> Your Human and You: I think, Therefore I Am
>  by observer of dimensions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

My peaceful slumber was disturbed by the rustling of curtains and the morning sun's rays attacking my eyelids. No offence to Princess Celestia but I'm not the type of person who wants the sun to greet me before I'm ready. My sudden reemergence to the land of the living brought forth my complaint against the one who woke me. "Mmmoooooommm!" I wined as I raised an arm to protect my defenseless  eyes. 

A  gentle giggle came from the same direction of the light. Taking another step to defend myself I turned my body away from the light baring window. "Sorry sweetie but if you want to go to the park you need to get up now." Furry lips pressed themselves against my furless cheek. "I need to head back down to help your father with the pancakes, down take to long getting up." A few moments later the door closes. 

I was fully awake and ready to get up by the 'want to go to the park' part but squeezing in a few more seconds of laying in a comfortable  bed couldn't hurt. Now with mom gone I rose from the bed and stepped on to the cool wooden floor.  There wasn't much to my room. Just a bed a desk and a dresser. It wasn't that I didn't want a personalized room it was because technically this was the guest room.

To the world outside I was a human pet, a low intelligent being. One that should sleep in a cage or at the bottom of their master's bed; not a room to themselves. My family doesn't look at me like that, they treated me like one of their own. Although we needed to be careful when we had over night visitors or out of town family members staying the night. 

Reaching the dresser I opened up one of the drawers and took out the only piece of clothing I decided to wear that day, my shorts. I would go nude like every other creature here but I just felt uncomfortable with the cool spring breeze brushing against my loins, Summer is a much better season.  Done with that I leave the room and down the stairs heading to the kitchen. 





Reaching the end of the stairs I hear voices coming from my destination"Why do we have to go to the park, we went there two days ago." The voice belongs to my youngest brother, Sweeper. He's completely white from head to hoof. The only other color on him is his red eyes.

My father, Fitness Factory. A buff dusty yellow stallion with a short black mane answered. "Because going to the park is one of the few things your brother is allowed to do." 

"Yea Sweeps, we get to do what we want all the time. It just happen to be that whenever we can do something bro wants it doubles as a family outing. Like feeding two birds with one worm." The second pony to speak in my defense is my other brother, Shining Badge.  He's grey with a reddish brown mane. His eyes are sky blue just like dad. Though I'm technically the oldest he takes that spot whenever my family has to deal with everypony who doesn't know our secret.  

When I didn't hear anypony else speaking I decided it was time to enter the kitchen. Sweeper and Badge were sitting at the kitchen table in the middle of the room. Mom was holding three plates, one in a foreleg, one by her teeth and the last one was on her head. Yea she's talented like that. My mom's name is Rosebud. Her fur is mostly light tan. I say mostly because she white fur on the tips of her forelegs and her muzzle. She also has a beautiful wheat colored mane.  Dad was at the oven scraping pancakes off the frying pan an onto one of the three plates. It only took her a moment to notice that I was in the doorway. Although she couldn't say anything without dropping the plate  her red eyes brighten, smiling at me in their own way. I smiled back before joining my brothers at the table.  






FREEDOM!!!! Freedom to run, freedom to play, Freedom to take a shit anywhere you want. That's exactly why I like the park. I still need to act like a dumb human but besides that everything's great.

"I'm gonna catch you." It's Badge. He's chasing me as I run. He thinks he can catch me. He's mistaken. Listening carefully I wait till the sound of hooves thumbing on the ground come close. It's a rhythmic beat that is easy to follow. It is also a tell-tale sign as to what he is going to do. There is a break in the rhythm, Badge is about to leap. I jump to the left in time to she badge's fuzzy grey body leap pass me. Badge tries to readjust himself so he can go straight after me when he lands. Unfortunately for him he misjudges his landing and ends up tumbling on the ground. If it hadn't been for the years of training I would have smiled, and thanks to the same training I kept myself from laughing when he finally got up and spit out a small clump of grass and dirt. "NOW YOUR GOING TO GET IT." he roared with mock anger. The chase continues. 

Our mother watches us play while dad talks to another stallion holding a poodle on a leash. My brother being the party pooper he usual is when we are at the park is just leaning up against a tree not to far from our parents. His pout face on max. I secretly roll my eyes, he seriously needs lighten up more and stop being such a germaphobe. His talent, depicted as a golden dustpan is to keep things clean. It's good that he found his talent but that doesn't mean he has to be anal about everything that hasn't been washed, scrubbed, or hosed down. 

"LOOK OUT" Badge's yells, snapping me out of my thoughts. I turned my head to see him looking back at me in horror. He stayed in my sights for all of three seconds, then I ran into something, something very solid. Whatever it was caused me to trip and fall head first into the ground. The rest of my body decided to go a  bit father then my head resulting in me doing a flip while during a face plant. I landed on my back, painfully. A little disoriented and spotting a headache  I rolled onto my stomach and looked to see what I ran into. I froze, my blood ran cold and my pupils shrunk.. A few feet away was a furry creature. A pony to be exact. 

This was bad, really really bad. It wouldn't matter if I ran into the pony by accident. My family could still be sued and who knows what could happen to me if the victim wanted to take action against me directly. I caught my brother giving me a worried glance before turning his attention to the pony. 

My own attention was drawn to the pony hearing it groaning, or should I say hearing her groan. Furthermore if the famine sounding groan didn't convince me the pony was female, my brother calling out "Miss are you okay?" surely did. To my relief the mare begins to rise. I however, did the opposite. I made myself as flat as possible on the ground. It's something my parents told me to do if I ever got into trouble. Most humans don't show acknowledgement of doing something wrong. We don't know why, they just don't. Because of this, my family came up with a way to show that I do. Most expressions to tell ponies I'm sorry can't be done.  So instead of giving everypony the sulking 'I did wrong face' that dogs are able to do I have to settle with another type of gesture. Which is to make myself as small and harmless as possible.

My brother reaches the mare and helps her to her hooves. He even brushes unseen dirt off her coat all the while spitting out apologizes and explaining that it wasn't my fault. I, not being able to go up to her and apologize myself I opt to make note of her features. She was an Earth pony just like the rest of my family. Her two-tone auburn mane stands out against her midnight blue coat. Her eyes were the color of deep emeralds. All in all she was a gorgeous pony. There was one other thing that stood out, her Cutie Mark. At first it looked like a human had placed a muddy hand on her flank but that thought was thrown out when I noticed a image on top of the handprint. It's U shape made it unmistakably a horseshoe. 

The movement of the mare forced me to put my thought to the back of my mind and focus on what was happening. The mare was coming toward me with my brother following behind. "I'm truly sorry Miss, I was just playing with him and he didn't see you." Badge explained. I could visibly see sweat roll down the his face. 

The mare stopped and turned her head to my brother. "It's okay ok. I'm more worried about him the me Mr-" The mare calmly spoke with a honey like voice.

"Badge, Shining Badge. But...uh just call me Badge."

"Well Badge I did notice the two of you playing before so if anypony is at fault it's me. I should have been more aware of my surroundings. Now let me how your human is doing." The mare turned her head forward and took one step closer to me, then...she just stared. "What? What is he doing" she raised a brow. 

"How that...that's what he does when he thinks he did something wrong." Badge answered quickly using the explanation our parents hammered into him and Sweeper word for word. 

What happened next surprised me. The mare's eyes widen as she gasped with excitement. "OH MY GOSH REALLY? It's very rare for humans to have that level of understanding. It's believed that humans like that have greater intelligence then the rest of their species   and you got one as a pet." She grabbed my brother and dragged him closer to her with only a few inches of space between their muzzles. "You Must Tell Me Everything About Him."

"O-okay...um what was your name again." 

The mare jerked her head back. Her cheeks glowed a crimson color.

