//------------------------------// // ...A Dangerous Mind // Story: Into the world of Hooves and Hands, Through a Humans Eyes // by paladinwolf //------------------------------// I would like to take a moment to thank all you readers! Over 5k views! ~Yay!~ Also I would like to apologize for the long wait. Illness has limited my writing time, so I hope ya'll think it's worth the wait. As always, enjoy and leave a comment! I love comments! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 5 Through a Human's Eyes... ...A Dangerous Mind ~~~Justin Three long days had passed since the 'Dispute'. Most of caravan still gave me a wide birth; although, the guards seemed to do so more out of awe than fear. Only two of my companions treated me in a relatively normal manner: Kemal, because he was my friend, and Keluro, most likely because I had done as he had asked. In any event, the solitary treatment felt very awkward and uncomfortable. The only upside was that it gave me a lot of time to ponder what I had done and think about what I needed to do. Eventually the relentless sand slowly gave way to arid farmland as we neared the city of Nijan. Soon enough, I was able to make out a gigantic walled edifice in the distance; which, at first, seemed more reminiscent of a natural rock formation than a city. Kemal verified that this was indeed the 'Great City of Nijan' and not a small mountain. I had to admit, it was definitely large. I guessed the walls to be at least thirty to forty feet tall, but as we came closer I realized that the heat had been playing tricks on my eyes. Surely, the walls had to be at least double that height. It was awe inspiring to realize the monumental feat it must have taken; not only to quarry the monstrous sized granite blocks, but also to move them from heavens-knows-where to here... ...then I face-palmed, 'Oh, right. Magic.' The city itself, at my best guess now that I was closer, must have spanned several miles in an almost circular formation. If I were back home, this would definitely qualify as one of the wonders of the world. That line of thought sobered me: home. Where was home? Would I ever set foot there again? Would I ever again walk among the familiar cherry and apple orchards of my homeland? Suddenly, I became very homesick. Kemal broke my lethargic thoughts, "Well, what do you think?" He waved a foreleg toward the city while talking to me. I snapped myself out of my dreary thoughts and focused on what was in front of me. "It's beautiful, in a way. See how the sunlight bounces off of the parapets? It's almost prismatic and makes the stone seem to have an inner fire of its own." I looked down to my companion, "If I didn't know better, I would think it's alive." I let my imagination wander a little and could have almost sworn I heard the city breathing... "I often wonder how it is you see the world, Justin." Kemal stated jokingly while trying to hide a worried look. I pulled the brim of my stetson down over my eyes, to shade them from the sun better, while jokingly replying, "Wager same as you, only from about three feet higher up." Kemal turned a wry smirk my way, "Sometimes it is easy to forget you are not a zebra, then you go and say something stupid like that." I couldn't help but laugh with my little friend. "At times I forget too, but then I remember things..." "Oh? What kind of things?" My voice became distant and my eyes glazed over slightly, "Places I have been, things I have done...some of them I'm not proud of..." My voice became very faint, "...It's hard to do the right thing sometimes." I was startled from my dreary memories of a time long past when Kemal suddenly stomped on my foot. "Enough of that!" He scolded me as I hopped away from him with a yelp; more out of surprise than pain, since I'd barely felt a thing through my steel-reinforced boots. I gave Kemal the evil eye. "It's a good thing I like you." He stated with a chuckle, "The feeling is mutual, my too-tall friend." He stopped a moment to check the progress of the lumbering wagons far behind us. He took a piece of polished metal from his saddle bags and used it to send a series of flashes. Moments later, several rapid flashes responded. "Zecella replies that she is pleased that we are almost to Nijan." Kemal shot me a curious look as I began laughing at him. "What is so funny? Did I make a mistake with the mirror?" He asked skeptically. My laughter slowed to a snicker as I shook my head and stated, "You still need to learn how to spot who is talking to you." "I do not understand. The message said that Zecella was pleased and to continue. What did I miss?" Kemal was clearly confused. "Oh, the message was from Zecella, but she didn't send it." I turned a smile to my little friend, "That was your girlfriend, Frida, sending the message." Kemal's ears turned to oddest shade of red as his cheeks puffed out. "She is not my marefriend!" He huffed. My voice was laced with mirth as I ribbed Kemal, "Suuure Casanova. I have eyes yanno. I see the way she flirts with ya and how she's got you wrapped around her little finger...err, hoof." "That is not true!" Kemal blustered. "Whatever kiddo." I pulled my hat off with an unnecessary flourish and held it against my heart as I let out an exaggerated sigh, "Ah, young love!" ~Daring 'Boring!' I thought as I trotted across the city toward a merchant that I always made a point to visit. 'I hate waiting. It is sooo boring!' I continued my mantra all the way to the little shop. The sign for the shop, the 'Shades of Grey', was battered and weather-worn. If I hadn't know better, I would have thought the place to be closed and abandoned. Passing through the threshold always felt like walking into a different world. I always thought the beaded curtain to be a bit tacky, but the owner, Grey Beak, liked it. Incense permeated the air; overpowering, but not unpleasantly so. The low light cast from the few spaced out candles added a surreal quality to the multitude of hanging tapestries and book shelves. A raspy, yet feminine, voice called out from somewhere in the shadows of the room. "Ah, as I live and breath,” came the traditional desert greeting, “Daring, how have you been?" I turned toward the voice and recognized the shadowy form of my old friend. "Hello, Grey," I said with a warm smile, "Still taking pleasure from lurking about in the shadows?" A breathless laugh answered me before she replied, "Indeed! But you have not answered my question." "I am doing quite well Grey." "The temple was where I divined it to be?" came the wispy voice. "It was." I slowly walked into the room, taking care so as not to trip over all the nick-knacks strewn about. Finally, I reached a small table surrounded by cushions. The source of the pungent incense became apparent as the shadowed form of my friend took a deep inhale from an ornate hookah. I could feel her discerning eyes on me, but nothing was said. After several moments, I broke the silence, "There were complications that you did not foresee, Grey." "Mm...There always are." Another deep inhale from the hookah spaced out Grey's words. "If I foresaw all, then I would be all powerful. Such is not the case of seers and you know it, youngling." I always chafed when Grey spoke like that, but she was too useful to disrespect. I was about to tell the ancient griffon the story of my latest travels, when she interrupted me, "I sense an outside presence on you." Her voice became harsh, "I have told you before, I will not have your Princess in my home!" She pointed the handle of the hookah at the bracer I wore on my left foreleg. Celestia had given it to me, an almost identical copy of the one she had given me for Justin. "Leave! Do not return while you wear that." I was stunned and a little hurt. Grey had never gotten angry with me before. I wondered what had gotten into the elderly griffon as I made my way toward the door. Trying to bait the seer into divulging something before I left, I turned in the doorway and stated, "I found it." I didn't expect an answer, but Grey's voice halted me in my tracks, "No, you did not. He did." I turned, wide-eyed toward the shadow of my old griffon friend. She continued before I could say anything, "Your Princess is fortunate that he gave it to you." Grey let out a long stream of smoke. "Tell her, if she is not already listening, that I have foreseen her plan. Devious, but I like that." "Grey, what are you talking about?" I stammered. "You will learn in time, as you always do. Now go, but make sure to return before you leave." I was almost through the archway when I hear Grey call out one last thing, "Bring your new friend when you come. I would very much like to meet a human, at least once before I die." 'Crazy as ever!' I thought. It hadn't occurred to me until I was almost back at the inn, 'WAIT! I never told her that he was a human! How the buck did she know?' ~Justin We made it to the city gates about three hours before the caravan managed to catch up. 'Three very long hours', I sighed to myself while sitting in the shade near the gate. Out loud I muttered, “I still don't see why we have to wait out here for them.” “For the tenth time, Justin, we have to check in with the gate guards together.” He studied the cards in his hoof while glancing at me over them. “Got any twos?” I sighed again and handed over a card. “I hate this game, yanno.” Kemal set down three cards next to his growing pile. “It is not my fault you do not know any of our more stimulating games.” “Ya? Not my fault you don't know poker, either.” I drew a card from the deck and studied the ones already in my hand. “Why do we all have to wait here anyway? The whole gang is here.” I smiled and set down three cards next to my small pile. Kemal drew a card. “Zecella logged us in with administration.” The way his hoof could flex enough to hold things was both fascinating and mind-boggling. “We are waiting for them to process our entry.” He then proceeded to set down the rest of his cards. “I am out.” I cussed silently and gathered the cards together. Seeing some movement from the gates, I saw what appeared to be an official strutting over toward Zecella. 