Richard taps his fingers along the desk staring into his journal. Things have been getting out of control of late and he can feel the tension in the air. It's so thick and bitter and feels like a weight you can never shake off. A week has passed and it seems as if Celestia is attempting to avoid him after their last conversation. Her words haunt her in his waking moments and he can't shake off this feeling of uneasiness of late.
Oh Richard, before I forget, do be careful with who you speak and associate yourself with. It would be a shame if something were to happen and you wound up injured or missing. Would you like another slice of cake?
"Does she know something I don't? Does she know about..." He looks towards the button to bring up his menus and sees a glowing number two letting him know that he has two unread messages from his latest discovery.
His discovery being not complete isolation.He no longer has to wonder if he's the only person who can see these menus and stats anymore. Of course, he hasn't actually met her either, but just the confirmation is enough for him right now. Words through text can be just as loud as no words at all. It would have been better if it was someone that he actually knew, but that would be wishing a very unfavorable fate onto one of his friends. Something that's beneath him.
Here he is getting all giddy about the two unread messages yet almost a week ago Beatrice messaged him personally saying Hello?. And In that one word, many feelings burst up from his chest in a grand magnitude. He would have yelled in happiness and glee if it wasn't for it being the early hours of the morning. He did jump for joy surprising Seafoam who decided to join his hobby of early morning gardening.
He didn't figure that one simple action would bring suspicion on him. Well, not from the higher-ups assuming that he may or may not be up to something. He assumed the gardener and Seafoam would probably assume that's something up with him mentally being cooped up behind walls for so long.
Seafoam. Could he have known something he shouldn't have and reported it to Celestia? Out of all the Ponies, he has run into, Seafoam has been the most welcoming and most personal out of all them. Nobody else has approached him as Seafoam has and none of them seem willing to do so either. Sure there have been random conversations here and there and the ponies from Ponyville seem to be quite interested in what he has to say, but there's something about Seafoam now that feels him with a bit of dread. What if he isn't what he seems?
"Is Seafoam a-?"
A hoof raps against his door making him stir from his musings. He makes sure to close and pocket away his journal.
Wouldn't want anyone finding out about his most inner feelings of his situation as well as any of his plans.
"Come in." He says turning himself and the chair around.
Then walks in Rarity. Not much of a rarity as there will always be more than one Unicorn and fashion designer, but such is her name. She has taken it out of her way to do everything she can to help Richard grow accustomed to ponamity, as Richard likes to call it, and all of their customs and such. On top of that, she has also decided to throw her two cents in about the clothing being made for him. Richard hasn't been one for gifts, but he'd never look a gift pony in the mouth.
Quite literally now since that would be beyond rude.
"Good morning, Richard." She says walking in head held high while closing the door behind her with magic.
That's something Richard thinks he'll never really get used to. Seeing magic in action in front of you compared to watching it off of shows and hearing about is something truly breathtaking as well as terrifying. Just the thought of what a battle pony could do to him with battle magic sends a shiver down his spine. Richard truly his human adaptability for allowing him to get used to how freaky magic is aside from his thoughts.
"Morning, Rarity."
"I hope you were able to sleep well last night."
"I had a few things on my mind, but it was a peaceful night as most nights come. Is there something I should be rested up for today?"
"Did you not hear darling?" She asks stopping near my dresser where I keep most of my clothes now.
"Hear what?"
"About the party events today? I would assume you would go to represent, what you call it, humanity?"
"I... doubt I would be a good pick for representing humanity as a whole. Most people would like to stand up for themselves than let others stand for them. Of course, that just depends on what part of the world you're from." Richard says rolling a hand through the air, "If I would represent humanity, I would have to represent a small minority of it."
"Representation of anything is still representing darling. Even if it is a small minority or a small nobility, you should still address those with fear still towards you and those that may try to use you and your mysteries." Rarity says starting to pull open more drawers and clothes with her magic.
With a pensive sigh, Richard stands to rub the back of his head, "I guess I could. I've never really been invited other than to cook at events like this. Though with all you've taught me so far, I suppose I could manage for a short amount of times."
"Oh, that's wonderful darling!" Rarity exclaims clopping her hooves together distracting her from whatever she is doing with his clothes, "Than after I spruce you up a better attire for the first event, I'll personally guide you there! Do try to keep your schedule busy for me."