"Oh sorry." The mare closed her eyes and took a breath to claim down. Once she was done with that she opened her eyes and smiled. "My name is Humana, it's a pleasure to meet you."

My brother smiled back. "So...ah what do you want to know." He asked nervously. He was no doubt afraid that that he would mess up and give something away about me not being a normal human pet. I got up from my spot of the ground and nuzzled his neck. Badge glanced down at me. I chirped, which got more of a reaction from Humana who stomped the ground like a giddy filly. Badge, however knew that I was actually trying to comfort him. He smiled at me before returning his attention back to Humana.

Breaking out of her glee phase Humana rose a hoof to her chin. "Oh right, my first question." She tapped her hoof against her chin for a moment before stopping. A huge smile spread across her face. "His name, best place to start is with the name."

Badge returned the smile and proudly said "His name is Luke."                             
               
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The wooden door swung open providing my family the means to enter our humble abode. Each and every one of us carried a different expression as we crossed the threshold into our home. Dad looked irritable and mom would constantly glace at him, concern etched into her face. Sweeper carried the same pouty face he had since the morning. Had I been able to talk in public I would have warned him that his face would get stuck like that. personally I felt content with how the day went. It had been fun especially when Humana showed up. Badge on the other hoof looked exhausted. He had spent hours talking to Humana about me. Things like where my family brought me, was I neutered, and what foodstuff I liked to eat. Badge had answered everything from the mundane to the very detailed. The latter of which got quite embarrassing. Most of the questions were answered truthfully. The only one Badge straight out lied about was my age. He told Humana I was Three and a half when in actuality I was almost seventeen. 

My slow ageing can be added on to the list of 'not normal' things I have that other humans don't. So far out of the things we've tried the only thing that I share with normal humans is our species' Acneigh's fetlock to avocados. We found out by accident when I decided to try out new foods I thought I could eat. Luckily while it is a poison to my kind I have more of a deadly allergic reaction to it. I get very ill fast but if I'm taken to a vet and treated quickly enough I'll live. The days of my recovery won't be fun but I'll survive.   

Shining Badge, being last one to enter the house closes the door behind us. The closing of the door marks the end of my periodic ban on acting normal, my normal. Free of the role I must play in public I open my mouth to speak of the wondrous day I had and to thank my parents for giving it to me.

"Fitty, are we going to have to do it again." My mother's worried tone silences me before I could speak. Only now did I realize that something was bothering my parents. Something must have happened at the park but what? 

Sweeper is the first to vocalize the confusion my siblings and I are having. "Do what again?" Dad and mom flash us a somber look before entering the kitchen. Sweeper stops short of going in as well. "You mean we're going to need to move again don't you." he groaned. A moment later he turns to me as badge and we try to pass by him. "This is your fault you know." He points an accusing hoof at me. 

"HEY, you can't blame me for this." I retorted knowing full well where this was going. 

"Yes I can. If it wasn't for your abnormalness then we wouldn't have to move every few years. We wouldn't need to sacrifice so much to hide what you really are." he yelled.

"Sweeper" 

"We could have lived normal lives if you weren't here." 

"Sweeper" 

"But noooo we have to carter to your needs because you're special. Well let me tell you something. You are not. No matter how different you are from the other humans you're still one of them. A DUMB. STINKING. DIRTY. HUMAN. You will never be abl-"

"SWEEPER EVERCLEAN FACTORY" The yelling of my father as well as the slamming of his hoof against the wooden floor broke Sweeper from his rant. "THAT'S ENOUGH." he roared. I even heard the plates in the cupboard rattling  from his voice. "Go to your room. You are not having dinner tonight." 

Sweeper opened his mouth to argue but he lost his voice under the stern stare of my father. Sweeper lowered his head to the ground. My parents might not have been able to see his face pass the table but I could. He was seething. With a snort he lifted his head and ran out of the kitchen and up the stairs to his room. The room fell into an uncomfortable silence. Dad was taking deep breathes to cool his anger. Badge just stared with is mouth agape. He probably wasn't sure what to say to all of this. I was angry but I couldn't help feeling guilty by the truth of Sweeper's words. It was true, my family could have really lived a normal life. There have been times when either my façade had slipped or my slow growth had brought unwanted questioning. It has only ever happened a few times but when It did we needed to move to prevent my secret from being discovered. Nopony know what would happen if the public found out about me but my parents don't want to take any risks.    

Thankfully mom broke the silence of the kitchen. "I'll talk to him later but for now let's get dinner started." She smiled at Badge. "And it's your favorite Badge, spaghetti with wheatballs.



   

Dinner was quite enjoyable, even more so without Sweeper there. He is my brother and I love him but sometimes he just goes to far. After we were done eating everypony went to do their own thing. I ended up in my room staring at the ceiling. I let my thoughts wonder so I won't dwell on what Sweeper had said. One thing kept returning to the forefront of my mind. Humana. 

Her beautiful fur, her bright eyes, and her wonderful voice. I couldn't stop thinking about her. The signs were there, Only the most oblivious of the oblivious won't see it or ignore it. I had a crush on her.

Time to see my good old brother Badge. 

I exited my dark room and walked into the lantern lit hallway. Badge was just a door down to my left while Sweeper was on the other side next to the bathroom. I could hear voices coming from Sweeper's room as I made my way to Badges'. they were to quite to listen to but It couldn't be anypony else other then mom and my youngest brother.  Whatever they were talking about was none of my business so I don't look into it any farther. Reaching Badge's room I knocked on the door before walking in. 

Badge's room is a lot like the one I sleep in. A bed, a dresser, and a desk all reside within. What he has that I don't is a bookshelf and a no longer used toy chest along with other miscellaneous things like posters and pictures. I can't deny that I'm jealous of the guy sometimes.

Badge was sitting at his desk with a lantern next to him. In front of him is a book. "Sup bro, need something?" he asked, lifting his head away from the book to look at me. Saying nothing I walked over to his bed and sat down. I leaned back till my head came in contact with the wall behind me. All the while my brother following me with is eyes.

"I have a crush on Humana." I blurted out.    

The jaw dropping 'what!' I was expecting never came. Instead I got a raised eyebrow. "Really? You just met her today. It's kind of hard to see anypony...or should I say anyone in our case falling in love so quickly. I don't know about you but I don't believe in love at first sight." 

"I don't either but who said anything about interest at first sight." I said pensively. 

Badge scratched his chin. "Touché, bbbbuuutt you got to emit that it is kind of cliché, you and a pony. Like those old fantasy stories of interspecies lovers who fight against the forces who want to tear them apart." he chuckled. 

"true, though do any of those fantasy stories have one of the lovers as a member of a race that are pets?" I sighed. It was now that we were getting to what I really wanted to talk about. 

Badge sighed, which eventually turned into a groan. He knew what I was getting at. It was something that neither of us could change no matter what we do. My brother stared into my eyes. "Are you absolutely sure you like this mare. Are you sure this is not some spur of the moment thing?" He asked with a serous tone that I have only heard a few times before. 

It didn't need much thought. I have never really been interested in human girls. Even when some are so blatantly trying to seduce me by presenting me their vaginas and asses. It has only happened three times thankfully and while I should be flattered I could care less about it. It all comes down to wanting a partner who I can talk to and enjoy just being around rather then someone who is just running on instincts. That's what mares have and want I want...well stallion have it too but I'm not interested in them in that way. In short, it is lovely mares that get my blood moving. 

"Yes." I say with determination.  

Badge remained silent for a few seconds before giving me a astute nod. "Well the good thing is she already likes you...just not in that way, but I guess that's a start. The first thing we need to do is get to know her. Once you see if she is really somepony you want to be with, then we need to see if we can trust her with your secrets."