'Oh thank the Goddess!' I thought. “Hey Kemal, that what I think it is?” I said motioning with my eyes toward the official. Kemal smiled. “Indeed it is.” He stood and dusted himself off. “Come, we should rejoin the others now.” He smiled again. “It is time to enter and, once there, collect our pay!” I gathered my cloak around myself before stepping back into the desert sunlight. The heat was already horrid and the cloak only made it worse, but threat of getting sun burns was far worser still. Nevertheless, my pale body had still managed to turn a dark bronze color during the trek through the desert. Thankfully, Zecella had given me some ointment for the few burns I had sustained. The smell was odd, but at least I hadn't lost any skin. We took our places with the rest of the caravan guards, whom had also reassembled when the official showed up. Realizing this would still take a considerable amount of time, I took a knee and made myself comfortable while I waited. By now, most of the guards had once again come to accept me as one of their own. I know they were still a little wary of me, but they no longer viewed me as a wild animal; more like an extremely dangerous and unbalanced friend. 'I can live with that, I suppose...' I thought contentedly while we idly chatted amongst ourselves. My pleasant conversation with Frida, mainly consisting of torturing Kemal, was suddenly interrupted by a loud voice, “What are you supposed to be?” We all looked over to see a uniformed pony with a clipboard. He was most likely addressing me, since I was the only unusual one in the group. 'I suppose I do look kinda odd...like a lump of damp bedsheets. Guess I'll be nice.' I thought to myself; while out loud I stated, “Hello, name's Justin. I'm one of house Black Hoof's guard retainers.” I tried to keep my tone as friendly as possible as I slowly rose to my full height. The pony’s jaw dropped as my shadow obscured the sun from his eyes. He had to crane his neck almost all the way back just to look up at me. “A D-Diamond Dog?” he sputtered in shock. I sighed loudly, “No, I am not a Diamond Dog; or any sort of canine for that matter.” I removed my glasses so he could look me in the eyes. “I am a human, or 'homo sapien' if you prefer the scientific term.” “Oh...well then...you just...uh...you just wait here. I...uh...need to talk to my supervisor.” With that, the pony scampered off. I could almost smell his fear, though I didn't know what I had done to frighten him so. Frida sarcastically said, “Smooth, Justin. Real smooth.” “What? I was being nice!” I blurted out, completely baffled. Kemal shook his head while Frida spoke, “You just had to do your typical,” she reared up on her hind hooves and waved her forelegs at me, “'rawr, I am bigger than you' thing!” She hopped back to her four-legged stance before continuing. “Have you not figured out yet? You are almost as scary as a dragon to folks who are just meeting you!” At my puzzled look, she sighed. “How would you feel if somepony towered twice your height and looked like he could eat you? Might be a bit put off, huh?” I scratched my neck and dumbly said, “Oh...didn't think of that.” I looked around. “Think I should apologize or somethin'? I don't want this to hold us up.” Kemal chuckled. “No, at least not till his supervisor gets here.” “Now sit back down and stop trying to scare ponies,” snapped Frida. She sure had an interesting way with words. We didn't have long to wait before a pony with a big hat and some expensive looking necklace strutted toward us with a couple of armored guards. His voice was clear and more than a little haughty as he spoke. “I have a clerk who is scared stiff, claiming he saw a monster over here. I will ask only once, what is the problem?” Frida smiled at the official. “There is no problem. Our friend here,” she gestured toward me with a hoof, “is from a far-off land and can be a bit imposing at first glance. Your clerk asked him a question. When Justin, that is his name, stood up to answer him, your clerk started stuttering nonsense and ran off.” She shrugged and the rest of us all nodded in unison. “And we have been waiting patiently since.” The gaudy official looked surprised. “Truly? I will have to have a word with Quill Point...” He shot a scolding glance over his shoulder at the pony with the clipboard as he poked his head out from behind one of the guards. Looking back to me, he raised an eyebrow and stated, “I do not see what is so scary about the mound of soggy laundry here.” He waved at me. “Rise and let us get this over with.” I looked at Frida and shrugged, “As you wish.” I stood and again towered over everypony present. Taking off my glasses again, I looked down on the pony. “Greetings, sir. My name is Justin. Before you ask, I am not in any way, shape, or form a relation to a Diamond Dog. I am a human.” The official blinked several times as he stared up at me. I wager he didn't notice his two guards take a few steps back. He stood there several moments before speaking, “They sure grow them large wherever you are from...hmm, Justin was it?” I nodded to him. “Well then, I don't see what all the fuss was about. So what if you are tall? I will send Quill back over here to collect your information and process you through.” He narrowed his eyes at me. “I expect we will have no trouble from you. I do not like being wrong; do not make me so.” He then walked away from us. Once the official was well away from us, I turned an even more confused look to my friends. “What the frak was that all about?” Kemal and Frida both shrugged as she laughed out, “Who knows and who cares? A few more minutes and we are inside and paid!” I snickered as she leaned against Kemal. 'Not his marefriend huh? Oh, the ribbing he gets later!' We only had to wait a couple minutes before the pony named Quill skittishly walked back over. 'Wow, this is a brave one!' I thought with a smirk. “Constable Clear Sight has ordered me to process this group.” The pony looked at everyone except me. “If you will all get your identification ready, we can make this quick and easy.” I leaned down and whispered in Kemal's ear, “Hey bud, what's he mean 'identification'?” Kemal looked at me like I was stupid. He reached into his saddlebags and pulled out something that looked suspiciously like a passport. I noticed that all the zebras and ponies around me also had them; though, many were very different looking. “Um, bud...I don't have one of those,” I whispered. Kemal's eyes sunk. “What? You do not have anything for identification?” “Not like those! I don't generally carry my passport with me!” He thought for a moment. “Well, what did you show to Zecella when she hired you?” “Just my military ID and driver's license.” I fumbled around to get at my wallet. Once I had extracted it, I pulled out my old ID cards and showed them to Kemal. He stared at them for a moment then looked up at me, “Though strange, they do have everything you need to prove your identity.” He then mumbled something along the lines of, 'horrible pictures'. I just shook my head and muttered, “Even in a land of magic talking ponies, I need to prove who I am. Bet they want my social security card too...” ~Daring 'It's far too nice of a day to stay cooped up at the inn,' I thought to myself as I wandered the Bazaar. The Bazaar was the largest building in the entire city. It spanned several warehouses in size; a massive affair with multitudes of vendors all under one huge roof. I always thought the air circulation would be a problem in such an area, but it seemed like that had been taken into account as well. The construction alone was a monumental undertaking; not to mention all the enchanting done so the torches that lit the place refreshed the air instead of consuming it. In all honesty, the air in here was better than the air in the majority of the city since wind seldom penetrated the great wall. Most stalls offered little than trinkets, but, every now and again, you found a genuine relic or old item of magical power. I purchased a couple of pretty baubles; more for the fantastic stories the vendors spun than the items themselves. I spotted more than a few members of the large feline race as I browsed, but gave them a wide berth. I knew full well that most of them were good folk, but the few that worked with Ahuizotl made me tend to stay away from them altogether. 'At least none of them seem interested in me,' I thought with a sigh of relief. Due to my fame and popularity, ponies tended to recognize me pretty regularly and politeness dictated that I greet them all with at least a wave or a nod. It was nice to have lots of friends, though at times it was trying too. 'Especially if one wanted to go for a relatively normal walk,' I thought to myself. That is why I wasn't wearing my traditional pith hat and green blouse. Instead, I wore a white blouse and had pulled my mane into a tight bun. The pair of fake, circular spectacles were the final touch. 