//------------------------------// // Chapter 11, I am a what? // Story: An Unexpected Life // by alejin //------------------------------// (Pant) (Pant) “How much until we are done Mr Onyx” “We still have a long way to go S. . . , the Winter is close and I need to have lot of wood and food if I want to survive it” “I, I see” S. . . continued carring his little pack of wood back to the cabern, it had been one month since Mr Onyx found him, thanks to his medical skills and medicine, he managed to heal in 3 weeks, his little arm and head were as good as new, now this past week, he spent it making little Jobs for Mr Onix, collecting berries and fruits, helping him carrying wood and hunting, since he didn’t have any talent in the last one, the only job suited for him when they went to hunt was. . . being the bait, thanks to his little body, agility and speed, he was perfect for that, he even managed to outrun a manticore for a while, thank God Mr Onyx killed it when he dragged it to the trap. S. . . wasn’t a fool, he knew his relationship with Mr Onyx was only for mutual help, as long as he was for any usage or help for him and he didn’t screw it, Mr Onyx would let him live with him, he still remembered their conversation one week ago, when they reached to the agreement. - - - - - - - - - - (ONE WEEK AGO) The kiddo was testing his arm, it was healed, he could move it freely by that moment, his headaches were gone as well, these last weeks were a nightmare, worst at nights when he had those strange dreams, they almost showed nothing, abstract images and voices, some were very young and some were older, he heard lots of things but one word predomínate amongs the others. . . “Bright” Bright? What that meant? That word remained in his head for days but he finally was able to let it go, his thoughts were interrupted when Mr Onyx returned, the kiddo immediately ran to him to see if he had any news. “Hello Mr Onyx. . . you managed to find out something?” Onyx looked at the kiddo with a dissapointed and angry face, most of all for he was forced to go to Canterlot and the little towns next to it. (Sigh) “No kiddo, even though I investigated in Canterlot the pony villages and even asked the travelers, no pony reported a missing pet monkey or anything like you” “You. . . think I was a pet?” “Well yeah! I mean what other thing you could be for a pony?” “I. . . I don’t know, maybe I had. . . family?” Onyx sighted again and aproached to the kiddo, he said: “Listen kiddo, I don’t know what is happening in that little head of yours but I’m pretty sure you were a pet but with no doubt, you were taken care by somepony and that pony may be a noble, a gryffin would have eat you right away, not to mention a minotaur and believe when I say this, Ponies are not so kind with non ponies creatures, I’d bet everything I got that you were nothing more than a pet” The kiddo felt very cold and started to shiver. Onyx continued: By looking at your clothes, I can see their quality is rich, not many ponies can afford this kind of quality, you also weren’t malnourished so this pony made sure to feed you well, I can’t be sure what kind of life you had but I’m sure you were taken care good” “But.. . if that were true. . . then why? why I was in that river that night?” “I can’t answer that kiddo, your amnesia doesn’t make it any easier, maybe you got tired of being a pet, maybe your owner started to treat you bad and you decided to escape or maybe just maybe, he got tired of you and got rid of you and I’d say that’s probably the best explanation” “Why do you say that. . . is the best explanation?” (Sigh) “It’s been 3 weeks since I found you, by this moment, if your owner were interested in finding you, I would at least be able to get some information or missing charts in Canterlot or the towns, I even asked in the missing pet’s building but found nothing with your description” The kiddo was now looking at him with sorrow eyes. “I’m sorry for being the one to tell you this but. . . there is nopony looking for you, you were abandoned, congratulations! You are free and I’m not going to Canterlot again, it’s always the same, judgemental ponies looking at me like some kind of criminal, in a way to see it, you were lucky kiddo” “But. . but what am I going to do now? I have nowhere to go!” “If you really want to try finding your “home” you can try to go to Canterlot, I can take you near that city if you want?” The kiddo thought about that offer, after meditading his options, he said: “No! I don’t want to return to somepony who abandoned me! and to be