//------------------------------// // "Strange Days." // Story: From Under The Cork Tree // by Muscle_Car_Brony //------------------------------// The last thing Gale remembered before passing out was an intense pain. That being said, it should be no surprise that his first thoughts upon waking up in yet another hospital bed were, Twilight, you bitch. You knew that was gonna happen. Of course, he never got a chance to verbalize those thoughts as a tan pony suddenly appeared in his face. “Oh good, you’re awake,” He said before walking away from the bed. “I’ll let the staff know you’re ready for breakfast.” He said before turning to the door and making his way out of it. “Who are you?” Gale asked, unsure what this pony was doing in his room. “Are you one of the nurses?” He asked. “Oh, um, yes definitely. I’m definitely a nurse.” The pony said before slamming the door shut. Okay what the . . . ya know what? Nevermind. Gale wondered, sitting up and moving to the edge of the bed. As he stood up it suddenly occurred to him that the bandages that covered him for the past few days were nowhere to be seen. Twilight, you are now slightly less of a bitch. He thought, taking off his ruined shirt as he began stretching his arms, popping his joints, and just generally moving about as normal. Twenty minutes later, a bright flash erupted from the corner of Gale's room. Guessing what this meant, he quickly reached for his shirt just as the light faded to reveal Twilight. “Does it ever occur to you to, ya know, knock?” He asked, ever thankful that his clothes had managed to survive the past few days relatively in tact. “Because I don’t know about you ponies, but back home it’s considered rude to just walk in on someone when they’re getting dressed.” He said to a blushing Twilight as he threw his shirt back on. “Oh, sorry,” Twilight said, her blush dying down. “It’s just that we don’t normally wear anything and I guess I didn’t think you’d mind?” She semi-asked, shrugging off her saddlebags while walking over to the window. “Its such a beautiful day out don’t you think?” Twilight asked, opening the blinds and turning back to Gale. “It’s the perfect day to get out and just, I don’t know, do things.” She finished, looking at Gale expectantly. Is . . . Is she trying to be subtle? Gale wondered as he looked at the pony in front of him. She can’t be . . . There’s no way. “I guess it is, too bad I don’t have a bike or anything.” He stated nostalgically. “Well I don’t really know what a bike is, but we could always go for a trot around town.” She said, going over to the couch and sitting down. “That is of course, if you’re okay to walk.” She finished, looking at Gale questioningly. Smooth, Ms. Sparkle, smooth. Gale thought, chuckling at Twilight’s failed attempts to be subtle. “So . . . I’m cleared to go somewhere else I presume?” He asked. “I mean I’m definitely able to walk now, and I don’t think you want to pay room and board for me at a hospital, do you?” He continued. “So where am I go-” He was cut off as the door opened and Steady Hoof walked in, carrying a tray of french toast. “Okay Gale, I know we don’t ha-” He started, walking into the room. “Oh darnit! Am I interrupting something?” He sheepishly said after noticing Twilight. “Oh Ms. Sparkle are you here to check Gale out?” Steady hoof asked, setting the tray on one of the side tables. “Not to sound rude, but I do hope so. You’re definitely cleared as far as I’m concerned.” He said, directing the last half at Gale. “Thanks for ruining it doc.” Twilight muttered, turning back Steady Hoof to Gale. “That’s what I came by for actually. You see now that you’re healed you’re going to have to live somewhere, and not to be rude, but you don’t own a house.” Trotting over to the couch, she continued. “Anyways, I’ve managed to clear a room for you, but you’re probably not gonna like where it is.” Gale chuckled. “Oh no problem, and I kinda figured that you’d found somewhere for me to stay.” He said, chuckling even more at her confused look. “Quite frankly, you fail at being subtle. It was obvious the second you went over to the window.” He said taking a step forward and patting her head. “Not that it isn’t appreciated though.” “Yeah, well remember that, then because you’re moving in with me in the town library,” She said, her irritation clear in her voice. “As my pet . . .” She continued, turning back to see Gale smile quickly turn into a scowl. “Before you get mad at me,” She started, taking a step back in concern. “I want you to know that it was the mayor’s idea. She’s been mad at me ever since I moved into town and she probably thinks that this is a way to get back at me, not to mention she’s a bit of a specist.” Twilight added, hoping to redirect, if not calm, Gale’s anger. Fucking hell . . . Gale thought as he walked over to the door. “Well,” He sighed. “Let’s go, then. It seems I’ve got my work cut out for me,” Then he stopped, turned around and said. “Oh, Steady Hoof, thank you for doing what you could for me. It’s really appreciated.” Twilight, floating her saddlebags off the ground and over to her, asked, “Can you, uh, help me get these on? They’re kind of heavy.” “Seriously?” Gale asked, incredulously. “Okay fine.” He huffed, before helping to put her saddle bags on. “Thanks by the way. They’re a pain to put on, even with magic.” Twilight commented, before