I nodded in agreement. I may have a crush but I wasn't about to show off my intelligent abilities to a mare who might reveal everything to the wrong ponies. There was something else that cross my mind. "Hey Badge, how come you're so understanding with me liking a pony." 

He chuckled. " Because Luke, even if you are a human you're also my brother so it shouldn't be that strange that my brother likes somepony. Things are just a bit more complicated then normal...but when has anything related to you been normal."  Badge laughed harder and eventually joined in. "Now that that is settled I need to get back to my Police Regulation book. The sooner I get to Human takedown methods the sooner I get to try them on you." He grinned maliciously. 

" I won't make it easy for you." I replied with my own grin. 

"I wouldn't have it any other way."  
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunbathing in the backyard with nothing but shorts on is quite relaxing. The cool breeze, warm sun and the feeling of grass on your back, it's just one of many no-cost things to do when you want to get away from it all. The only thing that would make this even better would be a good book. Unfortunately reading outside was a no-no for obvious reasons so I have to settle with what I can do. Most of my family were away from the house. Dad was working, Badge was hanging out with friends and Sweeper was dong...well Sweeper things. Mom, the only other family member at home was in her workshop filling out a order. Who requests a wooden sled in the middle of spring anyway?

I was just about to doze off when the sound of a door banging against it's frame brought me back to the land of the living. It wasn't from my house. It was close but not that close. Based off what direction I believed it came from I turned my head to the right to look at my neighbor's house. I didn't see anything but that was because I couldn't see anything. A four foot wooden fence blocked my view and when laying down on the ground a four foot fence blocks a lot. 

The battle of curiosity vs. disinterest began and ended in a matter of seconds. Thank the heavens that I'm not a cat. I rose to my feet stretching my muscles as I did. They were still a little sore from my morning exercise but not enough to hinder me. Once again I fix my sights on my neighbor's backyard now in my higher and better point of view. I saw something that I did not suspect to see. Humana. 

How was this possible. The house belonged to a stallion by the name of Orebody. He was a miner who worked in the local mine and  mostly kept to himself. The only time he really ever interacted with others was during Winter Cleanup. Enough of that though, no matter how odd it was, a beautiful mare was not to far away. 

She didn't notice me as she sat down with her legs underneath her. It was a good thing she didn't because I probably looked creepy staring at her. Unfortunately I couldn't just strike up a conversation with her so I had to force myself to duck down again. That was what I was going to do until I notice something about Humana. She had something white sticking out of one of her nostrils. It was a tissue and I could see a bit of blood coming from the end that was in her nose. I was drawn away from her nose when she lifted a foreleg up to her eye an rubbed it hissing a bit as she did. Once she place the hoof back down I finally notice it. I didn't see it before because her midnight blue coat but with her drawing my attention to it I could see discoloration around her eye. I couldn't ignore it. I couldn't lay back down and push it out of my mind. I had to do something. . . so I did.   

Humana didn't notice me till I had jumped the fence. It only took her a moment to recognize who I was and oh how her smile made my heart melt. "Luke, Come here boy." she called out to me patting the ground next to her. Who was I to deny her request. I jogged up to her only slowing down when I got close to her. I looked down at her and she looked up at me. Those emerald eyes looked a lot brighter then they did not to long ago.

squatting down I leaned in and nuzzled her neck. She let out a squee noise before returning my nuzzle with one of her own. I enjoyed the happy moment but I wanted answers. I can't ask her the normal way but that doesn't mean I'm out of options.

I remove my head from her neck which in turn caused her to look at me curiously. Gently I lifted a hand and slowly placed it on her nose with the utmost care. She flinched slightly at my touch but did nothing else. Part one is successful now on to part two. I whimpered. At first Humana looked bewildered but that was soon replaced with understanding. 

"Oh this, it's nothing. You should see the others." She giggled to herself. The giggling stopped short when she took on a more sheepish expression. "I have to thank Candy and Rhythm for stepping to help though." She said to herself. The names  Candy and Rhythm sounded familiar but I couldn't place the names to any faces, never-the-less I was thankful for them too. Why would anypony want to beat up a beautiful young mare. Unable to directly ask who attacked her I had to settle with what she had said. At less until I could get Badge to help me. Once again I snuggled up next to her and she accepted. 

Time when by as we just laid there. Humana eventfully started petting me on the back of my head. It's not something I really like ponies doing but for Humana I would go along with it. Once again I began to drift off to dream land only to be yanked back to full awareness. "Humana? Are you home?" 

It was a voice I recognized, a voice that belonged to the owner of the property I was in. Orebody.  While Orebody isn't hateful to humans he's not kind to them either. I needed to go. Escape method 23. 

I was on my feet in seconds and running to the fence. There was little to no time to crawl over the it so I leaped over it. I cleared the fence with centimeters to spear. Landing with a roll to keep myself from face planting the ground I then checked to see if I was truly ok. Once I deemed myself safe I turned my hearing toward Orebody's house while I stayed hidden behind the fence. 

The backdoor opened and Orebody spoke again. " Have you eaten lunch y-dear heavens what happened to you." 

For the longest time I didn't hear a response. I even began to think that Humana had replied but I didn't hear it. That was until the sound of her sweet but hurt voice reached my ears. "I...I got into a fight." 

Again silence descended only to be broken, but by Orebody this time. "They were making fun of your talent again weren't they."

"..."

"..."

"Yes"

I was left completely shocked. How dare they, how dare anypony make fun of another's talent. I was horrified to think that Humana who so far was a kind hearted mare be bullied. If I wasn't a human I would have made sure to find who ever did this and make them pay. In my anger I almost missed Orebody speak. 

"Ah...let's...let's get that eye taken care of." Not long after I hear the back door open and close again. About a minute later I stood up and looked at Orebody's backyard. No pony was there. No longer in the mood to relax I made my way to my house. Hopefully Badge would come home soon so I could talk to him about what I found out. 



    


Three hours went by before Badge got home. A quick dash to my room for privacy and I recounted my findings. He remained quite throughout my story. Only when I reached the part about other ponies picking on her did he react. His head jerked back and he look at me in disbelief. even though we no longer wear those rose colored glasses that we once did as colts it still surprises us to hear about physical bulling.   

Shining Badge's ears drooped and he shook his head disappointedly. 'I'll talk to Humana about it. See if I can get anymore information though now that I think about it Humana could have been the one who threw the first blow." See the blank look on my face we quickly added. "But that's just an assumption. I can't just assume that these bullies are at fault for everything." 

As much as I wanted to deny it, he was right. Plus it sounds like he wants to do an investigation. Can't talk down a will-be police office from an investigation now can I? 

"Oh do you know the ponies I mention?" I asked him hoping he could jog my memory. 

"Candy and Rhythm? Yea I know them. They were at Family Park Picnic day last ye-" A knock at the door stopped Badge form going any farther with is explanation. The door open a second later revealing dad. His steely features told us instantly that something was up. Dad's gaze fell on me before moving to Badge. 

"Badge, we got some visitors who want to see Luke. We need to bring him down now."

Badge and I looked at each other then back at dad. "Who are they?" he asked.

Dad stepped back from the door frame and to the side giving us clear passage through. He didn't say anything but we knew. He wanted us out of the room. It wasn't a request it was a demand. "Dad?" Badge spoke again. 

"Royal Guard, Badge, the Royal Guard."

   
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three bodies marched to the stairs of the house. Shining Badge in front of me and dad in the back. I can honestly say that I felt like I had been placed on death row and was now walking to my execution. We were at the top of the stairs when I caught sight of the Royal Guards. I counted six of golden armored ponies in the downstairs hallway along with my mother. Why were they here? Did they find out about me? If so then how? What will become of me and my family? My inner turmoil was interrupted by the scratchy voice of one of the guards. "Here they are. Let's get this over with as quickly as possible. We still have a few more houses to go to." He said in bored tone. 