honest. . . I DON’T WANT TO BE A PET, If the past me liked it, then. . . I was a Idiot! I will never return there, I can’t risk to be found by my previous owner, I’m afraid what he or she would do to me if I’m found, I can’t let ponies from Canterlot see me.” “Well. . .that’s your decition and to be honest I think it’s a good one, who wants to live as a pet, it’s almost the same to live as an slave, worst as one for those PONIES!. . . . so, what is your plan then?” The kiddo gathered all his braveness and asked: “Can I. . . stay here?” Onyx was surprised when he asked that, somehow he saw it comming, it was a little bother but he had to admit it, having the kiddo could be convenient and he may be old and cranky but he wasn’t a monster, if he’d send the kiddo to that world outside, he wouldn’t last for a day and on top of that, he had amnesia, even without wanting it, he had to help him, at least for some time, chuckling he answered: “I was thinking about letting you go after you pay your debt to me, if you can carry your own weigth, find your own food, and help me to hunt or other chores, you can stay, take it as your rent to live here, Deal?” The kiddo with a smile in his face, hugged Mr Onyx’s leg, he imediately shaked him off. “Easy kiddo! You are just a tenant here, don’t misunderstand our relationship, we are not friends or Pals, as long as you do everything I told you, you can stay, fail in anything and you will be out the next second” “O. . . Ok Mr Onyx, thank you” “One more thing, I think you need a name, calling you kiddo make me feel older everytime I say it, tell me, what kind of name would you like to have?” “It’s my choice?” “Yeah, I mean, it will be your name, at least you can choose it” “Right!. . . what would be a good name?” At that moment, the kiddo saw Mr Onyx’s Axe in his back, he remembered what kind of material it was made, Mr Onyx told him when he seemed so interested in it, from that moment, he always liked that word. . . yeah. . .why not? He looked at Mr Onyx with a smile in his face and said: “I think my name will be. . .” - - - - - - - - - - - - - - “Steel! Speed up, we need to make a couple more trips, C’mon!” “Yes Mr Onyx!” - - - - - - - - - - - At night inside the cavern, after a good day collecting wood, Onyx and Steel were enjoying the warm bonfire. “It was a good day Steel, now we have enough wood for the Winter, all we need to do now is wait for those.. . pegasi to bring the Winter” “Pegasi are the ones who bring the Winter? How they do that?” “I’m not exactly sure, they have some kind of “magic” in their hooves that let them touch the clouds and wings to fly in the skies, they also have some kind of Factory where they make snow clouds, sorry but it’s all I know, I don’t exactly interact that much with ponies” “I see, well, I think being able to touch a cloud or fly is cool” “So what is your plan when they come Steel?” “I’ll be hidden in the cave, I cannot risk them to see me” “And why is that? I mean, you seem the kind who wants to make new friends, why you wouldn’t let the pegasi to see you?” “I’d like to make some friends or Pals at least, but you said you never saw anything like me before, If I’m a rare species, a pegasus could spread the word about me and maybe my old owner in Canterlot will heard it and will come to look for me and try to reclaim me by forcé.” “Very well Steel, you impress me, you are young but smart, now go to sleep, I will need you tomorrow, I’m in the mood for more Manticore’s meat, not to mention we need to sell some meat to the gryphin, I saw an good axe in the Minus market and I want to buy it, of course you will have your part, if you help of course” “Ok Mr Onyx, I don’t exactly spend money since I’m still afraid in going to Minus with you but it will be a good idea to have some saved by the time I decide to go” “Well said Steel, now go to sleep, a busy day await for us” “yeah!” - - - - - - - - - - - - After a good hunting day, Steel and Onyx were dragging their reward, a good size Manticore, this night they were going to eat like kings, Steel was really proud of himself, the first time he was used as bait, he pee himself but now he was more that used to it, he even was faster now, he didn’t know anything about his species but surely they were agile and he was more than happy to have the ability. Thinking happily about the feast they were going to have, one issue crossed his mind, in fact, it had been haunting him since weeks ago, he turned to see Mr Onyx and said: “Mr Onix, can I ask you something?” (Sigh) “I told you Steel, you don’t need to