The atmosphere inside the Golden Oaks library was joy and relief as Apple Bloom and Konrad embraced in a compassionate hug. The remaining mares wiped their tears of joy away, happy that the two were finally reunited after such a nightmarish night. It was an extraordinary relief for Twilight Sparkle and Applejack, knowing that the human had not perished by their own hooves. And it was exhilarating to Twilight that the prospect of learning not only about Konrad but humanity as a whole could further her studies in the Magic of Friendship.
”This is great! So exciting! He’s literally a possible treasure trove of information! Hopefully, tomorrow Spike can clear my schedule-Wait; what’s wrong with him?”
As Twilight observed Konrad, she noticed that while he seemed happy, the man appeared to be wincing in pain. Despite seeing only one human, his facial expressions weren’t complex to decipher any more than an average pony’s expressions. Another thing that didn’t escape her observation was that he appeared to have an open wound on his left arm.
“Konrad, are you okay? What’s wrong with your arm?”
Letting go of Apple Bloom, the man stood up sluggishly with a slight groan of pain and clutched his left arm as he spoke in a surprised yet monotone voice.
“Oh...kinda forgot I got bit there. Hurts now that I noticed it.”
Sure enough, it was the sign of a nasty bite mark and, from the looks of it, vulnerable to infection if not treated. Nopony, especially Apple Bloom and Princess Luna, were happy about it.
“How bad is it? We need to get you treated immediately!” said Luna.
Apple Bloom immediately hugged Konrad’s leg, seemingly worried she’d lose him if she were to let go.
“Are you okay? Those mean zombies didn’t hurt you too badly, did they?!”
Konrad, for his part, did the best he could to reassure her despite his appearance.
“Nah, not really; they got a couple lucky hits on me, but I’m still in one piece, and I’m not going anywhere.”
While this did ease Apple Bloom, Luna’s facial expression displayed anything but ease.
”And who could blame her? He looks like he’s been dragged through Tartarus and back like Cerberus’s chew toy!”.
As Twilight noted his physical appearance, his clothes were utterly damp and dirty, he had several bruises to the head with a nasty one on the side, and last but not least, an open bleeding wound on one of his arms. In short, he looked like a disaster, and everypony knew it. Princess Luna and Celestia eyed one another, seemingly trying to decide what next step they should take. For Twilight, the solution was obvious, he needed medical assistance and possibly a bath as the slight stench of rotten flesh could be detected if one pony were close enough.
“Excuse me, Konrad, but you need to get that wound taken care of...And a bath.”
The man, in response, raised an eyebrow before smelling himself. Grimacing at his own stench, the man blushed and coyly acknowledged his stench,
“Well, maybe I need to take a bath, but there’s a bigger concern.”
Everypony, confused by his statement, looked at him, wondering what he meant by that. Seeing that, nopony asked him what it was and continued to wait for him to elaborate on the concern. Face palming himself, Konrad continued,
“I need food and sleep. Hey! Why not both? I’m kinda done with everything for tonight.”
All the mares giggled a bit before Luna chimed in and reassured him,
“Relax, Konrad, a quick and discrete medical checkup will serve you well. Then you can partake in your well-deserved respite.”
Looking at his arm again, the man replied, “Yeah, I guess it wouldn’t hurt...fucking zombies.”
“What was that?” asked Twilight Sparkle.
“Nothing.”, replied Konrad before he asked, “Also, where’s my truck? And my stuff? I don’t want anybody messin’ with it.”
“Rest assured, nopony has disturbed your personal effects. They have been moved to a secure area away from the public’s eyes. You should thank Luna for that.”, answered Celestia.
As Luna winked toward Konrad, Twilight Sparkle wasn’t happy hearing that. Her scientific curiosity was just screaming to find out more about him, and his items, including his transportation device, to her, were another piece in the puzzle about humanity. She wanted to know as much as possible about him and his people, which almost bordered on what she liked to call “Sudden Academic Drive.” While friendship had been the main focus of her studies, she would acquire a side interest every now and then. Sometimes it could even border on obsession if it screamed new discoveries in her mind.
”This is SO exciting! I know he’s got to have so many interesting things to tell me! I just have to learn!”
“Thank you, Princess; I appreciate that.” Giving Luna a slight bow, the Night Princess blushed slightly while accepting his thanks.
Apple Bloom and Applejack giggled slightly before the country farmer asked, “Konrad, you’ve helped save my little sister, and for that, my family and I will always be grateful. I’d like you to stay at our farm as a guest.”
He put a finger to his chin and playfully hummed as if pondering the offer.
Apple Bloom, who used the same puppy eyes routine when Twilight came to Apple Family Farm for the first time, asked Konrad, “Don’t ya wanna stay with us?”k.
Shrugging his shoulders, he replied coyly once more, “Well.....oh c’mon, of course, I will!”
Apple Bloom hugged Konrad again, happy that he would come and stay at her home. The little filly slowly pulled away from him, noticing his unsatisfactory scent.
“Uhh...sorry.”, said an embarrassed Apple Bloom as she backed away.
Konrad, for his part, wasn’t particularly upset about it and was almost proud of it in a weird way.