walking toward the door. Before she could open the door, Steady Hoof spoke up. “Actually Gale, Twilight. It would probably be a better idea for me to get your paperwork and bring it back here.” Steady Hoof began, stepping over to Gale and patting his back. “The staff might freak out if you just walked down to the lobby,” He continued. “This way I can let them know that you’re out and about as well as leaving.” He finished, opening the door, and stepping through it. “I’ll be right back.” He said stepping out the door. “By the way,“ Gale started as Steady Hoof left the room. “I thought you said that spell of your was supposed to be almost painless.” Looking at him curiously, Twilight replied. “What do you mean almost painless? It’s normally completely pain free.” “Yeah, well it hurt like a bitch when you did that last night.” Stumped, Twilight mused aloud. “I wonder if it’s because you’re not a native Equestrian . . . “ They left about an hour later and made it down to the second floor before running into a pair of guards. “Hold it right there!” One of the guards yelled, holding a spear in their path. “Don’t worry miss, you’re free to go, but this one’s got to go back to his room ‘till the mayor figures out where to put him.” Well screw you too, buddy. Gale thought. With a roll of his eyes, he decided it better to stand back and let Twilight handle the situation. For the next few minutes he stood quietly while Twilight tried to convince the pair -who seemed either extremely intolerant or just plain ignorant- that Gale was able to leave the premises. He would have continued to stay quiet, too, until the other guard piped up. "Why are you even bothering anyways, Sparkle? It‘s not like it'll care where it lives." That set him off. “Where it lives, huh?” Gale calmly asked, surprising both the guards and Twilight. “Where it lives, huh?” He continued. “Does it ever occur to you that it is intelligent and can understand what you’re saying?” Taking a step forward he continued, starting to lose his cool. “You two should really be glad we’re not back home, because if we were you’d have just lost your job.” Before Twilight could stop him the first guard was standing right in front of Gale. “And just who in Tartarus do you think you are, huh? Some hairless ape who wrecked a local farm!” He practically spat the words as he stood there, attempting to bully Gale with his stature. Hairless ape? Oh, you did not just say that. “Twilight?” He calmly asked. “Do you mind if I take out some of my current anger on this prick?” He growled, cracking his knuckles and taking a step forward. Luckily, for all parties involved, Twilight stepped between them. “Would everypony please calm down?” “Everypony? Do I look like a damn pony to you?” Gale stammered, incredulously. “Gale, shut up!” Twilight snapped before turning back to the guards. “I’ll have you two know that I’ve got release papers from both the mayor’s office and the hospital staff. So as far as you’re concerned he’s able to leave, got that?” Taking step forward, she leaned closer and whispered something so Gale didn’t hear it. Both guards stood silent, dumbfounded at what had just occurred. She walked past the two guards, who made no move to stop her. When she was at the door, she turned back when she found Gale hadn’t followed her. “Aren’t you coming?” She asked, sweetly. “I’m sorry about that, Twilight. I really am,” Gale started as they walked out the hospital doors, “But the way that guard was talking, it... it just rubbed me the wrong way, I guess.” He continued, walking out of the hospital. “Why’d they listen to you any- oof” Gales sentence was cut off by a pink pony who came running out of nowhere. “Hi, Twilight! Who’s your new friend?” She asked, barely pausing enough to realize she’d bowled him over. “Oooh, is this that stallion you and Rainbow took to the hospital a few days ago? It’s good to see that him out and about.” “Not, a stallion.” Gale grunted, getting back on his feet. After pausing for half a second, she rounded on Gale and carried on, “Hi! You must be Twilight’s new friend. I mean you’d have to be because I know everypony in Ponyville, but I don’t know you!” She suddenly stopped and gasped. “Do you like parties? ‘Cause I’m gonna throw you the best ‘Welcome to Equestria slash Ponyville party and it’ll be superific.” Pinkie went on to describe just how superific it would be while Gale tried, and subsequently failed, to walk away. “Look miss, thanks for the offer but-” Gale began, taking a step toward Twilight. “Oh, my name’s Pinkie Pie!” She responded cheerfully. Well okay then . . . Gale thought, taking another step away from Pinkie. Twilight trotted on this whole time, not realizing that Pinkie had cornered Gale. Looking back she saw him standing stock still and grimacing at the pony who was hopping around him at the time. Walking over to the two, she asked. “Hey, Pinkie?” “Yeah, Twilight?” The, now prancing in place, pink pony responded. “Could you give Gale a little space? He’s been having a hard time adjusting to all this.” Twilight continued. “But Twilight, I just want to let him know about his party!” The bouncing pony responded. “That’s all well and good Ms. Pie, but I’d rather not have a party thrown for me.” Gale interjected, hoping she’d understand why. “Okie dokie then.” And just like that, she took off, galloping toward the