//------------------------------//
// Chapter 11 rewrite 
// Story: Remembering Garry's Mod 
// by BioChemicalWolfGear 
//------------------------------//

	I was introduced to my new companions as they escorted me down the long hallway.  I made idle chit chat with Twilight Sparkle.  The hallway was much like the one I walked down earlier.  The white walls were lined with stained glass windows featuring various unrecognizable images.  Discord watched me with interest while hovering above Twilight and myself as I began speaking about the world of Garry’s Mod.  Princess Celestia took up the front of the pack and led us somewhere suitable for building a plane until the meeting with all the ambassadors.  The five mares followed behind us quietly listening in to my conversation with Twilight.  But I was busy with Twilight’s constant questions about my origins and what my magic can do.

“So how does your Tool channel magic?  Is it like a staff?” She asked with a quizzical expression.

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “I never really looked into it; I was more just focused on the effect.” I said dismissively.

She looked at the Toolgun’s main body as it was held in my right hand exposed for her to see it.  “Are those special runes that channel magic?”  She gestured toward the battery attached to the Toolgun and the Copper wire spindle that replaced the cylinder.  “Oh those channel something actually.  I’m not sure if it’s the magic you’re used to.” I said unsurely.  Our conversation started about my origins, and constantly bombarding me about how the people in “my world” even though most of the context was a fabrication.

She looked up at me with a quizzical expression that permutated into a smile of pure childlike curiosity. “So…” She said with a hint of glee seeping through her tone. “What’s it like in a society that builds things for a living?” Her excited grin made me smile outwardly.

I jokingly responded. “Wasn’t I answering that question?” I asked with a smile.

She frowned slightly, which disintegrated my mirth, and rolled her eyes. “Well yes of course,” Then her smile returned, which also brought back my mirth. “But you never told me about how the government runs itself.  Or what recreation your people participate in?” She asked with her smile.

“Well… honestly it’s kinda boring at times, but when you make something interesting then it becomes fun again.” I answered, trying to relate as much as I can with my building days in Garry’s Mod with a culture that I was making up on the spot.  “As for the government.  It’s dependent on your region.  There aren’t any travel laws and most of the time the regions are small, some have laws, others don’t.  And some have very harsh laws that almost seem unfair.” I answered as truthfully as possible regarding Garry’s Mod.

Twilight raised her eyebrow.  “Wait, can you go into more detail about recreation?” She asked quizzically.  I was momentarily confused as to why she found that more interesting than the structure of the government, and more than a little suspicious, but I indulged her.

“Well,” I started, and then stopped to think more about it. “We tend to build large contraptions or even just small ones that either just prove our capabilities or test them.  And at times someone builds something so amazing that it grabs everyone’s attention and they’re admired for some time until the creation becomes well known.” I looked back at Twilight who had an unsure look on her face.  “Umm yeah it’s hard to describe.” I said bashfully.

“Oh I get it!” Said a refined voice behind us.  We all (including the Princess) turned to look at a white unicorn with a purple mane. “It’s like a fashion show!” She announced. “The most impressive creation usually is admired the most correct?” She asked with a sparkle in her eye. 

I smiled when I recognized it as pride.  “Well yes actually.  And usually the most artistic person is really good at making things look impressive.  But usually function wins out on fashion, but it doesn’t stop fashionable creations to be powerful.” I stated trying my best to describe some of the greatest things I’ve seen in Garry’s Mod history.  

She suddenly seemed puzzled. “I’m not sure I follow anymore, if aesthetics make such a difference then how can something that looks pleasing inferior?” She asked.

I paused for a moment to consider it. “Think of it like this.” I started confident in my explanation. “Let’s say you have a regular old building made of brick.  No windows or anything other than a brick building.  Someone puts a door on it and says they’re done.  Well another person builds a bigger building with doors, windows and a garden out on the front lawn, well that building is obviously better looking right?” I asked and everyone nodded their head.  

“Well everyone’s looking at the building that obviously looks better and someone suggests to see which one would survive an attack.  This is normal to stress test devices.”  I added. “So someone takes a cannon and shoots into one of the windows of the better looking building and it crumbles because it hits the support beam.” I suggested taking careful consideration to the wording I used.  “They take the same cannon and fire it at the building made of entire brick, and only leaves a hole in the side but it stays up.  So, if ever you’re in danger you’d run to the brick house, but if you want to live on a plot of land then you’d choose the nice looking one.” I finished.

