The foals called him Doggy for lack of a better name, and it stuck. The mountain ponies had found him on one of the trails, unconscious. His fur and the material covering his body had been scorched and burned. They could see slide marks from far up the mountain side where he fell. The ponies took him back to their village to care for him even if they didn't know how he would respond to them. He awoke the day after he was found.
He opened his eyes and saw the room, felt the bed and smelled something cooking. He moved so he was sitting on the edge of the bed. His ears swiveled and picked up kitchen sounds. He could feel bruises in several places but otherwise felt fine. He sat there for several minutes just staring ahead. He tried to remember, anything, but all he could bring to mind was a terrified face and lightning. Then he said out loud, “Can anyone tell me where I am?”
He heard clip-clops in the hallway then three pony faces were looking in the doorway. One looked back down the hall and hollered, “Pa, Doggy is awake.”
He tried to stand, got dizzy, sat back down, then his stomach growled.
The pony hollered down the hall, “And he's hungry.”
Then the three faces looked at him again and he looked back. The picture that presented itself of those faces looking in the door struck him as humorous and became more so the longer they looked and he started to laugh. This made the faces all smile broadly which made him laugh again. Then the one he assumed was the eldest said, “Let's go help with the food.” and they all moved off down the hall.
He was still smiling when he thought, “They called me Doggy. I will have to tell them...” and he thought hard for some time unable to complete the sentence.
He put his paws to his head and told himself to calm down and wait. 'The memories may return.' He saw a pitcher of water on a table, grabbed it and downed almost half.
Shortly, an elder pony entered carrying a small kettle in his teeth and set it down next to the water. The smell was very enticing and he saw a spoon in the kettle.
The pony said “I hope that will be enough for you.”
“I'm sure it will be fine. Thank you.” and he took the spoon and started in. The flavor was wonderful and he suppressed the urge to gulp down the whole kettle.
“My name is Cliff Walker, welcome to our home. The kids called you Doggy when you were found. So what's your real name?”
“I can't recall anything about myself.”
“You remember nothing?”
“My last memory is of being surrounded by lightning. And seeing the face of another across a room, I think it was a room. She...she? She had this frightened look. I can't recall anything before that and nothing until I woke here.”
“Well, we can't just keep calling you Doggy.”
“I can't think of anything better.”
Cliff Walker thought for a bit then said “Well, Doggy, you are welcome to stay with us.”
“Thank You. You are most kind, and I would like to help out however I can.”
Cliff Walker smiled and said “That's appreciated greatly friend.”
The villagers were earth ponies with a few pegasi and one unicorn doctor.
Sometimes Doggy would accompany the foals to school and sat with the children to learn of pony culture.
The teacher, Miss Fair Air a pegusus, taught literature, history, math and some music. Doctor Woodfall would come in to teach science and a little about magic.
He spent most of his time helping to clear old ruins of an ancient village to make room for farm land while trying to see into the nothingness that was his memory.
He found that he could walk upright or on all fours but felt more comfortable on all fours when walking with the ponies. He could also run very fast that way and could outrun even the fastest of the villagers. He could easily move over the terrain of the mountain and used much of his free time to explore the area.
One day he asked about a cave he saw on one of the mountain tops.
“That belongs to a dragon.”
“A dragon? Here?”
“Yes, and you need to be watchful. He is bad tempered and will try to take anything he thinks valuable or food. We suspect he may be responsible for a few unexplained disappearances over these last few years.”
“And how big is this dragon?”
“Just a small one. About 4 times as tall as you when you stand on hind legs.
Life in the village was peaceful and he started to feel at home. Sometimes when he explored the mountain he would travel to the valley floor. Occasionally he would see pony travelers on the road at the base of the mountain, deciding to keep out of sight so he wouldn't frighten them. The villagers had become accustomed to his presence but he realized he was not a native creature here and might scare others.
One day he was on a lower trail and heard voices that belonged to a small group of ponies with a wagon traveling a trail below him. They were not locals and as he listened to their conversation it was apparent they were a bit lost after traveling a different route than normal. They had taken a wrong turn and now were going back to the main road. He dropped to the ground to keep out of sight till they passed. Suddenly there was a great whoosh overhead and a dragon dropped down in front of the travelers.
Doggy moved to the edge and looked down to see the dragon looming over the ponies looking as if it was going to crush them or devour them to get at the wagon.
He thought "This is a small one?"
It moved toward the ponies and reflexively Doggy jumped. In his mind one thought screamed at him.