"Oh um you can use the kitchen if you like." My mom said smiling nervously at the guards. Five helmet baring heads turned toward the sixth. The pony must have been their CO. I got my conformation when said pony nodded. This however did nothing to answer my question as to why they were here. 

Thankfully my ever so loving brother/proxy Shining badge asked the question for me. "What's going on here. What do you need our human for?"

"We are holding a investigation into purchases of humans and their legitimacy as well as to check on the human's condition for any signs of abuse. The OC answered. His voice was monotone and sounded like he was reciting a speech from a flash card for the umpteenth time.  "By the way do you have the documents proving you are the rightful owners." he added. 

The three of us were already at the middle of the stairs when the Royal Guard CO asked for the papers. The hoofsteps behind me stop. "Oh their in my room....I-I'll go get them."

"Please do." 

Pretending to be the dumb animal they think I am. I turned my head around to see dad canter up the starts then turned back at the guard below. Jerking my head back and forth looking at each and every one of them faking curiosity. For the most part the Guards ignored me. It did not take long for Badge and me to reach the bottom of the stairs or for two Guard to usher me into the kitchen. My mother and brother had to stay outside so they 'wouldn't interfere with the investigation.'

"Ok let's get this over with." One of the guards, a unicorn, said reaching into the saddle bag he was carrying and pulling out a quill, a capped ink bottle and a piece of paper. Form the voice I could tell it was a he. 

"Do you think we need to restrain him?" the other guard, a pegasus, asked. This one was female. Unable to ask for their names I decided to nickname them Bonnie and Clyde. Characters from a book about two griffin outlaws that I read recently. 

"The wife and husband says he's not dangerous." Clyde replied nonchalantly placing the three items in his grasp on the kitchen table. 

"That's what everypony and their mothers says." Bonnie retorted rolling her eyes. 

"Yea but the owners could report us if they see us tying up their human without 'just cause'. I've heard that some ponies were even kicked out of the guard for mistreating humans during their investigations." Clyde uncapped the ink bottle and dipped the quill in. "I'm all ready over here."

Bonnie let out a sigh. "Fine." she said while removing her saddle bag from her back and placing it next to her. Upon her opening it up I could see all sorts of gadgets used to test the body and it's functions. "But I'm taking the rope out just in case."   

The next thing I knew was a that there was a breeze in between my knees. I glanced down to see that me shorts were now at my feet. Well this is going to be fun. 

For the next hour Bonnie and Clyde testing my body temperature, blood pressure, and measured my body. They even took a blood sample to which I whimpered to in order to keep my cover and because it hurt a little. Just as they were packing up the CO entered the room. 

We're done on our end. What about the two of you?" He said with the same expression that a rock has.  

"We are done here as well sir." Bonnie and Clyde answered in unison. "Though there are a few oddities." Clade continued scrunching his muzzle.

Their CO lifted a brow. "Oh?"  

Clyde levitated the paper he had been writing on to his face. 'Well His body temperature is a bit high and his blood pressure is lower the average but that doesn't seem to be effecting him at all. 'Sure was a hectic day when my parents found that out. They almost gave me hypothermia trying to cool my temperature down to 'normal' levels.'   "He is smaller then the average three year old." Yet but I'm more then twice their age...go figure. Other then that he appears to be healthy." 

The CO opened his mouth to say something but Bonnie beat him to it. "His penis is larger then average. She bluntly stated. Both male ponies stared blankly at her. Hey look, she's talking about you, my pride and joy. Bonnie did not take their reaction well. "What? Oh come on it's not like that! I've been looking at human dicks and vaginas all day! I can't help it that I notice something like that after having to look at so many." Bonnie grumbled. 

Clyde and the CO shot each other a glace before Clyde spoke "okay? But I don't think writing down 'bigger then average size dick is a good idea. It's good for him I guess but we should really draw any attention to it...unless you want some lonely mare to bother the owners so she could get some-"

"Quit the chitter-chatter. if you're done then let's be off. Do I need to remind you that we still have a few houses to do before we meet our quota for the day." The OC interrupted much to my dislike. It was getting to the good part and I need a ego boost. 

Bonnie and Clyde broke away from their quarreling and saluted immediately. "Yes Sir!" they spoke in unison again. From there the two went about packing their things up. As for me I just stood there like an idiot, tilting my head from side to side. Bonnie finish packing and Clyde had all but one item already in his saddlebag. The paper was being held in front of him with is own magic. It seemed like he was unsure of something. "Sir? how do we proceed when we come across humans with oddities like this one?" 

If any one of them had turned to look at me they might have seen me stiffen at Clyde's question. The CO scratched the back of his head right underneath his helmet. He sighed loudly. "Oh let's just leave it to the desk jockeys to decide. We already have enough on our plate." He turned and left without another word.  Bonnie was the second one to escape the room leaving Clyde with me without a second thought. I guess my junk bothered her or something. At least it isn't the opposite, I rather not have a mare that I'm not interested in try to ravage me. 

Clyde on the other hoof was more friendly to me. Instead of ignoring me and leaving he trotted over to me and lifted my shorts back up with his magic. It's about time too, it was getting drafty down there. "Good boy, let's get you back to your owners." Clyde smiled at me tapping the floor in the manner one would do to get a dog to come to them.  I chirped and walked toward the pony all the while singing hallelujah within my mind. As much as I like getting poked and prodded by Equestria's finest I had other tings I could be doing. 

Clyde lead me back to the other guards and family including Sweeper who must have returned while I was being examined. He and Badge were siting on the stairs while the CO was talking with our parents. The rest of the guard were lined up in front of the door. I mean literally lined up in front of the door single file. Shouldn't suspect any less from them. Badge called my name giving me the reason I needed to walk toward him unattended. 

"Thank you for your corporation."  The OC bowed. "Alright, Royal Guards, let's roll out!" He commanded. In a matter of seconds the front door was opened, the Guards marched out and the door was shut behind them. 

Silence passed over the room like a fog. All four of us stared at the door wandering if it would open again. I even thought I heard a gulp. Maybe it was me. "Well you don't see that everyday." Badge declared, breaking the spell. All at once everypony relaxed their bodies only now noticing that they had been tense. I even collapsed on the stairs just below my brothers.  

"W-well we better get dinner started. It's about time for it anyway." Mom said. She was a little shaken about the whole ordeal. I could understand. One mistake, one mess up and who knows what they would do with me. Thankfully there was a remedy and it was in the form of my dad. He engulfed her in a heartfelt hug. 

We could see the change instantly. Mom's body stopped quivering and she returned the hug. "I'll cook dinner tonight." Dad said sweetly. Mom nodded before nuzzling the dad's neck. 




"Get a room you two."



         


Dinner was a basic Daisy sandwich for my quadruped family and a peanut butter and Jelly sandwich for me. The simplicity of the meal was not because my father had the inability to cook but because of recovering frayed nerves and a long day at work. It may not have been said but such a humble dinner was needed. 

There was something amiss however. I may be young and unable to understand the complexities that come with being an adult but I could clearly she something weighing heavily on dad's mind. Apparently mom notice it too.  "Today I finished the sled order for Mr. Cane. It's an odd time to want such a thing but an order is an order." Mom giggled slightly into her hoof. "Maybe it's a special gift or something." 

Out of the corner of my eye I can see Sweeper looking down at his plate. His mane blocks my view of his face and expression. He knows something is wrong. Dad sits quietly eating his dinner. One ear is turned toward his wife so he can receive her words to their fullest. 

Badge's face lights up. He catches on to what mom is doing but instead of pointing it out he does the opposite. "It could be that or he just wanted to get one in the off season when it doesn't cost as much."

