“Let's see what we have here then.” Colgate said as she pulled on a pair of rubber gloves and a mask over her snout. She had Josh sitting down on a wooden chair in Twilight's basement with his mouth open. She inserted a finger into his open maw and felt around his teeth.
“Right, we have four incisors on the top and bottom jaw, there appears to be eight molars at the back of the set, four on each side. You also have chipped incisors? No, hang on... two canines on the top and bottom jaw.” She finished. Her eyes widened a little as she tapped her gloved finger on one of Josh's canines. “You're a carnivore...” Colgate muttered loudly as she pulled away from the human.
“Omnivore actually, I can eat some types of vegetation but yeah, I can eat meat.” He admitted. She backed away from him a little as she took off the mask. “Is something wrong?” Josh asked as he got up from his seat. He noticed that for every step he took towards Colgate, she'd take a step back.
“You eat meat... Ponies don't eat meat, ponies are meat...” She muttered. Josh tilted his head in confusion before the problem sunk into his head.
“Oh, I see, you think I want to eat you?” He asked, earning a nod from the unicorn. He chuckled a little in response. “I'm not going to eat you, why would I do that?”
Colgate gave a little gulp. “Maybe not now but we know how predators act. When they are hungry, they hunt for food and for you, there is a whole town of ponies out there...”
“Oh don't be silly, this is a town of magical unicorns, fast pegasi and strong earth ponies. That's three different ways to kick my ass, ignoring your princesses, and what have I got to fight back? I haven't got claws, no magic powers, I'm not that fast, I can't fly and I'm not strong. Lastly, my only back up is Sam whereas you have the entire town to help you. Attacking any of you would be a stupid idea on my part.” Colgate couldn't deny the logic in Josh's argument but it was obvious she was still a little wary.
“Besides, we wouldn't even want to hurt you guys, let alone eat you.” Josh said. “We owe you too much.”
“What do you mean? I can see how you might owe the Princesses but what do you owe us?”Colgate asked. Part of her caution left her at the humans statement. He sighed and took a seat, staring at the ground as she took a step closer to him instead of away from him.
“Well look at you all. We are complete strangers in your world, you have no idea how we got here and none of you knew if we were dangerous but that didn't stop Twilight and her friends to come to us. When they found strange beings they didn't understand, they decided to accept us and learn about us, there are people in our world who would destroy what they don't understand in fear of it.” He let out another sigh as he placed a finger and thumb to the bridge of his nose. He hadn't realised the blue mare had taken a seat and sat next to him during his speech.
“It's a kindness not often found in our world. I don't mean that humans are evil but we don't really trust those we know nothing about. We don't have much here but our home and the clothes on our back... If it weren't for Twilight and her friends, we'd have no one but each other.” Josh looked up at the ceiling as a realization hit him. “What will our families think? I wonder if they'll think we're dead or kidnapped... What if we don't get back for years? I wonder what will happen...” He said out loud, a small tear ran down his cheek as his mind went over the good times he had with his family. He was caught off a little as Colgate hugged him closely.
“Don't worry, you'll see your loved ones again. You’ll eventually be able to go back to your world and then you'll be able to see your family again.” She said as she lightly stroked his head. He smiled a little and pulled away.
“Yeah, I guess I should focus more on that. Should help a bit unless you guys run us out of town for eating meat.” He said, ending the sentence with a small chuckle.
“That won't happen, I promise.” Colgate assure with a heart warming smile. “You may eat meat but I was wrong before, you're not a predator, no predator would give that much trust to somepony it wanted to hunt.” She said. She lifted herself off of her seat and grabbed hold of Josh's hand. “Come on, I'm sure that Lyra is done with your friend now.” Colgate began to lightly pull Josh's hand and lead him to the basement door.
XXX
Lyra and Sam had taken up the kitchen. Sam had taken off his shirt, shoes and socks and stood there barefoot while Lyra had a pen and notepad in her hands. She looked up and down his torso before circling him and talking out loud on her discoveries.
“Body similar to that of our own yet lacking any fur, only having a layer of hair on the skin. More hair on top of the head than anywhere else. Lack of tail and the bottom of the legs have appendages reminiscent of the feet of a primate.” She ended the sentence and motioned Sam to sit on a kitchen stool. He nodded and sat on the stool while Lyra sat on another just across from him.
“So I take it this is interrogation time?” Sam asked with a smirk.
“Indeed it is Mr. Johnston.” She said with a giggle. “Would you mind me asking some questions about yourself and your race?”
“Why not at all Miss Heartstrings, fire away.” He replied.
“Very good, now, Twilight told me in her letter that your species is called a 'human' and that you live an average of 80 years. Is that true?”
“Yes it is.” He replied. Lyra frowned a little as she scribbled something on her notepad.
“So young... Anyway, why don't you have any fur?”
“Because we only use our clothes to keep warm, we have no need for fur.”
“Very well, do you have the ability to perform magic or fly?”
“No, no human can use magic or fly.”