Twilight chose to respond. “Oh I see.” She said with realization. “So there is no clear idea of better because everything built is made for specific purposes?” She asked holding her head proudly for her explanation.  Then an exasperated sigh came from above us and we all looked to our floating friend Discord.

In return he looked at us expectantly. “What?  Just breathing.  Not at all finding such a structured world suspicious for a chaos being in any way possible.” He said with a menacing grin directed toward me.

I remembered our conversation about me not having the chaotic powers before I woke up in Equestria with them.  I realized he was trying to blow my cover, possibly because I was lying to them for the past hour and a half, or just because it would entertain him.  I gave him an aggravated glare.

“While I do worry about Discords interest.” Said a serene voice in front of us. I tore my gaze away from Discord and looked toward Princess Celestia, whose calm stature melted away all my insecurities.  “I do agree with his point.” She said directing her gaze toward me with an unsure expression. “Blake,” she said my name in her motherly tone.   Giving me a sense of security. “Why are you not using your powers as freely as Discord?  You have the power to fly without wings, transform the world around you into whatever you please; I sense many more possibilities in you.  But you refuse to do so even when pestered.” She said as if fact. “Why?” She said almost like a calm command.

I was caught completely off guard by that.  “Well…” I started and couldn’t really finish it.  I rubbed the back of my head with my hand.  I readjusted the hat on my head trying scratch underneath it.  “Honestly I don’t have an answer for you.  Why would I need to do those things anyway?  There’s nothing that I want to change, besides if I did I’d upset a lot of-.”  I looked behind me and paused as I looked at the suspicious glares of the six mares that accompanied us. “-Ponies.”  I finished after a moment.

I didn’t notice but Celestia gave me an awkward stare.  Followed up by an understanding smile. “I understand.” She responded happily, I returned my gaze toward her. “But what I don’t understand is why a society of creatures like yourself will chose not to bend the world to their will.” She asked expectantly. 

I at first didn’t answer until I realized she was asking a question.  At that point I said “Oh!” loudly and smiled at her. “We do though.  We change the landscape depending on what we want.” I said Thinking of Map Changes in Garry’s Mod. “We have a place called Flatgrass that allows us to build on a flat area, and the skybox there is-.” I stopped when I realized I said “Skybox.” Then I laughed nervously and continued. “Oh uh just ignore the whole skybox thing, way too much to explain.  Anyway it’s pretty low to the ground so there’s a lot of space between us and space.  So we can build very large machines that can help us propel ourselves into space, or just drive around on the ground.  We can then change the map- I mean landscape to test out our creations.  Like an obstacle course for cars with hydraulics.” I said silently cursing myself for being an idiot.

Celestia seemed satisfied with my answer and nodded her head approvingly.  Then turned to lead the group down the white hallway again.  Twilight coughed to get my attention. “So what does your agriculture look like?” she posed another question.

“Well, we have farms on the surface of planets we live on.” I responded, trying to sound convincing.

“But I thought humans were always moving?” she inquired skeptically. “And always changing the landscape to test out their creations.” She said stating her observations and facts like they were weapons.  “Crops take months to grow, and you said people move around often before a month passes.” her tone becoming more and more accusing as we went.

Princess Celestia stopped moving and faced me with a raised eyebrow.  The rest of the group stopped chatting quietly to each other and looked at Celestia, and then they moved their eyes to me.  I saw Discord float down into view behind Twilight with an eager look on his face.  He knew that I was telling a lie about my origins and called me out on it before.  But even he didn’t know the whole story, so he waited giddily as I was being torn apart by the most studious pony in Equestria.

“Well, uh...” I tried to think of a response.

“And you said the land can’t be accessed when your people leave it,” Twilight continued. “How does that work?  A magical force pushes you way?  And that also means that people had to be there for centuries in order to still have land, so they couldn’t possibly be there for less than a month.  And you said space ships have bio-domes that can make food.  And you told me earlier when we just started walking down the halls that no human would want to farm food.  And you also told me that no one has built farm equipment.  So it makes me wonder why humans need farms, when they don’t have farm equipment nor do they like farming,” she ranted, tearing my fabricated story apart.

“Crap.” I thought morbidly.

“What?” I said playing dumb, rather pathetically.

“Oh, and you don’t even need farms.  I just saw you spawn a melon in the guest room.” She glared at me knowingly. “So, why would your people need to waste time with farms when they can just create food in the first place?” she scolded me.

“Well umm…” I mumbled regretfully.

She calmed down some, when she saw my distress.  Then she sighed and softly added, “Tell me the truth.”

