//------------------------------// // 003 - Current Events in Ponyville // Story: Welcome to Distopia // by LucidDreamer //------------------------------// “I got the mail.” Gilda announced as the door shut with a slam. “Lorraine, you got mail. Again.” She commented as she strode into the kitchen and held out the letter to the luck dragon, who was in the middle of eating breakfast. “I’m not used to mail coming in the morning.” John said through a yawn as he sat on the couch with his coffee cup in his hooves. “By the way, is the letter from your secret admirer?” “That’s my guess.” Gilda shrugged as she set the rest of the mail (clearly junk mail) on the kitchen table. The noodle dragon blinked at the letter, then opened it up and gave it a quick read. “Yep, another one.” “Does it have a return address this time?” John asked. “Probably fake, says it’s from Tartarus.” Gilda snorted a laugh. “And I am going out for a quick fly, stretch my wings. You two behave.” She teased before she walked back to the front door and trotted out, only to slam the door again. John winced a bit. “This is fine. She’s just forceful.” “Ow.” The luck dragon said blandly and kept eating. The house was pleasantly quiet. Peaceful. Life was- “Hi!” Pinkie popped up next to the smol bug, making him jostle his coffee. “Shi- Pinkie! You’re supposed to knock first!” John snapped as he took slow breaths to calm his racing heart. Lorraine looked over at John. “You okay?” “Pinkie being Pinkie.” John replied. “Which is only going to last as an excuse for only so long.” He glared at the mare. “But seriously, are you okay?” The luck dragon asked. “I’ll be good. No worries.” John glanced over his shoulder and nodded, before returning his attention to the pink nightmare. “Pinkie, why?” “What, can’t I come see my two best non-pony friends?” Pinkie asked with an ever-so-slightly unnerving smile. Lorraine focused on eating, she’d hate to say something rude out loud, while they’re standing there. “But… We barely know you?” John blinked, “and you kinda interrupted breakfast. And aren’t you supposed to be working?” “I just wanted to say hi.” Pinkie grinned at him. “Well… hi?” John offered. “Hi!” Pinkie crowed. “Hi luck dragon!” “‘Mmmph.” Lorraine grunted through her mouthful food. And like that, Pinkie was gone. “You know, this place always seemed so nice in concept and theory.” John said, grabbing a kleenex out of the box to wipe the coffee droplets off his stomach. “Then you actually get here and it’s just, can I have a moment's peace for five minutes?” “Well, Pinkie might be a little air-headed. Whatever I say is in one ear, out the other.” Lorraine said with a small grumble. “If this shit happens again, I’m doing something about it.” “And I’d let you.” John nodded. “I really don’t like confrontation, so you can go right ahead and say whatever.” “I do too, but Pinkie’s backed us into a corner at this point.” Lorraine nodded in agreement. “I don’t feel safe here, wanna go out today?” “Lorraine? Wants to go outside? Who are you and what have you done with my girlfriend?” John narrowed his blue eyes at her. “Says the shape-shifting bug creature.” “I don’t like feeling paranoid in my own home. Reminds me too much of high-school.” She frowned at her plate. “Valid point. Right. And I don’t need to worry about putting clothes on. Cool, might need a sack for a wallet or money container or something.” John thought aloud. “I feel unprepared, just going out without anything, maybe we could stop by Barnyard Bargins and find a bag my size. You know, look in the colts section.” He snorted a chuckle. John was quite happy with his brand new, bright green backpack. “Some days it’s the little things you gotta enjoy.” He commented from Lorraine’s back, only for him to notice the crowd of ponies ahead of them. “And… That’s a lot of- Wait a sec. I know that cart.” “Come and see the Great and Powerful Trixie!” Came a cry from the cart. Lorraine’s ears perked up and she picked up the pace. John felt the immediate flare of excitement from his girlfriend. “Yeah, a live show sounds great, even if it’s early Trixie.” John shrugged and wrapped his forelegs around her neck to hold on. Lorriane didn’t barrel into the crowd, but she was still a fair bit taller than the average pony. Thus, the pair had a great view of the illusionist. “Oh, hey you two, come to see the show?” John looked over to see Twilight, smiling at them. She had Spike on her back and she was followed by Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash. Rainbow looked a little uncertain when she saw the pair. It looked like Applejack didn’t want to acknowledge their existence. “Hey. Free magic show.” John nodded. “Why not, though I may toss some coins to my magic user, traveling and entertaining isn’t cheap.” “Oh, come on, she’s not that impressive, Twilight’s better.” Rainbow huffed. “Rainbow, I’m not better than anyone.” Twilight frowned at the pegasus. “Rainbow, yes and no.” John replied, getting the prismatic mare’s attention. “Yes, Twilight may be powerful, with a whole list of spells she knows, but magic like this.” He waved a hoof at the fireworks and illusions. “Magic like this takes years of study and focus. And this is coming from a non-magic native. Show’s like this in our world take years of study and more years to perfect. Each show can take weeks to prepare. It’s like the stunt shows you like so much, only with magic.” “Yeah… Well…” Rainbow raised a primary feather to retort, paused and let it drop as she seemed to get lost in thought. “-and the Great and Powerful Trixie defeated the Ursa Major!” John caught Trixie’s line, then heard Applejack snort. He rolled his eyes as the mare started. “Oh, no way in heck, could a filly like that beat an Ursa Minor, let alone Major!” Lorraine looked over at the mare. “You know it’s a story right? It’s for the show.” “But she shouldn’t be lyin’ like that.” Applejack pointed a hoof at the mare on the stage. “Applejack, this is her job. She’s a storyteller and entertainer.” John frowned at the farm mare. “What would happen if somebody came up to you while you’re farming and told you that you’re doing it wrong?” “Ah’m not gonna take that from a stallion. Stallion’s shouldn’t act that way around mare’s. It ain’t proper. How can y’all call yerself a mare when ya haven’t corralled your stallion yet and taught him manners?” Applejack shifted her attention to Lorraine. “Applejack shhhh!” Twilight tried to prevent the oncoming scene. Lorraine casually craned her neck around to look at the smol bug. “Can I deal with this?” Smol bug gestured to Applejack before sliding off her back to the ground. “She’s all yours.” “Cool, you’re in charge.” Lorraine nodded to him then gestured for Applejack to follow her. “Let’s have a chat.” With a frown the apple mare followed the luck dragon away from the crowd. “So, ya got somethin’ ta say, say it ta my face.” “Quit treating my boyfriend like he’s an object, and quit treating me like I’ve done something wrong. Because as far as I know I’ve done jack shit, especially to you. Hell, I don’t think we’ve even spoken before this, and that’s the first impression you want to make? Is this really you being honest? Because all I’ve seen so far is you putting down other people for no good reason other than my opinion matters more.” Lorraine rattled off, quite a bit more pissed than she expected to be. Further away, John could feel Lorraine venting the week’s worth of frustrations at the unfortunate farm mare. He looked over at the pissed looking luck dragon worriedly. “And Ah think that y’all are in the wrong. Species shouldn’t mix, y’all can’t get foals.” Applejack countered. “We were the same species before we got here!” Loraine snapped. “And something like changing species isn’t gonna change how I feel!” There was a flash and Twilight was between the two females. “Whoa! Whoa! Calm down you two, maybe you should separate and take a breath.” Without a word, Applejack snorted and stormed off. There was a clatter of hooves and John raced over and clung to his dragon’s leg in a hug. “It’s gonna be okay.” Is all he said. Lorraine let loose a roar into the air as actual steam rolled out of her nostrils, only causing her bug to hug harder. Twilight actually shook a little as she stared wide-eyed at the clearly angry luck dragon. “I’m sorry.” She tried to get out. “I should have stopped it before it started. This wasn’t the place for this kind of conversation.” Rarity trotted over and patted the dragon’s back. “Darling, I can say I understand. I have had issues with Applejack’s beliefs too. I’ve also been on the receiving end of her rather pointed remarks.” The noodle dragon sniffled. Her chin wobbled as she appeared to be trying her hardest not to cry. “It’s okay. Getting upset is okay.” John tried to reassure his girlfriend from his position as a clingon. “Darling, would you like to come for some tea? Both of you in