//------------------------------// // Chapter 39: A Taste Of Humanity // Story: The Bridge Between Worlds // by Artemis Orion //------------------------------// A Taste Of Humanity I collapsed onto one knee, digging the edge of my sword into the ground to support myself. Gasping for each shallow breath. Sweat trickled down both sides of my face and caused the sports shirt that I wore to be soaked right through. The red sunset cast a crimson shade on the smoke grey blacksmith that opposed me. "Time-out?" Ingot wheezed, dropping his own bladed weapon from his mouth. He too was drained of energy from the practice, but not as much as me. "More like... lesson-over..." I said between breaths. Leaving the weapon crafted by the blacksmith himself in the ground, I got back up to my feet. "I think... that should be enough... for today anyway..." I attempted to slow my breathing. "Agreed." Ingot left his sword sticking up out of the ground as well. His was different from mine, with his grip being maximized for better mouth utilization. It was also only curved on one side, but it was what he called a very basic weapon. We had been fighting... or practicing, for hours, at the big green meadow on the outskirts of Ponyville. From where we were, we were given a beautiful view of the quaint little town, just a little further downhill. And to our left, the foundations of what was soon to be my home were already built. It was a prime location; not too far from the village, yet not too close to be disrupted by the hustle and bustle of the town. It was also an equal distance to both Applejack's farm and Fluttershy's cottage, both also on the edge of the village. A month ago I had chosen this spot, after looking around the entire town for a suitable place. I enjoyed being far from activity if I could help it. "It's getting along nicely isn't it?" Ingot nodded towards the small area of construction, now bare of workers as the day drew to a close. "It wasn't that long ago this was still just a barren field." "Not destroying the scenery am I?" I managed a chuckle. "Thanks for coming out here to train with me..." "...Again." He added. "You've been asking me to help you since last month, and I swear you were horrible when you started!" "Well, there aren't really much use for swords where I come from." With a light tug, I pulled mine out of the ground. No damage was done to it and it still shined. I had left Legion's sword in Twilight's basement. Although I had trained with it before, I didn't need it now. "And besides, you have to admit I've improved." "Alright, you have." Ingot, with a grunt, whipped his sword out of the ground and sheathed it. It was a basic leather strap meant for a common solider, he had said. "But I can tell you, you won't go any further than the basics from me. I'm no soldier, and I only swing a blade to test it. If you want real practice, go to Canterlot or something of the sort." "We'll see." I walked off a few paces to the bag to the designer sports bag I had brought along. I produced a towel, on top a change of clothes. Picking up the towel, I felt a small burning sensation in my hands. I realized that my palm and fingers were red, and some were blistered. "The grooves on the grip are a little rough." I muttered. "That reminds me..." Ingot continued. "Come down to the forge later, once you're ready. My son has a little something for you. So do I actually..." "He finished the crossbow?" "Something like that." Ingot's confidence wavered. "He hasn't been helping out a lot lately. So I would assume he was doing something." "Then I guess I'll see you in town!" I fell back onto the lush sea of green. "That's as soon as I'm rested." "Lazy arse..." Ingot tossed the joke over his shoulder, trotting back to Ponyville. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Thanks, Twilight! See you!" Having returned my weapon to the guest room, where everything I had in Equestria was, I shut the door to the library behind me. She was doing well, having already caught up with her workload since the expedition. In fact, everypony was doing quite well. Eveypony had gotten used to seeing the only Human in Equestria, it seemed. There was less tension with those that were scared of me, but they were still nervous. The sky was just going dark, with the scarlet sun just touching the edge of the world. Shops, restaurants and cafes were beginning to close as the day wound down, and those who took the night shift were just beginning. Everypony was so friendly with one another, i observed as I made my way to the forge. Why can't it be like that on Earth? In the faintest of noises, I heard a sudden rustle, unnervingly close. I turned my head, but nopony was there. Instead, there was a small bush that looked quite of place. There was no breeze, but yet it rustled. I didn't think much of it at first, and continued on my way. But the rustling continued, and it never moved any further. I drew a smirk. Somepony was obviously following me. Before I could confront the 'bush'. I passed two ponies that were quite popular in the community as well. One of them I was seeing for the second time, and had played at my arrival party. The other was a cello player. "Hey hey! Keith, my man!" The DJ called out down the road. "Literally, my 'man'! How ya doin', dude?" She galloped up on hoof-bumped me in the gut, slightly winding me. "I'm doing fine, thank you very much." "I haven't seen you in like, FOREVER!" Vinyl exclaimed, waving her hooves in a wide