//------------------------------// // Arc XXIX Episode II: Learning New Things // Story: Family Begins With You // by Jmaster49 //------------------------------// “Okay, so you’re aware of how we live in Kanata, yes?” Aidon pointed out the Northernmost country in North America on his map. “Formerly known as Newfoundland.” “Yes,” Luna nodded enthusiastically and added, “Also known as ‘Mapleland’ to many due to how many maple trees exist here.” “Exactly. And below us, we have the United States of Vinland. Now see, Vinland is actually the name that the vikings used to refer to this entire landmass when they first arrived in about 1000AD, yes?” Aidon asked to make sure she had been able to keep up. Luna got closer to the map and gasped. “Ah! Yes, that’s right. That’s well over five hundred years before the Coltlumbus expedition.” “Indeed. The Norse adventurers from Europa were the first ones to make contact with this side of the world. You’d be surprised at how many people tend to think that Coltlumbus was first. When they beat him by five hundred years as you said.” “Hm…you know, you would make quite the history teacher in addition to your already impressive skill as a maths professor, Aidon,” Luna complimented him with a smile, “I never thought we’d be able to find a teacher that could actually make math exciting for the students, and yet here we are.” Aidon blushed in response to that. “Well…it is a very difficult, albeit mandatory subject to teach. However, I do recognize that it does have limited application once most of them find their careers.” He thought hard about it for a moment, and considered exactly what he had just said. Maybe a change in hobby wouldn’t be so bad? Then again, Aidon was far from an expert on the history of this world. “Well, there’s no need to force yourself to change your entire focus in life,” Luna encouraged him, “If you enjoy what you do, then there’s no harm in staying on that path. After all, I’ve only just now realized what I enjoy doing.” “True, but if there’s other things you want to do in addition to your main work, it doesn’t hurt to branch out either,” Aidon replied as he glanced back at the map. “The history and foundation of this world is simply much different from Equestria’s. To the point where I’d like to study more in my off time. Of course, helping the students learn will also remain my top priority.” “Admirable--but do remember to take some time for yourself, yes? You’re not obligated to focus on everyone else’s problems forever. It’s as I mentioned with what we saw on the news earlier.” Aidon couldn’t argue with that. If he spent most of his life worrying about other people, he wouldn’t have enough time to take care of himself and what he needed--as well as wanted--for his own future. “Once again, you’re right. You seem to know exactly what my pains are whenever they come up, hm?” “Just the perks of being a school VP for so long,” she explained with her bashful tone once more, “It’s nothing to really write home about.” “I’d say it does. The fact that you’ve managed to hold down such a position without tearing your hair out is impressive in and of itself,” he explained with an ironic chuckle. “I’m amazed that you’ve managed to maintain your good looks in spite of it. Most people would’ve succumbed to stressful aging.” “I…er…” Luna stuttered as she looked down at herself, “...my figure is also not very remarkable, but I appreciate the fact that you’ve noticed. I…like to exercise quite a bit, you see. It keeps my skin and body looking well. Though I prefer to do it at night myself. Much more peaceful.” Aidon’s eyes shot open in amazement. “Really? Me too. Though, I tend to work out whenever the opportunity presents itself. Even if the gym is unavailable. What are your preferred methods, Luna?” “Well, I do so very enjoy a nice run through the city park at night,” she admitted with a smile on her face, “I know it’s not exactly the safest idea in the world for a woman like me, but it’s simply much more enjoyable than trying to deal with other people during the day. Not to mention all of my favorite animals are around such as owls, raccoons, possums--I actually have one as a pet believe it or not.” “Oh I agree. I actually like rats myself--” Aidon paused mid-sentence and tilted his head. “Wait, you actually have a pet possum? And here I thought humans hated their existence…” Luna scoffed and placed a hand on her chest. “Hm. Well I am not like ‘most humans.’ Sure, many of them are wild, but they’re not the savages that the media portrays them as. They actually limit the spread of lyme disease that ticks often carry. And they’re actually extremely resistant to rabies. Not many of them actually carry it.” She then folded her arms and pouted. “Everyone’s afraid of them for no good reason. My little Tiberius is a sweet little thing that does no harm to anyone.” Aidon’s eyes went wide as he considered the possibilities of the falsehoods he had been fed about humans and their relationships with animals. “...Very interesting indeed. If given the chance, I’d love to meet Tiberius. It might actually help me learn more about the fauna of this world--and you as well.” “That sounds like a great idea!” Luna agreed, “I’ve been meaning to invite you to my home for some time anyway. I would so love to show you the same hospitality that you’ve shown me as a guest, Aidon.” “Sounds just swell,” he agreed with a smile, “Though for the moment, I’d like to take you onto my roof. I have something that you might like to see once it gets dark.” “...Is it a telescope?” she guessed with a chipper tone--her hands clasped together in excitement. Aidon paused for a moment, then replied with a grin. “...yes, actually. Follow me.” “Eeee! I love studying the moon and the stars! I’m elated to have found someone else that shares such an interest. It’s as if we are perfect for each other--” Luna squealed as she followed him upstairs, blushing as she realized what she had just said, “Er…I mean--” “...I agree,” Aidon replied as smoothly as he could while hustling upstairs, leaving Luna a flushed wreck as her whole face turned red. “...He’s so caring and dashing…” she muttered to herself, “...what a beautiful man.” “...did you say something, Luna?” Unfortunately, she was too nervous to repeat herself. “...I said that sounds like a plan!”