After the breakfast was cleared away, Celestia motioned Gray to follow, leading him to a side room. He happened to notice two of the guards shadow them, but they didn't enter the room, instead taking up positions outside the door. A quick glance revealed it to be a larger than average sized office, the large window at the back giving a view of the city.
Gray ignored the seats and strode over to take in the vista, glancing to his side as Celestia came next to him. “This is Canterlot, the royal city of Equestria and my home. I would say that it is the most hospitable place on our world, but that title goes to Ponyville. Anyway, may we talk?” She turned and sat with her back to the window.
“Uh... sure.” Taking one last gaze out the window, he spotted one of the ponies with wings flying through the air close to the castle. It stopped for a moment and then waved in his direction with a smile, to which he returned, staring at the rainbow coloured mane whipping around in the wind. “Yeah... that's a dye job.”
He sat opposite Celestia, tapping a finger on the arm of his chair. A stack of papers and pen appeared on the desk, the mare taking the writing implement in her hand and leaning forward. “Now then, Mr Heartbelle, I would like to know more about you and your kind. Let's start out easy, what are you?”
“Well... I would've thought you'd ask that guard, he knows.”
“Which guard?”
“The one that speaks to the blue one like a bickering old couple.”
“Oh... you mean Alec? Well, he would be like that with Luna, as he is her partner. But I have heard nothing of this yet. So...”
“Ah... well I'm what's called a homo sapien, or human for short.”
“Interesting. How many more of there are you?”
“Around seven billion, I think. But that's just an estimate.” The pen in Celestia's hand clattered to the desk as she stared open mouthed at him. “Uh... did I say something wrong?”
“Are you sure you do not how you got here?”
“If I did, then I could go home. Why?”
“I take it there are... guards on your world?”
“Well, some are. I mean, we have different branches of military, but my country does have a National Guard, which supplements our Army. But we call our regulars 'soldiers'.”
“And how much of your population are soldiers?”
“My country? Around a million and a half, but I don't know about others around the world. Why?”
“Because they overshadow the total population of Equestria, which is only around a million strong. If a portal to your world were open permanently...”
“Well, if it was, I wouldn't be the first human here, as far as we know. Plus you guys seem to be pretty technologically advanced. I'm pretty sure that would beat any numbers game.”
“What technology do you speak of?”
“You have teleportation tech, which my world is trying to get to work. How else would you have gotten that stack of papers to appear out of thin air?”
“Them? Magic, of course. What else would I use?”
“Magic isn't real, it's just sleight of hand and light tricks. Nothing more.”
“Is that so? Please remain seated.” Gray gripped the armrests as Celestia's horn began to glow, a flat white aura widening to the side of the desk. He saw Twilight sat at a desk in another part of the castle, and she looked up with a smile, which turned to slight surprise as she saw Gray staring back. “Twilight, Gray here doesn't think magic is real. Would you come to my office please?”
“Of course, princess, I was just finishing this report anyway.” Twilight stood from her seat and walked around the desk and grabbing a purple sweatshirt, tying it around her neck, and heading towards the portal...
“You know it's going to take her awhile to get here, right?” …stepping through it and standing in front of Gray, whose mind ground to a halt at what he saw. “But... how... you were there... now you're here! What the fuck is going on?”
“It's a simple portal spell, which Celestia summoned to get me over here to prove to you that magic exists. Even a filly or colt can do it once they know the spell. So, what would you like to know about magic? I've read hundreds of books on the subject!”
Gray didn't know whether to scream, faint, or just laugh at Twilight. Either way, he hoped his meds would soon kick in and he'd see a padded room...
Four mares sat outside a cafe on Canterlot's main thoroughfare, two staring up at the castle walls, waiting for their friend to return. The white unicorn picked up her cup of chamomile and maple tea, taking a dainty sip, much in contrast to the orange and pink earth ponies sat opposite, who were trying to outdo each other blowing bubbles in their sodas. “Really, must you insist on being uncouth wherever we go?”
“Well shucks Rare.. it's jus' a friendly competition. There ain't nothin' wrong with that.”
“Yeah Rarity! We're not doing anything wrong!” Applejack and Pinkie Pie both looked at her with a grin, forcing Rarity to give a smirk of her own, even if she didn't want to.
“True, but could you please refrain from doing so whilst we are in Canterlot? It would be greatly appreciated by yours truly.”
“Does that mean no more yer fancy schmancy dresses fer a while?”
“And a really big, really uncouth party?”
“I... suppose so, but not too uncouth please?” There was a gust of wind that blew the hem of Rarity's dress around, and she gripped her well oversized chapeau, glaring at the pegasus mare that just landed. “Really Rainbow Dash, did you have to land in the middle of the street so brashly?”