'I look more like a librarian than an adventurer!' I thought with a snort. The disguise worked well enough; as nopony, at least none that I didn't know extremely well, managed to figure out my true identity. As I was anonymously examining a small statuette, a nearby conversation suddenly caught my ear. A nauseating female voice said, “The nerve! Can you believe that caravan would dare show its face around here after what they did to Kevirro?” “They only did exactly what Kevirro would have done to them. You have to respect their strength,” came a mild mannered male's voice. “I hear their champion broke every bone in his body! How is that worth respecting?” retorted the female. The male snorted. “No he didn't. He broke one of his forelegs, dislocated the other, damaged his larynx, and cracked his spine. That is hardly every bone in his body. Besides, think about all those that Kevirro has brutalized. He had it coming, if you ask me.” “Well, I didn't ask you!” The female spat on the ground near the male vendor and stormed off with a huff. Curious, I trotted over to the male vendor's stall. From the look of it, he sold various types produce and other such edible wares. I nonchalantly examined the vegetables and fruits until he walked over, a pleasant smile pulling at his face. “And how might I assist such a lovely lady such as yourself?” “I would like half a dozen of those oranges,” I pointed a fore hoof at them, “the same for those apples. They look wonderful.” The vendor nodded gratefully as he gathered my selections; all the while muttering things like 'excellent choice' or 'you have a discerning eye for quality'. Once he had all of my order together, he stated in a pleasant voice, “That will be twelve copper bits, milady.” I passed him two silver bits. “The change you can keep...if," I slyly tacked on, "you tell me the story of that caravan that had the other mare so upset.” The older stallion chuckled as he made change and hoofed me eight copper bits. “That is no secret and I will not steal your coin for such common information.” He smiled and sat down. “House Azeels' caravan returned to town yesterday; just three days after it had left. Everypony thought the worst: that bandits had set upon them. Though, this turned out to not be the case.” He took a moment to wipe his forehead with a handkerchief. “Do not get me wrong, it was bad; Just not what we all thought. Seems that young master Kevirro bit off much more than he could chew during his last Dispute...” I interrupted the grocer, “Dispute, what is that?” The stallion raised an eyebrow at my question. “Oh, you must not be from around here.” He chuckled. “The Dispute, simply put, is a fight between two zebra houses' champions. This is done to prevent war. The houses select single champions to resolve all conflicts of interest in a form of gladiatorial combat. It was only a matter of time before some house put Kevirro in his place. I only hope he will be able recover enough and learn his lesson from this.” He paused a moment to shake his head slowly. In spite of a sinking feeling in my stomach, I was chewing at the bit for more information and blurted out, “Well? What happened?” The older stallion, being practically a full head taller than I, looked down at me with mild annoyance. “If you would give me a moment, I will tell you.” He cleared his throat. “Where was I? Oh yes! Kevirros' last Dispute will likely be his last. It seems that underdog house, Black Hoof, found a ringer that beat him senseless.” He leaned closer and lowered his voice, “The way I heard it, Kevirros' sister had to beg for his life! That is the worst way a Dispute can end in: humiliation!” I know my eyes widened in surprise. I wasn't sure I wanted to know the answer to my next question, but I asked anyway. “What all is known about this 'ringer' you mentioned?” Offhandedly, the vendor stated, “Not much really. I know only that he is most unusual, unlike any of the known races, and that he fought like a demon possessed. Sadly, nopony I have spoken to actually saw him. Oh, I could tell you all the rumors I have heard, but they are ridiculous!” He chuckled jovially. “I mean, seriously, a hairless monster that stands on its hind hooves and happens to be at least twice our size? What a load of bull-" he caught himself suddenly and gave an embarrassed cough. "...sorry about my language madame.” Truthfully, I didn't give a buck what kind of language he used. My eyes narrowed to pinpoints as he described Justin; I just knew it had to be him. 'Who else fits that description? Only, why would he do such a thing? I thought he didn't like fighting.' I shook my head slightly to focus my thought before speaking up. “I have to ask, do the champions volunteer for the Dispute?” “Hmm? Oh, most do, in fact most houses have a permanent champion; Although... I do I hear many of the lesser houses do not. Their combatant is selected by vote at the time of the Dispute. Needless to say, lesser houses do not generally win against the more powerful houses.” At my questioning look he added, “More powerful houses can afford to obtain the best training for their champions. Lesser houses have to make due with whomever they have on-hoof at the time.” “I see...” My thoughts were a jumbled mess of questions. After a moments hesitation I asked, “House Black Hoof, where would they be now? I should like to see this 'champion' of theirs. Perhaps get the firsthand story of what transpired?” The stallion appraised me for a few moments before responding with a shrug, “Their location is no business of mine, but I would think them to be in the West Mercantile District.” He waved a hoof in the general direction. “Just ask a guardpony where House Black Hoof's holdings are and you should have no problems finding it.” I tried to hand the grocer a silver bit for his help, but he refused. Instead he replied, “Keep your bits milady. Of course, if you should happen to find out the truth of the tale, I would consider it a wonderful thing if you would return and tell me of it.” I smiled at the stallion. It was not every day you found such good ponies in these lands. I nodded to the vendor and trotted off in the direction he had indicated. 'Oh Justin, what have you gotten yourself into now?' I thought worriedly. ~Justin Kemal and I sat in an immaculate, white exam room with furniture too small for me to comfortably use. I had just finished re-clothing myself after being put through a non-invasive test that was remarkably similar to an MRI. 'At least I got to change out of those makeshift Bedouin robes I had to whip up for the desert. Oh, how I missed my jeans and button up shirt!' The doctor that Kemal had brought me to see specialized in head trauma and memory loss. He seemed to know what he was doing; though, even for a unicorn, I thought him a bit eccentric. 'On second thought,' I told myself, 'eccentric is putting it mildly! This guy is fraking nuts! A total wack job!' My thoughts were interrupted when a pretty, pegasus mare in a nurse's uniform peeked into the room; an all too pleasant smile plastered across her face. “The doctor will be here in just a few minutes. He is reviewing the results of your test as we speak,” she informed me in a tone matching the smile that never left her muzzle. 'Wow, a little too perky. Maybe she drinks too much coffee?' I thought to myself as I stated, “Thank you ma'am.” 'Wait a tick...pretty?' my internal monolog kicked back in as she left the room, 'When the frak did I start finding them attractive?' I sighed as I brought my thumb and pointer finger to rub at a spot between my eyes; the same spot where migraines usually formed. 'I've been in this place too long! I must be going crazy...' “Is something wrong, Justin?” Kemals' voice sounded concerned. 'Nothing I couldn't cure with some vodka and a bottle of vicodin...' I told myself while out loud I said, “No, nothing. Just have too many things on my mind and I'm getting a headache.” My anxiety level had been on the rise ever since I had entered the medical facility. I never liked doctors much and nothing had changed my opinion of them since getting here. 'At least this one hasn't poked me with lots of needles...' I reassured myself. It was at precisely this moment that the doctor chose to enter the room. He was levitating a medical chart next to him with lots of colors and squiggly lines on it. Without looking up he spoke, “Most unusual, I have to say.” When nothing further came from him, I asked, "What's unusual?" He looked up at me with his head cocked to the side, “There is a hole in your mind.” I blinked in stunned silence for a moment before managing to find my voice. “Excuse me? Did I hear you right?” The unicorn nodded. “Yes. It is hard to explain but, simply put, somepony has fiddled with your brain.” After furrowing my eyebrows and giving him a questioning look, he continued with, “Oh, it isn't that bad my boy! It is just a memory altering spell.” I rolled my hand in the air, indicating for him to proceed with his explanation. “Well, at some point your memory was tampered with and a complex spell was used to block off a section of your long term memory.” Kemal and I locked eyes for a moment. We both had the same question; one which I took the initiative in asking. “Wait. Long term memory? That doesn't make sense; I can remember things from my childhood. If my long term memory was messed up then how can I remember that far back?” The doctor blinked a few times before answering, “Oh! Oh, dear me...I think you misunderstand what I mean.” He sat down at a low desk and placed the charts on it. “The spell I detected is only blocking a portion of your long term memory, not all of it. Think of your mind as a book. One day, somepony comes along and doesn't like something written in there. So, they erase a few sentences. The rest of the book is still intact; only a few select bits were altered.” “Are you telling me that someone erased some of my memories? Why in the nine hells would someone do that?!” I seethed, my voice