fact?” Rarity offered. “We can chat and forget all about earlier.” Lorraine nodded as John struggled to climb up her leg. Only to have Twilight levitate him up onto Lorraine’s back. “Thanks.” Was the bug’s sheepish response. “Well, I haven’t seen a fight like that in awhile.” Spike said aloud, standing next to Twilight. “Rarity, can I come too, I want to make sure Lorraine’s okay.” “No Spike, you don’t have to, it’ll be okay.” Lorraine shook her head. “But I want to.” Spike countered. “Let me worry about you dammit.” “Spike language!” Twilight gasped. Lorraine giggled. “He’s an adult.” John gestured at the dragon. “And he’s in the right company for it.” “But… it’s rude.” Twilight said with a pout. “Only if you swear at someone.” Lorraine stated. “Twilight, it would be like telling you to fuck off instead of saying fuck this.” Rarity supplied in a matter of fact tone. “Rarity!” Twilight gasped. The noodle dragon giggled more. “Exactly, like, I bet Lorraine’s thinking, fuck this whole day.” John said with a nod. “John!” Twilight whined. “Twilight!” John said with a flamboyant gasp. “Spike.” Rarity nodded at Spike. “M’lady.” Spike snorted. “Spike, no!” John legitimately gasped. “Okay, okay, I’m better. I’m calm. Tea does sound nice though.” Lorriane was saying though giggles. “So, let me get this perfectly clear-” Rarity sighed while rubbing her temples with her hooves, levitating her tea cup down to the saucer on the kitchen table. She opened her eyes and put her hooves on the table. Around said table was Rarity, Lorraine, Spike, John, and Sweetie Belle. The filly seemed quite interested in the gossip. Lorraine was eyeing the biscuits only for Rarity to push them over to her with a hoof. “Oh, apologies.” Rarity tittered as she looked at Lorraine. “I always bring these out because tea and biscuits, yet rarely anyone eats them. But, back to what you were saying, so Pinkie Pie has been harassing you both all week?” “At first it was small, like regular Pinkie stuff.” Lorraine nodded, taking a biscuit. “But then she just started popping up out of nowhere with flimsy as shit excuses, and she won’t stop flirting with my boyfriend!” She paused and looked over at Sweetie Belle, who was calmly sipping her tea and occasionally glancing between Rarity and Lorraine. “I am so sorry. I shouldn’t have swore in front of Sweetie.” “Oh it’s fine, Darling.” Rarity waved a hoof. “I’ve heard fucking everything.” Sweetie shrugged. “This is juicy, please continue.” Lorraine blinked. “How old are you?” “Seventeen.” The “filly” commented. John’s face was on the table and he wheezed, trying to hold in his laughter. “Oh, okay.” Lorraine blinked. “Sooo… Yeah. Pinkie’s being…” “A bitch, at least a little.” Rarity nodded. “I’ve wondered about that mare, she worries me sometimes.” “Eh heh. Hoooo… I’m good. Heh.” John took a slow breath. “Okay. Yes. Pinkie… Pinkie worries me. Sometimes I get serious horror movie vibes off her. Like, her staring unnerves me.” “I understand completely.” Rarity looked at the bug, nodding again. “I would recommend that, if she continues, you sit her down and have a talk. Not a fight, AJ was a different case-” “I did. Multiple times.” Lorraine said flatly. Rarity blinked. “Oh dear. Well then….” She chewed her lip. “Well... fuck.” “Yep.” The noodle dragon stated. “Either it’s something we deal with or… Actually, screw it. New Topic!” John said loudly. “Lorraine, tell the mares about the anonymous letters you’ve been getting.” “Yeah. Someone’s been sending me encouraging letters for like, the past week, or so.” She shrugged. “Oh, goodness, well do the letters say where they’re from?” Rarity’s eyes widened. “Tartarus apparently.” Lorraine shrugged. “Oh… My…” Rarity seemed to process for a moment. “Well… Ahem, so Tartarus is a real place. It was meant to be a prison, but according to the history books ended up turning into a City-State-slash-colony underground.” “Oh, so like Australia sans the underground part.” John said then looked over to Lorraine. “Sorry, couldn’t resist.” “If I remember correctly, they have underground homes in South Australia.” Lorriane added. “Saw it on TV ages ago.” “So, not too far off, especially since everything does want to kill you.” John shrugged. “Anyway, so Tartarus is kinda a weird City-State thing filled with, I’m assuming the descendants of the original occupants, which may or may not be demons, and somebody knows about Lorraine’s existence and is…. Sending encouraging