"ARE YOU INSANE!?!"
He landed on the dragons neck and grabbed. His forelegs were long enough and the dragons neck where he landed was narrow enough his paws connected then he squeezed as hard as he could.
“RUN PONIES RUN!!” he shouted.
The dragon shook and tried to remove him but lost footing in the loose rocks and slammed against the cliff face.
Doggy fell to the ground and the dragon collapsed on top of him as they both passed out.
“I found a leg! I think. Help me pull!”
Two earth ponies grabbed the leg and a unicorn tried to levitate the dragon enough to get Doggy out.
“Now what?”
“Put uh...it...in the wagon and lets move!”
Doggy ended up in the wagon on top of some bundles and the group moved as quickly as they could away from the unconscious dragon.
Doggy woke in the rumbling wagon feeling very sore. He slowly sat up. He was in the company of four ponies. Three earth ponies and a unicorn.
He looked around and saw they were traveling by a forest. He asked “Where are we?”
The unicorn said “Oh good you're awake! We are on the edge of the Everfree forest going to Ponyville. We couldn't just leave you behind so we brought you with us.
“You aren't afraid of me?”
“We were just a little but you did try to save us so we considered you friendly. And how are you after having a dragon fall on you?”
“I feel sore all over.”
The unicorn said “We had best get you to a doctor when we get to Ponyville.”
“The doctor at the village can take care of me. Oh! The village! How long was I out? How far have we gone?”
“It has been several hours now and Ponyville should be just around the next bend in the road.”
The sun was low in the sky so he knew he would have to spend the night.
“I need to get word back before they start to worry about me.”
“The unicorn asked. “Where are you from?”
“A mountain village called Terrace.”
“Well, we can get a Pegasus to fly out and let them know what's going on. Oh my, introductions! Hello I'm Safflower, that's Ironwood pulling the wagon, Olive is on the left and Orchid on the right.
“I'm called Doggy.”
All together the ponies said “Hi Doggy.”
He tried to stay low in the wagon and not appear threatening as they entered town. They were attracting looks and he started to get a bit self conscious feeling that he needed to get cleaned up.
“Orchid, run ahead and find a Pegasus to fly an errand. Doggy, we will be here for a few days so we will get word back to your village you may be away for a while.”
“I have wanted to see more of Equestria. This seems as good a time as any.”
Orchid came running back “Hey, look who I found!”
The other ponies at once called out “Rainbow!”
“Hi guys.”
Rainbow Dash hovered above the wagon with one hoof scratching her chin. “Well, you're different. I'll bet Twilight would like to meet you.”
“I'm meeting all kinds of new ponies today.”
“So you live with the mountain ponies.”
“They found me and took me in.”
“Orchid told me what happened and I know where Terrace is. I'll let them know whats going on. Be back before you know it.”
And she was off like a shot. Doggy was amazed at the speed. “How fast can she go?”
“She can do a sonic rainboom.”
It took Doggy a few moments to process what was said then muttered “Mach 1 without mechanical help?”
They moved further down the street then a pink pony came bouncing toward them shouting “There they are Twilight. I told you I saw something you should see.”
Safflower and the rest said “Hi Pinkie Pie, Hi Twilight.”
“Hi everypony. Pinkie told me you brought a visitor.”
“Hi, I am known as Doggy.”
“Wow, you are a strange one. NO! That's not what I meant! I didn't...that is...you're...different.”
“Yeah, that's what I hear.” he said with a smile.
“Well Doggy, I'm Twilight Sparkle and this is...”
“There's Fluttershy!!!” and Pinkie Pie bounded down the street.
“Pinkie Pie.” Twilight sighed watching Pinkie go, then turned back.
“If you wouldn't mind, could you step out of the wagon so I can get a better look at you?
Doggy slowly climbed out trying to be casual and dropped to all fours. Twilight walked around him studying his build.
“You are kind of like a diamond dog but more like a wild wolf. You have a more cylindrical torso and heaver muscled legs.”
“The doctor at Terrace said I was double muscled.”
“Ahh, that would explain it. And your gray fur pattern is interesting.”
“Yeah, I finally got the scorched spots out.”
Pinkie and Fluttershy arrived just then. Fluttershy questioned “Scorch spots?”
“The ponies that found me said I looked like I stepped out of a fire.”
“Oh my, what happened to you?” asked Fluttershy. “If you don't mind me asking.”
“I remember being engulfed by a ball of lightning and nothing before that. I have almost given up hope my memory will return.”