“Then how do you get anything done? What do you do about the weather or lifting and transporting heavy goods?”
“The weather does it's own thing, we only predict it. As for transporting and lifting heavy goods, we used technology to create machines that support the loads.”
“Fascinating. What is your cutiemark and where is it located?” Sam tilted his head at the question.
“What's a cutiemark?” Now it was Lyra's turn to tilt her head.
“You know, a cutiemark, a symbol that defines your special talent.” Sam furrowed his brow and leant back on the stool slightly. “Look, this is mine.” Lyra turned to her side and showed a picture of a lire on her shoulder. “That's my cutiemark, my special talent is being able to play the lire. Yours isn't on your shoulder so I assume it must be somewhere else.” Sam leant forward and examined the tattoo.
“Oh right, well no, I don't have one. Humans don't have these 'cutiemarks'.” Sam said as he sat back.
“Then how do you know what your talent is?” Lyra asked as she already had the quill to paper.
“We don't. We just live life and hope we find whatever we are good at. Sometimes we're on the money and sometimes it's a complete miss.”
“That sounds like a very odd way to live.”
“Well it works and we are happy with it.” Lyra made a point to note it down and began asking more questions such as how he lived in his world, biology, history and the leaders of their countries. As the quizzing came to a close, Lyra have one question left.
“So what are your families like?”
“How do you mean?”
“Well there are some species who favour their first born or they only take notice of the strongest of their children. What are yours like?” Sam put his hand to his chin in thought.
“Well I suppose there are many different types of families in our world. Some act the way you described but I've never met any like that. Most parents love all their children and care for each one greatly...” His expression changed from one of remembering to a more sombre tone. “Mine did when they were around but that was a few years ago now...” Lyra tilted her head and placed the quill and pad on the floor.
“What happened?” She asked.
“Well they were in a car crash five years ago now. It was hard on me and my sister at the time. My grandparents took in my sister but they couldn't support us both.” Sam let out a depressed sigh. “I didn't know what was going to happen, they let me stay with them for a little while but they couldn't afford to look after us both, not that I blame them. They would always help if I needed it but they decided that since my sister was still very young, she needed more parental figures while I was old enough to mostly take care of myself.”
“They planned to send me to a foster home but I got lucky. Josh had been my friend for years and his parents knew my parents well, they decided to take me in and become my foster parents. It was hell for a time, I loved them all for it but even your best friend can grate on your nerves if you're with them for so long.” Sam said with a small laugh. “But I've always thought of him as my little brother because of it. He isn't the only family I have but he's definitely the closest friend I have so becoming his brother was still a good thing.” He heard sniffling and looked up to see Lyra rubbing her eyes slightly.
“You're really close aren't you?” She asked. Sam laughed a little again and gave a big grin.
“We aren't just close, we're brothers.” Lyra smiled and wiped her eyes again. She got off of the stool and lifted the quill and pad to her hand with her magic.
“Well I think I got everything I should have. Colgate and Josh have probably finished by now, let's go meet back up with them.” She said as she walked to the kitchen door. Sam nodded and rose from his chair, following her back through the door.
XXX
The three mares had taken themselves to Twilight's study while leaving the boys in the library's main room. Sam was looking over the map that Twilight had found during their interviews while Spike was reading the book from earlier.
Daring Do and the Kingdom of the Crystal Horn Josh read to himself off of the front cover. Heh, Steven Spielberg would be pissed. The human let out a sigh of boredom before looking over at the door leading outside, to freedom.
“Anyone mind if I go out for a walk?” He asked. Sam said nothing as he looked over the map while Spike had the same reaction, too absorbed in his book. “If you don't mind then don't say anything.” Still silent. Josh smiled and made his way to the door, making sure to pick up their bag of bits. “I'll be back later.” No one replied again as Josh made his way through the door, making sure to close it quietly. Spike looked up from his book and turned his sights to Sam.
“Did you just hear something?”
Josh gave a stretch of his arms and stuffed the bag of bits into his pocket. He looked round to see ponies of all types and colours walking around the town. 'Wow, it's like someone set off a nuke filled with skittles... speaking of, where can a guy get some food round here?' With the thought in mind, Josh made his way through the town. Many of the ponies glanced at him before whispering to their friends though Josh paid it no mind, he expected it if anything. He eventually reached a large house that looked like it was made of gingerbread with two large cupcakes in top of it.
“Now this place has got to have food in it... or on it, might just eat the house if I have too.” Then he placed his hand to his chin in thought and began muttering. “Actually, better not. They're going to find out I eat fruit and veg which should be ok. When they find out I eat meat , I doubt that will turn out great but if I start trying to eat their homes too. That will only lead to all kinds of crap I don't need.” His nonsensical thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his stomach. “Before I try eating a house, maybe I should opt for whatever they sell here.”
Josh opened the door to hear the ring of the bell and the few ponies inside turn to face him. He found himself in a sudden staring contest with every pony in the building, as if he was a deer in the headlights of an oncoming truck. Not a sound could be heard besides the noise outside, not until a loud gasp echoed throughout and grabbed Josh's attention. A certain pink pony wearing an apron over her light blue sleeveless t-shirt and yellow skirt ran over to the human and bounced around in front of him.