letters?” “That does sound like the jist of it.” Rarity nodded. “It’s not necessarily bad, simply abnormal. Then again…” She gestured a hoof at the two of them. “Point.” John shrugged. “Maybe you should just accept that somebody wants you to be happy?” Sweetie offered. “They don’t want me to be happy. They want me.” Lorraine corrected. “It’s all part of the magic shenanigans going on around me. Because, luck dragon.” “Now that I didn’t hear, and now I’m worried.” John mentioned. “That is definitely more worrying.” Rarity agreed, tapping her chin with a hoof. “You’re gonna be okay, right?” Spike spoke up. “I can be there for you if you need it.” “I just wish I could actually talk to them.” Lorraine said. She hummed a moment. “Maybe I should send a letter to the return address?” “That might be a good idea, and at the same time a bad one.” Rarity chewed her lip. “It might be better just to send a letter yourself, rather than continue receiving multiple letters yourself.” “I actually agree.” John nodded. “I can help write it, if you like.” Rarity offered. “Okay, so where should we start?” Lorraine asked. They tried to ignore the rumbling, but eventually they got curious. Lorraine, John, and Gilda poked their heads out of the door only to see a rampaging Ursa. They promptly went back inside to wait out whatever hell was going on. John stood on the porch out front, sipping his coffee while looking up at the line of smoke in the sky. “It’s nice not having to worry about my lungs dealing with smoke anymore, but that doesn’t make me like it any less.” He frowned. There was a trotting of hooves and he looked to see Twilight coming up the path. “Heyyo, Twi.” He waved. “John! Is Lorraine in?” Twilight asked, sounding a little panicked. “Yeah… She is? Want me to get her?” He blinked, frowning a bit. “Yes please.” Twilight nodded quickly. John trotted right back inside only to be replaced by Lorraine. “Lorraine! You’ve gotta help us!” Twilight said the moment she saw her. “There’s a group of dragons causing all this smoke and the girl’s and I are supposed to convince them to leave.” “Okay? What do you want me to do?” Lorraine asked, quite confused. “Well, you’re a dragon, could you maybe, talk to them?” Twilight asked weakly. “That’s racist.” Lorraine said bluntly. “Sorry! But- Still dragons!” Twilight gestured her hooves at the smoke overhead. “You are so lucky I give a shit.” Lorraine groaned. “Hey. Hey Lorraine.” Pinkie chirped, bouncing right next to the luck dragon. “How’s Johnny doing?” “Pinkie Darling, it’s rude to pry into other people’s lives.” Rarity said not far behind them, wearing a blue vest and a small blue saddle bag. “But I just wanna know if he’s okay.” Pinkie half-whined. “He’s fine Pinkie, I saw him this morning. He was going to spend time with Spike and Gilda.” Twilight rolled her eyes. “That’s good.” Fluttershy smiled softly. “He seems nice.” “They’re not that bad.” Rainbow said, casually flying overhead. Applejack was dead silent. She’d been dead silent since they’d left. “Meh.” Lorraine shrugged, not really caring, yet also trying not to be too grumpy about being dragged up a mountain. “Also, Pinke, you might not want to aggravate the luck dragon who gave up a day with her boyfriend to come with us, just because we asked.” Rarity added. “Oh, how’s everyone doing, anyone need water, trail mix?” Rarity asked, telekinetically rooting around in her saddlebag. “Coltymare.” Rainbow teased. “And proud of it. Somebody needs to make sure we have everything we need. No offense Twilight.” Rarity said with a blush. “Oh, no, that’s okay. You’re right. I’ve been focused on the map mainly.” Twilight said, levitating the map to show it. “We don’t have far to go.” “Yay. My hooves are killing me.” Pinkie said with a strained smile. “Pinkie, we could have paused at any point.” Twilight said, sounding worried. “But I didn’t want to bother anypony.” Pinkie said with a small frown. “You strange mare.” Twilight shook her head. “The top isn’t too far away. We can pause before we check out the cave.” She gestured to the large cave ahead that had smoke rolling out of it. As they got closer they could hear some loud complaining. “Sure leave me here when everything’s on fire!” That was clearly a guy. “Somedragon can’t hold his flame in when he sneezes and I’m stuck trying to put out fire with no water and all of the cloth I could smother it with is also on fire!” There was a collective gasp from the mares. Rarity and