rising a few decibels. Kemal placed a hoof on my knee. “Calm down Justin. Getting excited will not help you.” I forced myself to accept Kemal's advice and took several deep breaths. “OK doc, how do we fix it?” I asked in a more even tone. The palomino unicorn's smile vanished. “Well, that is the hard part. Normally I can simply use a counterspell...” His voice trailed off for a moment, his eyes dancing over the chart, before suddenly picking up again, “...only whatever spell was used on you is unlike anything I have ever seen. It is immensely powerful and I fear anything I could cast to try to counter it would not work. The dweomer affecting your mind is just too strong for conventional magic to cure .” He gazed at the chart once more then looked back to me. “I don't know who you angered to have this happen, but I am glad I am not in your shoes.” I rolled my eyes.. “Gee, thanks. Is that last bit also part of your expert opinion?” “Indeed,” The doctor quipped back dryly. He then looked at me in a clinical way; examining me with practiced, some might say crazed, eyes. “There is another possibility...” “Do tell! I'm all ears doc.” I tried to hide the sarcasm in my voice. “A procedure I have developed; one I have been trying to pioneer for several years. It stands a good chance of working.” He seemed to ponder this a minute. “Yes, it is your only option; short of asking Celestia herself to remove the spell for you...” I raised an eyebrow, “Could the princess really help me out?” “She probably could, but that isn't the question. The question is, 'why would she help you?'. If there is nothing in it for her, you would just be wasting your time.” The doctor sounded a tad bitter. Kemal muttered, “Guess she does not like you, huh?” The doctor huffed. “She has done nothing but repress medical advancement. She is happier with her subjects being nothing more than illiterate peons. That is why I moved here. She can not stop my research where she has no jurisdiction. This way, I can help everypony who needs it and advance medical knowledge at the same time!” He paused his outburst and took a moment to calm himself. I was starting to think he seemed a little too zealous about his work, but, for the sake of my memories, I pressed on. “Sooo...barring the unlikely royal intervention, what kind of procedure are we talking about here?” The doctor became excited. “It's revolutionary! I believe I have isolated the nerve cluster in your brain that is being affected by the spell.” He began gesturing wildly at the charts on his desk. “By my deductions, all memory-affecting spells target the neural impulses to and from the affected clusters and not the clusters themselves. All that is needed, then, is to remove the nerves leading to the blocked cluster and replace them with undamaged ones! It is quite simple, really, and the surgery is not very invasive!” My eyes bugged out in terror as the doctor kept talking. “I project a sixty percent success rate with, roughly, a forty-two percent chance of recovery." The assuring nod he gave as he spoke didn't help in the least. "Very high numbers for brain surgery.” I stood almost immediately after he finished and announced, “Thanks for your time doc, but, peace," I jerked a thumb over my shoulder at the exit, "I'm out!” I then quickly headed for the door. The doctor, without rising from his desk or even changing his expression, calmly stated, “Oh...you can't leave.” “Watch me.” I deadpanned as I opened the door and motioned for Kemal to join me. The doctor sighed. “Why do you ponies always do this the hard way?” He hoofed a button on his desk. “Fiona, contact the orderlies. Tell them they are to apprehend the hairless biped at once. I have deemed him mentally unstable due to the influence of a mind altering spell he is under. He is a danger to both himself and those around him. I would very much like to have him placed in a holding cell.” A disembodied female voice could be heard answering back over the intercom, “Yes, doctor. Right away.” "Thank you, Fiona." The doctor cut the transmission and placed his foremost hooves together in front of him. His manic grin was the last thing I saw before hastily dashing out of the room with Kemal in tow. ~Daring It took about twenty minutes to find the West Mercantile District. Once at the gates, I had to gain entry from a guard; who let me in with a smile and a compliment. He was even kind enough to point me toward House Black Hoof's holdings, which, thankfully, wasn't very far from the gates. Apparently, for a lesser house, Black Hoof was fairly well-to-do. The only 'trouble' I had to deal with during the five minute walk, were a couple of catcalls from the other houses I passed by. 'This place isn't too shabby...' I thought to myself as I entered Black Hoof's private grounds. Even though it was about the same setup as all the other lesser houses, their area seemed just a bit cleaner and just a little better looking than the rest. A fresh coat of paint here, a patched roof there; things like that certainly made a difference. I could tell that this was a house on the verge of becoming a major power. 'As long as nothing bad befell them,' I thought as I trotted around the building, toward the holding ground for the wagons. Black Hoof, wisely, had had the area cordoned off to allow for the private loading and unloading of its caravans. Unfortunately, their security was rather lax and I was able to stroll right on up as if I owned the place. This took me slightly off guard considering rising nature of the House. It wasn't until I was practically inside the walls that the caravans guards noticed me. I probably should have expected it, but it always took me off-guard when males started with the catcalls and wolf-whistles. It made me self-conscious. I knew I was attractive, but it still made me feel like an item up for auction and I didn't much like it. All the jeers and such soon drew the attention of the higher-ups. I easily recognized Keluro's voice as he disciplined the guards. He waited until they were well out of earshot before sauntering up to heckle me as well. “Mm, mm, mm," he crooned after giving a low whistle, "what is a pretty little thing like you doing all the way out here? Tired of all those fancy city-ponies and decided to get yourself a real stallion?” I almost lost my temper right then and there. “Cut the shit Kel!” I snapped venomously. “Where's my human?” Keluro stopped and blinked several times in shock. “Daring? Is that you?” I gave him the old, 'are you stupid' look and took off my glasses. “Seriously Kel, do you need your eyes checked?” Several of the others laughed at Keluros' discomfort from their hiding spot behind the wall. They had obviously not gone as far away as he had hoped, which made him all the more red from embarrassment. “I do not think I have ever seen you without your helmet, Daring. You look very nice.” He stammered in a poor attempt to save face. “I'm not on a dig, Kel," I retorted sharply, "I'm perfectly safe inside this city, so why would I be wearing my adventuring gear? I do like to relax and dress normally every once in a while...” I looked him up and down. “...unlike some people.” “W-what do you mean?” he blustered. I sighed. I knew that tormenting him further, while satisfying, would not get me any closer to my goal. “Nothing, Kel. Just forget it.” I suddenly pretended to be interested in their operation. “So, where is Justin? I am anxious to meet back up with my friend and get away from this two-bit operation. We have business to take care of.” I waved my fore-hoof absently. Keluro probably put two and two together and realized that I really didn't want to talk to him. “He is not here anymore,” he stated, nodding his head toward the center of the city. I cocked an eyebrow at Keluro. 'Now he's just being difficult,' I sneered inwardly, 'Well, two could play at that game.' I allowed a minxy grin to spread across my face and stared at him until he appeared to be visibly uncomfortable. “Oh? Where did he go? As head of security, surely a real stallion like yourself would know...” My tone was sickeningly sweet, even by my standards, but it got the desired affect. Unable to meet my gaze, like many a 'stallion' before him, Keluro barely managed to mutter, “He and Kemal went to the hospital.” That startled me and snapped me out of my teasing demeanor."Hospital?!" I dashed forward, clapping a hoof on a stunned-looking Keluro's shoulder, and shook him vigorously as questions rapid-fired from my mouth. 'Is he sick?'; 'Did he get hurt?'; 'Why in Celestia's name would he need to go to the hospital?'. This went on for a few dozen seconds before the zebra managed to pry himself from my grasp. After taking a moment to let his head stop spinning, Keluro finally answered, “I do not know. I was not told until after he had already left. When I went to speak with Zecella, she told me she had cleared it. I tried to inquire further, but she would not tell me; something about confidentiality.” He looked away, over toward the center of city again. “I wager Kemal knows since Zecella let him go with Justin. They are close, like old friends. Go ask them and leave me alone.” Glancing back at me one final time, he declared sternly, “I have had enough of your insults to last me a lifetime.” He turned his back and stared walking away. Over his shoulder he added, “Do not come back. You are not wanted here.” I was taken off-guard. 'Keluro managed grow a set?' I thought in disbelief. 