I shot a surprised look at her before sweeping my gaze among the others with me.  I first turned to Celestia, who seemed intent on listening to my response.  I looked at Discord to see his knowing grin, but he was sitting on a leather chair that’s floating in the air.  He had his head upside down while it rested on his talon.  I looked over at the five other mares who gave me mixed expressions.  The rainbow-maned pony looked upset, while the pink one and the white one watched me neutrally, but interested, gazes.  The cowgirl pony looked sympathetically at me, while the tan and pink maned one gave me a worried expression, like I was about to break down.  

And to top it all off, I forgot their names.

“I…” I started and looked back at Twilight.

“…Yes?” she said softly.

The hallway was eerily quiet as everyone held their breath to see what I’d do.  I looked down at the clean red carpet and the bright marble floors.  They seemed increasingly serene and peaceful as silence dominated the hall.  I crouched down and got myself into a cross legged sitting position.  I saw the tan pony with a pink mane start to step forward before Twilight held up her left hoof to stop her.

“I don’t…” I said feeling the world closing in on me.  For a moment I thought of coming right out and telling them the truth, but how much of it would they believe?  I felt safe behind my lie, and also it makes me sound sane and just as strange as I am.  It kept me protected from the ponies because they don’t understand me, and were willing to go to great lengths to learn more about me.  And if I told them I was as weak as them before this, would they fear my powers and try to take what makes me feel safe away?

“It’s ok Blake,” Twilight said, as if talking to a child. “We just want to know the truth.”  She added forgivingly.  “Take your time to tell us, but please.” She said desperately. “Don’t give us another lie.”

“I…” I responded. Looking desolately at the Toolgun in my right hand I considered my options.  Then realized I had to give them something that would put all of us at ease.  I stood back up and looked her in the eye. “…Ok of course I was lying to you.” I finally admitted. “But there is a good reason.  I want to feel safe, and I can’t do that if everyone thinks I’m weak.” I said trying to communicate my thoughts.

“What do you mean?” she asked while taking a few steps forward.  Her face was only three feet from mine now as we looked into each other’s eyes.  She was trying to read mine, and I was trying to lie to hers.  The only thing that kept me from really giving in was the height difference between us.

“There was something that brought me here.” I said trying to help them understand my position.  “A light that I've never seen before.  It took me without a choice while I was sleeping, and told me I wasn’t doing what I was supposed to be doing.  It brought me to a place that only existed in-.” I cut myself off, trying to think of what the light would do to me if I admitted its existence, or if it would do anything to me at all. “Ok look.” I said calming myself down. “There is a truth about my past, but I don’t feel safe if I told it to you.  Can you please accept that I mean you no harm, and will never willingly bring harm to you?  All I want is to be an unknown.  It makes me feel anonymous and safe.” I said stating all my fears, hoping that will sate their curiosity.

“Is there anything else you can tell us?” Twilight prodded, sitting down respectfully. The other ponies followed suit.

Using what willpower I had left, I began to chip away at what made me insecure about being weak.  I wanted so desperately to tell them what the truth is, but my fear of what might happen seemed to get the better of me.  If anything I was making it worse by not telling the truth.  “I...” I tried to explain but my words died in my throat.  “I’m sorry for lying.” I said truthfully.  “And I’m not ready to tell the truth.” I said hopefully buying myself time.

“I guess that’s all I can ask for.” Twilight said soothingly. “But can you promise to tell me when you’re ready?” She asked with an apologetic smile.

I gave her a more genuine smile.  “Yes.” My relief was noticeable through my tone.

“Ahem,” said Draconnequus interrupted, floating above us.  We looked up to see Discord back to normal with his arms crossed.  He was out of his chair with a bored look on his face.  “Well you’re no fun at all.  But are we going to have our little talk later?  If this is your response to them asking questions, then I’d be disappointed if you neglect our next chat.” He said pompously.

I sighed loudly. “Well Twilight.” I stated. “You’re not the first to figure me out; Discord and I already agreed to talk about this later.  But that’s just because I didn’t want him to do too much damage with what he already knows.” I said feeling guilty that I just in-avertedly lied to my friend. “I’m going to have to tell him everything first, then when I’m ready I’ll tell you.” I admitted.

Twilight gave me an aggravated glare. “Just when I thought we were making progress.” She said just loud enough so I could hear.  

I frowned knowing Discord just sealed my fate. “Dammit Discord you troll.  Here I thought I was making excellent progress with my new friends and you jump in and make it harder.” I said to him with a frown.

He held his talon to his lips and said. “Oops.” He then smiled jovially.  “Well I can’t be the god of chaos if I let an agent of chaos go lollygagging freely in my land.” He said giggling. 