Lorraine were left behind as the other mare’s collectively charged into the cave. “Oh! It’s a dragon!” They heard Fluttershy gasp as Rarity kept pace with the tired and plodding luck dragon. “Don’t worry! We got this!” There was a rainbow blur that shot out of the cave. “Hey- Wait a sec! This is fine! I was just complaining- Hey- Put me down!” Twilight, flanked by Applejack, levitated a ruby red dragon, with gold stomach scales and gold eyes. He couldn’t have been more than a teenager, based on the tone of his voice. “Seriously. It’s fine. Thank you, but put me down, this feels very weird.” “Sorry. I had to make sure you wouldn’t get burned.” Twilight stated. “Lady, I’m a dragon. The only reason I was complaining was because trying to pat the fire down by claw would suck.” The dragon huffed as Twilight finally put him down. “Y’all can just let the mares take care of it.” Applejack said with a nod. Lorraine decided to disregard the apple mare’s statements and walked up to the dragon, quickly followed by a curious Rarity. “Hi, what happened?” “He-” The dragon turned, looked at Lorraine, and blinked. ”You’re a luck dragon.” He said bluntly, pointing at her. He looked at Twilight, still pointing at Lorraine. “She’s a luck dragon.” “That she is.” Twilight nodded. “Really? I didn’t notice.” Lorraine said flatly. “Sorry.” The dragon snapped his attention back to noodle dragon. “It’s just. There are stories and legends and whelpstales. So, ummm, your majesty. What can I do for you?” He seemed to be going out of his way to be polite. Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity stared at Lorraine. “Wait- Majesty?” Lorriane asked, then shook her head. “Nevermind, not the point, what happened?” “Oh! Right! Cave! Yes!” The dragon looked over at the cave, which no longer had smoke coming from it. “Ahem, sorry, your maj- emm Ma’am.” He put a claw to his chest. “I’m Garble. I was staying here with my mates,” he glanced at the ponies. “My friends. Because this place was open and made for a great spot to… well… spend some time. We were out of the nest, and free to do and go wherever. So, why not go to ponyland, right?” He chuckled weakly. “So! Soooo…. My friends and I had gotten our stuff together, and with some money we saved up, made this place halfways liveable. We were considering going to that town nearby for work in case anydragon needed manual labour. However, one of the guys started cooking… aaaand he got into the spices. Which caused him to sneeze. Which set fire to, well everything, save the gems. And everydragon got spooked when smoke started going everywhere, because something might notice, and I guess it was lucky for me because a luck dragon and her pony entourage showed up!” He ended with a nervous smile and chuckle. “Sorry for spooking everyone? Please don’t arrest me or cast any weird spells on me.” “Pony entourage?” Applejack quirked a brow. “Boy, what in sam-” “Hush.” Twilight stated, cutting her off. “I’m sorry to hear about that.” “I don’t have the power to arrest you, but send a missive to Canterlot and we can get in contact with your family.” Lorraine said with a nod. “Oh, I’d rather not.” Garble said quickly. “I’m trying to be independent, and if anydragon heard that I had to return home, right after I left, I’d be a bit of a laughing stock. So, any other option would be preferable?” Garble smiled weakly. “I mean, I just graduated, and I can’t move back already.” “Okay, in that case, salvage what you can and follow me.” Lorraine said. “Yes Ma’am!” Garble snapped a salute, right as Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flew out. “Well, the gems are fine.” Flutters said, trying to sound hopeful. “Fire’s out though.” Dash coughed and tried to rub the ash from her coat. “Rarity, make sure they drink some water.” Lorraine suggested to Rarity, who trotted over as she opened her saddlebags and levitated out a pair of water bottles. “And where’s Pinkie Pie?” “Coming…” Pinkie said as the mare emerged from the cave with a bright pink sack bulging with gems. “Got all these packed up- Phew!” She let out a breath. “That took longer than expected. So, yeah, that place is toast.” “Alright, we’ll wait half an hour to let Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Pinkie rest, then we can head back down.” Lorraine said with a nod. “So… that was…” John groaned. “Restaurant number what that told us to fuck off?” “Four. No wait- Five.” Spike said ticking off a list as he