'Wow, will wonders never cease!' I turned away to seek out the medical establishment when a mare trotted up to me. I recognized her; she was the one who talked my ears off in the wagon outside Riverside. I think Frida was her name. She spoke softly, “You looking for Justin?” I nodded to her. “He went to doctor Open Mind's clinic. Kemal went with him.” She checked over her shoulder to make sure she wasn't being watched as she spoke with me. “They did not tell me why, exactly, but Kemal mentioned something about Justin having memory problems or something like that. It is why Kemal went with him to that brain bender of a doctor. I told them not to go. Open Mind has a bad reputation around here.” 'Open Mind...' I remembered that name. Open Mind had, at one time, been a brilliant upcoming surgeon in Equestria. There were even rumors that he had been consider for a position within the Court; at least, until several of his patients wound up dead due to his 'revolutionary' procedures. Celestia quickly put a stop to his research, revoked his medical license, and eventually had him exiled from Equestria after he still refused to stop his practices. He was definitely bad news. 'Why in the world would Justin go see a crackpot him? Unless...he didn't know what kind of pony he was!' “How long ago did they leave?” I urgently asked Frida. “Several hours now. I do not recall how long exactly, but I am worried for him. Justin is my friend, Daring. I wish I could go check on him, but I am not allowed to leave until the caravan is fully checked in and unloaded.” She again checked to make sure Keluro hadn't noticed her. From my vantage, it seemed like a few guards were covering for her. I wondered why, but, before I could inquire, Frida asked me, “Would you go and make sure he is alright?” I knew that Justin was easy to get along with and seemed to be able to make friends quickly, but Frida seemed to have a personal stake in this. I wanted to know why without letting on. “Sure," I gave a shrug of my shoulders,"but I don't know what has your tail in a twist. I mean, it's only a doctor visit.” Fridas' eyes narrowed. “Look, Daring, he may be my friend, but trouble seems to follow Justin around like a love-sick puppy and I do not want Kemal getting swept up in whatever shit-storm happens this time.” I couldn't help but stand there stunned. “This time?” I managed to squeak out. Frida looked flustered. “I do not have time to chit-chat! Just find them, make sure they are okay, and send Kemal back to me in one piece!” I wasn't able to come up with anything meaningful to say, so I just nodded. Many questions still ran through my mind as I bid Frida goodbye. 'What had happened at that 'Dispute' thing?' and 'what the hay was so wrong with Justin's head that he'd wind up going to a quack like Open Mind?' were at the top of the list.. I sighed as I hurried off to locate this doctors' clinic. 'I just wanted to relax with my friend and get a few questions answered for my Princess. Is that so much to ask for?' I tossed a glance back over my shoulder at Fridas' receding form and thought, 'I'm beginning to wonder if she's right. Does bad luck really follow Justin around?' I turned my gaze back to the city. 'Guess I 'll just have to find out for myself...and, if so, I'll have to kick Justin's ass for all the trouble he's putting me through!' ~Justin We almost made it to the stairwell leading to the first floor...almost. Blocking the way were three burly-looking earth ponies in green scrubs. The one on the left held a syringe in his teeth, loaded with something I knew I would rather not get stabbed with. “Oh, come on!” I exclaimed. “You guys really don't want to do this...” The middle pony held his ground and calmly stated, “Everything is going to be okay.” He advanced a few steps as he continued, “We do not want to hurt you. We know you are sick. Let us help you.” He enunciated each word slowly as if he was speaking to a child. “Oh, hells no!” I kept all three of the ponies in my vision; though, to be honest, I focused on the one with the needle. “I'm not sick and I don't want that crackpot doctor cutting on my brain. I have the right to a second opinion!” At a glance, I knew that words weren't about to sway these guys. As distasteful as it would be, my only options were to either submit- '...when hell froze over!' -or to subdue them. '...that could work!' The lead orderly kept trying to use soothing words on me as I backed up slowly. I took advantage of the extra time this gave me to assess my situation. I was in a wide hallway, my best guess put it at approximately ten feet across, which was more than enough room for them to flank me on both sides if I wasn't careful. The dangerous one, the pony with the syringe, continued trying to circle to my left. The only other obstruction, in an otherwise empty hallway, was an abandoned gurney. A plan was starting to form in my mind's eye. “Kemal...” I said expectantly. “Yes, Justin?” came his worried reply. I spared my zebra friend only the briefest of glances. “...watch my back and don't get involved.” Staring hard, in my predatory way, at the middle orderly, I said, “Last chance, I don't wanna to hurt y'all.” The pony on the right spoke for the first time, “You may be big, but there are three of us. You can not win and you can not escape.” The pony to the left mumbled over the syringe held fast between his teeth. “'ome aron' 'eaffurry an' ee 'ill 'ot 'ave oo 'e'ate 'ou!” How he managed to get all that out without dropping the needle, I will likely never know. "Can I get a translation, please?!" I motioned a hand to 'syringe pony' in hopes it would distract the other two. Without even so much as a blink, the lead orderly said, "Come along peacefully and we will not have to sedate you." "Thanks, but I'll have to decline," I said then turned to Kemal with a sigh. “Why do they always do things the hard way?” Kemal started to say something, but I exploded into action before he ever got the chance. The middle and right orderlies never knew what hit them as I crashed the gurney into their faces. The one on the left was so disturbed at the sudden outburst of violence that I had all time I needed to not only close the distance between us, but to also relieve him of the syringe. He regained his senses just in time to feel the needle pump its medicated goodness into his system. Whatever was in that needle was some powerful mojo as the poor orderly barely had enough time to gurgle before collapsing to the ground. I hoped to the goddess that he wasn't dead... I stopped to check the other two downed orderlies and made sure they were still breathing. Fortune was with them, and me, as they were all still alive and, other than some missing teeth, would be fine in a few days. “They'll live.” I deadpanned as I glanced down at Kemal. “Time to go before more of them show up. I don't want to be forced to hurt anyone else just to leave a building!” He nodded in agreement and we proceeded to hurry down the stairs to the first floor. Rounding a bend at the bottom of the stairs brought us right to the main exit of the clinic. Of course, it also brought us face to face with two more burly orderlies. This time a dark colored earth pony and a zebra that definitely ate his Wheaties in the morning. The pony was the first to speak. “Calm down, everything is going to be okay,” he said in the same calming tone as the ones upstairs had used. My eyes narrowed as my voice took on a deadly, growling rumble, “What is it with you ponies? Do you enjoy hurting yourselves?” They looked at each other then back at me. I continued, “You have no idea what you are dealing with, do you?” It was the zebra's turn speak up this time. “It does not matter what we are dealing with. You are ill and need help...” I became truly freaked out when they both said, “...let us help you,” in almost perfect tandem. I glanced at Kemal as I exclaimed, “Holy shit! When did we enter the Twilight Zone?” “The what?” “Never mind,” I sighed. Turning back to the two, seemingly possessed, orderlies, I pleaded, “Get out of my way before y’all make me do something you'll regret.” “I am sorry, but we cannot do that,” they said, once again speaking in time with each other. 'Right then, these two freak me out enough that I won't mind tossing a bit of pain their way.' I threw my arms out to each side and puffed out my chest. At the top of my lungs I bellowed, “Black Fifty-Eight!" I glanced Kemal's way and winked. I hoped he understood me, though I bet any money he didn't as he took up a combat stance next to me. 