Celestia’s voice interjected in our conversation. “Discord, may I remind you of your duty in my land?” She said slyly. “And I believe Blake deserves some respect for admitting to lying to us.” She added. “Did he not sound genuine Twilight?” She said blatantly trying to undo Discords damage.  

Twilight looked almost guilty and nodded her head yes. “You’re right Princess.  It’s just, I have a hard time trusting him if he trusts Discord before us.” She admitted to the Princess.

Celestia put on a loving smile that seemed to beam happiness. “Twilight,” Said Celestia with a glow in her voice. “Discord caught him at a time where he was convinced he needed to lie,” She said melting the tense atmosphere with her radiance.  Twilight let Celestia’s words sink in for a long moment, before trying to apply reason to them. 

“But Princess, he still lied to us.  And his power rivals Discord in chaotic energy.  How can we trust him any more than Discord?  He’s already admitting to lying to us since he got here!” She asked with real concern in her voice.

Celestia smiled with pride. “He admitted to his mistake.” She explained.  “And Discord interfered before we could get the truth from him ourselves.” She said as if it explained everything.  “Speaking of which.” She said almost darkly.  Her expression turned from sweet to sour and looked Discord in the eye, after which he looked back unimpressed. “Don’t bully him Discord.” Her upset tone gave us all shivers.  Discord was the only one seemingly unaffected.   “You and I both know we shouldn’t interfere with his decision.” She said in a blatant threat.  I felt her strategy to get through to Discord was me hearing her say that.

I was right in my assumption as I looked back to him as he was giving me an unsure look.  He looked back at Celestia quickly so I wouldn’t notice, but it didn’t help since it confirmed my suspicions.  “Honestly Celestia,” He started dismissively. “I don’t know where you get those assumptions.  They’re very unhealthy.” He said teasingly and looked away.  I was slightly befuddled by how they talked to each other.

Celestia looked hurt by that. “Discord please, he’s in a strange world with new rules, he’s doing his best and that’s all we can ask for.”  She looked to me with a reassuring smile. “Blake, you don’t have to admit anything to Discord.  I’ll talk to him about it and ask him to not pressure you into speaking with him.”  She said trying to reassure me with her motherly tone.

Discord gasped in mock indignation. “Oh I see how it is.” He said continuing the joke. “You just want him to yourself Celestia.” He accused. “Another Chaotic pet like me?  Someone who could do heavy lifting without breaking a sweat?  Well you have your pawns Celestia, and I only have six friends.” He said giving a subtle glance toward the tan mare with a pink mane.  She blushed slightly but seemed to have an indifferent but almost fearful expression.  I looked between the five others including Twilight and realized they were huddled together slightly, observing the argument from afar, unsure what to do.

“Discord!” Recoiled Celestia seemingly at a loss for words. “I-is that what you think?” She asked with a hurt expression.

“Of course not!” Came Discords disgruntled response.  “But you always do this.  Well I want someone to talk to that isn’t you or Luna.  While Fluttershy is welcome I can’t help but still feel empty.” He admitted, with an overdramatic flare to it.  Like he was leading her on.  

Celestia seemed at a loss. “I-I’m sorry Discord, I didn’t…I didn’t think-” She stuttered slightly.

She was interrupted. “Oh don’t play coy.”  Discord said rolling his eyes.  “You want to keep him from being able to harm your little ponies so you’re keeping him close.  Taking his side so when the Ambassadors come to tear him apart and decide what to do with him you’ll offer them to check up on him every so often to see what he’s doing or something similar.  I know you sent out those letters detailing what happened in Equestria.” He said menacingly.  Celestia glared at him like she was ready to stop him from committing a crime.  “Oh you know they would take months to communicate and figure out where it came from.  Then they’d think you’re up to something.  But they won’t accept Blake as quickly as you would, so they’d think he’s a threat even to you am I right?  Offering to contain him in Equestria would allow you to get him to join your side, and strengthen your kingdom like how my cooperation strengthened it.”  He looked to me with mischievous eyes. “Don’t get caught up in her good will Blake.” He said softly. “You should think about yourself rather than Celestia’s kindness.” He leaned in with a small tilt of his head. “That’s how she gets yah!” He said teasingly.

“Discord, enough!” Celestia said threateningly. “I didn’t do any of that!” She stated defensively. “Even if I did plan this, I had no idea what he would become this powerful.  Yes I admit I’m afraid of his power but I don’t want to control it.  I’d have to know that he’d become the being he is now to think of such control in the long term.  And I sent those letters because I wasn’t sure what was going to happen.  If he was a threat or-…” She stopped as soon as she realized what she was saying.  “…or a friend.” She finished feeling the loss of playing into Discords tricks.