sat on Gilda’s back. “It figures.” Gilda shrugged. “I’m telling you, I can just cook something at home.” John shook his head. “And I want to treat you two, because that’s what friends do. Pardon the rhyme.” “Again, nice of you, but I doubt-” Gilda got cut off. “Hey! John!” There was a happy mare’s voice, only for John to suddenly have green in his vision. “Bluh!” John tried to step back and ended up just flopping to his haunches. “Sorry! You three seemed involved in… whatever you were doing.” The mare giggled. “My bad.” “It’s good Lyra.” John got up. “Ummm, Gilda, Spike. Lyra.” “Hey Lyra, been awhile.” Spike waved. “Hey.” Gilda nodded a the mare with a look between John and Lyra “Oh my goodness! Spike! I totally forgot you were here!” Lyra said with a gasp, bouncing in place a little. “Yeah, get that a lot.” Spike shrugged. “So, we need to catch up, however, what are you three doing out?” The mint mare asked, tilting her head a little curiously. “Well, we were looking for a place to go for lunch but…” Gilda glanced at the restaurant they had been politely booted from. “Ponies.” “Ah. Ponies.” Lyra nodded sagely. “Sorry.” “Eh, we’ll find something.” John shrugged. “All else fails, I take Gilda up on cooking. I really wanted to treat them and have a day out for fun, but racism.” He rolled his eyes. “Well shit.” Lyra said. “I’m sure Bonnie wouldn’t mind.” At Spike and Gilda’s confused looks, she added. “Bon Bon, Bonnie, is my marefriend. She runs a little tea and sweet shop. I’m sure she wouldn’t kick you out.” “That sounds delightful.” John nodded. “What do you think?” He looked at his companions. “Sounds good/Sure.” Was the response. “Great!” Lyra grinned. “You’re gonna love it! She has these great pita sandwiches…” Lorraine yawned as she walked up the path towards the house. She blinked sleepily as she spied the ajar mailbox. She fished out the mail and three-leg plodded towards the house. The door opened before she got to the porch. “Sweetie, you look awful, get in here. You need to sit while I bring you something.” John said from the door. “I’ll be fine.” Lorraine replied. “Sure you will, come on.” The smol bug shook his head. “How was the day?” “Good news, we sorted out the smoke. It was Garble. He has a job and lives in Ponyville now. Bad news, Pinkie Pie is annoying as shit.” Lorraine groaned as she walked inside. John shut the door behind her. “Awww…” He fussed. “I wish I was there to help. Most of my day was experiencing racist ponies not allowing Gilda, Spike, and I into any place for lunch. The good news is, Bonnie’s Tea Tavern is great and I need to take you there. Also, Lyra and Bonnie say hi.” “Well that’s good.” She noticed another letter from Tartarus. “Huh.” She shifted so John could get a good look at it, and made to open the letter. “Hey Lovebirds!” Pinkie announced herself. “Oh My GOD!” John snapped aloud. “Pinkie! Stahp!” “For fuck’s sake Pinkie.” Lorraine groaned as she opened the letter. Only for there to be a flash of light. “Finally!” A smooth voice (With a pronounced sound of radio static accompanying it.) said as everyone blinked away the letter equivalent to a flashbang. “The spell worked!” Their vision cleared and… There was a deer in the living room. He was slender, despite the fluffiness of his fur. His hooves and legs were jet black. The fur around his barrel and flanks was a deep red, around which was a bright red suit-jacket. The fur of the front of his chest and neck was white His fluffy-looking ears were red with black tips. A pair of small, black, two-pronged antlers could barely be seen protruding from his red mane. His eyes were almost entirely red. The sclera were a dark red, with his irises being a brighter red. His pupils were like slits of black ink. A monocle sat just under his right eye, with a chain attached to his jacket. A smile of yellow, sharp-looking teeth split his face. “Hello! A pleasure to finally be summoned to the mortal plane! Thank you, my dear!” The deer said with a flamboyant bow. Pinkie gasped immediately. “Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie! Welcome to Ponyville! What’s your name?!” The deer kept grinning, as his eyes dropped to half-lidded. “I am Alastor.” “Jesus, of-fucking-course.” John groaned at the ceiling. Noodle dragon looked around at the hyperactive pony, the fucking done boyfriend, and the charismatic deer demon. “You know what, I’ll fucking take it.” She said and walked over to Alastor. “Hi. Let’s talk.”