander commented as he grabbed Twilight's hoof, the other rubbing the back of his head. However, being the size he was, grabbing Twilight's hoof only served to pull her on top of him. It seems that I have underestimated my own strength, or would that be weight? Alexander asked himself as he looked down towards the purple equine now on-top his stomach, a light rose color adorning her soft cheeks.
“S-sorry about that! Didn’t think that one all the way through…” Twilight stuttered as she quickly retreated back to her own hooves. Alexander on the other hand didn’t think anything of it, the pain in his head was enough to worry about at this time. “…I fixed the boxes.” She continued, making sure to change the subject as quickly as she could.
Sure enough when Alexander recomposed himself, he saw that all the boxes that were once carelessly thrown around, were now neatly packed into groups. “Huh… magic sure is convenient…” Alex stated as he went to the back of the van to take out the first order, only to halt once the first label was shown.
“Uh… Twilight?” Alex stated, confusion lingering in his words.
“Yes Alex?” Twilight replied, however her voice was less confused and more pride filled.
“Where’s the St. Elizabeth’s order?” He claimed looking over other boxes that were packed at the back of the van. While each one was for Windsor they were all for different drop locations.
“Right here.” Twilight stated causing Alexander to turn around. When he did he was pleasantly surprised to see all the boxes he needed for the drop placed neatly on his silver dolly. “I kinda felt guilty for popping into the front seat which caused the mess.”
“you really didn’t have to-” Alex said.
“- No. I did have to.” Twilight interrupted. “Think of it like me paying you back for almost giving you a heart attack.” She continued, a sheepish smile adorning her face. The rain that was falling from the sky seemed to give her a kind of glow. “It wasn’t really that big of a job anyways. As you said ‘Magic is convenient’” She stated accompanied by a little chuckle at the end.
“Well if you say so.” Alex replied as he moved towards the dolly. “Now if you want you can go back in the van to get out of this rain before you get sick; or you can just chill out here. It’s all up to you. However, a word of advice; If you do decide to stay out here I suggest that you keep away from the public eye.” Alex repeated what he pointed out while in the van.
“And why is that?” Twilight asked. “I find myself to be a fairly easy going mare.” She continued. “After all I did manage to make friends with you rather quickly. What makes anyone else different?”
“Already calling us friends are we?” Alex retorted seemingly ignoring her question as he tilted the dolly into the moving position.
“Well I would like to assume so.” Twilight stated her mind.
“Well Twittles my good friend, I have to do this drop. If not, I wont be able to pick up the lost time I had gained dealing with our current situation.” And with that being said Alexander started to roll the dolly off the parking lot and onto the concrete sidewalk, leaving behind a rather confused Twilight.
“You still didn’t answer my question!” Twilight yelled as he rounded the corner and out of hearing range. That’s the point Alexander stated mentally. While he would answer her question eventually, he couldn’t resist the temptation to mess with her a bit.
It took naught but seconds before Alexander reached the front door of the clinic. Its entrance locked and the only key in would be a pass card. Sadly, the clinics don’t hand them out willy-nilly, so Alexander had to resort to using the intercom. Pressing the call button Alex awaited the response.
“Hello?” A male voice spoke out from the intercom.
“Hi, I have the medical supplies.” Alex replied.
“Alright, the doors unlocked, come on in.” The male responded. Shortly after a light click was heard as the red light on the lock turned green. Having done it a million times before, Alex opened the door with his left hand and pushed the dolly into the building with his right.
Once inside the building and within the lobby Alexander stopped the dolly and walked up to the counter. “Hello Mark! Where you want them today?” Alex asked as he leaned against the counter. “You want them in their normal spots?” Alex commented.
“Yeah, just place them in the storage room. You got that yellow slip for me to sign?” Mark questioned.
“Sure do.” Alex stated as he walked back over to one of the boxes before ripping off a piece of paper attached to it. “I’m sure you’ll find I brought you everything today.” Alex stated, a smile upon his face. Last week he had forgotten two saline, causing him to drive all the way back to Toronto to pick them up.
