I gotta say that when I met princess Luna last night I expected her to be more conservative, and more…posh? Or would lady like be the right phrase? She just seemed to carry herself with this air of royal regalness that was different from Celestia, as she seemed to be more like the one to act like a prim & proper princess, but no! She’s surprisingly easy to actually talk to, and she knows how to handle her alcohol to, which makes her a good person to talk to over drinks. But it was nice in general to talk to her, she had a really calming vibe about her, and this maybe just the booze talking, but she actually seemed interested in wanting to know who I am, and not just what I am and what my people are like. it’s been awhile since I’ve gotten fairly personal with someone, though last night the princess didn’t ask me much about my powers or anything like that, she just seemed more interested in what I like and how I see things.
Speaking of which, when I told her of my stance of giving ponies a trial run on earning my trust, she actually thought that I was right in making that decision, especially how the circumstances of my life both here & on earth has been so far. If Twilight and I stick around in Canterlot Castle for a while longer I’m gonna see if I can talk to Luna again, though given that she is royalty and works nights, that might be tough. As last night’s meeting was only possible because she was taking a break from her duties. Since then I’ve spent the rest of the night by myself which was, as I suspected, overly boring. I did go out and wander the castle grounds to find something to cure my boredom, but my options were fairly limited; since I can’t read whatever the language the ponies have I can’t read any of their books, and while I did have a few brief chats with the guards on the night shift it didn’t last long as they were on the clock. Speaking of those guards; turned out there’s a fourth race of ponies called thestrals, or more colloquially known as, bat ponies. Which was pretty interesting to learn, though from what I could gather from the few I was able to talk to, there race seems to be one of the more rarer ones when it comes to ponies. Especially since unlike the three main tribes, thestral’s as a whole have only been around for a few hundred years, so their still a young race in comparison to the others.
But at the moment though I decided to go have a look around the city. I mean as far as I was aware of, I wasn’t purely confined to staying in the castle, also, I was starting to get really curious what a pony city was like.
So now I’m just strutting along the city street, browsing the shops and buildings as I walk past them, along with the ponies that look and stare at me as I approach or past them. Most of them kept quiet as I got closer to them, but every now and then I’d catch them whispering to one another, or just talk loud enough that everyone can hear them. though the stuff they say is pretty much the same stuff I hear from back home, or some of the stuff that I’ve heard the ponies of Ponyville say. However I do catch one or two ponies out right say some hurtful stuff, like referring to me as a monster, or a mutant minotaur, or even a deformed diamond dog…whatever that last one is. But I’ve mostly just ignored them and just went about doing my own thing.
‘So far I’ll have to admit, this place is not that bad.’ I mentally stated to myself as I made my way into what looks to be a lane that had nothing but restaurants in it, given that I was smelling food. And boy does some of this stuff smelled good!
“Hey there!” a gruff voice called out to my left, which belong to a burly looking sterling grey earth pony stallion wearing a green shirt with an apron over it. I just gave him a sparce glance before I continued to walk along the street.
“Hey there big fella! Hold up sec!” I heard the stallion cry out before seeing him gallop in my peripheral vision, then seeing him come to a stop in front of me.
“Need something?” I asked as I stared the stallion down.
“Just a moment of your time, you seem like you could use a good meal.” Ah I see. This guy probably thinks I’m a tourist, and wants me to try his food so I would gossip about it and spread the word about how good his stuff is.
“Appreciate the offer but I got no money, or bits, to pay for a meal.”
“No worries then, I’ll treat ya to a meal!” I narrowed my eyes at this guy as he gave me a big ol’ smile.
“…What’s the catch?” I said with a slightly stern tone as he just looked at me with a curious look.
“Catch?”
“Nothing is for free bub. So, what’s the catch to treating me to a free meal.” The stallion then laughed before he spoke up.
“Your certainly a suspicious fella aren’t ya.” He said with an air of understanding as he continues.
“No tricks, no catch. Just consider it as a show of good ol’ hospitality. I know that Canterlot ponies can be a little harsh to outsiders, so I’d like those that visit the city to feel welcomed.” Okay, I’ll admit that’s a nice gesture and all and a cool thing of him to do, but still. Giving random people free food might cause more trouble than its worth, although, all these delicious aromas in the air is making me feel hungry.