"How bad is it?" 

"That's true. Still, he is a little old to be sledding." Mom rubs her chin pondering the elusive reason for Mr. Cane's order. Personally, I can't believe the two of them or continuing on with this. In fact it's making the fact that something is wrong more apparent. Dad continues to eat his dinner albeit more slowly then before. 

"How bad is it."  

I hear my brother Sweeper mumble something but it is lost in the background of Badge and mom's conversation. Out of the corner of my eyes I see him raise his head. He's watching our family intensely. His eyes were bubbling with emotion, none of them good. I felt a chill down my spine for the moment he glanced at me. Something was about to break and it would not be pretty. 

"HOW BAD IS IT!" Yelled Sweeper at the top of his lungs. Mom and Badge stopped immediately. "Don't you dare try to hide it! I'm not dumb, I know the guard's visit is going to cause us problems! I don't know how screwed we are but I know you guys do. So let me ask again. How. Bad. Is. It." Sweeper stared viciously at us, especially me.  

The room was quite for a few seconds. Dad, seeming unaffected by Sweeper's outburst was the one to answer the question that Sweeper son nicely asked about. "The Royal guard were very thorough in their investigation. And if they aren't half-assing it they will eventually find the inconsistencies." 

'Inconsistencies? what inconsistencies? How were ther-' then it hit me. I finally saw where this was going. The color drained from my face.

"They're going to match our paper work with the records of the place mom and dad got Luke from." Badge continued for dad. "they're going to see the difference which...well give them enough reason to investigate." 

Sweeper's gaze lessened but only slightly. " So we need to move again?" He looked at dad silently demanding him to be the one to answer. 

"Yes, Probably to another country too."  

Immediately upon hearing those words the dam that held Sweeper's anger at bay broke. Sweeper slammed hid hoof down on the table with enough force to brake the plate that once held his sandwich. Me and the rest of the family stare wide eye at the plate then up to Sweeper. None of is knew what to say. Sweeper on the other hoof did. "Damn it! Why do we have to sacrifice so much for one being." Dad opened his mouth to say something but Sweeper so it to and intervened. "NO! No I will not stop. I have listened to you for far to long. Now it's time for me to speak." Sweeper let out a mighty huff. "We've given up way too much for him. More then we needed to. We could have just hidden him in a forest nearby and given him foodstuff when he needs it." 

"There's no way I could survive out there with you just giving me food. Living outdoors takes more then that." I cut in. I had enough. I had sat back and let my family handle Sweeper's anger. No more.

Sweeper look at me with contempt. "Your species has been living off the environment for centuries, I'm sure you can adept to what your kind has been doing for since before you were born." He retorted. 'I sick of this. I'm sick of all of this. From now on I'm going to live for myself and not make sacrifices that I don't want. Away from dirty humans." With a burst of speed, Sweeper tore off into the hallway. The front door opened and slammed shut before any of us reach the kitchen door. 

Dad somehow got in front of the rest of us and was cantering toward the door. "Wait!" Mother called out. Dad skidded to a stopped and turned to face mom. She placed a hoof on his cheek and kissed his head. The soft gentle kiss relaxed my dad. His tensed furrowed expression evaporated into subdued one. "You've been out and about since early this morning and you made dinner even after your long day. Let Badge and me look for Sweeper. You rest, ok?" Dad grumbled a yes after a few seconds of silence. "Badge? Let's look for Sweeper." 

"Ok mom." he answered from besides me. He gave me a small smile then took off after mom. Dad and I watched them go. They spilt up and run In different directions. We continued to watch them until we could no longer see them. 

Dad walked toward the kitchen saying he was going to clean up and I headed to my room. It had been a long day. All the anger I had for Sweeper had vanished into thin air. There are things I wanted to say but I as no longer in the mood too. Instead of thinking nasty thoughts toward I question why he hated me. Was there anything I could have done? Maybe I should have interacted with him more when we were younger. That could have prevented him from disliking humans so much. It's to late for that now and I just wanted to sleep.  

It didn't take long for me to reach my bed or to land on top of it giving myself to it's softness. Soon enough I had drifted off to dream land. It was a wonderful dream. One with Humana and me, having a picnic in the moonlight. Just me, her and the mare on the moon. 
  




> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A week, a full week has passed and no sign of Sweeper. We all searched for him but to no avail. What made it worse was that my family could not ask for help. If they did, too many questions would arise. Our plan to move is also delayed. We would never leave a family member behind. The only thing we can do now is keeping an eye out for Sweeper. We all take turns going about the town and today I'm with Badge. I even have a collar around my neck to give the impression that he is taking me for a walk. So far there is no trace of Sweeper but I'm noticing something else and it's not good. 

The townsponies appear to be very cautious of me, in fact they seem cautious towards any other humans. They try to avoid us like the plague. Some give me nervous glances while others whispered to each other. What's worse is that I'm seeing this reaction to humans all over town. This means that I either have been way to focused on finding Sweeper or I've been stupidly ignorant about the world around me. If it's that latter I'm blaming genetics.  

Badge noticed it to. His eyes continually shift, looking out for danger. I truly think it would have been better if he just asked what was going on. At least that way we would know how to handle future situations if they came up. Thankfully nopony made a move as the two of us turn at an intersection into a less crowded street.  We did this several times until the two of us reached the outskirts of town.  The outskirts were made up of smaller houses, low priced hotels and a few shops. 

Ponies here were few and far between here. The few ponies that we did see paid us little to no attention. The lack of interest helped our search. Badge and I investigated every corner, every building and every blade of grass for any clues of Sweeper. We even searched garbage dumps which in hindsight was not a smart idea considering Sweeper's dislike of anything dirty are gross. 

We took a break at noon having spent all our time searching for our brother since seven in the morning. We found a little alleyway between two shops and sat down on the grass. Badge grabs two sandwiches from the saddlebag he's carrying and pass one to me. "Damn my legs hurt." Badge groans. "What about you?" 

I shrugged rubbing my legs a bit. I was a little swore from all the walking but I said nothing since I was still following my outdoor rules just incase somepony comes by. My brother nodded in understanding back before continuing to eat. I too was about to take a bit of my lunch when I heard voices. 

"-U WANT." a pony yelled. There was another speaker but their voice was to low understand what they said. Nevertheless the voices drew us told them like a donut to a police officer. Once at the corner Badge and peeked around it. We saw three ponies a few yards away. There was a large muscular yellow Pegasus, a chocolate brown Unicorn and a very familiar midnight blue Earth pony. 

"-Just telling you how it is. I mean, you have the worse luck for having a talent that is human related." The unicorn said loud enough for my brother and me to hear and determine that it was a she. "Yea." the muscular pony added. "You work yourself to the bone caring for humans and you get noting back. No thank you, no praise just more shit to deal with. Talents like yours waste perfectly good ponies. So blinded by your charges to see that what you do helps nopony. Take from a pony with experience. Humans are bad. Sure they say that the trained ones are docile but even then there is a chance that it will attack. Seriously, those dumb animals are dangerous. But the world doesn't see them for what they truly are." The unicorn smirked a smirk so vile that even I could feel the maliciousness from where I was. "But ponies like you with your 'humans are good, humans are just misunderstood' nonsense stop us from dealing with the threat as the should be handled. Well at least now more ponies are seeing the truth." The Unicorn said poking a hoof into her victim's chest. A victim who's name was Humana. 

Humana swatted the Unicorn's hoof away from her. "what are you talking about?"  Humana" brow furrowed, eyeing the two other ponies with disdain. 

The unicorn and Pegasus seemed generally shocked by Humana's confusion. They must have thought that whatever they had been hinting at was common knowledge. The Unicorn's shock was replaced by disbelief. "You don't know?" Humana narrowed her eyes. "You really don't know, do you. Well I guess I'll be kind enough to tell you." The Unicorn once again smiled her sickly smile. " Ponies from neighboring towns have been attack by some mysterious force...only that it's know no longer mysterious. All evidence  points to humans."