other end of town. Turning to Twilight, Gale asked. “Is this gonna keep happening? Because if it is, then we’re gonna have a problem.” He said flatly, crossing his arms and glancing back toward the, now leaving, pony in question. Twilight sighed. ”This should be the only time Pinkie tries to throw you a party, yes. But she may do something else just as equally random.” “I’d rather her not throw me a party, especially if what you said about the mayor is true. But if she’s gonna, then I hope she keeps it small . . . “ Gale finished. “Anyways,” Twilight continued, ignoring the stares from the townsponies. “This is Ponyville’s farmer’s market. We have all the local vendors and a few from farther out.” She would have continued, if not for Gale’s snickering. Good lord did they really name the place Ponyville? He thought, trying his best to control his laughter. “I’m sorry, Twilight. It’s just that, well, that’s one of the most ridiculous names I’ve ever heard, and this is coming from someone who’s driven through Humansville, Missouri. Granted, it was the founder’s last name, but my point still stands.” He started, laughing a little more before returning to his normal quiet slouch. Dammit now they’re staring at me, aren’t they? He thought while looking around the town’s semi-busy street. “Okay everypony nothing to see here, move along.” Twilight hollered, dispersing the growing crowd of confused ponies before turning back to Gale. “I’m so sorry about that. I mean, I don’t know what those ponies are thinking.” “‘That’ll be the last time it happens,‘ You said,” Gale started, kicking a rock with his foot. “‘No-pony else should do anything,’ You said.” He continued, looking at the ground. “I guess that’s a bust then isn’t it?” He angrily muttered while staring at the ground Another several minutes, and quite a few uncomfortable stares later, they reached the front steps of the Golden Oaks Library. Gale, perhaps sensing something was amiss, asked Twilight if the lights were normally off. “No. They normally aren’t.” She said, pausing before she would’ve opened the door. “What in Tartarus, Pinkie!” she groaned, turning back to Gale. “It seems your friend doesn’t know how to take a hint, does she?” He annoyedly asked, moving away from the door. Ugh she’s one of those types isn’t she? He thought, looking back over to Twilight. “She’s normally pretty good about that kind of thing, but I guess she really wants to throw you a party.” Twilight said, moving near Gale to stand by the sign. Gale slowly stood up from against the sign, looked at the Library and asked, “How bad are her ‘parties’?” Moving over next to twilight, he continued, “It’s not like she’s gotten the whole town in there, has she?” At Twilight’s look of dread, he grew worried. After five minutes or so of standing and wondering what to do, Gale commented. “I suppose you’re gonna have me go in there anyways?” “I’ll be honest if you were just another new pony, then yes I would. Of course it’s pretty obvious that you’re not ‘just another pony’.” She said, noting Gale’s sullen features. “Do you know anywhere else I can stay for the night? Because I’d rather not have to deal with an entire party full of peo- ponies, who may or may not think I’m just another animal.” “Let me think . . . “ Twilight said, before tapping her hoof to the ground and muttering. “No no can’t take you there because she’d freak out. I can’t talk to her right now, she’s mad at me. I definitely can’t take you Rainbow’s place. “ She continued, “I can only think of one other place, but chances are that it might not work.“ Fifteen minutes later found the two walking out of town toward a rather large farmhouse. “And you’re sure this is a good idea, Twilight?’ Gale asked, nervously following the mare in question. “Honestly? No. I’m not,” Twilight started as they walked up the long path to the house. ”But Applejack’s been a friend of mine for awhile now and I’m sure I can convince her to loan us a room for the night.” She said. “I hope you meant let us each have a room,” Gale dryly commented as they reached the porch. “‘Cause no offense, but I’m not about to sleep in the same room, let alone bed as a pony.” However, before she could reply the front door opened and a yellow coated filly with a red mane walked out. “Well howdy Twilight what are ya-,” She froze mid step when she saw Gale standing behind the purple mare. That has got to be the most adorable little thing I have ever seen. Gale thought as he stood, behind Twilight, and listened as she tried her best to convince the little pony that he wasn’t a threat. “Heh-hmm,” he coughed, causing Twilight to look at him and startling the little one, her name apparently being Apple Bloom. “If I may Twilight?” He said with a glance at his unicorn companion. Upon her hesitant nod he crouched down and slowly began. “Hey, little one? Are you okay? I didn’t mean to scare you,” He started, voice almost a whisper. “I don’t wanna get anyone mad at me, or scared, “ He continued,. “I was just wondering if your family has any room in one of the barns, so that I have somewhere to sleep for now.” Slowly the little one lifted her head. “Twilight, is- is he telling the truth? He ain’t gonna hurt nopony, is he?” She asked apprehensively. “No Apple Bloom, he won’t hurt anypony. It’s a long story but he’s telling the truth, and he’s not staying at the