//------------------------------// // Downhill // Story: Walking Giant // by Gairenard //------------------------------// Chapter 7- Downhill The world seemed still, as most things did in awakening. It was quiet and empty, yet the mind’s eye saw a torment of emotion boiling within. For not one moment was Barin happy to see the light of day, because it meant he had to deal with the problems of yesterday. Barin sat up in his bed slowly. The abnormal tints of light that shone through the cracks in his walls suggested that he had slept in. That said, he quickly became aware of an overdue call of nature to the local brush. Bothering to only put on his shoes and glasses, Barin ungracefully made his way to the outdoors via his Duct-Tape door. A few seconds later, a resounding sound of manly relief echoed. The call signaled the retreat of local manticores in the area who were learning his habits. Next came the standard routine. Get dressed, eat breakfast, make the bed, and then brush the teeth. Barin bent down on one knee and reached for the backpack under his bed. The brush was kept in a Ziplock bag to keep it as clean as possible in the dirt poor environment. Having retrieved this bag, he opened it and pulled the travel brush out. The damaged toothbrush was one of the few hygiene devices he had, and Barin knew very well that a cavity could eventually form should toothpaste not be acquired. Next was the signal mirror, and it was kept in the same bag. Holding the mirror in one hand and the brush in the other he began to clean. When it was done Barin saw a row of chompers that only appeared to be clean. He picked up his pack of dwindling Tic-Tacs. The box that started the whole pony relationship in the first place. It held great sentimental value from that alone. Barin moved with slow paces as he extracted a Tac from the box. The miniscule noise it made when it landed in his palm resounded in his head. It was only a mere two, possibly three weeks ago? Do I regret that decision? After all it has given and taken from me. That one gesture of kindness...He popped it into his mouth. At least my breath has a short-lasting orange smell. He looked at the sky and then involuntarily looked at his wrist. The tan line of where a watch used to be greeted him. Ah, I keep forgetting I lost that… His stomach softly churned. Where did I put that sack? He found the sack of food next to his log pile. Despite this he had to settle for vegetarian reserves and manticore jerky left by the god of chaos. The jerky wasn't anything unique in terms of flavor, nor was the texture or toughness any different. Same for the familiar fruit. A breakfast that feels like a chore is hardly a good breakfast at all. That blasted mishmash of a being could have felt me something nicer...I digress, it wouldn't have changed anything. The next task was to head to the river and wash his previously worn clothes, on the way, his self dialogue took over. It was his idea. “I know, I very well know.” I wonder why I even agreed to such a plan. “When a being gives you premium crustaceans to eat, one does not simply refuse a favor in return.” I could have refused nonetheless. “But that would have been rude. Manners is a good practice and keeps the mind focused.” True. I didn't know any better at the time anyway. “Something must be done now that doesn't involve skeptical chances.” Little bastard is a maniac, it's likely he’s not even thinking through his actions. “Duly noted. What would I propose?” Just act reluctant for now. Let him know that you're not happy with him. Barin looked down to see the river at his feet. With no traditional equipment to speak of, nor wanting to use more of the soap bar than necessary, his washing was primitive at best. Getting on his knees, Barin put his dirty clothes aside in a pile, laid a clean trap on the ground adjacent to the pile, then retrieved a shirt from said pile. The key was getting the shirt as wet as possible. So a long dunk in the flowing river was the ticket. It didn't smell fresh when it was done, but it wasn't foul either. Barin’s fist was clenched on the shirt to ensure it did not flow downstream. This is boring. Truly a stagnant part of my day is spent sitting by a river, holding onto landry. How much effort does it take to make a wash bucket? “Making a bucket is not easy, but a hole in the ground lined with leaves is a better idea.” Hm, something to brainstorm later. I will need to sketch it out. “I haven't had coffee in forever, and I feel like a part of me is missing because of it.” Sudden change in topic, but woe to the one who becomes reliant on a luxury nonetheless. “A delicious luxury, served with an omelet and a side of sausage. Or bacon.” I miss bacon. I need to add that to my list of food. Bacon, Coke... what else? “Cranberries! I love cranberries! Discord could give me that…Like he