“I sure hope so.” Mark responded as he took the paper from Alex’s grasp. “9 boxes, 10 water and 20 saline…” he mumbled as he looked over towards the dolly, no doubt mentally counting each one. “I’ll be… you got them all.” He joked as he started to sign the piece of paper.
“Yeah, now while you do that I’ll just drop these boxes off.” Alex lectured as he once again tilted the dolly and rolled it into the storage room down the hall. The storage rooms here at the clinics were nothing impressive. If anything he would think they would have some sort of hefty lock on these doors seeing as they did store drugs in them.
Nonetheless, it wasn’t Alexanders job to nit pick at where they stored the items. All he cared about was that it reached there and the customer was happy with his service. If he could walk away from the clinic with a smiling client, he could be sure that he was getting paid that week.
Tilting the dolly back upright, Alexander inspected the cargo. Other then being a bit wet and a few dents here and there, the packages were perfect. He knew the people at each of the clinics, and with that he knew that they wouldn’t care if the box were a bit wet or dinged. All that really mattered was that the product inside the boxes were intact.
Thinking back, Alex could only come up with one occasion where he had damaged the merchandise. Even then the clinic was able to look the other way seeing as it was a freak accident. That and Alex agreed to make a round trip bringing a replacement.
Snapping out of his thoughts Alexander pulled the dolly from under the boxes in one fatal swoop. It had been practice which had enabled him to do so without spilling the boxes. Thankfully, like most of the times, the boxes stayed standing leaving Alexanders work here done.
With the thought of the fist drop of the run done; Alexander rolled the dolly into the lobby with a smile. “I don’t understand how you can be this happy at this hour.” Mark commented as he slid the yellow piece of paper onto the counter. “It’s 7:30 am”
“You have to realize I wake up at 4:00 am to get here. Believe it or not I’m actually a night person. This so happens to be my afternoon.” Alex stated as he left the dolly by the door and walked up to the counter. “Plus today has been quite an interesting day.” Alexander claimed, making sure to put a lot of emphases on the word ‘interesting’.
“How can driving three and a half hours be interesting? You almost hit a deer or something?” Mark responded as Alex took his phone out of his pocket.
“You can say something like that.” Alexander replied as he took a picture of the yellow sheet as proof that Mark got his delivery. “Well if that’s all you need then I’ll be on my way.” Alexander said as he walked over to the silver dolly, phone still in his hand.
“Yeah, that’s all I need. Have a good day Al.” Mark called out as Alexander left the building, tapping away on his phone. After every drop Alex would make sure to email the yellow page picture to the company. Doing it after every run just made it easier and saved about five minutes.
Having reached his beloved van again, Alex heaved the heavy-duty dolly up off the ground and into the back of the yellow van. Making sure to place it in a spot that he could easily access it for the next drop. Seeing that the next drop was clinics main office hub he would definitely need that dolly. A usual order for them would be around 30 boxes, and the saline… well lets just say that they don’t go easy on the saline.
However, that being said. Once that drop was done he would have a lot more room left in the van. Which to a normal person wouldn’t mean much, but for Alexander it meant a lighter van, and a lighter van meant a faster acceleration.
Closing the two back doors to the van Alexander walked over to the driver side door of the van. Opening it up he jumped onto his throne and buckled his seat belt. Being a courier sure makes you move fast. Alex stated as he placed the key into the ignition switch and turned it towards the dash. Within second the roar of the van could be heard for miles, a roar that didn’t really sound to good to be honest. In fact, it sounded like the van was dying every time he started it. However, just like his father Alexander would only fix the van if it couldn’t start.
“So what exactly is it that you do when you enter that building?” Twilight spoke up as Alexander pushed the van into reverse.
“Just talk to some people then drop the boxes off in some room that they tell me.” Alex simply responded. “It’s actually really easy, I’m quite surprised that I’m being paid so much for so little work.” Alex continued. Nevertheless, Alex would never tell that to his boss for fear of him actually deducting his pay.