ask that everytime, just ask me and If I feel like to answer I will, if not just interpret my silent” “Ok, remember you told me you never saw anything like me in all your life?” “Aja?” “Then. . . why you helped me that night? I mean. . . .weren’t you surprised? Afraid?” Onyx stared at Steel for some seconds, he then chuckled and said: “Believe it or not Steel, there aren’t many things that can surprise me now, I’ve lived for so long and seen many things and there are even things I regret with all my heart to had seen, when I found you that night, I had two options, let you die there and eat you” – Steel gulped after hearing that – “Or help you and find out what your were and what could you offer to me as gratittude, I choose the second” “So. . .you don’t regret saving me?” “You helped me to get excellent meat, you proved yourself to be usefull so no, I don’t regret saving you” Steel felt very happy after hearing that, Mr Onyx was not an emotional minotaur but at least he said something “nice” to him, he kept walking with him, carrying the tasteful meat. - - - - - - - - - - - - That night in the cave, next to a bonfire that was cooking some manticore parts, Steel and Onyx were eating with gusto their meal, enjoying the suculent meat, it was obvious this was their favorite meal, the squirrels, rabits, birds or fishes didn’t compare. “Wow Mr Onyx, this manticore is even better than the last one!” “It may be because this one was younger, the flesh was not so tought.” “I see” “Ok. . . let’s have some rest, remember we need to sell the remaining meat at Minus Market, you are coming with me, aren’t you?” Steel gulped and answered: “I don’t know Mr Onyx, what if they find me strange and try to hunt me or something?” “Don’t worry for that, you are with me, If any creature ask, let’s just tell them you are my assistant and my property, no matter what you are, stealing is paid severely here” “. . . . ok, but what if they ask what I am?” “We’ll tell them you are an exotic creature from a far land and you are in extintion danger and for that there are not many of you” “That’s not a bad Idea. . . but. .” Still noticing fear in Steel, Mr Onix proposed a plan: (Sigh) “If you are really that nervous about seeing other creatures and they see your face, why don’t you wear a mask?” “A mask?” “Yes, a mask, it can help you to feel more confortable around new creatures. . . you know what? forget it! It’s a stupid idea” Steel shooked his head and said: “No! I think it’s a wonderfull Idea! Do you have something I can use to cover my face?” - - - - - - - - - - - - - Steel and Onyx were walking to the checkpoint between Minus and Equestria, with a little wagon carrying the Manticore’s meat, just a few minutes before arriving there, they reached a little house next to the road, there was a Minotaur lady taking care of her garden, when she saw them, she immediatelly aproached to them, wayve her hand and said: “Hello Onyx! How are you? and. . . who is that little creature with you?” Onyx knew it was inevitable for this lady to meet Steel someday, sighing he answered: “This is Steel, a Monkius” The minotaur lady and Steel with confused faces said at the same time: “A monkius?” Already expected the confused look even from Steel, he continued: “yes a Monkius, they are very rare species of monkeys, look how he has no tail and is furless, besides, contrary to them, they are utterly inteligent” With a wineded eyes the Minotaur Lady said: “Wow! That’s amazing! – She turned to Steel – “So you can understande me?” A little reluctant, Steel answered: “Yes Miss. . . and nice to meet you!” “My my, he is quite charming but aren’t you gonna introduce us Onyx?” “Oh yeah, Steel, this is Margaret, an old friend of mine, Margaret, this is Steel, a monkius I found and decided to make my assistant” Steel even under his “mask” showed some blushing signals, no able to contain, Margaret immediately hugged him tightly. “Ohhhh, he is embarazed, well I’m not surprise since it’s obvious he is still a kid but why are you wearing a mask?” Onyx was the one to answer: “Let’s just say his past owner didn’t treat him good so he escaped, he lived alone for some time and now he is not that confortable around new people to see his face, yep a shy boy I’m afraid” Margaret thighted the hug and with sad eyes she said: “Oh you poor thing, I’m sorry that happened to you but I know now you are safe with Onyx now, don’t worry, he may be a little cranky but he is a good minotaur but I can see you are kinda thin kid, come here, I will make sure you are well feed” “. . . Ok, thanks