gave me lobster, fresh food, water…” He may be nice, but generosity like that is highly suspicious. “Is it...? Could he be taking advantage of me?” It would make sense. He caters to my desires and I do his bidding. Last night could have been a test of loyalty. “...Cheeky little mutant wouldn't be that stupid!” I can't trust him, not anymore. “Well, lets not jump to conclusions just yet, but who can I trust?” At this point, no one. If this is his true intentions...Barin pulled out his shirt and firmly wrung it before placing it on top of the tarp before plunging his jeans into the water. Then I need to keep my frustration on the down-low. He would stop being supportive altogether if he discovered I realize his intentions. “Then how else do I repay him for what he’s done if I don’t want to support him? Perhaps an equivalent of a return favor, at least?” Manners?! “Yes! Manners!” Don't repay him. Next time, refuse to his commands. It may mean that he will be more frugal with his help, but I can handle some tougher living. He hasn't made me soft, has he? “No, but I can't live like this much longer! I must make amends to the ponies somehow! Some way to end this whole phase!” Why? Granted they gave me aid, but what can I derive from them any further? Twilight and Discord have betrayed me! What’s not to say the rest won't either?! “What's to say the rest will still accept me? The pink one, Pinkie, and Fluttershy, they were the ones brave and kind enough to say hello to me in the first place!” Do I need them this badly? Barin threw his jeans on the tarp and then thrusted his boxers in next, causing a small wave to splash on the opposite shore, scaring off frightened squirrels “I do appreciate their company!” He retorted. Why? Barin was starting to falter on his own thoughts, and his voice slowly increased in volume until he shouted. “I’m human! I want some socialization, because I miss my home! I miss people! I miss my. My-God-damn! Family!” Barin slammed the boxers onto the tarp, and fell to the ground on his side, centimeters from the water. Tears began leaking from his eyes and his voiced died down to a whisper. “I just...I-I just want to go home...” The word ‘home’ caused more tears to heave from his eyes as the man lay there; in the soft daylight by the flowing river. The wind made the trees gently shake, and the animals seemed to be nonexistent. Nature was letting him have his moment of sorrow...Com’on now, I need to come to terms with the situation. Getting home is a long term goal, and laying here won't do me any good. The last thing I want is for that wodden wolf to show up, so let’s get going. The trek back to the Castle was long and somewhat wet from the tarp filled to the brim with his soaked clothes. Barin’s mind and mouth were silent during the trip, and both were happy that it was that way. Barin tossed the tarp of clothes up into his main-castle. He climbed up after it in a slow slump, and in doing so resumed the conversation. “I’m also going crazy, if that wasn't apparent.” What else is new? “I need a goal to strive for other than the daily needs, and that goal is to integrate into alien culture.” Progress at last! I have a goal. What will be my first move? “Well...let’s go on a tangent.” He had reached the top of the climb and started walking aimlessly around the room, while using a slight bit of focus to avoid colliding into anything. His eyes glossed and his body moved in a symmetric motion as a brainstorm developed. “Goal; make friends with the ponies and become more acquainted with their culture. Easier said than done of course with all thats happened as of late...However, these horses appear to behave like the ones on Earth, instinctually speaking. Therefore, in terms of behavior, they should be largely pack driven. Not unlike man. If I start a positive view of myself, and slowly expand influence, then I will soon have metaphorical followers to carry a good name for me upon the populous!” Not bad so far...can't see any blatant flaws. “As much as I would like Twilight to apologise to me first, I need to get her on good terms in order to clear my name as it were, assuming they even gave me one. I would think so, but it is likely not a kind one.” Which most would likely be Big-foot... or Goliath. I like that one. “If I can't get Twilight to help, I’ll defer to her companions. With help from them I can start by introducing myself to the town outskirts, where population is lower and thus less interference from authorities. I’ll have to be gentle about it, but my pre-established friends should help me with that part.” Use the term friends more loosely. “Once I have a larger group think more positively of me, I can push into deeper waters. Rinse and repeat and presto! I am in business!” Oh, we’re actually getting somewhere. But what of the details, hmmm? How will I contact