“But he doesn’t know that.” He said slyly looking at me. “And I’m not too keen on letting you take in another pawn.”  He said darkly.  “I’m willing to help you because I was wrong about ponies and the magic of friendship, but I’m not wrong about you.”  He said with finality, crossing his arms and giving Celestia a glare.

Celestia looked heartbroken but even more worried as she turned to me. “Blake?” She said with no small amount of worry.

I thought hard about what to say next.  Celestia seemed truly afraid of what I might do, like what Discord said was right or she feared I’d believe it.  I looked back to the six mares behind me and they had similar expressions.  Fear; It hurt me thinking that my presence would do this to someone.  But I thought hard about who was right, and who was wrong.  Discord seemed correct, and I respect his opinion.  But he more or less outright lied to get Celestia in a hard position.  I began to realize my situation was a lot more complex than I could imagine.  But there was one thing I was sure of.

“I don’t know what to think.” My voice came unexpectedly even to me.  That seemed to surprise most of the group and I began to feel a déjà vu of closterphobia as I realized that all eyes were on me.  I looked to my left to see a bust of an old unicorns head.  The name “Starswirl the Bearded” was carved into the golden plack.  Walking towards it and away from the group I stopped in front of it.  

“What am I to them?  A being of Chaos is the answer, but what am I to myself?   Human.  But what can I say to convince them of that?” I thought long and hard on my predicament.  “They don’t trust me do they?  No, but I trust them, and I trust them to do the right thing as I would.  I won’t hurt them, I won’t betray them, and I certainly won’t be used by them.”  Then a bout of realization hit me. “Discord isn’t trying to keep me away from Celestia, but to get me to not trust her blindly.” I smiled subconsciously.

“I’m not here to hurt you.” I said facing the statue.  “I’m not here to judge you.”  I stated, turning toward the group whose eyes were on me. “I’m not going to betray your trust, and you can’t say anything to make me doubt you.  This is because I know you’re both wrong.” I said to both Celestia and Discord.  “You can’t classify me as a being of Chaos.  I’m not a being of Chaos.” I said with conviction.  “I’m not a being of Harmony.” I said with equal conviction. “And I’m nothing in between.  And I’m certainly not going to be a pawn controlled by the leader of a nation.” I finished, thinking about my next set of words.  I began to fear I came off more hostile than I intended.

Celestia spoke up. “Blake, I’m sorry you feel that way.  And I’d never-.” I interrupted her.

“I know.” I stated calmly and looked to Discord I was about to speak to him before I was interrupted myself.

“Hey buddy!  Where do you get off interrupting the Princess like that?!” Said the rainbow maned Pegasus.  The six mares all had angry expressions toward me.  Which hurt me but I was also confused if they heard what I said or not.

Princess Celestia stopped them. “Rainbow, hush.” She said sternly.  Then nodded for me to continue.

I looked back at Discord.  “Discord I respect you.  It’s why I wanted to tell you the truth, which you won’t get now because Celestia is right.  I don’t owe you anything.  And Princess?” I looked to Celestia. “I would never hold this against you even if Discord was correct and you intended to manipulate me.  You’re a leader of a nation and protecting your ponies should always be your first thought.  Even if it means hurting me to protect them, it’s your duty.  And faulting you because of it would be wrong.  But I will always give you the benefit of the doubt because you gave it to me.”  I stated calmly.  Celestia’s tense form relaxed and her expression returned to a smile.  “Discord, don’t do this again.” I stated as a warning, using a very serious tone I never thought I could use.  “And Celestia, forget everything he said.” I commanded, which took everyone back. “There’s a point to Discords jabs that I don’t entirely disagree with.  I trust you too much when your primary concern is actually your people and not me.  I might accidently become your pawn whether or not either of us was intending for that to happen.” I said smartly.

“Glad to know we still understand each other.” Discord said proudly.  “You know Celestia,” He said with a little more cheer in his voice. “I think I understand why you like students so much.”  He grinned dumbly.  “You just do what you think is natural and give them tasks you think they can pass.  Then when they do they surprise you by doing it in a way you never expect.” He said proudly.  “So that was fun, let’s go to the gardens!” He promptly sped down the hallway slithering in the air and took a left at the end.  

“Well…” My voice was livelier. “Let’s go build a plane,” I added, more cheer in my voice than just a minute ago.