“…alright. Let’s see what you got.”
The stallion again gives me a big ol’ smile before guiding me to his restaurant, which actually turned out to be more of a bar, or a pub based on the interiors design and the atmosphere. Nice and comfy, but you can just feel that distinct pub or bar vibe that’s in the air, the smell of smoke or grilled food also added to the overall atmosphere, add in the low to mild lighting in the building and the calm and comfy feeling of the place is further expanded upon. And I gotta say, this place looks spotless! No stains or any sign of smudge, grime, or dirt anywhere that I can see. This guy really seems to keep his bar in pristine condition, though given that this world has magic I would assume that cleaning is barely a concern to ponies, as they can just ‘magic’ any mess away.
The stallion brought me over to a table that was near the center of the building, and before I could sit on any of the small stools, he quickly called for a pony to bring a larger seat for me, and in a flash a pale pink unicorn mare came out of the back with a chair in her magic. though the moment she saw me she nearly dropped it as she squawked in surprise…and by squawked, I mean she squawked like a chicken! It was actually kind of cute.
“Easy there Hickory, don’t go and be breaking our chairs now.” The stallion said as he looked to the still surprised mare as she slowly approached my table.
“Sorry Barbecue Chip—” Pft! I couldn’t help but snicker a little as I heard the stallions name. “I didn’t expect to see a…a…uh.” The mare seemed to be grasping for an answer as she stared up at me, both curiosity and hesitation, clear on her face.
“If you’re wondering what to call me, I’m a human.” I said to the mare who then nodded her head before setting the chair down by the table, and trotted back to where she initially came from, though she kept her eyes focused on me as she did so.
“So big fella—wait, what’s yer name first?”
“It’s Baricade.” I simply stated as I got into a comfortable position in the chair.
“Alright then Barricade, what would you like to try?” Barbecue Chip then handed me a menu from a nearby table, and as I browsed through it my hunch that this place might’ve been a grill of some kind was right, cause most if not all of the stuff on this menu was grilled, seared, flame broiled, and other similar cooking techniques. But as I browse one of the items caught my eye.
“I’ll take this hickory smoked rack of ribs.”
“Coming right up!” As Barbecue Chip left to head into the back of the building, I just sat there and wondered what this rack of ribs is going to be like. I mean it can’t really be actual ribs, right? well I’ll just have to wait and find out.
While I was sitting at my table waiting for my improved to meal to be cooked up and served, I was able to over hear what the other ponies that were inside the building from the staff, to a few other patrons, were talking amongst themselves. Though as per usual, their initial conversations all seemed to shift to talking about me, with the staff trying to figure me out, while the customers were wondering if I would try to cause some kind of scene or something. Again I mostly just ignored them and just waited silently at my table, and as I did so I wondered what I should do next after I’ve eaten. I’d probably continue to wonder around the city a bit more, see more of the sights that it has to offer, than make my way back to the castle and rest up and wait to see what Twilight, or the princess have in store, whether we’re staying or heading back to Ponyville.
“Excuse me.” I looked to my left and saw the pink unicorn, Hickory, standing just a little ways off to the side with a tray holding a glass of water & a small bundle of napkins.
“I’ve brought you a glass of water to drink, and also your meal is almost ready.” I reached over to grab the glass and napkins, before looking to the mare and giving my thanks before taking a sip of my drink. After taking a sip of my drink I noticed that Hickory was still standing there, looking right at me.
“Something I can help you with?” I can probably guess what it is that’s on the mares mind, but I think its better to let her voice her burgeoning question. But instead of asking her question the mare just shake her head, and then trotted off.
A moment later and Barbeque came out of the kitchen with a tray being balanced on his head as he came towards me, and sliding the plate of food off it and onto my table. This smells great! it really has that amazing smokey barbeque smell to it, and…holy shit…it really does look like a rack of ribs! I can even see the bones inside them. the mash potatoes also look really good, especially with the butter still melting on it, and the beans in the little bowl smell like brown sugar and barbeque sauce. Barbeque told me to enjoy, and if I had any questions I was free to ask. Well I took him up on his offer and asked if these really were ribs, he chuckled before shaking his head before explaining that this is actually a special meat substitute blend that is cooked in the same way as meat. So it’s like that veggie meat stuff, this should be interesting.