one of them? Last I saw that didn’t quite go so well. “Simple. I get my crazy little mutant to help.” Discord? “I can make things work with Twilight, otherwise I would have to get someone more open minded, or someone good at charades. Discord is both, but I can't trust him with this.” Then why bring him up? “Even so, Discord may end up being a sub-par translat-” “Your not happy with me, are you?” Barin froze in place and turned around to see the mish-mash himself hovering at eye-level, holding a solitary coconut. “I intended that things would go wrong, in fact, I would have been quite disappointed if they didn’t. But trust me, this is all for the best. I need to help teach Twilight a lesson, and sadly you are the means of doing that. And I suppose it is fortunate for my sake that you don't understand what I just said.” He ended his entry with a smirk. Barin looked at his untrustworthy companion. I dont have to say any relevant words to get the message across. “Well, you’re a slime eating dog! A scum-sucking pig!” Barin made sure to put a negative emotion behind the words and in his face. Discord interpreted it as an angry threat. “You're clearly mad about this...have a muffin.” To his words, Discord manifested a large muffin in the hand of the giant. He looked at it, saw the blueberries within it, and took a bite out of it begrudgingly. With a relatively full mouth Barin continued, “Son of a motherless goat!” “Oh quit pouting!” Discord turned away from him and waved his claw dismissively, floating over to the vacant bed and resting upon it. He took a lime from seemingly nowhere, and stuffed it into the coconut from before. He started to vigorously shake it. “A good gift from a friend solves everything in the end, thats what I’ve observed. Now I just need to think of something special…” Barin however was not happy with the care-free gesture. “You...Are you actually dismissing my opinion?!” The frustration within him shrank and was replaced with an emotional drain. “I...I was right?” The truth can bite hard. It’s okay if it hurts. Just don’t salt the wound. Discord failed to fully acknowledge the change in Barin’s demeanor. “Mmm, I wonder if he knows what bacon is?” Barin felt an impulse from his gluttony to continue eating the muffin, but his hand objected, and dropped the baked good. It landed with a soft thud. I didn't want this to be true, and I can't be certain if things aren't as bad as they seem... Draining his grief away, he kicked his emotions aside. I’ll bide my time. For now I stick with the plan. “Discord.” “Yes?” “Twi…Fluttershy. Fluttershy.” In the midst of realization, he wanted to see someone he was confident in trusting. Ah yes, the stick of butter with wings. “What about her?” “Fluttershy.” He lifted a palm and pointed at it with his other hand. “You want Fluttershy? She doesn't like it when I randomly teleport her, hah, but this is a good excuse!” He clapped twice and the yellow Pegasus appeared directly in the man’s hand. Immediately she reacted with a frozen surprise, not daring to move a muscle until she had an idea of where she was, but as soon as she saw who was holding her, she relaxed. Slightly. “Oh! Hello, Barin, I uh, didn't realize you could do that…” “Dear Flutters, he has no magic to speak of. Your presence is my doing.” Quickly she shot a stern expression in Discord’s direction. “He asked politely! As politely as he can, anyway! Take it up with him!” Fluttershy however clearly did not see that as a worthy excuse. “We are going to have a talk about this.” She turned her attention kindly back to the human. “It’s good to see you up close again! Oh and I wouldn't worry about last night...no real harm was done-” Discord rolled his eyes as he lay upon Barin’s bed. “That's a lie!” She looked back firmly at Discord, “I sent you out on lunch break from helping me-” Discord spoke his claim with energetic movements. “I went to go buy some meat, at the shop! The griffin there said, ‘This is grade A meat.’ So I touched it, I stretched it, and you know what? Ten outta ten. Brought it home; cooked it up with a little spice; a little thyme, some salt and peppa; ten outta ten perfection!” Fluttershy ignored him. “You must be getting lonely in this old castle.” Her tone was quickly turning into overly sympathetic. “I know things can be hard, what with you being alone most of the time, but know that we will always be here.” Barin was staring at her intensely and not a single word she said was understood. Her voice alone did bring comfort to him though. I have no good response to whatever she just said...better pet her to show acknowledgement. She said nothing as his other hand caressed her head gently. Discord looked over with slight curiosity at Fluttershy’s clear enjoyment in the somewhat demeaning pleasure. “Why do you ponies enjoy that so much?” Discord asked