'I can work with this,' I thought as I leaned forward and yelled out, “Black Fifty-Eight...Black Fifty-Eight! Down...set, hike!” I knew, without a doubt, Kemal hadn't seen my next move coming. I scooped him up in my right arm and held him close to my chest. Without a wasted second, I hurtled toward the door and, incidentally, the two orderlies. They were, sadly, frozen in place as I performed my best Jack Lambert impersonation. The unwitting fools were blown apart like two bowling pins as I charged through them to take the front door off its hinges. I stopped about ten paces outside the building while the door continued through the air another ten to fifteen paces then crashed into the main road. I was thankful that nopony had been struck by the projectile door. It did, however, draw a ton of attention. I set Kemal down before turning toward the clinic, striking a pose, and yelling at the top of my lungs, “You'll always remember this as the day you almost caught...Captain Jack Sparrow!” Kemal stared at me in sheer disbelief and dryly stated with a shake of his head, “Smooth, Justin. Real smooth.” He looked around apprehensively at the growing crowd of spectators that had stopped to gawk at me as I continued to spew volatile language at the clinic. Eventually, he kicked me in the shin to get my attention. “Are you finished?” He gestured at all the ponies and zebras and other creatures staring wide-eyed at the commotion I had caused. “Can we go before the constables arrive? I would prefer not to spend tonight in jail!” I calmed visibly and turned a bright shade of red; more than a tad embarrassed at my rantings. “Right...um, how about that way?” I didn't wait for his witty reply as I sprinted off in a random direction away from the clinic. I needed a drink... ~Daring Having never been to Doctor Open Mind's clinic before, for good reason, I found myself needing to stop to ask for directions. This turned out to be a bad idea as the pony I got the directions from inadvertently lead me the main hospital in the Southern District. After increasingly dirty looks, and more than a few heated arguments with several of the hospital's employees, I managed find out that Open Mind had even been forced out of Nijan's less-than-reputable medical community for his extremely questionable methods. He instead ran an independent clinic nestled deep in the city's Northern District. Street names and faces melded into a blurred collage as I hurried from district to district. Even after I got to the Northern District, I must have wasted almost an hour before I located the blasted place. “Oh no...” I muttered as the complex came into view. Several constable zebras had cordoned off the area around the main entrance, which, incidentally, was laying about halfway in the middle the main road. Ponies of all walks of life crowded the area, making the constables job tough. It was easy to see from my slight vantage that they were trying to gather evidence on what happened. I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Justin had been involved. For all his good intentions, trouble did seem to follow him. “...what have you gotten yourself into this time?” I grumbled. Taking in the scene, I knew that I wouldn't get much information from the constables. Instead, I looked around at the local businesses and merchants. One of the merchants near the site happened to be a cider vendor. 'Hmm, I can work with this,' I thought as I meandered my way over to her stall. The merchant, an older, dun-colored mare, was chuckling to herself and watching the constables bumble about their job. She quickly shifted her attention away from them as she noticed me checking the different bottles she had for sale. “Ah, a fine vintage from the port city of Gentra,” the older mare offered, clicking her teeth a few times, “Although not particularly difficult to import, the trick is in obtaining aged specimens such as these. Very smooth, I guarantee. Well worth the low cost of two silver bits per bottle.” Inwardly I smiled. 'Ah, nothing like haggling. Always the best way to get information!' I picked up one of the bottles and examined it. I didn't have too. The family whom bottled it, the Nethyl Clan, were well known to me. They crafted several splendid mixes of cider and other fruits to make a refreshing beverage that was exported widely in this region; with some even making it all the way to Equestria. Offhandedly I stated, “What makes this brand different from the hundreds of other ciders out there?” I patiently let the old mare spin her yarn about how the cider she was selling was better than any other pony's out there. I had to hoof it to her, she was definitely creative. I might have even purchased a couple of bottles from her, in spite of already knowing I loved the brand. I handed the older mare a golden bit as I packed four bottles of the fine brew into my saddlebags. As she made change for me I asked, “Do tell, what happened here to get the guards tails in a twist?” The dull-colored mare chuckled gleefully. “Oh, you should have see it, Miss Daring!” She clucked a few more times as I turned a questioning look her way. “Yes, I know who you are. Worry not, I do not plan to yell it to the crowd.” “How did you know?” I asked with a conspirator's tone. She leaned forward and whispered, “I am old, not stupid. A pair of glasses does not hide the mare behind them; at least, not to those who know what to look for.” She smiled and waved a hoof toward the bumbling constables. “I believe you asked what those idiots are doing? Or, perhaps, what happened to bring them here?” I smirked at the elder's candor and I slid back the two silvers' worth of change she had just hoofed me. “Why not tell me everything...from the beginning?” The silver had disappeared before my sentence even ended. “Well, it all started earlier when the sun was near its zenith. I stopped my hawking to have a bit of lunch.” She looked to the sky for a moment. “Mm, a nice fresh salad my daughter brought me; with a wonderful vinaigrette dressing and some cold...” I cut her off, “What happened?” She snapped out of her revery. “Oh, dear me! I'm so sorry. I do tend to ramble on at times...” She tapped her chin with a hoof. “Where was I...oh, yes! I was having lunch when I spotted something odd. A young zebra, handsome little devil, accompanied an extremely tall, robed individual. They stopped in front of the clinic and the large one seemed to question the zebra. Now, at first I thought the big one for a minotaur, so large was its stature; only I couldn't see any horns on and minotaurs never cover their hooves. It caught my interest, as an oddity, mind you.” She lowered her voice and I had to cock my ears forward to hear her clearly. “When the large one pulled its hood away from its face, I was flabbergasted! Never before had I seen anything that looked like it!” When she paused, I asked, “What did he look like?” The old mare gazed into my eyes with a shrewdness I remembered in few. “I never said it was a 'he'. You know more than you let on, Miss Daring.” She pushed my silver coins back toward me. “How about I tell you what I know, and you tell me what you know? That is worth much more to an old mare than a few paltry silvers.” I sighed. “Am I that transparent?” The old mare smirked. “Only to one as wizened as I! Do we have a deal?” “Fine,” I murmured, “Tell me what you know and I will tell you all I can, some things are confidential at the moment.” Her left eyebrow raised. “Is that so? Well, I suppose I will just have to settle for whatever you can offer.” She cleared her throat once before beginning. “Well then, as I said, his face was most peculiar. He had a short cut mane; though, I am not sure it was really a mane with the way it covered his head. He had no muzzle at all, just a flattish face with a beard that covered the bottom half. His eyes were close set, like a gryphon or some other predator...like a wolf. I wasn't too disturbed until he glanced my way.” She gulped at the memory. “He didn't look directly at me, though I know he saw me. He smiled suddenly and gave me such a fright. I don't think it was malicious in any way, but his teeth...” she shivered, “...a meat eater, definitely a carnivore. Even when peaceful, they frighten me.” She fell silent a moment before remembrance twinkled in her eyes. “Oh! The strangest thing was he only seemed to have fur around half his face! When he took off the heavy gloves he wore, his hands were like those of a minotaur; only they were covered in bare skin instead of fur!” She shivered again. “The way he walked made him look ...dangerous? Powerful, perhaps? I don't have the correct words.” I nodded. “Yeah, that's him.” The vendor didn't seem surprised. “He's of a species called 'Human'. They're from...a very, very far away land. He may look imposing, but...” I smiled to reassure the elder mare, “he's already saved my life several times, assisted a caravan against bandits without them asking, and has volunteered to help me in my travels. So, while very dangerous, he's also very kind. Mostly, he just seems to simply want to live peacefully, but troubles seem to follow him wherever he goes. Sad, really, since he can be so gentle when unprovoked...” I sighed. She nodded. “That makes sense with what happened.” I waved my hoof for her to keep talking. “A few hours after he and the zebra entered the clinic is when all the ruckus happened.” “How long ago?” I asked. “About twenty to thirty minutes ago. I would have told you; even without your prompting. I'm not that senile yet,” she huffed, though soon returned to her story. “I heard some muffled shouts from inside then, suddenly, the door exploded off its hinges! He burst from the entrance, looking like a rabid manticore, and was carrying his zebra companion under one arm; though, he stopped to set him down. He then turned back to the clinic and yelled out the most peculiar thing...” When she paused, I asked, “What? What did he say?” She smirked and let out a little snort, “He yelled at the top of his lungs, unless he always speaks that loud, 'You'll always remember this as the day you almost caught Captain Jack Sparrow!'” She looked at me questioningly. “Is that his name, Jack Sparrow? He certainly didn't look like a captain, but I know that some of the practices in the clinic are rather... uh, questionable. So I suppose he may have been running from them.” She glanced to the side and muttered, “Wouldn't be the first time I've witnessed a client of theirs run off screaming, but never before have I seen one do what he did.” I couldn't help but laugh. “No, no, no. His name is Justin, not Jack Sparrow, and is isn't a captain of anything, unless you count his penchant for getting into trouble. I also know he doesn't like doctors much. That's why I was surprised when I found out he went to one. Apparently he's suffering from some kind of memory loss and went to see Open Mind-” the old vendor suddenly cut me off. “That brain butcher?” she gagged out with a mixture of doubt and contempt. “Now I can understand why he ran like he did; I would too if that son of a motherless goat wanted to get his hoofs on me!” I smirked. “Yeah, Justin tends to react in a volatile manner to things trying hurt him. I hope nopony was injured too severely.” The old mare thought about it then shook her head. “I don't believe so. The constables are not looking too hard for him, so I doubt he hurt anypony too badly; though, it would serve some of those bastards right.” I could tell there was no love lost. “Did you see where they went?” She nodded. “Yes, they went that way.” She pointed toward the Eastern District. "Figures," I grunted in a disgusted manner, “I've been all over this Celestia-be-damned city looking for those two and they wind up right where I started!” I turned to leave in the direction indicated, but the vendor stopped me before I could go. “One more thing, two orderlies chased after them. I'm sure they have not caught them yet, or else they would have drugged them and dragged them back by now.” She thought a moment. “If I had to guess, I would think they are still hiding. Waiting for things to cool off.” I nodded to her. “Thank you.” I turned and hurried off to find them. I heard the old mare yell out, “You forgot your change!” I chuckled as I ran. 