“Ah I see so your just like the mail ponies back in Equestria.” Twilight stated as she levitated the pen that she was disassembling minutes ago. Yet again however, Alex couldn’t keep his eyes off the magic as it assembled the pen within a matter of seconds. If this would keep up, then Alex would have kick her out for fear of crashing due to her distractions.
“Equestria? What the hell is Equestria?” Alex asked as he pushed the shifter into drive and proceeded on route to the clinic offices where the next drop would be.
“It’s where I’m from. I was born in Equestria.” Twilight replied, “And it’s where I plan to go.” She continued, her tone serious and soaked with ambition.
“Alright Twittles, and how do you plan to do that?” Alex stated as he pulled the van to a stop. The intersection he was at seemed to be rather packed. “I get that you can use magic and what not, but if it was really that easy to pop back to your world then I would assume I wouldn’t be talking to you right now.”
Twilight seemed to be both pleased with his response and saddened by it. “That’s correct. You see for some reason I can’t seem to remember anything that happened this pass day.” Twilight lectured. “If I could, then it would probably be that easy as you say “pop” back into my world. Mind you, casting spells is a lot harder then you probably think.”
“Probably is, either way I say that you let today pass-by. Relax now so you can act tomorrow I always like to say.” Alexander stated as he finally got the van passed the intersection.
“With that logic you would never get anything done.” Twilight claimed in a monotone voice, clearly unamused by his advice. “If you kept relaxing today, when tomorrow comes it will turn into today which means you would go back to relaxing.” Twilight commented.
“You know what I mean.” Alexander retorted with a snort.
“I’m afraid I don’t.” Twilight responded.
“You know for a sentient deer your pretty thick.” Alexander stated, a smug smile appearing on his face. “Then again what should I expect from a race that uses their wings to attract mates.” He knew he was dragging that joke out, but that didn’t mean it produced the same outcome.
“It’s pony! And for the last time my wings are not used for matting purposes! I assure you that they are sufficient enough to get me off the ground. I’m just going assume this planet has a higher gravitational pull then mine.” Twilight huffed as she crossed her forelegs.
Alexanders only response was to continue driving along the road. However, his smile did not falter. Call him cruel, but then again who doesn’t like to have a little fun here and there. “I still don’t get what you were trying to say.” Twilight said, once again attempting to change the subject.
“What I meant was that you should relax today. Gain your strength back, regain your normal state of mind and move on from there. No one that I know of has ever made progress while being in an emotional mess.” Alexander lectured, assuming a lot in that statement. Nevertheless, he would be lying if he said he didn’t think that Twilight was emotionally unstable at the moment.
The possibility of loosing one’s home and world is a thought alone that made even Alexander feel sympathy for the small equine. He, himself wouldn’t even begin to fathom what Twilight was feeling at this moment.
“That… that doesn’t sound like a bad idea.” Twilight commented as she flinched in her seat. Thinking nothing of it Alexander pulled the van into the second drop zone. Sadly, his parking place this time was in plane sight of the public. No walls or fences that could obscure the vision of passer-byes.
Twilight's FOV:
Having told her to stay in the van Alexander went about to do his job. Twilight on the other hoof was still quite confused why Alexander had told her to stay inside. On multiple occasions has Alexander warned Twilight about being seen by the public, but not once did he tell her why. Did the people here, in this world not accept outsiders? Would her presence cause an uproar of the commonwealth?
Either way Twilight trusted Alexander… well as much as a pony could trust a human in this short amount of time. She believed that he was looking out for her well being. Nonetheless, she would still have to ask that question again. Hopefully this time he would actually give her the answer she sought. If not, then she would just have to find out from experimentation.
The sound of the rear door opening made itself known as Alexander started to take out the dolly and boxes. Twilight being the curious pony she was took this time to explore what little room she had in the front of this ‘van’.