with a hint of jealousy. “Whenever I try it, I get a restraining order!” Fluttershy sat in Barin’s palm thinking this question over while his hand softly ran down her back. Keep calm and pet the pony, I need time to think. She answered Discord, “I...don't really know. It feels good, I know that, but other animals cuddle with me all the time, so this doesn't feel weird.” “Yes, well that’s you, but what of other ponies?” “Thats something you should take up with Twilight, she would know more about that kind of stuff.” She turned back to Barin again, who was staring blankly for the most part. “Oh, and, not to suggest that I don't like seeing you again, but, why did you want me here?” Barin’s expression of deep thought came to a halt as he tried to process the words he had just heard, to an end as a solution was found in two simple words. “Ponies mad.” “Oh, maybe a little bit, but not horribly, Twilight is trying her best to manage the situation.” Barin scowled slightly at the mention of the princess. “Twilight break infinity!” “What?” “Twilight break infinity! Barin mad!” Fluttershy looked to Discord for help, which he did provide with a shrug. “From what I understand it’s related to the needle incident. That, or he and Twilight somehow broke a law of physics. I wholeheartedly wish that was the case!” Fluttershy had stopped listening to Discord and stared into Barin's eyes, which were staring back out of curiosity of her behavior. She opened her wings and flew closer to his face, keeping gentle eye contact. She placed a hoof on the frame of his glasses, to which he jerked back. She persisted as before and managed to not get a jerk out of him. Barin was tempted to resist. What is she doing? I have a feeling she might be onto something...but I’m not even remotely sure what…Barin let the mare slide his glasses down to his nose until the lenses no longer were between his eyes and hers. They stared for a few moments, unblinking, before Flutters pushed the frame back up to where it was. She then proceeded to hug him as best she could on the side of his neck and upper chest. It was not merely a kind hug, but one of care for the individuals well being. An infectious emotion that seemed to become apparent in Barin himself. She...Does she get it? How? Gently, but tightly, his hands and upper arms embraced the hug. I didn't say much...did I say something wrong? Is this just a misinterpretation? He felt her dig into the embrace. Dammit, I’m so confused right now! “Help Barin.” Two words he understood well. It still did not answer any of his questions, but he felt glad that she somehow understood his predicament. Gently breaking from the hug, Fluttershy looked up at him, and saw a smile of genuine gratitude. She patted his upper chest where her hoof rested, sharing a similar smile of her own, before talking down towards Discord. “Discord. Can you bring my other friends here? Please?” “Flutters, I am the God of Chaos. Teleporting multiple ponies to a location is well within my capacity.” Despite this, it appeared that no movement was made to perform the assigned task. The pegasus rolled her eyes and spoke again. “May you bring my other friends here? Please.” “But of course!” A large smile sprang onto Discords lips. With a snap of his talons five of the missing ponies were teleported into the room. All five of them were surprised at the event, but quickly made an accurate guess about who was responsible. Discord did not bat an eye at the scowls delivered from them, and he shrugged. “Just obeying orders.” Barin saw the ponies turn their attention toward him, and the meek pegasus at his feet. Rainbow Dash flew up to Barin with a peeved voice. “You got some kink in your head dude?! Your so lucky nopony got hurt!” She pointed at him accusingly before flying closer to his face. “You need to explain yourself!” Having entered his personal space, she felt a large exhale pass over her. It smelled like a sweet orange candy. Rainbow was dragged back down to earth by a familiar lavender aura. “Rainbow, I don't think agitating him any further is going to help,” Twilight said, to which the only response she got was a soft huff, and even Twilight herself did not seem to be the most pleased to be standing where she was. AppleJack concurred with Dash. “Ah agree with RD, some kinda explainin needs ta be done here.” Fluttershy tried to get her friend's attention. “Um, well you see-” She was interrupted by Rarity who scolded Barin the the politest way she could, if one could call it scolding in the first place. “Your behavior in the needle incident was understandable, but this,” Rarity gestured a hoof out towards her surroundings, “is most unorthodox!” “Um...girls?” Pinkie was the only one who was happy to see the giant. “Barry!” She galloped up to his leg and hugged it tightly. She then noticed the giant muffin on the