'I always pay my debts. Since I couldn't tell her anything much about Justin, I figure those silvers should suffice!' ~Justin 'Kemal may not see them, but I do...' I thought to myself as I took note of the two incompetent orderlies pushing their way through the milling crowd. 'Thank the goddess they are likely the most inept ponies I've met yet!' I hunched down and spoke into Kemal's ear, “Don't look now, but the Keystone Cops are looking for us.” A worried expression flashed across Kemal's face. “Cops? As in constables?” “Nah, just those two orderlies I plowed through earlier,” I mumbled before adding, “Can't believe they haven't looked up and noticed me yet. I mean, I'm almost twice as tall as most of these folks.” Kemal nodded in agreement and asked, “What should we do?” I rubbed my chin. “Well, we could beat them up...” the wide-eyed, incredulous look Kemal gave me was priceless, “...but I really don't want to.” I took a quick look around. After a moment's search, I found something promising. “There!” I pointed at a run down looking establishment just across the way; a rickety sign with a mug on it hung just above the door. “That's perfect!” Kemal looked at me like I was cracked. “Are you serious?” “Yup!” I exclaimed proudly as I dragged my unwilling compatriot into the disreputable pub. “If you didn't want to come here, what makes ya think they will?” I asked as I looked around the seedy joint. “Oh yeah, my kinda place!” I said with a content sigh. The room was dimly lit and resembled many a pub I had crawled back on my Earth. Somber, 'tear in my beer' music played from a surprisingly well maintained thing that resembled a jukebox. The patrons, whom consisted mainly of Gryphons and Minotaurs, appeared to be a really rough, older, and quite battle-hardened bunch. All wore weapons openly, perhaps proudly, and looked like they knew how to use them. Kemal might have felt out of place, but I didn't. I tipped my stetson at them as I walked up to the bar. “Barkeep, two of your finest!” I couldn't help but smirk; finest in a place like this would likely be poison. I only hoped it would be my kind of poison! A surly, old gryphon limped his way over to me. His eye-patch and prosthetic foreclaw were the first things I noticed. As he neared, I also saw that his feathers and hide were seriously faded and scared. I wagered this gryphon was not only ancient, but also a veteran of some serious battles. He glared at me with his one eye with a look that could chill blood. His voice, when he finally spoke, sounded like a stone slab dragging across gravel, “Only got cheap cid'r fer yer kind.” I raised an eyebrow at the belligerent response. “As long as it's cold and wet, I don't care,” I shot back, inadvertently adding a bit of flint to my own voice. As the gryphon turned to get our drinks, I reached into my bag of coins for his payment. Suddenly a thought struck me and I said, “While you're at it, buy the bar a round and keep 'em coming.” I knew the best way to a bar patron's heart was through their drink. The bartender droned a reply over his shoulder, “That'll be four copp'r bits fer yer drinks and...” I tossed a gold coin onto the counter top. The emblazoned Sun of the Equestrian empire glinted in the dim light. The bartender, when he saw the glittering coin, stopped whatever comment he had on his beak and gawked at the gold. He placed our drinks in front of us then picked up the gold coin in his good claw. He stared at it a moment before biting down on it. He pulled the coin back up to his good eye once more as shock gave way to pleasant surprise. He rapped his artificial claw sharply on the counter-top and hollered out, “Drink up, me boyos! Th' strange one 'ere be buyin' fer all o' us! And put somethin' a little more lively on th' box. I be tired o' listenin' to that depressin' rot!” Kemal eyed the coin the bartender absconded with. “Where did you get one of those?!” He whispered with hushed excitement. “Huh? Oh, the gold coins with the funny sun emblem on them?” He nodded. “Daring gave them to me before she left for Canterlot.” I paused, “Why? Is there something special about them?” “Special?! That is an Equestrian gold bit!” “And?” I asked. “They are the wealthiest country in the lands!” Kemal's tone was becoming more heated at my continued ignorance. “So?" I gave a half-shrug of my shoulders. "That supposed to mean something to me?” Kemal shook his head in utter disbelief. “She did not tell you that Equestrian gold is purer that Equaggan gold?” “Um...” I thought about it for a moment, “...nope.” “Figures,” He sighed, “They are worth almost double the value of an Equaggan gold bit.” That made me do a double take. “Really? Damn...” Kemal playfully punched me in the arm. “Now that parting kiss makes more sense.” The glare I gave Kemal could have curdled milk. “I already told you, nothing happened.” Kemal chuckled, “Riiight.” He sipped his drink. “Hey if you do not want your relationship public, I am good with that.” “Kemal,” I started, “remember what happened to Kevirro?” He paused with his muzzle in his mug and looked at me with worried eyes. “I should hate for that to happen to another zebra I know.” I turned away from Kemal and hefted my mug in a salute to the rest of the bar before taking a long pull from it. Many of the patrons returned the salute with their own mugs then joined me in downing the contents. The bartender seemed to gain a bit of energy as he rushed to refill empty mugs. As I continued chatting with Kemal, I noticed a strangely familiar drink being served to a gryphon sitting near me. It appeared to be a dark, amber-colored liquid with an equally dark froth. I waited until the bartender had wandered back my way to flag him over. I pointed to the gryphon next to me. “What's he drinking?” “Nothin' ye'd be wantin', strang'r.” He didn't sound anywhere near as belligerent when he spoke to me this time. He refilled both mine and Kemal's mugs from a pitcher. “It be called Ka'ah. A drink native to me 'omeland. Oth'r than we gryphons, only th' minotaurs be capable o' drinkin' it without gettin' sick,” he turned to leave as he added, "or worse." Before he had a chance to limp away, I stated, “Try me.” I'm not sure how he did it, but the gryphon grinned at me like a fiend.. “It be yer funeral, friend,” He said with a chuckle as he hobbled away to get me a mug of Ka'ah. Kemal leaned toward me and hissed, “Did you get too much sun? That stuff is poisonous to everypony!” The bartender placed my new drink in front of me. It contained the same dark, amber liquid and froth. I picked up the mug with a smirk. “Kemal, as you and your marefriend are so fond of reminding me, I am not a pony.” With that, I took a tentative sip of the brew. It was extremely thick and the taste was earthy and robust. I let out a startled grunt of pleasure and downed the contents. I slammed the mug down with a loud satisfied 'Ahhh!' before exclaiming, "There's hope for this place yet! Bartender, another mug of Ka'ah and keep 'em coming!” Both the bartender and Kemal watched with morbid fascination as I toasted the bar and drained the second mug I had been given. I didn't much care what they thought, I had discovered lager! ~ Daring 'How in Celestia's chipped hoof can that human disappear in a crowd of ponies half his size? It's like he just fell off the face of the planet!' My search through the eastern district was taking forever. After almost two hours of fruitless searching, I was ready to give up for the day. None of the local merchants remembered seeing a tall bi-ped with a zebra companion. Fortunately for me, I managed to catch a lucky break as I grumbled my way out of the area. I stopped to get something to eat at a fruit vendor near the entrance of the district, or was it exit now; I wasn't really sure. Distraught over how the previous two hours had gone, I was almost reluctant to inquire about my missing friend. The mare tending the stall mentioned that a pair of orderlies had asked her about the same individuals. She said that she recalled seeing someone fitting Justin's description about two to two-and-a-half hours ago; near the stretch of seedy bars across the way. Sadly, she had been very busy at the time and couldn't be more exact. 'That timing fits almost perfectly. Why didn't I think to check the bars?' I thought to myself as I thanked the kind mare. Trotting off in the indicated direction to find my wayward human, I remembered why I didn't check those bars. 