"R-Right," Richard says trying his best to look through the brightness at Rarity as she carries off most of his clothing, "W-W-Wait! Wouldn't that be like a-"
The door closes leaving him to himself again. He sighs a bit flustered and opens the menu and quickly pulls the chat from the background to the foreground from one of the many tabs he leaves open.
Good morning,
I hope you woke up better than I have today.
Richard smirks at the two messages sent to him this morning from the mysterious Beatrice.
Morning to you too. If you would just let yourself be known, I'm sure you could find a comfy or semi comfy bed here.
Richard replies before closing everything back down again and making his way to the door.
Once in front of the door, he waits. A few minutes later Seafoam bursts in smile plastered on his face, "Morning!"
"Morning to you too." Richard says startling Seafoam who is suddenly pressed into Richard, "You've become predictable."
"Darn. I need to come up with something new then." He says stepping back, "Well if I'm so predictable, what am I about to say?"
"That Celestia trusts me and wishes to send me out into the world?"
"You know I wouldn't be here to give you that news cause Celestia would give it to you herself. Plus I would be pretty upset to see you go and would try my best to keep you here."
"I doubt that. She's been way too busy to help me with anything she promised. Though I suppose I shouldn't complain. I have a roof over my head, a full belly, and no bills. That's more than a lot of adults can say." Richard says moving past his friend and into the hallway, "So tell me, how would you keep me here?"
"I'm sure I could think of something or another. I am very convincing if you haven't figured it out yet." He says boasting about himself, "After all, you're my friend."
"That may be so, but if convincing people are forcing them to cook and kidnap them to do what you like then you are doing a fine job."
"Oh shush. I'm not here for you to insult my fine conversation skills." He says stepping outside with Richard after a while.
"Then what are you here for?" Richard says beginning to walk with Seafoam quickly matching in stride.
"I'm here to formally invite you to a meet and greet! It'll be taking place in a couple of hours and you'll need to be at your best and prepare yourself for a bunch of questions."
"You're a bit late on that news. Though I suppose you can let me know who all will be there since that part hasn't been told yet. Breakfast?"
"Breakfast. But after that, you have to answer my question on who ruined the surprise..."
Once full of a healthy breakfast of none grass infused pancakes, Richard finds himself lazying about in the garden looking at some of the flowers he has helped plant and grow to their very clearly distinct size and color. They're so much more vibrant than some of the other flowers and plants. The gardener says he has a real and true green hoof, but Richard knows its more like a cheat at life than anything else.
Seafoam flutters about in the sky above him watching birds and keeping an eye on Richard. Even from far away, he can tell Seafoam seems a bit on edge. As if he's watching for something of sorts. What that could be is unknown to him. Nobody wishes to tell him anything until last minute so this might as well be no different.
He sighs and goes back to looking over flowers and such when he notices a red number one appear on top of the menu. Now that's something he's never seen before and catches his attention all too quick. He would open it immediately if it wasn't for the fact that Seafoam or another pony that might pass by would simply see him poking at the air. He experimented successfully to see if any of the creatures around him could see the menus and now knows full well that they can't. So that's one fear eliminated from his.
Only several more to go.
He makes his way to the shed where most of the tools are placed and stored and quickly opens the menu. He opens the chat and finds a picture awaiting his eyes of a waterfall where a various amount of animals drink and stand. These animals look like deer with wings and the tail of a rat.
Simply put, the picture is very scenic. That picture is quickly followed by the picture of the woods where it seems someone has made a makeshift hammock and resting spot. There is a firepit with small embers just barely out of the picture as well. The next is that of a path that leads off towards seemingly nowhere. But if there's a path there must be some kind of sapient creature that made it. Perhaps more ponies or something else.
She I follow it? Is the question that follows after that.
Fire of all, how did you do that? Second, you should, but be careful. You never know what there is lurking in the shadows.
Nothing I can't handle She replies before sending a picture of two very long and shiny daggers stretched from her body.
Her nails also look very very sharp as well. Her skin looks very smooth with tufts of fur on the back. It's very strange, but something he hasn't seen before so he disregards that.
You'll have to find me if you wish to know. She follows up with before he can even start typing.
The door opens behind Richard and he quickly turns to see Seafoam giving him a curious look.
"Trying to hide from me?"
"Nah. Why would I need to hide from you? I feel like the roles of prey and predator would be reversed if that were to happen."
"I don't think I could ever imagine a rabbit or a squirrel hunting down a wolf."