floor behind said leg and let instincts take over. “Oooh! Muffin time!” “Girls?” Fluttershy’s only answer was them continuing their conversation with increasing negativity. “Ah had ta take time off’a work to help clean up that mess! That there was’a two story house ya’ll brought down!” “There’s unorthodox, and then there’s most unorthodox, and you sir have crossed. That. Line!” “Twilight? Can you let go of my tail?” “Sorry!” “Mmm, good this muffin is!” Discord fed a straw through the coconut and began loudly slurping the lime tainted milk as he seemed to enjoy listening to the argument. Fluttershy had no choice, but to raise her voice. “GIRLS!” Fluttershy stared at her friends with a rare countenance of authority. Her friends suddenly stood in a line with Barin watching over them. Having nothing relevant to say nor capable of doing so in the first place, Barin took a few quick steps over to his bed in order to reach his sketch pad. The room was silent, and there was an air of importance due to the serious nature of the meek pegasus. “Twilight?” Despite the whisper of a call, the tone of the voice carried an unmistakable pressure of someone at the edge of tolerance. “Y-Yes Fluttershy?” The princess was both confused and concerned, the last thing she wanted was to have peeved her friend in anyway. The reasons for that lay between moral virtues and personal health. The request was simple. “Apologise to him, please.” Twilight tensed up, more so than she had been since her arrival. Her eyes darted between Flutters, Barin standing behind her, and every other point in between. As if she were some kind of wall between herself and the giant. As much as she wanted to argue her opinion, it was proven invalid already. Still, the pride left in her refused to let it go so easily. “Could he do it first?” Her response came in an unanimous scowl from every non-human in the room. “Alright! Alright!” She looked up at Barin, not quite sure how to approach him properly. Having no context of what was happening, Barin gave a negative expression. This of course did not help Twilight’s nerves. She slowly trotted forward while looking up at him, choosing to utilize the most innocent face as possible hoping to cushion any possible backlash. With a quick dash upward, her eyes were level with his. Barin still looked resilient towards Twilight’s close proximity, and it became painfully clear that he fully understood now what she was doing. She sighed and spoke softly, “No syringe infinity…” He pointed at her sharply, “Twilight break infinity!” She deeply nodded. “Twilight break infinity.” She took a moment to browse through her limited vocabulary to speak in his tongue. “Twilight sad, Twilight sorry.” While she wasn't thinking about it, her eyes could not seem to meet his. Barin took note of this, and spoke from the chest, thus creating a deeper and more authoritative voice without shouting. “Twilight.” This caused her to truly pay attention. She repeated her apology. “I broke infinity, and I will never do that again. Twilight sorry.” From the ground the sight was both heartwarming and slightly off-putting. Rarity whispered over to AJ, “Is it just me, or is this peculiar to watch?” She wanted to compare more but Applejack got the message. “Ah git ya. One of them moments…” Barin smiled. The first smile he had shown Twilight in a respectively long time, before returning to a more heartfelt state. “Barin hurt Twilight...Barin sorry.” It was Twilight’s turn to smile, and she hugged the giant to the best of her ability. She felt his chest vibrate as he spoke with a different tongue. “I suppose this will suffice, a lesson learned for you.” He looked down at her with a warm smile. “Just know that if you break a promise like that again,” He chuckled a few times and lightly shook his head. “May god have mercy upon your soul.” Twilight sighed in relief, a huge weight was lifted from her shoulders. “I’m glad you were understanding.” “Your little soul…” Rainbow Dash called from far below, “You guy’s done yet?” Discord appeared beside her and pouted. “Aww, does Dashie hate warm-touchy moments?” She huffed a stray hair away from her eyes, even though it wasn't in the way. “This isn't touching to watch, it’s awkward and weird.” Pinkie objected. “Its not weird, it’s different!” Rarity looked at Fluttershy. “Is there another reason you brought us here?” Flutters quickly became excited. “Oh, yes! I was finally able to communicate with him!” Twilight quickly shot a confused look at her. “What? In what way?” “Oh, the way I do with other animals.” AJ entered the conversation. “And this is happen’en now because?” “Um, well, before his emotions seemed blurry and unfocused, his body language didn't seem to make sense to me.” She looked to her right and Twilight landed beside her. Barin then made the less subtle move of sitting