arc. "Calm down, Vinyl." Coming up to Vinyl's side was a grey earth pony, sporting a white collar and a pink bow tie. She spoke with posh stoicism. "My name's Octavia. Pleasure to meet you." She didn't seem to mind at all that I was human. "And I'm assuming you enjoy 'electronica', just like Vinyl?" "Of course he does! He's got some sick beats in that weird white touchy-thing he has!" Vinyl Scratch cut in before I could answer. "Well, yes. But I don't listen to just electronic music. It was just suitable for the situation. I enjoy all sorts." I corrected. "I do enjoy orchestral as well." "Oh, I see. Well then we should be able to get along nicely." Octavia smiled. "Dude you've got to show me more, of what you've got!" The white unicorn was almost begging. "Your weird alien music is goooood." "C'mon, Vinyl. We're gonna be late!" "Alright, alright, Octy." "By the way, can I ask you a question?" I asked. "What is the relationship between you two?" I was genuinely curious. Everyday, I found out more about each character, the more confused I got about what was canon and what wasn't. "Oh... well... um... Vinyl, she's..." Octavia stammered and blushed, searching for words that I knew she would use. "...her Marefriend!" Vinyl finished for her, putting a leg around the Cello player. "Vinyl, that's such a crude word to use!" She retorted. Her cheeks were now deep red. "Nothing like the truth, baby!" "Ugh... anyway, we're late. Pleasure to meet you, Keith." Octavia pulled Vinyl away. "We gotta party again soon, man! Peace!" Vinyl hollered. I just watched as she was almost dragged off until they turned the corner. And everyday, I still got more and more confused about the show. I had no idea what was fan-made, or what was real, let alone why this universe even existed. It all sounded like a complex philosophy lesson. *rustle* I sighed. As flattering as it was to have what was most like a fan, it was rather uncomfortable knowing that someone is following me. And I knew just who it was. "Is there a reason you're following me, Lyra?" I turned to the bush, now right in the center of the town square. It was very out-of-place. The mint green unicorn jumped out of the bush. The same grin never faded from her face. "I'm sorry, but... a HUMAN! Here?! In Equestria?! Do you have any idea how long I've waited for a day like this?! Do you have any idea how many questions I have for you?!" She was almost hysterical, and Bon Bon was nowhere in sight to restrain her. "Well, I guess I could answer a some, but I'm in a hurry. And, honestly, you're starting to creep me out." I smiled sheepishly. "Okay! Just one! And then I'll leave you alone! For... awhile..." She begged. "Fine. You better make it count!" I raised one finger, signaling that one question. And in that simple action, it could've drove her mad as she fell back into a giggling heap. "Okay okay! Umm..." She made a face as she concentrated hard. "Got one: How does it feel to be human?" She sat down right in front of me and stared right into my eyes, demanding an answer. As simple as the questioned sounded, it definitely wasn't. I had no other form to compare it to; I was never a pony, nor any other creature. It was something that I had been all my life, and found it normal. But here, it was anything but ordinary. "Umm... well... being human... it's... umm..." I couldn't find the words to describe it. There was actually no emotional or personal difference between ponies and humans other than the physical form. Not that any came to mind, but I couldn't tell her that. I was left standing there, looking for an answer when none came. Suddenly, from the corner of my eye, I saw the pony who would help me answer all of Lyra's questions. He was casually trotting through the town's square. "Doctor!" I called out. He responded immediately, although partly confused. He trotted up forward. "Good evening, Keith. Madam." He nodded at Lyra. "Does there seem to be a problem?" He questioned, darting his gaze between me and Lyra. "Lyra, here, wants to know how it feels to be human." I said plainly. "Does she now?" The Time Lord turned to the unicorn. "Woah woah woah... wait a minute... this pony was once a human?!" She pointed a hoof at the Doctor at disbelief. "Well, technically, I'm not Human. I just assume the same physical form-" "Tell me more!" She pressed her head against the Doctor's. "I can't possibly tell you everything! There isn't enough time... well not for you anyway." "Then SHOW me!" She hugged the two front legs of the Doctor, refusing to let go. Her grin was growing wider and wider. "PLEEEAAAASSEEE." "Lyra, you're scaring ponies." I commented, looking around. Those that were still outside were giving strange looks at us. "Please...?" "Ugh..." The Doctor sighed. "Okay, as you wish." "What?" Now I was confused. "She obviously won't leave us alone until she gets what she wants." He said reluctantly. He brought up his hooves and picked Lyra up. "You too, Earthling!" He placed a hoof around my head. "What are you doing?" Lyra and I asked in unison. "You'll see." The Doctor smirked. "You have one minute." And with that, he suddenly jerked both of our heads towards his. The second three of our heads made contact, I felt myself slip away, as my vision turned white. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The mist cleared. Like a reversal of the sun's rays, it was pulled out of vision. Lyra began to slowly come round. Opening her eyes, she surveyed her new surroundings. Her eyes went wide, seeing the wide streets and tall buildings. Light posts dotted the sidewalks in a uniformed patten. People, humans, were walking freely on the pavement. In coats, jackets, holding umbrellas, making their way through their daily lives. Lyra rubbed her eyes, making sure she was no longer blinded. But as soon as she pulled her arms up, she noticed the change. Her jaw could've hit the floor, as she looked at her new digits and limbs. "HANDS!" She squeaked. Her mouth still agape. "I... have... HANDS?!" She touched her face, her body, her new legs that had feet instead of hooves. "I'm... human?!" To her left was a shop window. Lyra wasn't as interested in the antiques it displayed as she was in her reflection. Seconds went by as she stared into her new face. Her hair was still green with the white streak along the fringe. Her eyes were smaller, but they were still her shade of yellow. She was clothed in white and green as well, and around her neck was a small necklace, with one small golden lyre. But her nose, mouth, skin, all of it was different! After her initial shock, Lyra was overcome with joy. "Fascinating isn't it?" A voice spoke from behind her. Looking into the reflection of the glass. She saw the source. A bench, not more than a few footsteps away, sat two men. One wore a shallow top hat, shading his face, wearing a light brown overcoat with a dark brown vest and pants, accessorized with a red tie. He sat crossing one leg over the other. "Welcome to Earth, the twenty-first century." The one in the coat took off his hat, revealing a man with sharp features and dark brown eyes. "And this is me, in one of my previous human forms." The doctor said calmly. "Ea...Earth?" Lyra stammered. "Isn't this London?" Next to the Doctor was a young asian man. With black eyes and hair in an 80-20 parting, he wore a grey collarless shirt with black sleeves and 3 black buttons, and black denim jeans. Lyra already knew who he was. He looked around, only to have the Big Ben capture his gaze. "Keith? Doctor?" She mumbled. "Yes, this is London. Or rather, an illusion of London. Just a taste of humanity for our pony-friend." The Doctor was perfectly calm, Keith was slightly confused, and Lyra was still overwhelmed. "So are we in your head or something?" Keith asked, surveying the dream-state of England. "Strictly speaking, we are." He said. "And one minute is almost up." "HUMANS DO EXIST! YESYESYES!!" Lyra jumped up and down, clasping her hands together and fiddling with them. People along the path continued on their way, only giving a suspicious gaze at the ecstatic young lady. "You'll find that things are much easier to bind and grab, too." The doctor added. "Don't you think you're feeding her a little too much?" I whispered into the Time Lord's ear. "She might just go more crazy later." "Well then she asked for it." The doctor shrugged, relaxing onto the bench. "You don't seemed as amazed as her to be in this illusion though?" "Once you explore a world of magical ponies, entering someones controlled illusion seems a little minor." Keith stated. Both men on the bench watched as Lyra performed rather menial tasks with her hands, but normal grabbing and binding were like impossible feats being accomplished to her. She squealed every time she succeeded in doing so. "Well, one minute is up. Say goodbye to humanity, Miss Lyra." The Doctor looked at his metal watch. The heavy mist consumed their surroundings once more, eventually blinding all three of them. "NOOO! NOT YET!!" Lyra's cries echoed as the illusion of Earth faded. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A tiny force repelled my head from the Doctor's. It was the same for Lyra, who fell backwards. The illusion left a slight throbbing in my mind. Opening my eyes again, it was relieving to see that we were back where we were, and barely a minute had passed. It was no longer daytime, London. It was sunset, Ponyville. "I'm definitely not doing that again, as long as I can help it." The Doctor groaned, now a pony once more. He rubbed his hooves against his head. "No! The humans! They were everywhere!" Lyra kicked up. "Humans! They exist!" She exclaimed. "You don't say!" I said, bursting into a laugh. "I don't mean to intrude," a voice outside of ours interrupted. "but is she causing you trouble again? Lyra, stop with this obsession of yours! You've seen one, now you know they exist! Happy?" Bon Bon bit down on Lyra's ear again, dragging her off. "But...! But...!" Lyra was still stammering as she struggled helplessly. As soon as they left, me and the Doctor were the only ones left in the Town Square. "That was a rather, interesting experience." "For you or for Lyra?" I joked. "More like having her inside the illusion." The Doctor chuckled. "Anyway, I must be off. The Vortex isn't going to find itself!" With that, he went off at a gallop, leaving me to wonder what the 'Vortex' was, or meant. Maybe I should start watching his show... The reason I was out here came back to me, and I had wasted enough time. The sun was almost gone as I continued the rest of the journey to the blacksmiths. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Even at night, the forge was still lit. The open first floor of the house was filled with metal equipment, tools and items, dimly lit by a burning torch in the corner of the room, and the furnace. As I approached, Ingot was the only one outside, and he was at the table, making himself busy. I tapped the brass bell, hanging at the corner of the entrance, producing the sound similar to a cow's bell. It was less than an arm's reach away, seeing as I was taller than most ponies. "You took your time, Human." Ingot already knew who it was. "Driscoll, come out of your Study for a moment! Keith is here!" His voice echoed into the house. I walked into the forge, looking at the vast array of metalworks. From horseshoes to basic armour and weapons. The blacksmiths were certainly skilled in Ponyville, and they weren't short of protection. I stopped behind Ingot, waiting on him to finish whatever he was doing. He was pulling at something with his mouth. A string, maybe? "He's coming. In the meantime..." He whipped around. With a grin, his mouth held two items of a pair. The two pieces of leather had five small sleeves and holes, making it unsuitable for a pony. It was dark brown and padded on the knuckles, front and back, sown together in perfect stitches. "These are for you." he tossed them into my arms. They were certainly a fine pair of gloves. "Hard snakeskin leather, hoove-stitched and grooved palms. You might want them if you don't want blisters." Now, I was happy. Like a child who waited in anticipation to play with his christmas gift, I quickly pulled the gloves on. They were tightened by two leather laces, crossing the wrist twice in a neat little knot. The insides were soft and comfortable, and the outside made it painless to punch. "These are perfect." I threw a punch into my clasping palm, producing a satisfying slap of leather. "I am paying you back though." "That bag of bits you left us last time was more than enough!" Ingot objected. "And don't thank me just yet." He diverted his gaze to the door, where Driscoll came though. He looked weary, slouching as he walked and clearly visible eye bags. On his side was a folded carrier. "Good evening, Keith." He tried to hide his weariness. "Haven't seen you in a while." "Been treating yourself well, Driscoll?" I sat down at the table, bringing myself level with the tired craftscolt. "You sure look tired." "Maybe I am." He yawned. "But working on your little project was really interesting. It was fun, in fact. Did you know that it is quite similar to those used in Canterlot's armoury? It's like an adaptation; a miniature version changed to suit a human's needs." He swung the carrier onto the table. Using his muzzle, he slowly unfolded the flap. Inside was what his month's of work had been put into. "It's still a prototype, mind you. I'm bound to make some improvements." The crossbow's arch was gold-plated metal on an iron base. The catch was silver, connected to a tightly strung bowstring. The handle and grip was polished wood, curved into a pistol grip. The stock was varnished wood with a metal foundation. Everything looked just like the blueprint. Nobody spoke a word as I gaped at the medieval weapon. I slowly brought my hand over the grip, picking up the ranged weapon. It was heavy, but sustainable for one-handed use. The barrel was long enough for another hand to support. The catch doubled as a crosshair, as I stared down the line. Lying ready on the catch was a single wooden bolt. "This is incredible!" I paid Driscoll the compliment. Such old weaponry wold be useless on Earth, but I have never seen one outside a museum, let alone hold one in my very hands. Either way, this one was different. "It's not perfect." Driscoll said. "Although it is exactly like the blueprint, I do plan to make a few changes. To make it more efficient, easier to use..." I lowered the weapon, knowing the danger if I fired the bolt. "It's fine the way it is, if you ask me." With one hand on the grip, I placed the weapon back on the table. *ptchew* As soon as I placed the crossbow sideways on the table, it fired! The bolt flew from the wound up catch. "Get down!" Ingot tackled his son to the ground covering both their heads. The bolt flew straight toward a stack of metal ingots. But to all of our horror, it didn't stop there. It deflected off the surface of one ingot, and was sent zooming in another direction! It ricocheted of a metal plate. Then, a sword, then the hammer, then the anvil. All of this happened within a matter of seconds. In the end, the bolt did come to a halt. After it bounced of the anvil, the bolt flew low, at the table's level, across the forge. It was too late. It stopped. But not in metal. Nor in wood. I stood in the center of the forge. And the bolt came to a halt... ... one inch above my kneecap... The projectile came to a final, and painful, halt. I heard myself exclaim a number of vulgarities, as I almost suffered one of the worst jokes in video game history. As Ingot and Driscoll rushed for first aid, I couldn't help but think: I almost took an arrow to the knee!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was two weeks since that incident. I was now at home, on Earth, with a cast around my leg. I was embarrassed by that little accident, and it was definitely my fault. I was sitting for breakfast in the dining room,next to a pair of crutches I had been using for the past two weeks. The only other person who knew I was injured was my sister. "It's been a week, Keith." Dayna came into the dining room. "Are you ever going to tell me how you got injured like that?" "I ain't telling you anything." I huffed. "You drank my bottle of AppleJack, and I'm still pretty steamed about that." "If it makes you feel any better, it was delicious." She smiled. "I hate you." "I love you too, li'l bro."