'Oh, for the love of Celestia's flank! This is the part of the city where the bars cater almost exclusively to gryphons and minotaurs. Buck! What in the hay was he thinking?' I put an ear to the wind. 'Least I don't hear any screams...' I looked around quickly, "... or see any buildings on fire. That's a good sign...I think.' I decided to check out the nicer (with 'nice' being relative to personal opinion), slightly more reputable, establishments first. Nothing. 'Arg! I should have known he wouldn't be in any of them!'I thought as I mentally scolded myself. None of the patrons or bartenders recalled anypony fitting the descriptions I gave. Looking at the next ramshackle pub, I had to steel myself and grit my teeth just to go near it. A rickety sign proclaimed the bar to be the 'Bloody Beak Tavern'; a place I normally wouldn't be caught dead in. 'Well, there were those bars in Neighrut...' My wandering memories were interrupted abruptly as I neared the hole-in-the-wall. As I neared the doors to the bar, I could make out Justin's baritone over the raucous music and rowdy voices of the Beak's other patrons. I muttered to myself, “Just my luck. He would have to go and find a place like this.” Somehow the song seemed familiar, but I couldn't place my hoof on it. “I guess I was wrong. I just don't belong. But then, I've been there before!” Justin's sing-song voice wafted out into the street as I opened the door. “Everything is a'ight, I'll jus' say g'night, and show myself to the door.” My eyes took a moment to focus in the dim light. When they did, I had to do a double take! “Hey, I didn't mean to cause a big scene, just give me an hour and then...” Low and behold, there was the object of my search; arms around the shoulders of a couple of minotaurs and singing at the top of his lungs. To make matters worse, Kemal was swaying in synch with them and singing along in a horribly slurred way. I missed the next few verses as the crowd of gryphons and minotaurs chimed in, making it almost impossible to understand. I just stood there slack jawed until I heard Justin end the song with a solo, “Oh, I've got frieeeeeends....in looooooooow placeeeees!” As I started toward my friend, I noticed the old gryphon behind the bar whistle to the group Justin was with. They turned to the bartender, who in turn nodded in my direction. Comically, all three twisted at the waist to look in my direction. Justin squinted several times before yelling out, “Dee! Where ya been?” Kemal turned bleary eyes my way and started giggling like a schoolfilly. “There are three of her!” He announced purposefully then promptly fell off his stool. Justin hollered over the music box, “Hey Mac...” The bartender looked away from me toward him, “...she's who I've been looking for! You was right! Sing loud enough and she would find me!” The gryphon smirked and filled a mug. He then slid it across the bar to me. I managed to break my stupor long enough to snag the mug with a wingtip. The laughing and chummy atmosphere seemed so out of place that I was grateful for the drink. I stopped to take a long pull of the 'adequate' cider before strutting over to my wayward human. On the way over, I noticed two ponies in ripped up uniforms tied to a pair of chairs in the corner. I nodded my head in their direction and asked Justin, “Friends of yours?” He laughed deeply and had to wipe some tears from his eye before answering me. “Ya could say that! They followed me and Kemal here...” he stopped to shake his head a few times, “...all the way from that crazy doc's place.” He chuckled a few times. “But Crag and company didn't take kindly to them trying to accost us here!” A burly minotaur, who I had previous thought to be unconscious, lifted his head and bellowed in a slurred voice, “Nopony musses wit me an da boyz!” Justin slapped the big minotaur on the shoulder, causing him to promptly pass out over the bar again. He stopped to look down at his drinking buddy and laughed. “Well now, looks like I win! Someone let Crag know he lost?” Most of the bar laughed maniacally while I tried to get a word in edgewise. “Justin!” I finally got his attention, “What happened to meeting up with me first?” “Oh!” He swayed a lot, “Blame that on the stripey one.” He pointed toward Kemal, who was slowly dragging himself back into a stool. “He made me go to that quack doctor first.” Justin turned to Kemal. “Bad idea, huh?” Kemal turned a sheepish grin our way and nodded a few times. The gesture must have set his cider-addled mind spinning, as he had to quickly catch his balance again before almost falling off the stool for the second time. Even I couldn't hide a snicker at his antics. “So, you ducked into a bar to wait them out, huh?” I asked, returning my attention to my other unsteady friend. Justin nodded to me. “Yeah, didn't work though. They came waltzing in a bit ago, claiming all kinds of things. Well, like I said, Crag and company didn't take kindly to them baring in on our party...So they um...well...” Justin had to suppress a fit of laughter, “...they beat the shit outta 'em and hogtied 'em in the corner!” I took another long drink of my cider, I would definitely need several more tonight. “You didn't have anything to do with the beating, I hope?” I questioned accusingly over the rim of my cider. “Nope!” He held up his hand in a peculiar way with two fingers up, “Scouts honor! I just sat here and watched the whole thing!” At about that time, the bartender limped over with a couple refills for us, “He be tellin' th' truth of it, lass. Th' boyos don't much be likin' yer kind on a normal day, but ta 'ave a couple o' them bust in on a party...well, ya see what 'appens!” He chuckled in an odd way before continuing, “Naught ta worry, lass. Ye be in good company. The funny one here,” The gryphon pointed an age-yellowed talon at Justin, “spoke highly of ye. Me be 'avin' a few o' th' boyos toss them cusses in a gutter a'fore we close.” He laughed heartily as he limped off to refill some more mugs. I turned back to Justin with a smirk. “Well, I'm not going to go into how hard it was to find you. Instead, how about you tell me about your travels?” Justin grinned and yelled over to Mac, “Hey bartender, keep the drinks a flowing!” He then began telling me everything that had transpired from the time I left. I had to admit, especially as I drank more, he was one heck of a storyteller! ~ Justin Warmth. Comfort. Contentment. These feelings were drifting through my mind as I shifted slightly in my sleep. I yawned mightily and started to stretch. I stopped when I realized my right arm was trapped under something warm. At that point, my eyes snapped open. I wish they hadn't, as the dim light might as well have been a spotlight to my hungover senses. I couldn't stop blinking and had to rub my eyes with my left hand, since I couldn't move my right arm. Something cold and metallic clinked on my left wrist. My numbed mind wondered if I had left some of my armor on. 'No, that's ridiculous,' I thought. I had left my armor with the caravan. I managed to clear my addled eyes enough to squint at the object on my left wrist. It seemed to be a very well wrought silver bracer of sorts. It didn't have any markings or such that I could tell, it was just very well made. It started at my inner wrist and flared outward,covering almost all of my forearm. Honestly, it looked like a nice piece of knight's plate, only made of lightweight silver. 'Where in the hell had I gotten this?' I wondered. My wondering about the mysterious bracer flew from my mind when the thing pinning my right arm to the bed moved slightly and clutched at said arm. I froze instantly, suddenly afraid to look. 'What type of monster had its clutches on me?' and, for that matter 'Where was I and how did I get here?'. So many questions jockeyed for position in my mind, with so few answers willing to present themselves. I steeled myself and slowly turned my head to the right. Pillows and bedsheets greeted me. 'I'm in a bed...this can't be bad, right?' I thought to myself. 'Okay, first things first. How did I get here?' I tried as I might, but I just couldn't remember much about last evening. Outside of being in a bar, that is. 'I remember drinking and partying...and carrying on. I remember Kemal making a jackass out of himself. I remember Daring finding us and drinking with us...but what else?' I tried to focus and clear away the mental fog, but the jackhammer that started going off in my head quickly discouraged me. The warm thing clutching my arm moved again and a lock of dark-colored mane popped out from the top of the sheet. This quickly shattering any attempt at coherent thought. 'Oh lord, please don't be Kemal...please don't be Kemal...' I repeated this desperate prayer in my head as I hesitantly reached toward the sheets covering my unknown bedmate. Whomever it was shifted again as I moved. I froze once more and remained still until 'it' was done spooning into me. I cringed more than a bit as a hoof forced its way out from under the covers; though, that wasn't what caught my eye. It was the silver bracer adorning said hoof. 'Almost the same as...' I abruptly recognized the scent of the mane poking from beneath the sheets. A chilling fear embedded itself in my spine as the realization hit me like a blow from a sledgehammer. I apprehensively looked at the silver bracer on my wrist, then down at the one on the exposed hoof, and finally back to the one on my wrist. Disbelief settled in as I let myself go limp and sunk back into my side of the bed. This prompted another spooning session from my bedmate, which I desperately tried to ignore. I stared, transfixed in shock, at the ceiling and muttered, “...the hell happened last night?”