“Wait Blake,” interjected a motherly voice.  We all looked to Celestia and saw her smiling face. “I’d say you learned a valuable lesson.  And while we’re on the topic of politics, do you still want to attend the ambassadorial meeting?” She asked pleasantly.

“Actually...” A thought crossed my mind as I asked, “How many are going to be there?”

Celestia looked at me strangely before she nodded and smiled. “Oh, no more than fifteen.”

“Then I’ll still go.  I honestly don’t like large crowds.” I said honestly.  

Celestia nodded her head and started walking down the hallway Discord was going.  Everyone including me started to follow her.  “But can I ask you what you’re going to do?  Or say?” she replied skeptically.

“I’m going to tell them what I’ll be doing here.” A smile graced my features.

She gave me a skeptical look as she asked, “What would that be?” Her tone held skepticism.

I smiled coyly. “I’m here to learn more about myself, and none of them can stop me.” I replied, gesturing to myself.

Celestia shot me a disapproving gaze. “Blake, I need you to be serious about this.  If you say that then-”

I cut her off preemptively, “Don’t worry Princess.  I’ll tell them I have no interest in any nations' affairs.  Then I’ll respond with I’m not going to be a part of that or something along those lines if they ask about anything regarding how I’ll interact with other nations.”  I reassured her.

She gave me a suspicious gaze, before accepting my proposal and nodding approvingly.  She turned around and continued down the well-lit marble hallway with us in tow.  I heard the flapping of wings behind me and was about to turn around before a voice got my attention.

“Hey buddy,” whispered something on my left.  I looked over to see the rainbow-maned Pegasus hovering next to me while glaring at me like I stepped in something foul.  “Don’t interrupt the Princess when she’s talking, ok?  You should be more respectful,” she warned me dangerously.

“I’ll remember it.  Hey what’s your name again?” I replied quietly.

She gave me a confused look and said. “Rainbow Dash.” I nodded and didn’t respond.  

She flew back behind me and I looked over at Twilight who trotted next to me on my right.  She heard the exchange and gave me a nod.  I assumed she approved of what her friend said, so I decided to not interrupt Celestia in the future.  We continued our journey down the long, marble hallway as Princess Celestia led the way.  I grew bored of waiting and wanted to ask where we’re going, but I got the answer before we got to our destination.

I saw up ahead several large windows that weren’t stained glass.  When we passed by I was able to look outside.  It was a large garden that looked like it was perfect for building structures.  It also had a clear view of the sky so it was perfect for vertical take-offs and landings.  But more importantly, it seemed to have an overhang to the blue skies.  A specific open area, beyond a few hedges, had an open grass area that had no rails or protection to keep ponies from falling over the side.  There was a small marble wall that kept the dirt from falling down so it looked like a white ring that lined the edges of the garden.  I saw Discord spinning around in summersault patterns across the garden waiting for us to arrive.  I barely noticed that we turned the corner.

“Is that where we’re headed?” I asked excitedly, pointing out the window.

The Princess looked where I was pointing and smiled. “Yes Blake,” Celestia answered with warmth in her voice. “I hope it’s not too small for your flying machines.  I understand they could be quite big.” She said referencing our previous conversation.

I looked back at her with a questioning gaze as I repeated, “Big?”

Her back was still toward me as she trotted forward. “Well, aren’t they?” she asked looking back at me. “Or am I mistaken?  I got the impression your planes are similar to blimps, and need gas to lift off the ground.  So, blimps are quite large, unless you have a way around that, of course.”

I carefully chose my words to sound more respectful. “Well yes, that sounds about right.  However, I don’t need blimps to make something fly.  I just need the right thrust in the right spots, and then I’ll be able to make it float without any gas.” I remembered the blimp from earlier. “But considering there's only been one blimp I've seen in the sky other than some ponies, I can understand where you would think that.”

Honestly it was really hard not to make her seem foolish based on my statement.  But I believe I may have saved it with my ending statement.  She nodded and gave me a smile before continuing on with a noticeable skip in her step.  I wasn’t sure what I said that put her in a good mood, but I decided not to question it as we were going passed the windows quicker.  I took a look ahead of us and noticed the hallway dipped significantly.  

But I realized it just ended with stairs as we got closer.  Princess Celestia started descending them without trouble despite the fact she has hooves.  It was a weird thing to see when a quadruped goes down the stairs.  Specifically a horse; and she descended the stairs like a dog so the action wasn’t all that alien to me.

She looked back at me and smiled, before elaborating, “The doors to the gardens are just down these stairs.”