“Well yeah, it is because I'm awesome! Anyway, I think I know what Egghead got us up here for now.”
“Um... what is it?” They all turned to Fluttershy, who sank down in her seat. “That is...if you don't mind?” She turned her head slightly, hiding behind her long pink mane.
“It's okay Shy, I'm gonna tell you guys. Remember when Big Mac fell asleep in the bar, and we just happened to be near a set of mane clippers?” There was a round of snickers from the mares, except for Fluttershy, who shrunk even further into herself. After all, she was the one that shaved him. Everywhere. “Well, I saw something that looked similar in Celestia's office, so unless she's going around shaving ponies, I think that's it.”
“Excuse me ladies...” Their attention was drawn to the teenage dragon that had approached their table with a smile. “... but would I be able to join you?” Rarity immediately scooted over on the bench so he could sit next to her, but stopped his movement with a held up hand.
“Of course you may Spike, but first you will sort out your clothing. We are in Canterlot, not some back street of Fillydelphia. Straighten yourself up this instant!” With a grumble he pulled his jeans up so that they actually sat on his waist, tightening the belt. He then fully untucked his t shirt and bend down to do the laces up on his trainers. He stood still whilst Rarity appraised him once more, and then leapt up next her as she nodded.
“Much better Spikey-wikey. Now then, do you know what exactly it is Twilight dragged us up here over the weekend for? Not that I mind darling,” Rarity said as she waved to a few passing ponies that were looking pointedly in her direction.
“Sorry, but I've only just left her parents house, haven't seen her since yesterday. She did want me to take you all to the castle when you're ready though.” There was a grunt from the other side of the table, and Spike looked across at Applejack with a bemused face. “Something wrong AJ?”
“Well, we would be in t' castle if them damn guards would let us in, but apparently there's some big important thing goin' on inside! How can we get t' Twi if we can't get in?”
“Easy... you use the side entrance. That's what happens when the castle goes into lockdown. If they turn everypony away at the front gate, then others won't try to get in. But if you know where the guards go in and out... they'll let you in.” With a quick fluid jump, Spike landed back on the street and bowed forward. “If you ladies would please follow me, I would be honoured to show you the way.”
A round of nodding signalled their meal was finished, and Rarity went to settle the bill, knowing the owner personally, so she could get discount on it. Spike's vision was quickly covered over by a set of blue hands, and he whipped around to glare up at Rainbow Dash. “Hey, what gives?”
“Come on lover colt, we're in Canterlot. Don't show Twilight up by staring at a mare's flank like that. Even if she'd relish in the attention.” She smirked as a blush started to form on his face, which only worsened as Rarity came back and ran her hand through the spines on his head, causing him to stiffen.
“Well then, shall we be off?”
“Twilight, perhaps we can hold off until he feels comfortable about the subject? After all, he has only just learned it exists.” Twilight worked her mouth a few times, trying to think of something to say, but instead agreed with a nod, quickly stepping back through the strange portal.
“I'll see you guys at lunch then. Bye for now.”
“Goodbye, Twilight Sparkle.” The white edges slowly collapsed into nothing leaving just Gray and Celestia in the office once more. She picked up the pen and drew a line under the first bit of information given, smiling over to the young man sat opposite her. “Now we have the basics out of the way, let's go a bit more in depth. What was your form of employment on your world?”
“Uh... well, I was a PMC, a Private Military Contractor.”
“I do not understand that term. What is it exactly?”
“They are more commonly known as mercenaries, but not the same. A mercenary would normally do anything for money, whereas a PMC has rules... most of the time.”
“I... see.” There was a flourish of movement as she wrote more information down, then took a deep breath as she looked back up. “Have... you killed?”
“Only once... and I had to.” He noted that a short sentence had been written down, and decided to expand on the statement. “I was doing some freelance stuff for a group called the United Nations, a... peacekeeping force made up of different nation's militaries. Anyway, my role was to provide protection to a important member of the group whilst he toured a refugee camp. That went fine until we had to leave... and we came under attack. I saw someone pointing a gun at the VIP, so I did what I could to save his life, which meant taking that of another.”
The pen had been placed down and Celestia stared on with interest, but a knock on the open door way caused her attention to shift, smiling when she saw the pony standing there. “Luna, come in. I was just having a nice chat with Gray here. Gray, this is my sister, Princess Luna. Luna, this is Gray Hearbelle.”
He turned his head, eyes going wide with fear as he saw the blue female that had managed to stop him the other day entering, but she ignored this, turning to the pony behind her instead. “Wait out here, I shall call if needed.” He caught the movement of someone nodding, and then they turned, Luna coming into the room. “We trust that thou are not going to run this time?”
“Uh... no?”
“Good, We tired of chasing thou the other day. So sister, what has thou learned so far?”