Pinkie started bouncing with a big grin “I know I know! The memory spell! The one you used to save us from Discord!”
“I don't know Pinkie. This is a different circumstance.”
“Oh go on, you can make it work. I know you can.”
Wellll. Alright. If Doggy doesn't mind me using magic on him.”
Doggy smiled “Hmpf, magic. Sure, fine. Just don't be offended if I don't expect much.” and he sat and waited.
Twilight looked straight at Doggy and moved to touch her horn on his forehead. Her horn glowed and his eyes widened in surprise. Then his eyes opened very wide as he stood straight up and his mouth opened wide to scream because his brain was on fire but he blacked out before he could make any noise. His body went limp and crumpled in a heap on the ground.
Several ponies screamed at once “DOGGY!”
Twilight was aghast. “No no no no no no no! This shouldn't happen!”
She put a hoof on his shoulder and shook him pleading in her mind that he wasn't dead and pleading with her voice “Wake up Doggy, please wake up.”
His eyes opened and she sighed with relief. Then he suddenly sprang up looking like he was ready to run. She looked at his eyes and saw the intelligence she detected earlier was gone and had been replaced by something feral. Then she realized he was terrified. He jumped over them and took off down the street with speed she couldn't believe.
“After him!” and they all ran as hard as they could but he gained distance.
Twilight gathered her magic and teleported in front of him. He leaped over her without a pause.
Twilight saw another friend walking along the street. “APPLEJACK! STOP HIM! Yeah, right.”
He zoomed past Applejack and seemed to be gaining speed all the while and passed the edge of town with all the ponies chasing after him. He was a ways out of town and in mid stride when the pain in his head returned causing him to blackout again. He hit the ground limp and skidded to a stop raising a cloud of dust.
Applejack arrived first. “Tarnation, what is this critter?” She checked for signs of life, found he was still breathing and waited for the others to catch up. When they got there Applejack said “He just collapsed at a full run.”
They checked him over for injuries not sure what to do next.
Fluttershy said “My place is closer. We can take care of him there.”
He woke up on a couch. His head throbbed. “What party did I get this hangover from?” Then he heard Twilight.
“Doggy, I am so sorry I did that to you.”
“Oh! Right. What happened? I saw your body start to glow and suddenly I'm lying here with a headache.”
“You don't remember running out of town like a scarred rabbit?”
“No nothing.”
She sighed heavily. “I repressed memory instead of recovering. I'm not sure what happened. Please forgive me Doggy.”
“Ah 'ts OK. And call me Ferrous.”
There were a few moments of silence before he realized what had happened. He sat up slowly and smiled. “And the face I saw on the other side of the room, her name was Albion. We were friends. She and another named...ahhh...Edmund. They were my best friends at the base. What base? Arr! I can almost recall but not quite. But I remember my name!”
Twilight sighed with relief. “Well, it didn't completely fail. But I'm not going to try that again.”
Then he looked around at his surroundings. “Where are we now?”
“This is Fluttershy's home. It was the closest place to care for you. Oh!, Rainbow Dash just got here with your belongings and was just about to tell us about her trip. Wait. Did you say you saw my body glow?”
“Yeah, you had an aura all around you. That's not normal?”
“No. When a unicorn uses magic only the horn has an aura.”
“Hmm. Well, I can see into the infrared and ultraviolet ranges. But this was a golden color. I must be able to see something unspecified.”
“I'll want to talk with you about that more when you are feeling better, I'll make a note. Oh, Rainbow. You were going to tell us about your trip.”
“Yeah. When I got there and told them what was happening they gave me this vest and said they fixed it up for you and put everything back in the pockets. They even gave you a few extra bits. They said you helped them get ahead with work enough that if you want to travel go ahead. Just be sure to send word how you are doing. And when I left, a dragon was waiting and started chasing me. I knew he was no match for my flying, so, I was kinda playing around. Last I saw of him he was plastered on the side of a mountain. Oh yeah, I'm awesome. So, anyway here's your vest.”
He started to stand but got dizzy and sat back down. His head throbbed harder and he had to lie down again.
“Maybe later.”
Fluttershy said. “It's getting late. Maybe we should put you to bed.”
“Just help me get to the backyard and I'll be fine”
Fluttershy was shocked. “Oh no. I have a bed all ready for you.”
“But I am filthy. I don't want to dirty your bedding.”
“You're not filthy. We gave you a bath while you were unconscious and brushed your fur. You are very clean.”