Humana gasped as well as Badge and I albeit not loud enough to be heard. The mare of my dreams backpedaled away from the other two. "No. no, there is no way humans would attack out of the blue" her ears dropped to the sides of her head. "wild ones never enter populated areas...somepony has to be behind it or it's the Black Vine disease. Humans can't be hold accountable for their actions when they are infected. "

The brown Unicorn rolled her eye and closed the distance between Humana and herself. "Please, would I be telling you this without looking at all the facts." The Unicorn paused for her friend to add in a YEAH. "The investigators looked into it thoroughly and guess what....there were no intelligent creatures were near the crime scenes during the attacks ONLY HUMANS AND NO SIGNS OF THEM BEING INFECTED." The Unicorn leaned her head forward till their muzzles were but a few centimeters away from each other. "So how do you feel knowing tha-"

I have had enough. The belittling of her talent and revelation of why ponies gave me odd looks sparred me into wanting to take action. So I did. Against my brother's cries I walked out from our hiding spot and toward the three ponies. I was noticed instantly by the Pegasus and Unicorn. their eyes widen and bodies tensed up with fear. Humana who's back was facing toward me witness the bullies sudden change in expression. Slowly she turned her head to see me right behind her. 

She recognized me the moment her eyes laid on me. her mouth opened slightly, ready to say something. Before she could I refocused my own sight on the to ponies who were bulling her. I growled. It was a low throaty growl that one would use to express anger. It had the affect I wanted. The two bullies whimpered in fear as the backpedaled slowly away from me and Humana. 

Humana on the other hoof looked unsure of herself. She clearly knew that my growl was not aimed toward her since she showed no sign of moving. At the same time however she didn't do anything to stop me from growling.  Of course I stopped though it was more because I was getting tired of it. There was no sound after that, no pony spoke or moved. Just a bunch of creatures staring at each other. Like all things, it had to end which I would be more then happy to do. It was getting a little to awkwardly quite for my taste. So I did the first thing that came to my mind.
















I grabbed Humana by the barrel and ran. 

Humana squealed cutely as I ran passed my brother. Stunned as he was by my heroic but over the top actions Badge galloped after me. We passed street after street. Some more populated then others. I almost crashed into a dark blue Pegasus at one point earning the ire of a burly Stallion that was with her. Not completely sure if the words he spoke should be said in public. 

Surprisingly Humana was quite thought the ordeal, sure her eyes had sunken to the size of a pea and her head darted this way and that but was about it. Still I needed to find a good place to drop her. It only took a second more for my answer to appear, or should I say 'for me to see my answer'. 

A great white building stood a block away from me. Large glass windows were spread across the front of it's rectangle shape body. On the top center of the Building was a large red sign  BOULDER'S GYM. The place were my dad worked. 

Not a moment later I was in front of the gym with Humana in my arms and Badge at my side catching his breath. Once I made sure she would land on her feet I dropped Humana on the ground. She landed with her back legs firmly on the ground...are front legs, not so much. Just as I about to help her out Badge yelled out with emphasis "Let me help you up." he gently grabbed Humana and guided her to her feet. I on the other hoof froze. Oh shit I almost broke my cover. 'thank you Badge.' 

Humana acknowledged his help with a reply of thanks before turning her attention to the building in front of us. "Wha-? A gym?" She jerked her head to face Badge and me. "What was all that about and Why are we in front of a gym?" She waved a hoof at me. Normally humans didn't act like I did. Making up something on the spot to explain my actions would be hard especially when only one of us is allowed to talk. Lucky we had a contingency plan.  

"Oh it's my dad works here." My brother said zealously. "We got Luke here trained so that instead of getting aggressive he runs to either here or home." Badge puts on the big smile resembling a pony trying to hide incriminating evidence of something. 

Humana is quite surprise by this. She raises an eyebrow while she looks up and down at me. "Really?" Badge nods in reply. "th-that's impressive to say the least." There was a flash of light in her eyes. Quicker the eye she placed her forelegs on Badge's shoulders Smiling like a madmare. "Can you teach me how you trained him?!" 

"Sorry but it's a trade secret and-"  The expressions of worry and excitement made way to confusion as one of them felt something on the top of their head. That something was my hand and the pony who's head was being touch was Humana. Humana was surprised at first but she realized what I was doing and gave herself up to the power of the almighty fingers. Once I got to rubbing her ears she leaned into my hand and cooed. I may have been stoic in my outward expression but boy was I doing backflips in my mind. It took me a second to notice Badge staring at us with his own grin. One the I recognized as his devious plan plotting grin.    

"You know..." He began, rubbing his chin with a hoof. "I could use your help with Luke." My brother's words drew Humana's attention away from the influence of my fingers. "I have a lot of errands to run and I can't take Luke with me to take care of all of them." He continued. "what are you planning brother'  "I was  going to ask a friend to do it but since you have a talent with humans would you mind pet sitting?" 

'You clever bastard I see what you're doing.' 

Humana was actually taken back by Badges proposal. Even I was a little mad at him for forcing this on her especially since it was a ruse. "Wh-what? you...you really want me to take care of Luke?" Humana stammered. 

Badge blinked. "That what I just said. I'll tell you everything you need to know to take care of him if you say yes." he smiled.  Humana bit her bottom lip in indecisiveness. She looked back and forth between me and my brother. I for the most part was torn between wanting her to 'pet sit' me and letting her go about her day. I truly wanted to spend time with her before we moved but not because of a made up situation concocted by my brother even if he is only trying to help. 

Of course my brother knew just what to say to convince Humana to answer. "You know if Luke is with you then those bullies from earlier will think twice about coming near you. Once again his words drew her attention with him but this time she brighten up in realization that what he said was true. I couldn't blame her, who wouldn't look for a way to avoid that of which bothers them. 

"Yes. Yes I'll do it."   





A few minutes later  I found myself walking down the road with Humana at my side. Badge had finish telling what she needed to know though he said that all of it was just incase insists. He even told her were to find the secret key to the house, which we happen to be going to. For the trip she was quite and only speaking up to tell me what a good boy I am. I played my part and chirped back. Once we reach our neighborhood her demeanor changed. 

It started with her closing the distance between us. Soon enough her body was rubbing against my leg every time I took a step. Every so often she would look around at our surrounding like she was expecting an attack. I am happy to say that the walk home was uneventful. Once we reached my home it didn't take long for Humana to retrieve the key, which was under the welcome mat. Once the door was opened she rushed inside calling me to come after her. Needless to say I complied. Not even a second after I enter Humana shut the door behind me and slumped to the floor. 

"Finally. Safe and sound." she sighed heavily. Being the good pet that I was I slumped down next to her and leaned on her and padded at her mane playfully. She turned her head toward me and smiled. "I guess you're the one I should thank. No meanie weanie ponies are going to bother me with you around. I blinked then continued to play with her mane. "Her beautiful, heart-stopping smile grew. "Someone deserves a treat~" She rubbed my head before stepping away from the door and deeper into the house. "Now were is the kitchen?"       

It took little time for Humana to find the kitchen and only a little longer to prepare my 'treat' which happened to be cut apple wedges from a place called Sweet Apple Acre. Boy do they know how to grow delicious fruit. She put the wedges in a small bowl with my name on it then placed it on the ground. "Here you go boy. You deserve it." She to a step back and I leaped toward the bowl. There would be no survivors. I was so into my 'treats' that I almost didn't notice Humana removing herself from the room. Quickly I grabbed the bowl with my remaining victims and went after her... or at least until I hear her muttering "bathroom, bathroom" to herself. 