“That you can't help but slip into the old speech when we have guests.”
“We merely... excuse me, I... oh what's the use? It doesn't impress anypony any more!” Celestia handed her the bits of paper, which Luna took a few moments to read over, eyes going wide at one section. “Sister, we must prepare! If we start now, we may be ready for when more come!”
“Calm yourself Luna, no more will come. Gray is here because of an accident, nothing more. I would however, like to know about this crime you are innocent of, if you please?” The door swung shut in a blue aura, thus preventing anyone else hearing the conversation. “Thank you Luna. Now, Mr Heartbelle?”
“It was a murder, simple as that. But it was using my gun from the office where I was employed at the time. The police tracked it's registration number to my apartment, and when they came for me I asked for a few moments to get ready. Instead I escaped out of the fire exit and ran across the beach nearby, hoping to evade their cars. That's when the storm hit, and then I ended up here.”
“Two things... how can we be sure you are telling the truth, and what is a car?”
“A car is simply a machine for travelling from one place to another...” He spotted a puff of smoke in a distant part of the city. “... much like a train, but smaller, and more personal. As for the truth or not, I guess a polygraph test would prove it.” Luna crossed her arms and furrowed her brow at this suggestion.
“Pray tell, what is a... poly graph?”
“It's a lie detector, don't you have those?”
“A thousand years ago, that would have been a red hot poker to your flank. But somepony got rid of that practice long ago.”
“It was no longer needed, Luna. We now have other methods, to which I understand Alec is quite capable of performing?”
“About him... we need to talk, in private.”
“Very well, we shall do that. Would you mind if I just step out with my sister for a moment, Gray?”
“Oh course not, your majesty.” With a smile Celestia rose, leaving the room with Luna. He heard a hushed conversation at the door but ignored it, choosing to once more look out the window. He was trying to see the flying one from before, and he managed to spot her just entering the castle gardens with five others, who all looked up towards him. There was no reaction from the group, so he summarised that they couldn't see him. “Oh yeah, that's not natural. How can she keep the different colours from mixing?”
“You can try to use dye remover like I did.” Gray jumped back, spinning to see the one who had questioned him before, this 'Alec', looking the same direction. “But I'd advise against it. It's all natural, and whatever you do, do not call her 'skittles', she'll kick you flank. Take a seat.”
Doing as asked was easy, and Gray relaxed a little as this time he seemed unarmed. “Look, whatever I did to you...”
“I'm sorry.”
“What?”
“I said I'm sorry, human! What I did was wrong, but having the memories of one of your kind in my head... I know what your race is capable of, and I wanted to make sure you were safe first.” The pegasus picked up the stack of papers, reading them thoroughly. “So... a merc? See much action?”
“No, that was my first tour. I spent three years with the company as a bodyguard to actors and singers, things like that. Then an overseas position took it and my family told me to apply for it. And my name is Gray, not human.”
“Yes, I know that. Now... this murder with your gun. Why did you run from them?”
“I... don't know. It's not like I can do anything to get back now and sort it, is there?”
“Princess Sparkle is working on that, and thinks she has a theory. She's a bright one, that's for sure. So you've only killed once, in defence of others. Hmm... okay, Celestia can decided on the amount of freedom afforded to you. At least I know you're not a threat to us.”
“Not a threat to you? I'm probably a better shot then you.” The pony's visage finally cracked into something Gray thought he'd never see from him. The cold, calculated pegasus was grinning.
“Really? Well why don't we put that to the test?”
“So... what should I do with him?”
“Well, he is your partner and bodyguard, Luna. You decide his punishment. Why are you blushing?”
“N-N-Nothing! I mean, I'm not. Anyway, I will decide that later... what's going on over there?” They both looked over to Celestia's office, where Alec had popped his head out and taken the spell guns off the two guards, one teleporting away. They got up and walked over, hearing the end of a brief explanation.
“…anyway, if your arm starts to get hot, put the damn thing down. Now, you ready?”
“Yes sir... but what's the target?”
“You'll see... and there is a reason I set these to non lethal.” Upon entering, the two mares found Alec and Gray standing near an open window, spell guns in hands and looking down into the gardens. A flash of light lit up from Alec's gun, quickly followed by Gray's. Luna walked over and had to stifle her giggles as the males continued firing, causing Celestia to approach with trepidation.
It soon turned to mirth as she watched Prince Blueblood dive around the garden, trying to avoid the beams of magical energy aimed for him. One struck the shoulder and Alec let out a triumphant cry. “Ha, I got him first!”
“Yeah, but he's not down.” Gray fired once more and the whole group erupted with laughter as his beam hit the egotistical stallions's flank, knocking him to the floor. “I believe that was the bet, first one to knock the target down.”
“You know, you're all right... for a human.”