down, sending light vibrations through the floor. Flutters continued, “Um, yeah, Barin asked for me and Discord brought me here, and I could tell that he felt bad about last night; then I looked past his glasses and into his eyes, and I finally understood what he wanted!” The way everyone looked on as a sign for her to continue. “He wants to be friends with everypony! He wants greater companionship-” Dash interjected “Whoa! Whoa, there! What?! Greater companionship? Are we not good enough for him?” “No! Not like that...its more of an instinctual thing–” Twilight had an epiphany. “Oh! I think I understand what you mean! For a while now I knew that he was a social mammal from the first time we met, and his determination to be part of our society would be an instinctive effort for him to become part of a larger herd!” Discord commented. “Sounds a bit selfish if you ask me. He has the seven of us on a regular basis, for the most part. That’s a herd right there.” Twilight knew her logic didn't seem completely sound, “Erm, well maybe it runs deeper than that but it’s all I got so far.” Pinkie looked up at Barin, who was obviously getting bored sitting and not doing anything while the ponies talked, the sketch pad had been closed and set aside. In an answer to this, Pinkie jumped onto his lap and rolled onto her back. He looked down at her, silently questioning the personal pride or shame that the little horse may or may not have. Regardless, he started rubbing her belly, where she released a blissful sigh. The others were ignoring the spectacle nearly all of them had indulged in themselves at one time. AJ picked the conversation up. “So he wants ta make friends with Ponyville fer whateva reason? This migh’ be a surprise, but the town ain't exactly keen on seeing his face again.” Rainbow agreed. “Yeah, crushing a house will do that. And also stomping around in the middle of the night.” Fluttershy was undeterred. “Well, it won't be easy, but I bet if we convince some ponies, they can convince more ponies–” Twilight interrupted. “So like a domino effect? Sounds tedious but I can't think of a better option. I don’t know how well they will react to me taking Barin’s actions so loosely.” Discord interjected, “Do like the Princesses do, toss a few white lies in the mix.” He didn't need to see their reactions to know that they thought the idea was absurd. “I’m giving you legitimate advice for once, I’d take it if I were y–” “I will not lie to my subjects!” “If you say so.” He snapped his talons and a double ended sludge hammer appeared in one arm and a large house fan appeared in the other. “If you will excuse me, I have business to attend to.” He disappeared in a flash. Rainbow spoke to Twilight. “He has a point, telling the town that we’ve known about him all this time might not be the best way.” AppleJack, of course, defended the truth. “Tell’n the truth will help ponies trust her in the future. Lie’n could make things worse!” Fluttershy spoke up, “The ponies are just confused and concerned for their own good; they don't know a thing about him.” Flutters glanced at Pinkie who was enjoying having her rear scratched. Rarity deadpanned, “Pinkie, I’ll admit I indulged in it once, but you are taking it to demeaning levels!” Pinkie respond in a half-focused way. “But I can’t scratch there…” Rainbow was getting annoyed. “And you guys wonder why I don't try it! It turns you into a needy dog!” Pinkie gasped dramatically. “You haven't been cuddled by the Digits of Bliss! Dashie! You MUST try it!” “Uh, how ‘bout no.” “Please?” “Pinkie…” “Pwetty please?!” “No!” “Pwetty please with hot-sauce ont-” “No, Pinkie!” “Alright, I triple dog dare you!” “What?!” “Your hooves are bound, Rainbow Dash, you know the rules. Never decline a triple dare!” Twilight leaned over to AJ and whispered, “Is she getting blackmailed?” “Eeyup.” Rainbow narrowed her eyes. “I’ll get you good for this Pinkie Pie, real good.” Disgruntled, she approached Barin and nudged his other free hand carelessly. He looked down at Rainbow, confused at her sudden desire for attention, given her negative reactions in the past. He then looked down at Pinkie who rapidly nodded in excitement. A hand placed itself on Rainbow’s backside, and she tensed up at first. Before relaxing a little bit more with every following stroke, before tensing up again. AppleJack couldn't help but laugh at the skewing face of Rainbow Dash. “Haha! Enjoying yerself?” Rainbow dash’s response came through clenched teeth. “Yes!