“No big deal Apple Bloom. I’d say it happens, but it’s not quite fitting, even though it did happen.”, said Konrad as he looked himself over.
“I’m gonna need a change of clothes. I got some in my truck; it would be mighty handy if I could get to it.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem.” said Princess Celestia, “We can arrange for them to be delivered to you. In the meantime, we’d rather see you by the doctor first.”
With disappointment and fatigue, Konrad asked, “Do I really have to go to the Hospital? Can’t he make a house call? I doubt I’ll get sepsis or gangrene overnight.”
Flaring her wings up, Luna sternly approached Konrad and reprimanded him. “After everything you’ve been through, I’d rather not have a silent, but eventually painful infection makes life miserable for you. Don’t make me take you myself.”
Raising an eyebrow, Konrad stared directly at Princess Luna, who kept her stern look, asserting her authority.
A small smile appeared, and the man held up his hands in mock defeat, “Okay, your highness! I surrender. Just really want some food and sleep. Plus, Hospitals weird me out for some reason.”
Confused at his statement, Twilight asked, “As opposed to everything that’s happened?”
Konrad raised a finger as if to address her but quickly put it down and shook his head, “Not gonna argue on that, though I don’t know what’s the norm around here...Or what’s going to be the norm for me now.”
Picking up on his uncertain and worried tone, Princess Luna put a wing on his shoulder, reassuring him.
“Do not worry, Konrad, we will solve such a question later. For now, let’s press on to the local Hospital. Most of Ponyville’s citizens have returned home by now, which should not be an issue.”
Holding a fist, Konrad asked, “Ready to go home, Apple Bloom?”
Apple Bloom’s hoof made contact with his fist as she replied, “Boom! That’s what I’m talking about!”.
In an instant, Apple Bloom was picked up and hoisted onto his shoulders, with her front legs holding onto his forehead for support. While it was a pretty sight to be seen for Twilight and everypony else in the room, she couldn’t help but ask before the duo walked out the door, “Wait! Who is going to get your clothes from the carriage-”
“Truck,” corrected Konrad.
“-I mean, truck? Could I get it for you?”
”This is it! A first look and examination of real human artifacts!”.
Her hopes were dashed as he replied while opening the door, “Nope. I’ll get it myself after the Hospital.”
Twilight Sparkle sighed in defeat, lowering her head, “Okay...sorry I asked.”
In her defense, Princess Celestia chimed in with a pleading question, “I don’t suppose sometime after you’ve rested, you would kindly answer a few questions. Many of us are curious and quite frankly surprised your kind even exists. We have a lot to learn from you, Konrad.”
Konrad carefully turned around to the group before him, stopping before he could get through the door with Apple Bloom. It was clear to everypony that talking about his species was something he would instead not do. If Twilight remembered Luna’s explanation at the Hospital, and she did, then it would be a rather touchy and uncomfortable subject for him.
”It’s got to be tough living normally, and suddenly, you’re in the future and the only one left. I just hope he’ll be open and tell me what he can. I want to learn much but don’t want to alienate him.”
Sighing, the man replied, “Yes. I suppose that subject was going to come up at some point. Sure, why not?”
Giving Twilight Sparkle a wink to her student, Princess Celestia continued, “Then it’s settled; Luna and I will be staying at the local Inn for a few days before we must return to Canterlot. No doubt word of this incident will spread across the Kingdom.” Luna asked, “Surely he will come with us? I do not want a wild public and possible unsavory characters to bother him nor the Apple Family.” “Unless Konrad has a major objection, I do not see a reason why he can’t and many more why he should.”, continued Celestia. “Oh goodie, a debriefing session. I’m really looking forward to that. I take it you’re coming too?” said Konrad, whose sarcasm was not lost on anypony, especially Twilight
“You can bet on it! Looking forward to learning from you!” said Twilight with a slight squeal.
“I’ll bet you are....” Konrad stared at Twilight, who had an exciting smile that almost rivaled Pinky Pie in many aspects.
“Okay, I’m done. Let’s get this doc visit over with,” said Konrad as he carefully made his way outside, still holding Apple Bloom.
As everypony left the Golden Oaks Library minus Twilight, she immediately ran over to the quill and inkstand, hastily planning an outline of topics and questions she wanted to ask him. Even though it would be a few days before they left for Canterlot, she looked forward to interviewing the first and only live, formally mythical being in existence. She also wanted to visit her parents while there, though explaining the events that unfolded without causing them a heart attack would be a challenge too.
”I just realized! Shining Armor and Princess Cadence will be there too! That’s also a good opportunity to heal the animosity between them! The magic of friendship is such a wonderful field of study!”
As the Element of Magic finished the final touches of her planned outline, she carefully put it away beside her checklist for tomorrow.
There are still a few things to be taken care of before we depart to Canterlot. Spike is going to be busy tomorrow for sure. Oh well, time for a good night’s sleep!”
The upcoming days, while exciting, would still be more than she could ever bargain for.