“Oh Josh, it's great to see you again. What are you doing here?” Pinkie asked, stopping her bouncing but looking at Josh with a wide grin.
“Well I was getting bored so I left the library and then I felt hungry and I saw this place and it looked like food and I thought since it looked like food then it might sell some...” He mumbled as he poked his index fingers together nervously. Josh glanced behind Pinkie to see all the ponies staring at him, faces a mix of confusion and a small hint of fear. “I can go if I'm causing trouble...”
“Oh don't be such a silly billy, it's no trouble at all. Come on, I'll show you around the kitchen!” Pinkie grabbed hold of Josh's arm and pulled him through a wooden door.
“But... food...” Was all Josh sputtered before he vanished. The crowd of the café stayed silent until Pinkie's head popped out from the door.
“Everything's fine everypony, he's new in town.” The mare then dived back behind the door, assuming that everypony in the café would just accept the answer. Josh was looking round the kitchen, there were three ovens with many cupboards in between. Two sinks were on opposite sides of the counters.
“Wow... You work here?” Josh asked.
“And live here. This place is owned by Mr and Mrs Cake, they let me stay in a room upstairs and I'm allowed to use the kitchen whenever I want as long as I work hard.”
Josh let out a small whistle. “Mr and Mrs Cake owning a bakery? Wow, sounds like a sweet deal... no pun intended.”
Pinkie giggled a little then put on her usual smile. “So where shall we get started then?”
“What do you mean by 'get started'?” Josh asked.
“Baking cupcakes silly, you said you was bored and hungry so I thought that if you helped me cook then we can bake two pies with one oven!”
“Pies...? I thought we were baking cupcakes?”
“We aren't actually baking pies, it's just an expression. To do two jobs at once.”
“Oh, you mean like to kill two birds with one stone?”
Pinkie gasped. “Who'd be so mean to hurt one little birdie, let alone two?!” Josh sighed and shook his head slightly.
“No Pinkie, it's only an expression, it doesn't matter.”
“I think it matters a lot if two little birdies are hurt!” Josh face palmed inwardly.
“No, I mean that it didn't actually happen, it's not real.”
“So the two birdies didn't get hurt?” Pinkie said hopefully.
“No they didn't. They weren't even alive in the first place, they don't exist.” Josh replied. Rubbing his forehead in slight frustration. 'Finally, that was far too much trouble.'
“They weren't even born? Those poor little birdies...” Josh looked up to see Pinkie staring at the floor. Her curls had become straight and the colour of her fur, along with her mane, had taken darker shades of pink. Josh couldn't help notice she looked like she was on the verge of tears. “The poor little birdies won't be able to fly around with their birdie mommy and daddy, they won't be able to play with their birdie friends and they won't b able to sing their little birdie songs.”
'Oh shit, I broke Pinkie! Quick dumb ass, fix it, fix it, fix it!' “Ummm, well...” Josh started. 'Come on! Thinking on the spot is one of the things you can do, you got this' Josh thought for a few moments before an metaphorical light bulb flickered to life. “Maybe they weren't born as birdies, maybe they were born as something else?” Pinkie looked from the floor into Josh's eyes.
“W-What do y-you mean?” She asked through sniffling. Josh smiled softly and stroked his hand through her mane.
“Maybe those two little birdies were born as something else. Like another animal, maybe even a pegasus.” She tilted her head in confusion as he continued his stroking. “Those pegasi will probably have lots of happy times with their friends and family. In fact...” Josh leaned in close and whispered, using his free hand to point behind him. “Those birdie pegasi could be sitting out there this very moment, enjoying the sweet food you gave them.” He ended his statement with a reassuring smile. The pink party pony's eyes grew wide as her mane regained its curls and her fur turned back to bright pink. Her trademark smile came back to life as she wrapped her arms around the human.
“Oh my gosh, you're so right! They could be happily eating the food in here which they couldn't do if they were stuck as little birdies, I never thought of it that way!” She pulled back from Josh and he returned her wide smile with one of his own. The smiling was broken however when Josh's stomach grumbled. Josh's cheeks turned red slightly and Pinkie giggled. “Speaking of eating food, we better get you those cupcakes!”
Pinkie let go and made her way over to one of the ovens. “Do you want to help?”
“Sure!” Josh replied happily.
“Do you know anything about baking?” Pinkie asked. Josh puffed out his chest slightly and placed his hands on his hips with a grin.
“Oh Pinkie, I'll have you know that, with practise, there has been no baked treat I've ever made that didn't eventually taste good.” Pinkie turned round and smirked. She walked over to the human, hands behind her back and stared straight at him, the grin still present.
“Well, well, well, I'll have to put you to the test then. If you do well then I might just try to talk the Cakes into hiring you.” Josh smirked back and moved his face until his face was an inch from hers.
“Bring. It. On.”