He thought that the smell of flowers he detected was the normal scent of Fluttershy's house. Upon further inspection it was he that smelled like flowers.
“Wow, I am clean. Well then Ms. Fluttershy, I will gladly accept your offer of a bed. Lead the way.” so he stood up from the couch and promptly blacked out.
Albion checked her datapad “This is supposed to be an airlock activated by pressing the left button next to the door.”
Ferrous tried the button. Ancient machinery came to life and the door slowly closed. The room quickly pressurized and a yellow light came on over the opposite door which became the only light in the room. They checked their suit indicators and found the air to be compatible so they removed their helmets.
“Not too cold in here and the air seems okay.”
Albion gave a “Ha! That's what the report stated also. Now we open the other door with this button.”
Then the inner door moved to the side to reveal a dimly lit corridor with another door at the end.
“The main room is on the other side of that door and they included pictures of what we need to check.”
The door opened and they entered the dim room then Albion gasped, “This doesn't match the report.”
On the right side of the room where most of the consoles should be the wall had collapsed inward and wreckage was strewn all over. More consoles were seen on the far wall next to a pair of columns. One of these had fallen against the back wall and it was bent out of shape.
Albion sat at one of the consoles. “No wonder they couldn't find a signal from here.”
Ferrous slowly walked around the wreckage. “What does all this do?”
“The report states that from the other moons they have found, only part of the transmitter has been determined and they haven't figured out the rest yet.”
Ferrous moved over to the columns and inspected a console. “Maybe some of this still works.”
Albion responded, “If I read this correctly then all of the controls that I see are turned off. I think this was never activated before the damage happened.”
“You can enter that in your report. What data were we supposed to acquire?”
“Follow this sequence.” she said handing her datapad to him. Ferrous looked over the settings then handed back the pad and set the controls on the console he was near then turned to Albion as she said “Great, this is not responding correctly. Probably too much damage.”
Then something that sounded like an alarm went off and Ferrous was engulfed in a ball of lightning. He heard Albion scream his name then everything seemed to dissolve to nothing.
Ferrous sat up tangled in blankets. He was breathing fast and he gradually realized it was a dream. As he calmed down he felt exhausted and fell back on the bed. He starred at the ceiling and recalled just how it happened, just like the dream, how he must have arrived here from Earths moon.
Light came in the window at a low angle. He thought. “It's early. Or it's late. Hope it's early.” He got up and made his way unsteadily, even on all fours, down the stairway to the main room where Twilight, Fluttershy and another pony he didn't know sitting at the table. Then he saw Rainbow Dash lying on the couch.
“Ferrous!” Twilight's glum face lit up with a smile. “I was so worried about you. We got you into bed after you collapsed and I stayed with you all night. I just got up after sunrise and you seemed to be resting peacefully so I came out for breakfast.”
“I have never had so many people concerned about my well-being before coming here. My two best friends back home watched out for me. But here, the villagers, the ponies with the wagon, you and your friends...I'm very grateful. And I don't think we have been introduced, as he looked at the unfamiliar pony.”
“Hay there. Ah'm Applejack. I saw you collapse out on the road.”
“I think maybe it's a good thing I missed that part. Glad to meet another friend.”
He sat at the table and saw a bowl of fruit. “Apples! I haven't had an apple in forever.” He grabbed the apple and took half in one bite then happily munched.
“OH! And I remember how I got here. We were investigating an artifact on earths moon then we activated damaged equipment and here I am.”
Twilight pulled out a parchment and quill, “That could be significant, I'll make a note.
Fluttershy said. “When we were giving you a bath I noticed writing on your ear, what is that? If you don't mind me asking.”
He reached up and held his left ear. “It's information. I think I need to see it.”
Twilight said “Here, I'll write it down.” And as he held out his ear she copied what was tattooed on the inside as he tossed the rest of the apple in his mouth.
He looked at the paper for a bit then the memory suddenly popped into his head. “Yes, that's my project details. That's the Genetitech Labs logo, Hamburg facility, creators ID, project ID, gene series and version. We got the tattoo shortly after birth.”
Twilight's eyes opened wide. “That means you are a genetically engineered life form?”
“Yes. And if you call me a gelf I'll smack you.”
Twilight gave a snort, then said “I have only read about theories. I didn't think it was really possible. So you don't have parents.”
“Not in the traditional sense, we call BK127E our creator but reference him as father. My birth mother was a husky. Mom and Dad were professors at MIT. And you haven't the slightest idea what all that means.”