I processed that statement quickly before a wave of curiosity hit me.  “What would it be like building Garry’s Mod contraptions in the real world?  And how would thrusters and gates work compared to how they regularly would?” I thought intrigued.

“Oh ok.  Now can I just go meet you there?” I asked as I took my first few steps down the stairs.

Twilight was watching me with interest as I went down the stairs.  Almost like how a dog owner would watch their puppy go down the stairs for the first time.  But Twilight wasn’t the only one to watch me do this.  I looked behind me and saw the other five watching me with varying degrees of interest.  I looked back to Princess Celestia who was eyeing me with suspicion more about my request than my descent down the stairs.

“What do you mean?” she replied, the others looking on confusedly.

“Oh what I mean is meeting you out in that open area.  I want to get started quickly.” I eagerly explained.

She looked forward to place her steps properly, and then she stopped and turned to me.  The rest of the group stopped too, but out of my peripherals I could see Discord sleeping on a cloud with a large umbrella covering himself.  I looked over to him quickly to observer.  His eyes were closed and he had a joyful smile as he seemed to be humming a merry tune.  Either that or he was talking to himself.  I watched him pass out of sight as the window frame ended my point of view before I was distracted by the Princess's voice.

“I don’t want you to wander too far off.  We don’t want to have you separated from us for too long,” she said uneasily.

“Why is that, Princess?” asked Twilight.

The Princess looked at her faithful student with a warm smile. “A few ambassadors are arriving today, rather than tomorrow.  I want to make sure Blake is around to greet them.” She looked behind herself and stared at Discord through the open window that she passed by.  “I would like everyone to be together while I’m greeting the ambassadors.” She then turned back and looked at me. “How soon can you be finished with your creation?  If it takes too long then we’ll have to just leave it for another time.”

“Uh well, it’ll take maybe thirty minutes, maybe less.  It really depends on how well it works the first time around.” I said.

Princess Celestia gave me a worried expression.  She looked over to Twilight. “If it takes longer than thirty minutes, get him to stop working and come to the castle ballroom.  There, we will introduce him to the ambassadors,” she ordered, giving Twilight the basics of the day’s events.

Twilight looked at her with a confident smile and bowed. “You can count on me Princess.” She straightened up and looked Celestia in the eye.

“I know I can my faithful student,” she proudly stated.

Her horn lit up and in a bright flash of light, she disappeared.  I stood there looking at where she just was with a confused expression.  Having being the first time I’ve seen teleportation magic I was momentarily stunned by it.

“Blake?” Asked Twilight with concern.  I snapped out of my stupor and looked at her.  “Are you all right?” She asked concerned.

I shook my head and smiled at her. “Oh yeah I’m fine.  Didn’t expect her to leave so suddenly.” I said trying to avoid another “I’m not from here” conversation.

“Oh one more thing!” A sudden cheery voice got us to look up at the declining ceiling.  “Me again!” Said Discord manically. “I was waiting outside for you guys and got bored.  So I came back to discover that you’ve eaten Celestia.”  He said jokingly.

“No she left!  We didn’t eat her!” Said an exasperated Twilight.  

Discord puffed his cheeks up and pondered before blowing out the air in a raspberry. “Eh, sounds like the excuse of a cannibal.” He reasoned. “Welp, I’ve got no reason to stick around, BYE!” He shouted suddenly and disappeared in a flash of light.  I grinned at his humor before looking back at Twilight’s aggravated expression.

We stood there in silence as we were left alone with each other.  Myself and the six mares that I just met.  Twilight looked upset at Discord's sudden departure while she stared at where he was previously.  I looked back at the five mares behind me and smiled passively.  The pink one smiled back and waved while the others gave various gestures of acknowledgement.  And Rainbow Dash cleared her throat and looked away.

“So what should we do now, Twilight?” asked Rarity, ignoring me completely.

Twilight looked back at her friends with an unsure expression. “I guess we go to the gardens and leave ten minutes early.  If we’re late and make Princess Celestia look bad...” She looked back into my eyes seriously, her unsaid threat carried through her look. “So, can you make something quick?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Hey, thirty minutes is more than enough time to build something small.” I replied confidently.

Twilight gave me an unsure look but she smiled and said. “Ok then, I have faith in you.  Let’s just get there as soon as possible so we can get this done.  Besides, I want to see how you use magic.” She said excitedly.

I rolled my eyes and said. “Lead the way,” I encouraged her with eagerness of my own.  She nodded her head and headed down the stairs again.  As we descended, the pink pony from the group of five behind us got closer without me noticing.