While the space at the front of the van was small it was nothing compared to the other cars she saw on the way here. Some of them only had enough room for the human to sit. At least in this van she could stand up freely in-between the two seats. However, as of right now she couldn’t as a large blue box was placed there.
Seeing as this box was different then all the others, Twilight was pondering why it would be up here rather then in the back. Having her curiosity take the best of her, she chimed her magic and levitated the lid of the box off revealing multiple plastic bottles.
Reaching her hoof in she realized that it was a lot colder inside the box then outside of it. Using her vast knowledge, she interpolated that this box was used to cool the beverages inside. Huh, that’s actually very clever. Insulate a box and place items you wish to keep cool inside. Instead of using magic we can just do this! Placing the lid back down on the box, Twilight once again scanned the van for anything to occupy herself with.
The next item that Twilight found herself looking at was a silver tray sitting upon the ledge in front of the van. Inside the tray was a couple of silver cylinders with images on them. The first one had a picture of a dog on it while the other two had sevens. Along with the metal cylinders was an opaque plastic bag, and written on the side of it was the word “yogurt”.
Having the bag pique her interest she levitated it over towards her. To her surprise on the other side of the bag was covered in words displaying statistics of the contents of the bag. However, before she could read it off the back doors to the van shut closed signaling that Alexander had finished this drop.
Her suspicions were proven correct when the driver side door opened up and Alexander hopped in. His hair damp and his cloths were wet from the rain. With one fluid movement he buckled his seat belt, started the van and moved a stick the down to a position that was labeled “R”. Once having done that he glanced over towards twilight in the passenger seat.
“See you found my stash.” Alexander stated with a little chuckle. “You better leave me some, I get pretty hungry when I reach Chatham.”
“This is food?” Twilight asked in slight awe of the form of packing. Usually in Equestria they would pack up food with paper. Having something wrapped up in plastic was a wired yet enticing idea. “How do you eat it?” She asked as she started to look all around the bag eventually stopping at a little nozzle protruding from one of the corners.
“Take the cap off, place the nozzle in your mouth and squeeze the bag.” Alexander claimed as the van departed the office en-rout to an unknown location. Then again everywhere Alexander went was unknown to Twilight. Yet, something inside her liked the adventure. For she was learning a lot more then she would have once thought possible.
“Like dish.” Twilight stated with the nozzle in her maw. “All I have to do is squeesh right?” She claimed. The sight was something for Alexander, it looked both cute and uncomfortable at the same time. Then again she was a talking pony and he doubted the maker of the yogurt bag thought that his product would be used like this.
“Yeah just don’t-” It was to late. Twilight had already squeezed the bag with a force exceeding the bags need and before long her muzzle was coated in a heavy film of strawberry yogurt. “-overdo it…” Alexander trailed off a small smile creeping its way onto his face.
Twilight on the other hand was as still as a statue. “I don’t want to hear one word from you.” She stated placing the bag back down onto the aluminum tray.
“You ha-” Alex was about to comment before he was cut off by the Twilight.
“-Not one word!” She stated once again as her purple Aurora surrounded her face. With a nice ‘pop’ the yogurt vanished off her face and teleported one meter to the right. Both Twilight and Alexander unaware of the driver behind them having a heart attack from seeing a blob of yogurt slam into his windshield.
“Oh come on it was-” Alexander said only for him to be once again to be silenced by Twilight.
“What did I say Alex.” Twilight responded, her face looking none to amused. In fact her emotions portrayed more embarrassment then anger. Nevertheless, she would never admit to it if Alexander where to come to the same conclusion.
“Fine, fine... at least be glad you’re not on your own here in the city of roses.” Alexander commented as he pulled the van into a rather nice looking establishment. It looked like a small neighborhood, but something was off it looked too nice compared to the surrounding houses.
“City of roses?” Twilight asked.
“Yeah that’s what the locals call Windsor… Well they used to that is.” Alexander lectured as he parked the van before pulling out his checklist of drops.