Twilight said “I will make a note to go over that with you. Right now let's finish eating.”
“Yes, good idea. Ah! Carrots! I'm glad the creator made us omnivores.” and Twilight scribbled another note.
Ferrous had his fill then asked for his vest. He unrolled the vest of many pockets which had an angular symbol on the outer left breast pocket.
“I'm not sure what I have. The family that took me in were repairing it so I haven't seen it for a while.”
He found a pouch of bits that felt quite heavy. “I think they are a little over generous.”
Then another pouch. “Yum, jerky bits. Albion gave me this when we were getting ready for the trip.” He was about to eat one but decided it may not be viewed well by those present.
“Hmm, sunglasses. Tool pouch. Comm link. Ah! My datapad.”
“What's that?” asked Twilight.
“Datapad. This device stores, catalogs and retrieves all types of information, does calculations and analysis and detects some aspects of the world around you.” Twilight looked intently with wide eyes at the datapad.
He touched the pad and the screen lit up. Then a voice from the data pad said “You have three unopened messages.”
Ferrous stared at the screen for a few moments before saying “They must have been sent before we went out to check the artifact. OK, first message. Oh, too bad. I missed a meeting three weeks ago. Next. North polar survey data completed. Final report summary needed. Ha! Not gonna happen. Next. Oh. My. Wow.”
Twilight leaned to see. “What is it Ferrous?”
He turned the screen so they could see. “It's the three of us doing the Tri-x-star. Where you hold your body in an X shape and hold paws to form a star.”
“I see that's you...and …you are holding up the other two?”
“That's Albion and Edmund.”
“Which is which?”
“Albion is the black and gold fur, Edmund is the red fur.”
“You said Albion was female and I can't tell the difference”
“That's easy. See here, males are oval shaped and females are triangular.”
“Ohh! Well! Yes! Thank you for pointing that out.”
“Rainbow snickered then asked “What's that red sign on the wall?”
“That's the gravity index warning for the gym. We had it set to 2 Gees
Twilight's eyes went wide and she said. “Now let me get this straight. You are standing holding two others in an upright star pattern with double gravity. That means you were holding 4 times your own weight”
“Plus my doubled weight and maybe a bit over. They both have about 4 kilos more but I have the stronger legs. Hey! She included the video.”
They all watched the screen showing Ferrous sitting with paws near his shoulders, then the other two clasped his paws and then each others paws over his head and pulled themselves to the upper position. Ferrous slowly stood and they moved to the final star pattern.
Applejack remarked “Dang! That hurts just watchin'.”
“And Albion wants to try again at 3 gees.”
That produced a pained sound from all of them.
Ferrous stared at the display for a time then said sadly “I'm never going to see them again. I am lost. They most likely think I am dead and I will never see them again. Edmund always joking, Albion pretending to flirt wh- Oh. I am such an idiot.” Tears started to stream down his face.
“Are you alright?”
He sobbed “That thing you did with my memory, I thought of her and remembered everything about her, all the things we did together, every thing she said to me.” His voice got louder. “She cared. She cared for me and I didn't notice! All of her flirting was genuine and I didn't piece it together, I just brushed her off! I must have hurt her terribly and she never let on! Now I can't go to her and tell her how sorry I am for not seeing.”
“Oh Ferrous. I wish there was something I could do to help.”
“Yeah, just kick me in the back of the head. You could generate enough force to shatter my skull. Then push me in the creek and I will just sink
out of sight and not be a bother anymore.”
“FERROUS! That's horrible.”
“Sorry, I feel really bad right now. I was so rotten to her I can't believe she stayed a friend.”
“That is what true friends do. They will stay with you no matter what and they will care for you even if you forget them sometimes.”
Then Ferrous had more tears streaming off his face.
Twilight put her forelegs around him and said “We are your friends now, you can rely on us. And from what you said there may be a way to trace back where you came from.”
He sobbed out, “Really?”
“Yes, I think so.”
He looked back to the data pad and stared at the pictures with a new feeling of hope.
Twilight thought he needed a distraction so she asked. “You said your datapad held information. What else can you show us?”
“I should probably show you the creator.” He made some claw taps on the screen, “Display Creator's portrait. And this is our creator.” and he turned the display so they could see.
Fluttershy screamed “DRAGON!” and hid under a chair before she remembered it was only a picture.
Twilight was confused. “You were created by a blue dragon?”
“Actually he's an engineered lizard about a meter tall.”
Twilight asked “Does he breath fire?”