-I-I am!” Her tone sounding more agitated than it did pleasurable, and she would’ve been lying if she had said the sensation of being petted didn’t feel good. Which was the exact reason why she was frustrated. Pinkie decided to show the blissful pegasus some mercy. “Alright Barin.” She tugged on his shirt. “Thats enough!” Her voice fell on deaf ears. “Barin?” She called a little louder. He looked down at her, his index finger continuing to ravage behind Rainbow’s ears. “Stop?” He ceased petting. Seeing Pinkie’s confused face directed towards her, Twilight gave an explanation. “His vocabulary is growing, but its limited to easy ones like nouns, names, and concepts that can be illustrated.” Rainbow gladly slipped away from the hand her cheeks flushed. “O-ok, Pinkie!” She gulped and thought for a brief moment. “I-I dare you to not be petted for three whole days!” Pinkie’s eyes dilated and her face was one of despair. Rainbow Dash smiled deviously and said in a low voice, “Starting now.” Pinkie’s eyes narrowed and she calmly slid off her hand. “Touche’, Dashie.” Rarity looked to the two ponies with a confused expression. “Okay,” she muttered quietly and looked to the others. “Well, its like Fluttershy said.” Rarity said returning to their previous topic, “we convince some ponies who help convince more ponies, etcetera, etcetera. Of course, that would mean having him meet other ponies face to face.” She glanced upward at the giant. “...So to speak.” Pinkie tossed in a suggestion. “Why not throw a giant party!?” “No can do sugarcube, the ponies are still riled up over yesterday.” Twilight straightened her posture, her voice becoming more serious. “Then we divide and conquer. You guys ask around Ponyville and try to convince some of the town, even if it’s just one pony. If things look good then we can move forward with the plan, however, if the damage is too great then we need to think of something more drastic, maybe more blunt.” Spike sat back in a lavish reclining chair while devouring a treat, which was made by gods, known as ice-cream. Twilight had stayed up late to do research on politics, so the dragon thought some early morning dessert couldn't hurt. So long as he didnt get caught. The serving itself was actually in moderation, being that eating the whole tub would be too obvious. Despite the rate it was melting, Spike made sure that he ate quietly. It should go without saying that he had tried this before with poor results, hence the caution. Ice-cream after breakfast is hard to pass up, and well worth the chance of lavender doom catching him red-clawed. There was no obvious clumps of crystal-road left in the bowl, and the only step left was to place the bowl in the sink to fill with water. He had just turned off the faucet before the Purple alicorn entered. Her mane was well groomed as usual, there were no baggy eyes, and the smell of saliva and paper seemed absent from her breath when she spoke. “Morning, Spike.” It was strange, the equine had no obvious trace of over-clocking the night prior. This put Spike off. “Uh, morning Twi. Did you sleep, well?” “I slept perfectly fine.” Spike wasn't sure if she was serious. “Is there a problem? Because I would think so.” “Spike, Barin is not causing that much of a disturbance.” He knew now that something was very wrong. He walked over to the table and picked up one of the many large stacks of papers. “These, are complaints and requests regarding the weeks’ disturbance. The ones on the table are as well.” “They’re just over reacting–” “When I showed them to you you went straight to your room saying you needed to look into politics. That made sense at the time, but you don't seem like your usual went-to-bed-studying self.” She put a hoof over his mouth. “I get it! I just couldn’t find any books relevant to my disposition!” He pushed her hoof off his mouth. “Face the facts Twilight! You need to sweet talk your way out of this, or do something that makes the ponies forgive Bearin!” “First off all, no. Secondly, it’s pronounced Barin.” “It’s not an easy name! Be-air-in-” “Barin.” “Whatever, my point is that you need to finally exercise the power you have!” “I will not force them to accept him!” “That’s not what I’m saying! Test your voice with a bunch of random ponies, see what they say! You’re royalty! It’s not like they’re going to be harsh about it right into your face.” Twilight began to trot over to the fridge. “Look, we have a plan–” Spike placed the list of complaints back on the table with the others, doubt was dripping in his voice. “Did you make it last night?” She called back with her head hidden behind the fridge door. “No, I–” Spike walked over and leaned on the refrigerator door, his distrust now drooling from his words. “Oh? What is this plan then?” Twilight pulled her head out from the fridge and pushed the door shut, causing Spike to fall in the process. “I don't like your attitude, Spike!” He retorted as he got back up, pointing objectively. “Hey! He is causing an avalanche of chaos! If you mess this up then another building may go down!” Twilight seemed hesitant, given his undesirable behavior. “...Okay, fine. We are going to try to convince the ponies to accept him, one