“And why do they call it that?” Twilight asked. It seemed that today her curiosity was going wild. Maybe it was just the fact that she was on a new planet, exploring it for the first time.
“Back in the day the people of Windsor used to plant roses in their home gardens. So many people did it that the whole town started to smell of them. It was a pleasant smell and a lot of people came to the town to witness it. Sadly, the mayor banned the use of pesticides claiming it to be “un-eco” so without the pesticides to keep the bugs from eating the flowers; the residents stopped planting the flowers claiming it to be to much work.” Alexander claimed as he placed the checklist down.
“And they still call it the city of roses? Even thought it no longer applies?” Twilight questioned.
“Yup, pretty sad too. I liked this place better when it smelt like flowers rather then petrol and garbage.” Alex said.
“I would assume so. So where are we now? Is this another drop of yours?” Twilight asked taking the manifest into her own hooves.
“Yup, this is hospice. A place where the terminally ill go to die.” Alexander stated opening up the door to the van. “In truth I dislike coming here. They make the place look all nice so that it will take away the thought of dying from the patients here. At least they try to make it easy for them, and that is why I respect them here. Still doesn’t mean I like coming here.”
“That’s horrible! Why don’t they heal them?” Twilight replied.
“Normally they can’t, hence the reason I claimed them to be terminally ill. If they could be saved, then they would have been.” And that was the last thing Alex said before exiting the van to do his job.
I guess this is what happens when you can’t magically cure the patients. Twilight thought to herself. As sad as it was at least they made a place like this for them to live. I guess you can’t stop everything. Twilight once again stated to herself as she sat back in the seat.
Alexander's FOV:
Walking to the back of the van Alexander let his body do its normal routine as he went about thinking over his current situation. How is she going to get home? Is there a way I can speed up the process? Where is she even going to stay? I only have one bedroom available in the house and the bottom floor of my house reaches negative five during the nights. With all these question lingering, Alexander didn’t even realize when he pressed the button on the intercom.
“Hello?” A female voice spoke out instead of male this time. “Who is it? You come to see someone or drop off supplies?” The female asked.
“I’m here to drop off medical supplies.” Alex responded hearing a light click as his response. Acting fast before the door could lock itself again Alexander propped the door open with a case of saline.
Rolling the dolly inside the building, Alexander stopped it and walked back outside picking up the last saline. Having the last saline in his grip Alex walked back inside and placed the box on top of the others before approaching the woman behind the desk. “Hello, where would you like the supplies today?” He asked placing the yellow paper onto her desk.
“Just over there by the elevator. We got a new employee today and I’m breaking him in by letting him move everything.” She stated with a wink.
“Ha, tell him he has my thanks.” Alex commented as he rolled the boxes over to the elevator which was just a couple of feet away from the entrance. “Why can’t you have someone like this all the time?” Alex stated as he separated the dolly from the boxes.
“We do have someone like that?” The lady stated in a confused tone.
“Really then where are they every time I come in?” Alex claimed rolling the dolly to the door before walking back over to the front desk.
“Their always here, I have yet to see him miss one day.” The lady once again stated.
“Really and where is he today?” Alex asked a smile on his face. He got her now.
“Why he’s standing right in front of me.” She commented with a wild smile on her face as she slid over the yellow sheet towards Alex.
“Oh, haha very funny.” Alex replied as he took the phone out of his pocket and took a quick picture of the yellow sheet. “Well if that’s all you need me for boss, I’ll be on my way.” Alex said as he pushed the paper back to the lady at the desk.
“That is all Al, I’ll see you next time. Have a wonderful week!” She called out.
“You to.” Alex ended as he pushed open the hospice doors and rolled the dolly back to the van. Once again without even thinking Alexander sent the message to the company and lifted the dolly into the van with no time at all.
Closing the back doors to the van Alexander walked back to the driver side door. Opening it up he looked inside only to be greeted by something rather peculiar. Twilight Sparkle his road side companion for the day was sitting in his seat with her hoofs on the steering wheel. “Uh… what do you think your doing?” Alexander asked.