Ripping one of the ribs from the rack I took my first bite, and wow not only dose it taste like an actual rib, but it also feels like actual meat! And the crisp and char on it is legit, usually non-meat products can’t get this level of charring, or at least the stuff that I ate haven’t. after finishing the rib I then ate the beans and mash potatoes, both of which were rich and savory. As I ate I caught glance of some the ponies watching me, seemingly interested in how I was eating my food. Understandable, Twilight did the same thing when I ate in front of her, and last night Luna did the exact same thing. it is a little annoying that I’m being stared at while eating, so I just gave them all an irritated look and they all quickly went back to what they were doing earlier.
“So how is it?” Barbeque asked as he came trotting over to my table as I finish off the last of the ribs and wiping my mouth and fingers clean.
“Pretty good actually.” I said honestly before taking the last bite of the mash potatoes, cleaning my plate of all its food which seemed to make the stallion even happier.
“Well I’m glad you liked it!” the stallion said with pride before he raised a hoof to pat me on the back, but before his hoof touched me I instinctively raided a small barrier at the spot where he was gonna smack me.
“Whoa! What was that?” he asked confusedly.
“That was my power. no offense, but I don’t like being touched without my say so. Even if it’s a pat on the back.”
“Hey no offense taken. I probably shouldn’t have tried so anyway, I just get so excited when I hear folks complement my food.” I can understand that sentiment.
“Well in any case thanks for the meal.” I said to the stallion before getting up and making my way to the door.
“No problem, feel free to drop by anytime, though next time I will have to charge you!” I just waved to the stallion as I exited the building.
“Now then, what should I do next?” I pondered aloud as just examined my surroundings, taking note of all the other restaurants and diners that are around me.
“Goodness gracious!” I looked to my left when I heard a very feminine voice say loudly, with a French accent no less, and when I looked to the source of the voice I found two ponies standing there. I really lanky pale pink—almost white—mare with a flowing mane & tail, with a smaller yellow unicorn wearing a maids outfit carrying a few bags in her blue magical aura. The both of them looked shocked and afraid of me as they stared up at me, I just sighed in response.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m a freaky creature—”
“No, that’s not what I meant!” the taller skinnier unicorn said as she then suddenly starts circling me? What the heck is she doing?
“Look at these clothes! They are filthy, and full of creases, I think there might even be a few tears here & there! Not only that but they are also incredibly shabby! Who sent you out here wearing such things?” wait, that’s what she’s wigging out about, my clothes?
“Well sorry if my clothes offends you miss, but these are the only set I have?” the mare then looks up to with a questioning look.
“Then why not simply forgo them and wait until you have a much better set?” What?
“And what am I supposed to do then? Walk around naked?” the mare legit just gave me the most sincere looks of ‘of course’ while nodding her head. that’s when I remembered that I’m basically in a world of nudist, so wearing clothes is more about fashion, or viewed as an accessory instead of necessity.
“Sorry but my kind don’t walk around naked.” I said to the mare as I go about walking around her, but the mare stopped me by quickly getting in front of me.
“In that case then at least allow me to give you something more suitable to wear!” I just groaned before creating a barrier around my feet, extending it upward in a pillar shape, before launching myself a good few feet from the mare. Then I caught myself with another barrier which I used to lower myself to the ground.
“Sorry miss but I don’t think you have anything that’ll actually suit me.”
I then started to make my way back to the castle before the mare could say anything, last thing I need is a mare trying to fit me into clothes meant for ponies, or whatever it is she has planned. I think it might be best to head back to the castle, before I meet any more odd ball ponies. Making my way back to the castle wasn’t all that hard, however when I started to walk up to the front gates I saw a whole slew of guards came rushing out, and they all looked like they were ready to go to war. All of whom had weapons at the ready as they galloped past me. guess something really bad sprang up from the last time I was at the castle, and when I finally entered the castle I caught sight of a few more guards scattered around talking to Shining Armor, along with Celestia.
“Hey there guys, what’s going on?” I asked the pair as I walked up to them as they looked at me with worry.
“A pegasus came flying to the castle about an hour ago and said that some monster is ravaging the country side.” Celestia said before Shining Armor further elaborated.