Maam” “Please call me Margaret, any friend of Onyx is a friend of me, especially when they are so cute like you” After a nod from Onyx telling him the selling could wait, both of them proceded to enter to the cabin to have a brunch, Margaret really was a good cook, her fish was amazing, little by little, Steel felt more confortable with her, still reluctant, he took off his mask, when margaret saw him, she said: “My my, Now I’m confused, why you wear a mask when you are so good looking and cute? I must admit I’m a little surprised but you are not near ugly, in fact I’m impresed you are related to monkeys, you are a lot handsome than them” Blushing hard, Steel answered: “Thanks Miss Margaret” “You are welcome cutie” Onyx then said: “Ok, it’s been fun and all but we must see our customer before he changes his mind about the meat, thankyou very much Margaret, it was a pleasure” Margaret again hugging Steel said: “The pleasure was all mine and I hope now you have this cutie under your arm, you must come more regulary, I know a couple of cute minotaurs girls around his age who would be very charmed to know him” “hahaha, thanks Margaret but for now, let him get used to you and the rest, once he is ready, we can talk about that ok?” “Ok” – she turned to Steel – “And you, feel free to pay me a visit whenever you want, if you haven’t tasted my cookies, you haven’t lived” “Tha. . . thanks Miss Margaret” Both of them said their farewells and continued to Minus, the checkpoint was not a problem, since Steel was technically a property, he didn’t need an ID but he had to know anything he’d do in Mynus would be his “Owner” fault so he promised to behave well. Once in the market, Steel couldn’t hide his amazement, The little city next to the checkpoint was amazing, it was called Maxias, it wasn’t the capital city but still awesome, there were tons of Minotaurs, young and old, there were also gryphins, zebras, jacks and ponies (Onyx gave him a quick lesson about the world species before going out) The gryphins looked so cool and mighty, the zebras looked calm and quiet, the jacks looked angry, he didn’t know why and the ponies. .. well, they looked kinda cute, most of all the fillies. . . what? Feeling confused for how he was looking the few fillies in the streets he asked Onyx: “Mr Onyx. . . I’m feeling some atraction to the fillies of this city. . . why is that?” Not expecting this kind of question from someone so young, this left Onyx a little shocked, after some seconds, he finally answered: “Well. . . If I have to guess. . . I’d say it’s because even if you can’t remember, you still lived for so long among ponies and you developed an atraction to their female species, it’s not that complicated, I believe if you live for a long time in Minus, you would develop an attraction to the female minotaurs” “That. . . that make sense actually, anyway I hope to see a female of my species and If I do, I hope they are cute” Both of them chuckled and continued their way, as expected, many creatures stared at Steel, some with interest and some with disgust, he made his best to ignore them and didn’t leave Onyx’s side, fortunally, many asked him what he was and he used the same story he used with Margaret, for their luck, all of them bought it but it was still a little unconfortable since some fillies and little gryphin chicks were poking him with a stick, when they were left alone, Steel asked: “So. . . who are we visiting to sell the meat Mr Onyx?” “It’s an old friend of mine, he always buy quality meat since he befriends the minus and gryphin nobles” “Wow” “But that’s not all, during centuries, many members of his family had traveled around all the world, not only Equestria, Minus, Saddle Sarabia, Zebrica or Gryphonia, there is no place where at least one family member hasn’t been.” “That’s really impresive but. . . why are you telling me that?” “Because. . .if any creature would have a little idea what you are, it’s him or at least one member of his family” “I see but if. . .” “Don’t worry Steel, in any case, we will stick with the story of the monkius, everycreature is buying it right?” “Right! thanks Mr Onyx” “Don’t thank me with words Steel but I expect more help for this favor I’m doing to you” “Of course Mr Onyx!” Very soon, both of them arrived at their destination, an old gryphin stand. Onyx was the one who talk: “Hello Jilt! Here I have the Manticore’s meat I promised you” “Hey Onix! Yes I see you managed to hunt one, very good, I know a good noble Minotaur who is craving for this meat” “I’m glad to hear that! And. . .” “And