That is quite the mental indeed. It brings a small smile to his face before he waves Seafoam off.
"It would kill it with a heart attack of cuteness maybe. Anyway, I came in here to check to see if there was more fertilizer for some of the flowers I have in my room is all."
"You must be blind then if you can't see the bad by the door," Seafoam says poking a hoof into the bag.
"Must be." I say walking towards the bag and grabbing a clay pot to scoop some out, "So why have you come find me? Am I being called to somewhere?"
"More like someone is calling for you," Seafoam says stepping out of the building allowing a miffed Rarity come into the building.
"There you are! Do you know how hard you are to find! I have all the clothes finished and the pony they are made for not even there!"
"Oh! I'm really sorry about that. I and Seafoam went and got breakfast after he stopped by to let me know about the events also."
"It's 'I' darling. Seafoam and I." Rarity says sighing and grabbing Richard's hand with magic, "No matter. Come along now. We have much to discuss and to prepare for."
"Wanna tag out?" Richard asks passing by Seafoam.
"You're on your own bud."
"Some friend you are," Richard grumbles out causing Seafoam to chuckle and take off into the sky to who knows where.
Richard raises the glass to his lips and drinks down the last shot of red wine. He had seen the wine before but didn't think ponies could drink due to physical differences but apparently, they can. He can't help but wonder if they can get drunk as well. A butler stops by and takes his glass before offering him another.
"No thanks," Richard says waving the offered glass away.
He nods and trots off into the crowd of Ponies, Griffons, Minotaurs, and Deers. It is certainly quite the sight to see these four creatures conversing and dealing in various business. Though it's very easy to see how the social groupings go with the deers and ponies hanging with one another more than Griffons and Minotaurs. Despite that, Richard finds himself alone mostly nears the snack table munching away on celery, carrots, and the occasional meat link.
"So, Human you say?" Someone asks from his side.
Richard looks over to find a rather non-muscular minotaur standing beside him wearing glasses and a tuxedo of purple and green. He looks so unlike any other of his kind and maybe some kind of scholar or another. Either that or very eccentric.
"Uh, yes. Yes, I am. I go by Richard. Mind if I get your name?"
"Irvine Seagrove, at your service. I just had a very amusing talk with a Miss Twilight Sparkle and the topic of you and your kind was brought up. I have a few questions of my own if you don't mind me asking."
"Sure. I don't really mind one bit actually. I figured there would be people bombarding me, but this is rather tame. I quite enjoy it even if it is a bit boring."
"Ah, yes. These events do tend to just drag on here and there. Nothing like the major events that'll happen later tonight. That is if you're interested in watching or competing yourself."
"A competition tonight?"
"I assume you haven't heard?"
"I don't hear a lot these days." Richard says chuckling pausing his eating, "But I guess we should get back on topic."
"Yes! I had almost forgotten! So tell me, how far along would you say your people are in technology?"
"Further than you can imagine actually. I've seen all sorts of beginning points for various of stuff we have, but I would say you guys are pretty limited with the whole magic and being able to fly. Since most races have no needs to really go out and invent and improve on things, I say you guys are limiting yourselves. I feel as if pony civilization could be far more advanced if they didn't use magic for all there problems so much."
"I see. And tell me, what's something you would want from your world that you want here?"
"I guess some form of entertainment we used to have. Maybe a game or a phone of sorts. I wish I had kept something on me if I would've known that I would wind up here of all places."
"So, you wouldn't be interested in something like this?" He asks reaching into the front tuxedo pocket and pulling out a flip phone of all things.
Richard's eyes go wide and he feels his body tremble lightly at the sight. Questions bombard his mind and he almost spits them out as fast as they come when he presses the phone into his unconsciously outstretched hand. The minotaur brings a finger to his lips and points outside towards the garden.
"We'll meet you outside when you're ready. We have quite a lot to talk about actually. Me, you, and a friend." The Irvine walks away whistling a tune as he goes out one of the side doors toward the garden.
"W-What just happened?" Richard asks bringing the phone to where he can see it, "Is... is this real?"
Richard slaps himself one good time to make sure he's not dreaming any of this. He slowly opens the flip phone turning away from the crowds and finds that the messaging center has been left open with a single text waiting to be sent.
Three words that would change everything in his life. Three words that will forever etch this moment into his head where his life goes from semi-normal day to day behavior to something more.
I see you.