Ferrous laughed “No, he doesn't breath at all. He wasn't designed for that.”
Twilight rubbed her temple with a hoof. “Ugh, now I'm really confused.”
“Well, for a complete explanation you need to start with the creator's creator and read their biographies”
“Wait. Just how much information does that thing hold?'
“Several libraries worth of books, audio files and video.”
Her eyes focused on the datapad and stared with her mouth open then asked, “Could you teach me how to use it?”
“Sure! When do you want to start?”
===========================================================
Ferrous, Twilight and the Cutie Mark Crusaders reached the library.
“Does Pinkie usually grab people off the street for a party?” asked Ferrous as he pulled streamers out of Twilight's mane.
“Quit often.” responded Twilight brushing confetti out of Ferrous' fur. “Of course it was your welcome to Ponyville party.”
“Well it was...really fun.”
As they entered the library Twilight called out “Spike! I'm back. Brought company.”
Ferrous was surprised when he saw a tiny dragon enter the room.
“Hey Twilight, about time you got back...Woah! A diamond dog? No, uh, doesn't look right.”
Ferrous brought a paw up and waved, “Hi. I'm Ferrous, I come from off planet.”
Spike starred blankly then Twilight spoke up, “Spike, take a letter, then we can get the Crusaders organized.”
Twilight dictated a letter to Princess Celestia explaining the plight of Ferrous then set Spike to helping the crusaders with their research.
Twilight set out cushions for all then Ferrous gave her a crash course in datapad operation while the Crusaders looked at various books.
Ferrous browsed the library shelves while Twilight browsed the datapad.
After a while the crusaders with some discussion high hoofed and together exclaimed “Cutie Mark Crusaders prospectors, YAY!” and headed out the door.
Twilight looked at the door and sighed heavily then looked back at the datapad as Ferrous pulled a book off a shelf and sat at the table.
Ferrous heard Twilight say “What? That doesn't make sense.” then looked to see a puzzled expression on her face.
He asked “What do you see?”
“Well, I was searching mathematics and now I have a file labeled 'Bang and her group performing at the Park Backward concert.'”
Ferrous snorted then let loose with a laugh that needed some time to bring under control, “She..HA!..has.. has a band..HA! called...mmmph..Divide by Zero!” then he gave in to another fit of laughter.
She looked at the datapad then back to Ferrous then facehoofed and groaned.
Out of curiosity she opened the file. A video of the group playing hard rock started and she was very surprised with the members.
“Ponies? And a bird? And one of you.”
“The wolf on keyboard is Joanna, the macaw at the microphone calls himself Banshee, and yeah the horses. Bang on drums Pettifog on guitar and Gerta on bass.”
“They are very tall. And they have paws?”
“You will need to read from the ships history for an explanation. Index, history, IR citizenry, Open section 3. There, that should get you started”
The datapad queued up a page and Twilight started in on a history lesson and Ferrous found his own reading material.
After a while the library door opened and Rarity trotted in saying, “Twilight, have you seen SweeEEEEEEEE!!!” and Rarity backpedaled.
“No Rarity, it's not a Diamond Dog. He comes from another world.”
“What? Well, I..I see...yes, he is a more...handsome specimen than those ruffians.”
Ferrous said “I really must learn more about these Diamond Dogs I keep being compared to.”
“And more educated too. But, as I started to say, have you seen Sweetie Belle?”
Twilight replied, “The Crusaders ran off somewhere I'm not sure which way.”
“I really must find her, mom and dad will be here and we need to get ready.”
Ferrous brought up a paw, “Umm, if you need help, I could track them.”
“Well, I wouldn't want to bother...”
“It's not a problem.” Ferrous cut in, “I can find them faster. I already have their scent.”
Twilight said, “Go on, the faster you leave the faster you find them.”
“Alright, just follow me.” and he headed out the door.
Rarity looked at Twilight. Twilight motioned to the door, “It's alright, go with him.”
Twilight watched Rarity leave then went back to studying the datapad. As she was reading she noticed a symbol that had been red change to green. She thought, “He said green meant good. So I can ask about it later.”
Some time later Apple Bloom suddenly burst in shouting, “Twilight! Twilight!” which startled her and she almost dropped the datapad.
“They've taken Mr. Ferrous to the hospital.”
Twilight was so shocked she had trouble speaking right away, “Wa..wa..what happened?”
