//------------------------------// // 2032 // Story: The Equestrian Edda // by Grey Ghost //------------------------------// It was a cold night when Jeffery’s limo finally pulled into his driveway. Jet lag was currently draining his will to live, as it did every business trip. He bade good night to his chauffeur, making a beeline right for his front door. His home was rather modest for his work, he didn’t like to draw attention to himself. With a quick turn of the key, he unlocked his door, stepping inside. Immediately, his hopes of going right to sleep were dashed. Sitting on his couch, sipping at a flask of scotch, was a scruffy looking young man he had never seen before. He wore an old grey hoodie, with a vaguely familiar diamond symbol stitched into it. His pants were just as old, a pair of torn up jeans. His face was hidden behind a modest beard, though Jeffery could make out a scar under his right eye. “Ah, Mr. Parker, just the man I wanted to see.” The young man sat up, running a hand through his waist long hair. “I was hoping to talk about a few thin-” “The hell are you doing in my house?” Jeffrey slammed his door shut, his hand already reaching for his phone. He let out a curse, tossing the phone away as it burst into flame. “The fuck?” He felt his heart pumping, staring at the charred device. “Okay, let's do that again.” Jeffrey returned his attention to the young man, fighting the urge to flee. “My name is Jason Hughes. I apologize for breaking in, but I didn’t think you’d meet with me otherwise.” Jeffrey studied Jason closely, glancing between him and the phone. “Just tell me what you want, money? I can wire you any amount you want.” Jason pinched his nose, letting out a long, exasperated sigh. “Look, just sit down will ya?” Jeffrey complied, taking a seat across from his uninvited guest. “Now then, we’ll be discussing one of your older properties, specifically: Friendship is Magic.” Despite his fear, Jeffrey felt a pang of disgust run through him. This was obviously one of those ‘bronies’ that wouldn’t let the show go. “That show went off the air over a decade ago,” Jeffrey informed, not even trying to hid his sneer. “We’re not going to bring it back, even if you hold me hostage.” Jason just shrugged, downing the rest of his drink. “Eh, the show was never my thing, got really surreal after a while.” He placed his glass on the table, turning towards the kitchen. “You owe me five bits Chrissy, I told you you got cancelled!” Jeffrey opened his mouth to ask who else was invading his home, only to emit a string of gibberish. A tall, black horse stepped into view, locking eyes with him. Expect, she wasn’t just a horse. In place of fur, she had shiny black chitin, as well as sickly green eyes, beautiful butterfly wings and a wicked, sharp horn. “Damn,” she cursed, her voice echoing strangely. “And here I was hoping we’d be something like the Simpsons.” Chrysalis trotted over to Jason, taking a seat next to him. “Anyway, we were so hoping you’d discuss a few plans with us, Mr. Parker.” “What...?” was Jeffrey’s befuddled reply. “See, there are a lot of things the world needs to know about.” Jason sat forward, locking his fingers together. “And we need Hasbro to help us get things started. Think you can do that?” Jeffrey looked between the young man and the living cartoon character. Was he losing his mind? Did Jason drug him somehow? No, he’d done his fair share of drugs before, and this didn’t feel like a trip. And if it was real... “W-what do you need?” Jason smirked, pouring himself another glass. “Now, that's a good question.”