Unwilling to follow her to the bathroom I chose something much better. The floor pillow in the living room. The floor pillow was a large blanket like pillow that my parents brought for me. I used it whenever I wanted to just relax outside of my room. It was also a common item for human owners. I dropped the bowl back from where I grabbed it from and retired to the floor pillow. I laid down on my back get as comfortable as I can. I realized then and there how tired I was. Maybe I should rest my eyes for a bit. 

Just as I was closing my eyes I heard hoofsteps coming closer. I lifted my head slightly to see Humana walk in. she smiled softly at seeing me laying there. "Would you mind if I joined?" she asked. I almost nodded before remembering who I was in front of. It didn't matter of course since she trotted over and laid down on her stomach next to me.   I watched her with half lidded eyes as she reached out with a hoof and started rubbing my arm. "I got to thank you again for helping me. Headline and Muscle Mass always pick on me every chance they get. "She shook her head slightly. " I just don't get the need to bully me. What do they get out of it." She looked at me, a smile returning to her face. Sometimes I wish you humans could talk. Oh how much would you be able to tell us. You could prove everypony how wrong they are about humans" I silently wish I could speak, to tell her everything I could... but I can not. Not now but just maybe... maybe some other time.   





Images pass by me. Some I recognize others I don't. I see my birth from the eyes of another. I see white wall and ponies with warm and caring smiles. My parents adopting me so I can become a playmate to their soon to be born child. I see them return to the place of my birth. confusion and worry spread across their face. They know I'm different and they don't know what to do. They ask the caretaker questions. Questions of my born and my Sire and Dam. My birth Dam is a rescue. She was a prize for human fighting rings. My Sire is unknown. Only one human escaped during the police raid. A male. Under the same ownership as my Dam. He leaves nothing behind but a lock picked cage. 

"I understand now... interesting"





My eyes opened before I even realized that they had been closed. I had fallen to sleep without even realizing it. Unfortunately even though I was now awake I still couldn't see much of anything, It had gotten dark and what's more is that there was something on my chest. It was heavy but not body crushing. It was also soft and warm. It moved slightly ever so often like it was breathing. Then It hit me. Humana had somehow ended up falling asleep on me. The soft muttering just above my head farther proved my theory. 

To me it felt nice, like a warm heavy blanket. I smiled to myself as I nuzzled her chest. I was about to try and fall asleep again when I felt something different. Something a lot less furry and more fleshy. Two of them in fact, touching my stomach. My still sleepy mind finally put two and two together... It was her teats. Her teats were rubbing against my belly. 

My epiphany also lead way for another part of my body to wake. This not good, this is not good. Every breath I take, every movement of my diaphragm I could will her small stubs touch my skin. What's worse was I starting to like it. With my enjoyment came my awaking. It became harder and harder to push away my darker ,lustful thoughts. I feared what I would do if this continued on.  

Either it be a miracle or just pure coincidence Humana began to stir. "Hmm? Wha- what time is it." The weight on my body slowly lifted off of me. While I couldn't really see her that well I could make out a hoof rubbing what Would guess to be a eye. I laid silently not sure if I should 'wake up' too or fake sleeping. A sudden gasp drew me away from my thoughts. "Oh shoot, It's dark. I need to go home." A moment of silence past and I couldn't help but to think that Humana was looking at me. 'You should be find till your family gets home." She said. Humana nuzzled my face and took off toward the door. Leaving unsure wither or not she knew I was awake or not. 

Of course I wasn't going to leave it at that, however If I follow her out the door she would think I wanted to go home with her instead of escorting her there. I chose the next best thing. Watch her through the kitchen window. The window I speak of looks out toward the house besides us. From the kitchen I could see the front of the Humana and Ore body's home. 
I hastily ran to the kitchen to watch her enter the house. 

A minute passes by and no Humana. I begin to worry. She was in a rush so I would have seen her running to her house by now. It may be dark out but with the full moon I could at least see shapes. A thought came to me. Maybe she had been ambushed right outside. I needed to check. 

Quickly yet quietly I ran to the door. Slowly I open it. If Humana has indeed been ambushed I would need to element of surprise to scare the bullies away. When the front door was open just enough, I peek my head out. 

Right away I spotted Humana. She was laying on the ground........... with a knife in her barrel.  The perpetrator was standing next to her. The thing is, it was a human.        

          

   
> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Human was tall and muscular. He wore a undershirt and light brown shorts. He had a short black hair and a bread. The thing is that his bread was well groomed, something you don't really see often. I, however did not care for why he was groomed. All I knew was that he had harmed Humana.   

I was angry.

Slamming open the door I rushed the human. Now I'm no Royal Guard or officer of the law but neither am I weak or inexperience in the realm of fighting. My dad made sure to teach me how to defend myself and others. 

Closing the distance between us I jumped and double kicked him in the chest. We both fell down. The second my ass touched the ground I got to my feet ready to dish out more. The other human was on his feet already. He just stood there like I didn't even hit him. It was at that moment I broke one of the only rules I was ever asked to follow. I spoke. "I'm going to FUCKING kill you."  For the second time I rushed him. Instead of a of kicking I resorted to a left hook. Unfortunately my fist didn't connect to where I wanted it to go. The reason, he caught it with his own hand. 

I was surprised. I may have never been in a fight with another human but still, for another human to stop an attack rather then dish our their own in the hope to hit first, it was just... it was not normal. 

Before I could do anything else the human place a hand upside down on my chest. He pulled at my captured arm and lifted my body with the other one. The next thing I knew was that I had been tossed over his shoulder and was now laying on the ground. Reaction to my instinct rather then my head I rolled away. It was the right decision because a second later a foot came down hard right were my head had been at not to long ago. 

I got to my feet ready to go again yet a little more careful this time. 

"LUKE!"

Just by the voice I could tell that it was Badge. I move my head slightly to look but stopped. If I did look then the other human would have an opening I could not afford to give. 

The human move his head enough for to see it in the low lighting that I had. He looked back at. Once again he surprised me, this time by grinning.  "LUKE" This time it was dad. they must have come together. 

"We will settle this later son of Greg." The human spoke practically causing me to drop my jaw in surprised awe. Not waiting for a reply he took off into the darkness. What did he mean son of Greg. Did he know my sire? Well at the very least he didn't say 'Luke, I am your father.' The is no way I would accept that. 

Finally with the other human gone I turned to face my dad and Badge and to my surprise, my mom too. "Wha- what happen? We saw you fighting that human." my bother asked

I opened my mouth to speak but stopped. 'HUMANA!!' She was still on the ground, bleeding and unconscious. "I'll tell you later" We need to take her to the hospital first!" I exclaimed. All at once they realized that that there was a injured pony on the ground. While they recovered from shock I bent down and gently pick up Humana in my arms.  I made sure to be gentle so not to irritate the knife wound. I stared at the knife for a moment contemplating in taking it out. 

"NO DON'T, if you take it out she will bleed out faster." Mom called out. Her forelegs waved in the air. Well there goes that Idea. Still, time was of the essence. 

"We need to get her to the hospital." Dad announced. "Badge, come we need to get the hospital the heads up. Honey help Luke." Without another word Dad and Badge took off at top speed. Mom and me glanced at each other before we to started running albeit slower due to Humana. 

A few turns right and a few turns left and The hospital is In view. Mom runs ahead opening the door for me. "Come here boy. In here." I say nothing in return for obvious reasons I dashed inside. It came to no surprise that as mom and me walked in my dad and brother along with two hospital staff pulling a gurney came running to us. 

The staff stopped short staring at me. Apparently they have never seen A human caring an injured pony before. "Told you he was trained." Badge rolled his eyes. 