Applebloom started talking very fast “We went by a warehouse and Scootaloo saw a loading ramp and wanted to practice a few jumps with her scooter and she was getting real good then we started to leave and Mr. Ferrous and Rarity showed up and Sweetie Belle said do that again to show them so Scootaloo made another jump but landed crooked and ran into the end of a stack of crates and barrels and the whole stack fell and Sweetie Belle was in the way then Mr. Ferrous jumped and curled around Sweetie Belle and the stack fell on them and Rarity was screaming then everypony came running and helped uncover them and Sweetie Belle said she was ok but Mr. Ferrous was knocked out and when they picked him up Sweetie Belle was covered in blood but it wasn't hers cause her horn went thru Mr. Ferrous' neck and they carried them both to the hospital!”
Twilight stood with her mouth open trying to process what Apple Bloom just said and hardly believing she said that in one breath. Twilight grabbed her bags and ran out the door hollering “SPIKE! I have to go!”
They galloped to the hospital and arrived while the doctor was stitching the neck wound. Rarity was in the waiting room with Scootaloo and a cleaned up Sweetie Belle.
A teary eyed Rarity said, “They checked Sweetie and she has a bruise on her chin but otherwise no injuries. Ferrous has torn skin and muscle on his neck and a concussion. Her horn missed the vital areas and the doctor says he is a tough creature and should recover just fine. Oh Twilight, I saw Scootaloo hit the stack and saw it start to topple. I levitated her out of the way before I noticed Sweety Belle right under the falling barrels. Then Ferrous leaped into the middle of it all and saved my sister.” Rarity grabbed Sweetie Belle in a tight hug tears streaming off her face.
“Rarity it's ok, it's over now.” gasped Sweetie Belle
Twilight said, “Well I'm glad you're safe, I hope Ferrous will be alright as well.” sounding a bit worried. “He is really something. Saving Ironwood and his friends. He just leaped into danger trying to rescue them. And that was before he regained his memory. That means protection is a basic instinct, it's a major part of who he is. I wonder if that applies to all his kind.”
Doctor Stable came in to report his progress, “The wound has been closed and he has been moved to a recovery room. I don't know how long before he regains consciousness.”
A nurse entered then, “Doctor, could you come check on this please?”
“Um, yes, excuse me.” and the doctor followed the nurse.
Twilight and Rarity shared puzzled looks and waited. After several minutes the doctor returned also looking puzzled. “Well, it appears that he is a fast healer. The first stitches I put in have started to heal over already. At this rate I should be able to remove all the stitches in about an hour.”
Rarity said,”Well then, we should go meet mom and dad then we can come back later.
“Alright Rarity, I'll see you then.” and Rarity and Sweetie Belle left. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom went to tell the others what happened.
Twilight stayed with Ferrous and studied his datapad. She devoured information even if she couldn't understand all of it.
The doctor came in to remove the stitches. He started to pull the first of them and Ferrous started to wake up.
“How is Sweetie Belle?”
“Just a bruised chin, she went home with Rarity. How do you feel?”
“Got a sore throat.”
“Well, her horn hit a lot of tissue in your neck so that's not surprising.”
“Ow, how long was I out this time?”
“About an hour.”
“AN HOU.. oh right, I'm thinking in two time scales.”
Twilight looked at Ferrous with her head tilted, “What's that again?”
“Back home our days are divided into 10 increments that are referred to as hours and translates to somewhat less than 28 of your hours by my calculations.”
“So one of your hours is just less than 3 hours of our time?”
“That's fairly close.”
Twilight said,”Your memories seem to have returned more completely now, you may have total recovery already.”
He huffed, “Lota good it'll do now.”
“Ferrous, it's time you talked to Princess Celestia. I'll setup a meeting.”
Twilight pulled out paper and quill from her bags and started to compose another letter.
=======================================================================
The train ride to Canterlot was uneventful but Ferrous still enjoyed the scenery. Some ponies stared for a while when he got on then went back to their normal conversations. Twilight sat next to him with her notebook and his datapad learning about his culture and the details of where he lived. At one point on the trip Twilight commented on Sweetie Bell's rescue.
“I don't think we can thank you enough for saving Sweetie Bell. If you hadn't been there-”
“Nothing would have happened.”
“Huh. What?”
“If I wasn't there Rarity would have been delayed finding them, they would have moved on and none of that would have ever happened. So my very existence caused the problem”
Twilight was unable to think of a response.
Ferrous then said, “I think of it as odd timing. But don't think on it too much, you'll give yourself a headache.”