who is that?” Gilt asked after seeing Steel. “Don’t mind him, he is a little creature I rescued in the forest and now he is helping me as gratefulness and if you are wondering what he is, he is. . .” “He is a human” Jilt answered almost whispering, he didn’t want anyone to hear him. “A what?” both of them said. Jilt put his finger on his mouth to tell them to be quiet and ordered them to enter to his hut, once inside, Onyx said: “You said a human? What is a human? in all my life. I never heard that word and you know very well I’ve almost seen or hear everything” “It’s natural you or better say no one knows what a human is, after all. They tecnically never existed or are mentioned in any book.” “What you mean?” “Until now, only one human was seen in all the world, it happened hundred of years ago and as how he appeared, he dissapeared immediatelly” “And how you know that? I always knew you were kinda an egghead but still, how you know this and the rest of the world don’t?” “Because. . . the one who “saw” this human. . . was my ancestor, Gaiax the Wise and his unicorn friend and partner, Scrolls Heartstrings” “Interesting. . .tell us more please Mr Jilt” Steel asked, he was so surprised, he really didn’t expect to get answer of what he was that fast, he and Mr Onyx agreed that this was unbeliebable convenient.” “I’ll tell you what I know, my ancestor and his friend were best friend and they loved to travel around the World, they said they saw many things, new places, hidden cities, they even said they touched one of the legendary Mage Metalbrook’s 8 enchanted ítems.” Steel was amuzed, he didn’t understand what those ítems were but they sounded awesome. “But in one of their journals my family have been keeping for centuries, they metioned a creature that looked like a furless monkey, with no tail and was intelligent, it also appeared he clamied he didn’t have magic but they swear they sensed some in him, it seemed they befriended with him but not for so long since he dissapeared the next day, claiming his world wasn’t prepared to involve with ours” Onyx and Steel kept listening. “The only important thing they managed to know about him was that his species were called human and his name, unfortunately, since the papers are too old, the name is half erased, it was. . . Mer. . something” Onyx frowned and said: “And that’s all?” “Well yeah, the journal also said they decided to keep quiet about it since nocreature would ever believe them and made a promise to never speak of this again, of course my ancestor lied since he made sure any member of the family would swear to tell his story for generations up to me, of course all of us thought they were crazy but. . . it seemed they weren’t” “I see. . . wait. . .you said the human said his world? Are you saying humans are. . .like aliens?” “I don’t know, the journal doesn’t say anything like that but I’m very sure it said world” “Interesting, so Steel” – He turned to the kid – “it seems you are not just a rare species, you are unique!” Steel was speechless, he couldn’t believe it! He was an alien (maybe) but somehow that made him a little sad, Jilt noticed that and asked: “Are you sad? Why? aren’t you happy to know what are you and how special you are?” “Well yes, I mean, I still can’t believe I discovered what I am that fast but. . . that also means. . . I will never know someone like me, I’m alone” “So what?” Steel and Jilt turned to see Onyx, with a serious face he continued: “So what if you never meet someone like you? that doesn’t mean you can’t know other creatures, look at Margaret, she likes you and you may not noticed but some of those fillies were looking at you with amazed eyes, I believed they wanted to know you better, it’s up to you if you want to stay alone and forgotten or being somebody and know by everycreatrue” Steel couldn’t believe it, Mr Onyx was. . .encouraging him? Lately it seemed Mr Onyx was opening more to him but this was so unreal, fighting his tears he said: “Thanks Mr Onix! You are right! I won’t say I’m alone again, maybe in my past life I was just a pet but now I will make my own life with my own choices” “Excellent Steel, I don’t want crying babies living with me” “Ok!!!!” After hearing that, Jilt asked to Onix. “So, what you two will do from now on, if you want my advice, never say anything I just told you, unless you want this kid being experimenting on in a cold laboratory as a guinea pig” Chuckling, Onyx told his little story about Steel he was sharing with every creature, Jilt only laughted and said: “That was pretty