horse at a time.” Spike’s flat voice and expression indicated the lack of faith in this plan as he walked back over to the table. “Sounds tedious.” Twilight made a mock interjection. “Oh! Well then, do you have a better one?” Spike persisted in making a valid point, despite how much her tone of voice pushed his buttons. He threw out his arms in a desperate attempt. “Make a public announcement! You're hiding in the truth from them if you aren't being up front!” She in turn leaned forward. “I will make a public speech! I can't go around talking about him as if Barin was a secret!” Spike leaned forward as well, its affect fruitless due to the distance now between them. “What-” She didn't want to hear any more of it and silenced him by the means of teleporting just in front of his face “Can we just drop it!?” As much as Spike wanted to continue, he knew enough to know that the argument wasn't being helpful. “...You know what? Fine. Want me to make you breakfast?” “No thanks, Spike... I’ll get my own food today.” Without saying anything else, she left the building. Leaving both of them with a bitter taste in their mouths. He grumbled and opened the freezer. “Another train wreck waiting to happen.” He picked up the tub of crystal-road and was about to fetch a new bowl when someone decided to interrupt. “Why would you serve yourself a portion?” Discord had appeared out of nowhere with a large, monstrosity of a contraption next to him. Spike turned around, and was not only shocked to see Discord, but the machine itself. A functional fan of hammers. The house fan was stripped of its blades in favor of double ended sledge hammers. How it was even turning at such high speeds was strange enough, but once more was that it was actually generating an effective draft.. “What are you doing here?” Discord stretched his limbs as he sat in the chair. “Oh!-Just-crack- Ah, decided to have some breakfast here today.” He looked at the fridge mischievously. “May I? I am a guest, after all.” Spike grumbled but knew that refusing was not going to change anything. “Fine, help yourself.” The fridge opened under the god’s command, and food randomly floated to the table where a large plate was waiting. As this was happening, Discord looked at one of the many papers on the table. “Looks like our friend has made quite a name for himself.” Spike took Discord advice from earlier and started eating from the tub. “You seem.” He swallowed a whole scoop. “,to be good friends with him.” “I have my reasons,” Discord threw his legs up onto the table. “Besides, just because of my reputation I can't make friends by myself?” He said flashing a look towards Spike. Spike broke eye contact. “No, but if I had a giant friend who is loyal, powerful, and has my back,” He smiled at the thought. “I would be a little more confident in making unpopular decisions.” Discorded snorted. “Why must you assume the worst?” “I have my reasons.” “Hah! Very well then!” With a snap of his talons a train set appeared on the floor behind them, no more than three feet away. The track was in a simple oval, and the train looked and sounded like a miniature version of a real one, pulling miniature passenger cars. The engine was purple and lavender with a pink smoke stack. Twilight’s cutie mark was also imprinted on it. At the same time, the food had ceased arriving at Discord’s plate, which has a small mound of edibles upon it. Spike looked at the train chugging its way around the track. It even produced actual steam from the funnel. “What’s with the steam train?” Discord swallowed a whole sandwich he had made on the spot before answering. “Mmm, I couldn't help but overhear your little argument, and decided that you should see my personal representation of Twilight’s predicament.” Spike did not look at the train, but kept his focus on the eavesdropper. “Eavesdropping is rude you know.” Discord did not answer; instead, he was focused on the train. Spike sighed and looked at it as well. The train was chugging along just as it had been, occasionally blowing its little whistle. Slowly, it gained speed and the rate of acceleration was visibly beginning to increase. Then suddenly, without any forewarning, the locomotive began to catch fire before releasing small explosions that triggered the other cars to do the same. Thereafter it began to spontaneously combust, and finally, the whole train flew off the tracks and exploded in a huge fire ball. The fire did not spread outside the train that it started on, and the flames died out leaving only the track and some of the floor covered in ash. Discord whispered under his breath so Spike couldn't hear him, “Millions are dead.” Spike blinked a couple times. “Y-yeah. Like I said before...a train wreck…” Discord was softly giggling, “Hm-hm-hm! I was more implying that she’s derailing!” He then busted out in laughter.