As they pulled in to Canterlot Station she gave back his datapad and gathered her things. They attracted more stares as they stepped on the platform and headed for the castle. Twilight snickered at Ferrous acting like a tourist looking at all the sights and taking pictures.
They entered the castle, Twilight and some of the guards she recognized giving each other polite nods. Then they proceeded to the main hall and Ferrous admired the stained glass till they entered the throne room
“I haven't met royalty before. I have met dignitaries but no heads of state.”
“I'm sure you will like Princess Celestia, she is the most- PRINCESS!” Twilight shouted and ran ahead. Ferrous turned to look.
His vision was overwhelmed by a golden light that enveloped him like a warm blanket, filling him with a sense of comfort...security. Time seemed to slow. He could hear noises like someone talking far away. Then the light moved away and he felt unbalanced. He was trying to regain his footing and side stepped into a wall bouncing off and falling to the floor.
Twilight ran up to Princess Celestia, “I'm so glad you could arrange to meet my friend.”
“No trouble at all Twilight, I have been looking forward to meeting him. Is there a problem? He looks a bit shocked.”
Twilight looked back to see Ferrous back where she left him, not moving, stopped in mid stride. She ran back to him, “Ferrous? What's wrong?” and she waved a hoof in his face. She heard his breathing slow and then listened for his heartbeat.
“He's barely breathing and his heart is slowing!”
“I'll get help.” said Celestia as she went out one of the side doors. She shouted, ”Summon the court physician!
Twilight saw Ferrous start to move again, side stepping into the wall then he collapsed.
He gradually came to his senses finding himself on the floor. “What is it with me and bright light?”
“But there's no bright light in here.”
“Not now. It left.”
Twilight was very puzzled then she was able to piece together an idea.”What do you see?” As she levitated her bags.
“You're surrounded by a golden glow. But your horn glows purple.”
Celestia called from the corridor, “Twilight! I have the doctor!”
“Quick, put on your sunglasses!”
He reached into his vest and moved the sunglasses to his face just as Celestia rushed in. Now he was able to see an aura around her without being overwhelmed altho he did feel light headed. He bowed then returned to a sitting position.
“So wonderful to see your loveliness I am strange in your presence. Wait. I feel silly by your adorableness. No, that's not right. What am I saying? he drunkenly turned toward Twilight.
She responded with, “Ferrous, close your eyes. The sunglasses aren't enough.”
He came within two millimeters of bashing his nose on the marble floor. “Forgive me princess that was totally inappropriate I don't know what is wrong with me.”
Twilight could see a smirk on Celestia's face and it was obvious she was trying not to burst out laughing.
The doctor asked, “Am I still needed?”
“I believe you may go.”
Twilight said, “I think I know what's happening. He can see the magical power around you and it overwhelms his senses and affects his mind.”
Celestia responded, “Oh, I will just need to suppress my magic a bit. There you may look now.”
Ferrous cautiously sat up and removed his sunglasses. He was able to look without feeling weird. “Thank you princess, that is much better. Well, if I get too inappropriate you know how to shut me up.”
Celestia snickered, “I'm sure that won't be necessary.”
“Oh my, I just realized how many of my kind would take that as a straight line, myself included. We are terrible comedians.”
Twilight cut in, “Is that why you came up with that head kick comment?”
“Well, I must admit..” a guitar cord came from his pocket that attracted all eyes to his vest. “It's just a message, I can check it later.” then he inhaled sharply with a shocked expression.
He opened his vest, reached inside, pulled out his datapad and checked his display.
“There's a signal. There's a message.” and his paws started shaking. A shudder ran down his back. “Twilight, please. I don't think I can hold on to it.” and he shakily passed it over to her.
She took it with her magic and started reading.
To: Ferrous Data Analysis
From: Edmund Technical Design
Subject: Found you
Albion hasn't stopped bounding around since we detected your telemetry. She doesn't trust herself to produce a coherent sentence yet. After three weeks of research we created a relay probe and recreated the accident that sent you away. (Once I mentioned the idea she took over the project)
Infinity's Road is now in moon orbit. Sturlaour built the probe using Blue's new comm designs which are supposed to be a couple levels beyond the first prototypes. Transmission delays for your position are roughly 4340 seconds one way but I don't have the math to calculate your distance with the current channel yet.
We are gathering a rescue team. Coulomb, Neesha, Sniggles, Albion and I. Marla's ship will be able to track the probe.
We are hoping the telemetry is accurately showing you are alert and in good health.
Send details how we are to come get you.
End message.
“Well.” stated Celestia “We should prepare for guests.”