Konrad’s visit to the Hospital was relatively quick and straightforward, despite his presence making the staff a bit nervous. The nurses were uncomfortable around him, while Doctor Stable was fascinated by him. So much so that he wanted an immediate follow-up within the week to check his progress and build a medical record. While Konrad knew it would be necessary, he still wasn’t comfortable about it as he viewed himself as an alien among the natives in many ways. It also didn’t help that he would have to give the pony his personal health history.
After Princess Luna made it quite clear the staff wasn’t allowed to talk about Konrad’s visit in any way, shape, or form, the ponies assured him personally that he could have complete confidence in their excellent staff. Once his wounds were cleaned and patched up, he was given some pain relievers that looked similar to ones back on earth, albeit slightly bigger.
”I’ve been given horse pills by a pony. How fucking ironic...still gonna use them, though.”
After leaving Ponyville General Hospital, Konrad offered to pick Apple Bloom back on his shoulders; she graciously accepted it. The man and filly felt better as both Princesses followed suit, with Applejack leading back to Sweet Apple Acres. Nopony could be found on the streets minus the guards everywhere patrolling. Several of them gave him stares, some hostile, some curious, and some surprised to see him walk with the Princesses and filly on his shoulders, let alone exist.
Even though he only saw the Solar Guards, he was certain Luna’s Sentinels were nearby, watching his every move. To him, walking out in the open and no longer sneaking around to avoid detection was a pleasant change.
”I merely go out on a shooting trip, only find out I’m in a fucked up version of My Little Pony, then realize I’m not going back. Even if I did, that angel said Raccoon City is gone. Silent Hill too; I guess that weird vibe from that place did mean something...”
“Something wrong, Konrad?”
The man was interrupted from his thoughts hearing Luna’s question, and turned to face her. Her blue eyes conveyed a clear message; she was worried.
“Just thinking about everything that leads up to now. It’s a complete reality twist, and know that our crazy survival situation is over, I have no idea what to do. I’m essentially homeless in more ways than one.”
Feeling a hug from Apple Bloom, whom he was still carrying on his shoulders, a slight feeling of comfort washed over him.
“I’m sorry you lost your home. I hope you’ll feel better at ours!”
Smiling, Konrad put his hand over her mane and patted it, acknowledging her support.
”Better to count my blessing, I suppose. Can’t go wrong having Apple Bloom with me.
“Thanks, Apple Bloom, I mean it.”
Feeling a wing against his back, he noticed Luna had extended it with a sympathetic look. Even though he’d been around ponies for a while, he still couldn’t believe they were real and staring right at him. It was strange being in a world of cartoon characters and seeing their facial features up close. They still looked like they did in the show, but with a touch of reality added.
“Do you like what you see, Konrad?”
It was then he realized he was lost in thought, and he was staring at Luna. With a blush on his face and turning his head forward, he replied,
“Sorry. I was thinking.”
Luna sighed playfully and replied, “You were supposed to say a simple, “Yes.”, but disappointed me instead.”
Smirking and turning to her, Konrad said, “Oh, you’re highness! Thou art certainly brighter and more beautiful than the moon itself! As a matter of fact, its theme is based on you!”
Princess Luna rolled her eyes with a smile while Applejack and Apple Bloom giggled at the cheesy statement. Princess Celestia didn’t respond and maintained her stoic demeanor, making him wonder if he said or did something wrong. No more than a few hours ago did he witness a side of Celestia not seen in the show. She was ready to destroy him due to a misunderstanding that he had harmed Luna and now was eager to mend things with him. Like a sun, he realized she could flare up at the slightest sign of trouble regarding her sibling.
”I guess she’s tired of losing her sister. Who knows how she’ll react, especially if she finds out Luna and I have a thing going. Better be careful.”
“And here we are! Sweet Apple Acres, home sweet home.”, said Applejack.
Breaking from his thoughts, Konrad noticed that he was once again at Sweet Apple Acres. It looked just as calm and peaceful the first time he saw it, and it was a welcoming sight to him.
As Konrad let Apple Bloom down, he turned to the Princesses and sighed, “Well, it’s been one crazy night....again. I guess I’ll see you all later.”
Princess gave him a wink and replied, “Please rest well, Konrad. You’ve earned it.”
Letting out a yawn, he replied,” I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.”
Giving a slight head bow to Luna, Konrad turned and began walking to the home with Apple Bloom right next to him. Applejack turned to the Princesses and said,
“He’ll be looked after well. We don’t have any work for tomorrow, so we can keep an eye on him and get to know him better. Apple Bloom sure is happy he’s here.”
Luna watched as Konrad and Apple Bloom went inside the home, happy knowing he was safe and sound.
“Please do; I think he’ll need a home more than ever. I bid you adieu fair Applejack.”
Giving the Princesses a small bow, Applejack trotted back to her home and closed the door. It pained Luna that she would have to wait to see him again, but she could definitely be patient for their subsequent encounter. Felling a wing to touch her back, she turned to her sister and smiled at her sibling’s comforting gesture.
“Don’t worry, Luna, he’s going to be fine. Let’s retire and prepare for tomorrow.”
Looking back at the Sweet Apple Acre’s house, a small smile formed before the pair of Princesses headed back to the local Ponyville Inn. [
I]”Sleep well, my knight. We will meet again soon.”