Library because right now Pinkie’s filled it with everypony in town and we-” She motioned between herself and Gale. “-don’t think it’s too good of an idea for them all to meet him just yet.” She finished, taking a small step forward. “Can you go get Applejack?” It took a minute before she slowly replied. “Yes, Twilight I’ll go get her.” Walking back into the house Apple Bloom, thought about what Twilight had said. We don’t think it’s too good of an idea for them all to meet him just yet. Her mind replayed the words for the third time as she walked into the main sitting room. “Hey Big Mac, have you seen Applejack anywhere? Twilight wants to talk to her about something to do with a new friend of hers.” She asked her brother, a rather large earth pony stallion with a red coat and blonde mane. He replied. “Eeyup. She’s up in ‘er room, said somethin’ about goin’ into town for a party later on.” He got up and walked out of the room before she could ask him what he meant by party. I guess I’d better go get Applejack then. She really needs to see this. She thought quickly trotting up the stairs. She got to her sister’s room a second after she’d opened the door. “Hey Applejack, Twilight’s here to see you,” She began, lightly panting from her quick run upstairs. “She’s got a weird friend with her and he wants to know about borrowin’ a barn for a night or two. Said somethin’ ‘bout not wanting to go into town for a few days.” Huh. It ain’t normal for Twi’ to bring anypony out here, ‘specially at this time in the afternoon. Applejack mused. “Okay Sugarcube, tell ‘em I’ll be down in a minute.” She said, walking across the hall to the bathroom. “I just gotta finish gettin’ ready for Pinkie’s party. I know I’m runnin’ late, but she sprung it on me.” She said to her sisters look of disbelief. Apple Bloom took the hint and went back down stairs. I hope Applejack ain’t gonna be mad that I left out a detail or two. She thought to herself, clearing the landing and walking to the front door. “She said she’ll be down in a minute Twilight,” she started, opening the door and stepping back onto the porch. “Thank you very much Apple Bloom” Twilight stated. “I guess my friend here should introduce himself.” She said, nudging Gale in the ribs. “Ow. That hurts ya know.” Gale chuckled. “Anyways. My name’s Gale and let’s just say how I got here is a long story, but I’ve been resting up in the hospital for a few days now,” He started. The filly stood enraptured as he told his small tale. “Earlier today Twilight came by to check me out and take me back to the Library where I’m supposed to stay,” He stopped talking as he heard the door opening. I wonder what’s got ‘Bloom so worked up. Applejack thought to herself as she descended the stairs of her family’s country home. Maybe it’s this friend of Twi’s, she continued mentally. Maybe he’s a bit odder than most and she’s a little nervous. Yeah that’s it. Her mental debate stopped dead as she opened the door and beheld a rather large hairless creature, akin to a minotaur, who was quietly talking to her, less scared looking, little sister. All the while Twilight stood behind him looking between the two. What in tarnation . . . Deciding it best to just roll with it for now she greeted them. “Howdy Twi’, little ‘Bloom here was tellin’ me that you and yer buddy need to borrow a barn for awhile.” She said with a chuckle. “I hope you meant for some science experiment because she’s a little too young for that.” She said in what Gale quickly decided was an almost stereotypical southern drawl. “See?” He told a slightly confused Twilight. “I told you that you were wording it wrong!” He said before turning his attention back to the orange mare, who looked more confused than her little sister had been. “I’m sorry, miss. Where are my manners? I’m Twilight’s friend, Gale.” He said offering a hand before he could stop himself. Before he could pull his hand back, Applejack took it in her hoof and shook vigorously up and down. “It’s a pleasure to meet ya Gale.” She said with a grin, before continuing. “Now what’s this I hear about you wantin’ to borrow one of my family’s barns?” “Eh, heh, heh, well you see, Twilight’s got this friend of her’s-” He started. “Let me guess, Pinkie Pie?” Applejack interjected. “Yes.” Twilight and Gale answered simultaneously. “Anyways, Pinkie’s got it into her head that I have to have some sort of massive introduction party.” He continued. “Let me guess, you don’t rightly want to go to it now. Do you?” Applejack asked. “Yeah, but not for the reason you’re probably thinking.” Twilight added. “It’s a bit of a complicated issue AJ.” “Well if’n y’all need to, the North barn’s probably clean enough for you. If not, well I reckon I can get you something and you can sleep out under a tree if you’d want.” “Thanks Applejack, this means a lot to me.” Gale commented. About ten minutes later, while walking back from barn, Applejack stopped. “Ya know I just remembered somthin’.” She said, turning to Twilight. “Do you know why the mayor’s called for about a dozen guards out in the south fields? ‘Cause they won’t let me or Big Mac through and we need to get to our harvestin’ barrels.” Gale looked at Twilight only to find her looking at him before they both turned to Applejack. “Applejack, can we step inside your house for a minute? I think I might know what they’re doing there.”