She caught up to me and stood on my left. “Hi!” She greeted me enthusiastically.

I was slightly confused by her voice being so shrill, but I put it aside and responded, “Hi.”

“I’m Pinkie Pie and I love meeting new ponies!” she happily exclaimed.  “I know we were introduced earlier but you said you forgot Rainbow so I assumed you forgot my name so I told it to you again.  Is that ok?” She asked happily.

“Pinkie...” Twilight warned her.

Pinkie responded quietly, “Sorry.”

I was confused by Twilight’s idle warning. “What’s going on?” I asked Twilight.

Twilight looked at me unsurely but a voice behind me answered.

“Well Pinkie here talks a lot,” Came a southern voice from behind me.  

I looked around and noticed the pony in the cowboy hat descending the stairs quicker than the rest to catch up to us.  She slowed when she caught up to Pinkie's right and kept pace with us.  She then gave me a kind smile and continued.

“She sometimes overdoes it and annoys a few ponies, but she always means well.  So Twilight asked her not tah talk tah yah,” she explained.

I looked at Twilight with a frown. “But what made you think I didn’t like talking to ponies?” I asked and smiled at her sudden bashfulness.

She caught herself. “Well, all I knew was that you were a chaotic being like Discord, so I assumed you’d try to manipulate her.” she admitted embarrassingly as she looked away.  

I gave her an odd look but I forgave her because of the circumstances.  “Yeah, I see where you’d think that.  But I’m not like him, I’m not a being a Chaos.  Well not like Discord.  Actually what’s your problem with him anyway?  I noticed everyone seems suspicious or just untrusting of him.”  I asked.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “He doesn’t do it often anymore but…Most of the time, he would do things that harmed other ponies or would make things fun for himself, but that was before we reformed him.” she replied as her hoof reached the last step on the stairs.

I frowned as her statement registered in my mind.  “Wait, is that why everyone is unsure about my magic?  It’s because Discord hurt people in the past?” I asked.

Twilight looked back at me. “Ponies, Blake.” Twilight corrected.

We reached the bottom and continued to move forward, I let the information cook in my head and stayed quiet while deep in thought.  Pinkie tried to reengage with me but she saw my expression and backed down.  We got to large double doors on our left and Twilight was the first to push them open with magic.  I was still stuck in my stupor to really notice until the movement of two MASSIVE doors got me to glance at them.  I was slightly awestruck by it but I didn’t let it get to me.  I shook myself out of my stupor and noticed how Twilight’s magic created an aura around the two doors.  I was slightly surprised by it but it’s not the first time I saw magic.  That’s when I saw the outside.

I saw through the window what looked like a maze, but that wasn’t necessarily true.  It was a garden first before a maze.  It had a lot of pathways that led off into places that I could only guess at what was there.  There were white archways that were wrapped in vines and statues seemed scattered but placed in a noticeable square pattern throughout the garden.  You could see them poking above the hedge.

“Are you ok Blake?” Asked Twilight.

I looked back down at her and her confused expression. “Oh, it’s a nice garden.”  I stated. “I was just looking at it.” I lifted off the ground subconsciously activating noclip.  

I didn’t notice the surprised gasps by some of the ponies until I looked back down and noticed their awed gazes.  I smiled slightly at them but continued rising higher until I could get a good view of the garden.  There was a point where a blatant maze could be made out that was actually marked by stone archways rather than white ones.  There seemed to be a little yellow warning sign attached to each one with words on it.  I couldn’t read them from where I was but I knew they had something to do with the maze.  I was momentarily awed by a large round orb in said maze.  It looked like a small planet and from my position.  

“Hey Blake!” Shouted Twilight.  I looked down with a raised eyebrow and expectant gaze. “Don’t wander off too far!  We can’t find you if you fly off!”  She said.

“Can’t Rainbow follow me?” I asked remembering the prismatic Pegasus.

Twilight looked down back to the group of mares and started saying something.  I was too high up to hear unless I got closer, but I remained in place so they don’t lose me.  After a few moments of conversation Rainbow Dash flew up to me with an hesitant expression.

“Uh sup.” She said unsure of herself.

“Hi, I’m just looking around till I find a good flat spot to build.” I said looking back at the garden.  I spotted a place near the edge that was entirely grass with the hedges in a circular pattern.  “How about right there?” I asked Rainbow.

She rolled her eyes. “I don’t know, you’re the one building.  What do you think?” She said with her hooves crossed.

“Perfect.” I gave her a grin.