“I’m trying to figure out how this van works, what does it look like I’m doing?” Twilight retorted as she continued to look around the dash. “What do these number mean? Why are there three buttons on the floor? Who is responsible for making these cars and vans? When did they invent this machine? Where did they even find enough material to make hundreds of these?”
“Why don’t you sit back in your seat and I’ll answer all of your questions?” Alex stated, a small smile etching its way onto his face. Even though she had a lot of questions, Alex really enjoyed having someone with him while he worked. It made getting through these runs that much more enjoyable.
Without missing a beat Twilight jumped off the driver side seat and back into the passenger side one. The look of curiosity and awe still clearly being portrayed by her emotions. It seems that his words about letting go and relaxing today really worked their way into her mind. Following Twilights lead Alexander jumped into his own seat and closed the door.
“Alright here’s the basic rundown. I told you about the engine, it uses a fossil fuel to create small explosions which push a piston that turns the crank shaft, which in turn makes the wheel’s spin. In order to start the process, you turn this key which starts the spark-plugs that create the necessary spark to ignite the fuel.” Alexander said as he turned the key himself causing the van to come to life.
“I get that part, well I at least understand the concept, but what does the three buttons on the floor do? And what are those numbers on the dash?” Twilight commented as the van once again started to move towards it’s next drop.
“The three buttons are referred to as pedals and they all help the driver control the speed of the vehicle. The one on the far right is the gas pedal dictating how fast the engine will run via fuel regulations. The one in the middle is the break pedal which pushes break fluid through a tube which pushes the brake onto the break disk slowing the vehicle down. Lastly is the parking break, most cars have them in the middle in-between the two seats, but for this van its another pedal.” Alexander lectured showing each pedal physically as well as verbally.
“Interesting, so what do the numbers mean?” Twilight asked.
“They just tell you how fast the vehicle is going; how much fuel is left along with other statistics that rarely need to checked during travel.” Alex simply stated as he continued to move the van through the winding streets of Windsor.
“Can I try driving it?” Twilight asked, her expression was one of excitement.
“Not here in the city. I’ll let you have a go at it later on if your still up for it then.” Alexander replied. He really didn’t want to wreak his only ride days away from his home.
Twilight didn’t respond instead she once again asked “So where we going now? How many more drops are there here in Windsor?”
“Oh Twilight you can figure that one out yourself can’t you?” Alexander stated in a teasing voice. He knew full well that the purple equine could figure out within a couple of seconds. Call this a little experiment of his own, he wanted to figure out how she would go about this situation. What would be her first question she asked herself? Alexander wanted to know if she really was any different then a human mentally.
Twilight's FOV:
Twilight knew that Alexander was yanking on her metaphorical chain with this one, but if he refused to give her the answer, he better know that there are other means of getting to the facts. So with that thought lingering around in her mind Twilight asked herself the first question in solving this little mystery.
Why would he care how I figured this out? Not a normal question one would ask themselves in this kind situation, but one that would help her with her curiosity. One that would help her better understand him… That was it! Twilight thought to herself mentally as she picked up the manifest from the dash.
Alex cares not about the answer but how I arrive to it. He’s learning more about me and ponies as a whole by simple observation. If all humans were like this then I could be standing in the middle of a goldmine of knowledge! The vehicle’s whining only served to cement this idea as it pulled in front of another building.
This one looked to be made out of mirrors, but after closer observation she realized were not mirrors but windows like the first drop they had completed. The only identification of what this building was laid on the entrance to the building, where the letters VON were located being circled by a white line. Shaking this puzzle off for a later date Twilight turned back to face Alexander.
“I have a feeling that it doesn’t matter weather I know how many drops are left, but how I come to find it out.” Twilight spoke out as she glanced at the manifest that she had levitating in front of her. The number of times the city Windsor was stated was only four times meaning this was the last drop in the city of roses as Alex has claimed.