“Not only that but apparently something is killing creatures in the area as well, or even taking them somewhere. one of which was the pegasus’s brother.”
“So the guards that just ran past me are being sent out to deal with the issue.” Both ponies nodded, though the princess looked incredibly worried…if not disturbed.
“But it’s strange though, we’ve haven’t gotten any kind of reports like this in years. Its rare for anything to just kill anything with no reason, and kidnappings are also unheard of.” Huh, then what could be doing all of this? If those wooden wolves are anything to go, then I wouldn’t be surprised if some other strange monsters would be wondering around causing problems. Well it’s not my place to worry about this stuff, besides the guards seem more than capable of handling it.
~~West of Canterlot Mountain~~
the pegasi draw chariots eventually reached their destination in where the reports of something ravaging the country side was made, once the platoon touched down the earth ponies & unicorns all hopped out of the chariots, while the pegasi un-hitched themselves from the vehicles. Once all the ponies were dispatched they split up into three groups, six members in each one, and split up to search for the large creature they were sent to stop, while remaining within visual range of one another.
“Signal if you any pony finds anything out of the ordinary.” A large unicorn stallion called out as they marched through the woods.
“Rodger!” the other ponies said in unison.
The earth ponies in each group took the front lines of their group, all of who either wielded a spear or a short sword in their mouths, while the unicorns followed behind them using their magics to hold up the groups shields, meanwhile the pegasi hovered just above their teams and were acting as their eyes and ears in case the others missed something. Trudging through the woods the ponies haven’t been able to spot much, but after ten or so minutes of wandering around the space, they eventually found something. The platoon found a series of foot prints, large ones, and they were all mixed with several other types of prints ranging from what looked to be canine, feline, but most of which were ponies.
“What do the pegasus say that the thing looked like again?” a unicorn mare asked the group as some of them studied the prints, trying to track down where the creature they were searching for went to.
“From what Captain Shining Armor could make out its something big that walks on two legs, and has some kind of weapon.” A pegasus stallion recalls as he kept surveying the area from the air.
“Then it shouldn’t be that hard to spot.” An earth pony mare said as she looked around, but then she stopped her search as her ears flicked about before flattening.
“Do all of you feel that?” the mare asked the platoon as a whole. The rest of the guards stopped what they were doing and wondered what their comrade meant, but that’s when they all noticed what their ally mentioned. The ground was trembling.
“I think it’s here!”
The ponies all circled up in a defensive position, earth ponies forming the front line, unicorns forming the second, and the pegasi still remaining air born but kept their eyes and ears open. Soon the entire platoon could hear the dull thud of something big, and something heavy coming their way. That’s when the ponies saw something emerge from the tree line, and what they saw all shocked them. Stomping a few meters from the platoon was truly a large bipedal creature, sharing some similarity to Barricade, but its overall form was drastically different. And its oddly shaped face looked so, cold, and unfeeling as its narrow blue eyes looked down at all of them. As the ponies stared up at the towering creature they watched as a pulse of blue light wafted over them, their entire bodies emanating with a blue light. But the light quickly turned red and dissipated.
“Scanning complete. Corrupted biological scan detected, unknown energy signature radiating from individuals detected.” The towering creature said in a drowning voice before raising the arm wielding the massive weapon in its hand, and pointing it right at the platoon.
“Commence with extermination.”
The platoon then watched as a massive blue energy blast comes rocketing towards them! the unicorns all positioned the shields in their magical auras in front of the group, compacting them together to make one larger shield to tank the hit…but their shields were all rendered asunder as they were reduced to nothing but wrecked metal, while the rest of the blast scattered the ponies as it slammed right into them. all of the earth ponies were sent crashing into either ground or nearby trees as they took the brunt of the attack, even if the shields cautioned the initial blow by a small margin. The unicorns were sent scattered about as they skid across the ground, the cancelation of their telekinesis & enchantment on the shields causing a painful feedback to their minds, causing all of them to cry out in pain. The pegasi were the only ones that weren’t to thrown off by the attack, so they were able to recover much faster and launch right into a counter attack, coming at the towering creature from all sides, blades, and armored hooves ready to strike! But their target seemed to have been ready to meet them head on.