clever Onyx, I’m sure it will work, there is also no creature who dares to adventure farter than this continent, if you say he is a “Monkious” I believe no one will question that” “So, that means you will keep the secret?” “Of course I will! He just proved my ancestor wasn’t crazy but I must warn you, be carefull if you ever go to Equestria, more precisely Canterlot or Ponyville, as far as I know, the descendant of Scroll Heartstrings, Ly. .something lives in one of those towns, if my ancestor didn’t keep the secret from us, who can warranty Scroll kept the secret from his family too?” Steel felt more afraid than ever, he was decided since long ago to never go to Equestria but now he had another reason to not to, he would definitely never go there again, he then said: “Don’t worry Mr Jilt, I was planing to never go there anyway” “And why is that?” Steel proceded to tell Mr Guilt his theory about his origins, when he finished, Jilt with a serious face said: “Your point is valid but you can’t be sure of that and believe me, one creature can’t live without knowing who he was, at least not a peacefull life, it may not happen today or tomorrow but someday you will want to know who you were these first years of your life, you can negate it all you want but someday, you will go to Equestria for answers” “Maybe Mr Jilt, but as you said, that day is not today and it will not very soon” “Fair enough, well my friends, it’s been a great day but I believe I have some food to deliver, here is your money and a little extra for Steel here, for helping me understand my ancestor” He handed the money to Onyx and Steel. “I hope to see you again Steel, I have some questions I want to ask when we have more time ok?” Steel stayed there. . . thinking, A question session? he felt he had lived something like this before, shaking very fast the feeling he said: “Of course Mr Jilt and thank you, you helped me very much today” “No problem kid, have a nice day, you too Onyx” Once they were returning home, while walking through the Street, Steel noticed the lack of ponies compared to the rest of creatures, he then asked: “Mr Onyx, why are there so few ponies and colts but so many of the rest of the creatures?” “Well, you really are very clever, ok let me tell you, all the few ponies you see here are travelers or nomads, they don’t stay for much longer, In fact I believe you are very lucky to find some ponies here today, it’s very rare to see a pony around here these days, I believe they are only traveling through Minus since is the quick road to the rest of the countries” “And why is that Mr Onyx?” “Let say many years ago there was a war between the countries and even though it ended, right now, Minus is not exactly in good terms with Equestria, we have a peace treatment but both countries are at edge, not many ponies dare to travel here and not many minotaurs travels to Equestria as well, besides you need special permition to do so.” “I see, well that’s make me feel relieved, since they are not going to Equestria, no pony there will know I’m here” “hahahahaha, even If they travel to Equestria, who would believe them? besides, you have your face covered, for many of them, you could be a hornless minotaur or a monkyous as I told them” After hearing that and stared at Mr Onyx for some seconds, both of them exploded in a huge laugh, it was the first time Steel heard Mr Onyx laugh like that, maybe just maybe someday he would consider him a friend instead of a mere assistant. With all done an money in hands, Both of them proceded to return to their cave, ready to have a good time sleep. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (EQUESTRIA) Princess Celestia was in her throne in the middle of a trial, Cadence present by her side, Celestia’s eyes were bloodshots as if she was crying not long ago and her mane wasn’t floating at all, her sight focused in the culprit, restricted by her royal guards, using not a very motherly voice, she said: “And for the crime of ponynaping my son Prince Bright Sunny and being responsable for his demise, I Princess Celestia sentence you to death! Take him out of my sight!” “No! please No! I don’t want to die, Please mercy!” Celestia heard his pleas but her heart was set, her son’s murderer had to pay, after that, as every night, she said her farewell to her niece who also seemed a little relived and proceded to go to her little sunshine’s room, she laid on his bed, smeling the little aroma his son left in the sheets, tears started to escape from her eyes again. “My little Bright, now you can rest in peace”