“Heh, you’re the second person or should I say pony to figure that out.” Alexander stated as he opened the door to the van before hopping out.
“And who was the first?” Twilight asked cocking her head to the side.
“Me.” Alexander stated with a smile upon my face. “My father was the first one to do that to me and so far every time I tell someone to figure it out themselves they either take it as me being rude or playing with them. Never have I come across someone that actually sees it as me trying to learn more about them. You’re a quick learner Twilight, I bet you’re some sort of scientist where you’re from.” Alex stated with a smile as he shut the door and walked to the back of the yellow van.
The comment Alex gave lingered in Twilight's mind for a couple seconds after the door close before she hopped out of the van herself. She knew that this was a place not many people were around so she decided now would be the best time to confront Alexander on why he’s so keen on keeping her out of sight from the public.
Closing the passenger side door with her magic Twilight made her way to the back of the yellow van. The question that she planned to asked Alex inching to be answered. Reaching the back of the van she came to find Alexander inside the trunk attempting to remove a box that was being a bit troublesome. Having the perfect way to get the answer she sought in mind she executed it with seconds to spare.
With a large thunk the two back doors to the yellow can shut closed locking in place as they did so. “What are you doing now Twilight?” Alexander asked with a large sigh as he wandered to the closed door with the box he needed in his hand.
“Oh this…” Twilight stated pointing towards the two locked doors innocently. “…I had nothing to do with this.” She continued with fake shocked expression on her face. “Would you like me to open it?” She asked trying her best to sound genuine.
“Yes, please make it fast I’m on a time limit here to deliver all these boxes. Lets just say getting trapped by a sentient deer is not a viable excuse.” Alexander stated as he rolled his eyes at her shenanigans.
“Pony.” Twilight said in a monotone voice.
“What?” Alexander questioned.
“It’s pony not deer.” She corrected.
“Pony, Deer whatever. Now are you going to let me out or am I going to have to move all these boxes so I can get out the side door?” Alexander claimed placing the box he had in his grasp down onto the floor before using it as a make-shift chair.
“I will, just tell me why you don’t want me being seen by anyone else.” Twilight stated a sly smile etched onto her face. She knew she had Alex right where she wanted, and with no way out of this one she would get her answer in no time at all.
Alex let the condition to his freedom settle in for a second before responding. “I don’t want you being seen because if someone else sees you they might start to panic or worse cause other people to panic if they point you out.” Alex replied.
“But how can you be so sure that’s how they’ll react. You didn’t seem to do that when you found me, well at least not that I’m aware of.” Twilight continued the conversation, wanting nothing more then to solve this problem of the public.
“That’s because it was five o’clock in the morning and I was not in the best frame of mind to act out rationally. If you would of caught me on the streets of a city I would have pointed you out to the nearest authorities. I’m not going to lie to you Twilight but if you didn’t show up in the place and time you did, you would probably be in some sort of government lab being tested and asked questions till you lost your sanity.” Alex stated assuming once again a lot of what he said.
It took a while for the information to seep into Twilight's mind but once it did it stuck. Alex was not trying to keep her away from the public to save him or for fun, he was doing this to protect her from a life of questioning. Not like she would have enjoyed it or anything…
“Can you let me out now?” Alex stated as he once again let out another sigh bringing Twilight out of her stupor.
“Yeah, here.” Twilight responded as a clicking sound was heard before the two yellow doors opened up. “Still think I preferred you locked up.” Twilight stated with joking tone. “At least you would be helpless to answer all my questions.” Twilight claimed.
“That’s a bit dark for a deer don’t you think Twilight?” Alex stated once again a snicker coming from his mouth as he said so.
“Pony… P.O.N.Y… PONY! How many times do I have to say this!” Twilight claimed.
“Until it stops being funny.” Alexander stated as he placed the last box on top of the silver dolly. “So you going to wait in the van or stay out here while I drop these packages off?” Alexander asked as he tilted the dolly to the moving position.
“I think I’ll come with you this time.” Twilight answered following Alex to the front door.
“You did hear what I said in the back of the van right?” Alexander replied as he stopped the dolly in it’s tracks. “You do realize that you could be taken away never to get the ability to return home.” Alex said in a serious tone.
“Yup!” Twilight claimed as she opened the door to let Alex in.
“Alright then, your life not mine.” Alex stated as the two walked inside and towards the front desk, Twilight in clear sight of the receptionist. With the receptionist seeming to not care Alexander walked up and did what he always did.
“Got your medical supplies. Where did you want me to put them this time? The usual spot?” He asked as making sure he was taking in every inch of her reaction to seeing a pastel colored pony in front of her.
Surprisingly enough the woman did not react to the pony instead she just replied like it was a normal day. “Yeah the usual spot up against that wall.” She stated as he moved to do so Twilight following him in toe. What caught both of them off guard was when Alexander slid the woman the yellow sheet to sign.
“So who’s your friend working with you today?” The woman stated looking towards Twilight. Twilight on the other hand was at a loss for words, both of you attempting to say something that would suite the situation. “I hope he didn’t drag you with him.” The lady stated as she passed him back the yellow slip.
Acting fast Twilight spoke up first. “I’m just a friend of his that wanted to come for the ride.” Twilight claimed in a nonchalant tone.
“Heh strange…” The woman at the front desk stated as she looked back towards Alex who now adorned a confused expression on his face. Here was a normal human lady talking to a pony without questioning it. “… how come you never mentioned this one to me before? You always talk about you and your friends when you come and drop off the supplies.”
Still being at a loss for words and completely baffled Twilight once again spoke up. “Oh… um…. That’s because… Um… he’s my col-boy friend!” Twilight stated causing Alex’s condition to worsen. “He doesn’t really like telling other people about us.” Twilight claimed with a sheepish smile.
“That’s no way to treat your girl friend Alex.” The lady scowled as she looked towards Alex. “You should be proud that you manage to sweep this fine lady off her feet.” She stated once again glaring daggers towards Alex.
“But she’s a PO-!” Alex was cut off before he could say anything more. His mouth felt like it was glued shut yet nothing was clamping it down. Before he knew it Twilight was waving goodbye to the receptionist and leading Alex out the door. His mind still racing trying to figure out what just happened.
Once the VON’s office door shut closed it wasn’t Twilight that spoke first. “What the hell just happened!” Alex stated attempting to come to terms on what went on inside the lobby.
“I wanted to see if my perception spell would work and the only way I could try it out was if I met someone that didn’t know I was a pony.” Twilight explained. “It’s quite simple, the spell alters the viewers mind to make it seem like I’m nothing out of the ordinary. So for the receptionist she thought I was another human.” Twilight lectured, “See now I can help you today without us worrying that people will freak out.”
Alex’s mind was still trying to comprehend magic let alone altering the perception of others. Knowing to not question everything at once Alexander just nodded and walked back to the rear of the van. “That is just crazy, I mean your magic and shit.” Alexander claimed as he tossed the dolly into the back of the van.
“I guess from your view point I can see why you freaked out.” Twilight continued.
“Yeah, now let’s get back on the road we have a long day ahead of us and I for one could really do with a quick meal on the way as well.” Alexander said as he closed the two rear doors to the van. “What do you say Twilight, how about we put your spell to the test and go have a little bite to eat?”
“Sounds like a plan!” Twilight chimed as they both took their respective seats. Once both doors were closed and the van running Alex once again just stood there in his seat thinking. “What’s the matter?” Twilight asked seeing his frozen state.
“Boyfriend?” Alex claimed in confusion as he looked towards the now reddened face of Twilight. "I'm sorry Twittles but you're going to have to do more then shake your feathered wings to get me to fall for you." Alexander stated.
"For the last time my wings are not meant for that reason! And is it so hard to just call me Twilight!" Twilight retorted, obviously not pleased with Alexanders shenanigans.