The two hospital staff blinked then stared at each other blankly. "Um how do we..." I tilted my head. Humana shuttered in pain making it terribly hard not to say something in hopes of soothing her while she remains unconscious.  

Once again Badge rolled his eyes again. He stands up on his back legs and taps a hoof on the gurney. "set her down here boy." I complied, setting Humana down gently on the soft bed on wheels. " Good boy Luke, Good boy.  Thankfully the staff didn't  gawk around and immediately took Humana away to work on her. Even with the nap from earlier I was completely exhausted. My fear for Humana safety and dull pain from my fight with the human took a lot out of me. The only thing left for my body to do was to collapse onto the floor... so I did. 

When I collapsed to the floor I didn't lose consciousness. Spooked the Tartarus out of my family though. Mom took me off to the side where she could see how I was doing. Dad found some water for me to drink. It was out of bowl but I didn't give a shit. I was thirsty and  needed liquid.  I the good thing that came out of this was the respectable glances I got from the doctors and nurses. News spread about what I did and a lot of ponies liked it. Maybe it could quell some of the hate that is aim to my kind. As time when on neither of my parents requested that we return home. I got the feeling that they knew something about me liking Humana. I guess that's why we stayed. Of course dad did go out to get food for us. He didn't come back alone. 

"Where is my daughter!" yelled a pony as he busted through the door. It was Ore Body followed by dad.  

In ten seconds flat a nurse was with him asking and entering questions. These ponies must have dealt with ponies like Ore body before.  

"What's your daughter's name?" 

"Humana."

"Humana? Humana...! ah yes, she is in surgery right now. Please sir you will need to wait here."

"But I want to see her now!"

"I can't let you do that sir. She is in surgery and the doctors need to concentrate on saving her life. They can not have any interference. Either I or one of the other nurses will inform you when she is out of surgery, but for now you must wait here." 

Anything Ore Body was about to say stopped when my dad placed a hoof on his shoulder. Ore Body looked at him with a scowl but dad just shook his head. Without a word Ore body wacked away dad's hoof and walked a distance away just to sit down looking at the floor.

It wasn't long after that that police officers appeared. One by one they took my family members to a side room to talk to them. I was left out of course since who could get a eye witness account from a pet. I could only surmise that they were asking questions about the attack. The investigators didn't hold any of my family member to long so that was a plus. One of the investigator thanked my family once they were all done before walking over to Ore Body along with his partner. A few short word were exchanged then they left. 

conveniently, a minute later a nurse at the main desk called out to Ore Body. He bolted upright with the agility of a rabbit and cantered to her not even caring that he almost ran into several other ponies. I withheld a facepalm,  never-the-less I was interested in what the nurse was going to say. Hopefully it was good news. 

I saw dad move from beside me. He turned his head toward Badge, mom and me and a slight motion with his head towards the Ore Body and the nurse. Badge and mom pilled themselves way from the wall sitting against. I soon followed suit. It didn't take long for us to reach Ore Body but by the time we did he was already done talking with the nurse. He turned toward us somberly with an equally depressing expression. At the moment I feared the worst. I feared that I was to late to save the mare that had stolen my heart. 

He sighed, a sigh that was not saddening as he body language. It was a sigh of relief. "My daughter... my daughter is going to be okay." A single tear left his eye. The breath I was holding was released. Lucky it was covered my family doing the same thing. "The knife pierced an artery but thankfully it also kept her from bleeding out to quickly." He said with a small smile on his face. I was instantly grateful for mom telling me to keep it in. 

Ore Body looked past us toward the direction the medical ponies had taken Humana in. "Their gonna to keep her here for recovery so I'm staying too. You guys should go home for now. you have done enough for my little girl but now I need to be the one there for her." Ore Body then did something that he had never done before. He smiled at me. "Gave that your human a lot of treats. He deserves it."

He walked away after that, preventing any further conversation. "He makes a gooood suggestion." Dad yawned. To my disappointment mom and Badge nodded. Dad, even as tired as he was noticed my reaction. "There is nothing more we can do. We will just have to wait." He said more to me then the rest of the family. I had to admit that he was right and I guess, here or home I'd be doing the same thing. Waiting. 





Two days pasted before we were told that Humana wanted to see us. More specifically Badge and me. Neither of use could say no the request. Me especially since I had been cooped up in the house for those two days. My parents thought it would be a good idea because of the attack. At least during that time I found out the Badge had told them about my crush the day she 'pet-sat' me. He had ran into them and since I was suppose to be with him he had to explain why I wasn't. I can't really be mad at him since I did enjoy my time with Humana even though I slept through most of it. 

Badge pushed open the doors leading into the hospital. Ponies of all shapes and sizes moved about within it's walls proving that even a small town like this a hospital is always busy. Badge made his way to the front desk with me tagging along behind him. The Unicorn nurse handling the desk did even look you at him, instead she continue to write on papers that lay before her. 

Badge looked back at me with uncertain eyes before giving me a shrug. "Excuse me ma'am I'm here to visit a friend of mind."

"Name?" the nurse said not without looking up. 

"Oh um I'm Shining Badge" Badge rubbed the back of his head.

The nurse who was levitating a bunch of papers to her stopped and made a quick glace to my brother. "No I meant the name of the pony you want to see." 

"Oh.. eh eh" Badge laughed embarrassingly "Humana, her name is Humana." Once again the papers in the nurse's magic moved. This time it stopped in front of her. After several moments of waiting and paper flipping the nurse gave us the answer we were long for.

"She is in room 203, second floor. Is there anything else." she said returning the bundle of papers back from which they came. Badge shook his head then realized that the nurse was look back down at her work load and not him. He answered with a simple no. She gave no confirmation that she heard so we turned to leave. 

Our walk to the stairs was stopped barely before it began by the nurse's voice. "Make sure your human behaves or we will have to remove the both of you by force." She didn't even look up when she said any of that. 

Badge gave me a glace and shook his head. I wasn't going to do anything to jeopardize my stay here that was the end of that.  

The stairs were easy to find only took a seconds to reach. Oddly enough the stairs were void of other ponies. "Well...I hope her bedside manner is better. I'd hate to be the patient she looks after." He vocalized. I hide my response as a huff of hot air. Badge chuckled slightly at me. 

In a short amount of time we came upon the door to the second floor. Thanks to the conveniently placed directional signs it was easy to find out which direction room 203 was in. Once we reached said room Badge knocked on the door. "Come In." came a reply from the lovely mare inside. Without wasting anymore time my brother opened the door. 

The room was white and bland, no surprise there, but there not to far away was Humana lay on her back in bed. She recognized us instantly and a smile appeared on her face. "Shining Badge, Luke it's good to see you. How are you doing?" 

"We're fine. How about you." Badge replied, shutting the door. I waited for him to call for me before I followed him to the side of the bed. 

"I'm doing better though the doctors say I'll need to stay for a few more days." She said continuing to smile. 

Badge sat down on the chair next to the bed and I reminded standing pretending to look around curiously at my surroundings. In truth I was secretly taking glimpses at Humana. "Your father told me that you wanted to see us." he raised an eyebrow. 

Humana's smile disappeared from her face leaving a serious frown. "Yes I do. I want you to stop lying and come out with the truth and nothing but the truth." Out of the corner of my eye I saw Badge almost turn his head to me but stopped. 

"Wh-what are you talking about? I never lied to you about anything." Instead of replying to him Humana looked at me straight in the eyes. 

"Yes, the two of you are. What are you? Because even though I was hurt and losing consciousness I know I heard you speak to that human. I say your mouth move and a voice come out of it. You also acted in a way that a human would never act unless it was intelligent so I let me ask you again. Who are you really."

...

...

...


"Oh Shit."   
> Chapter 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"LUKE!!!" My brother yelled. In my ear. OWWWW. 

"What?" I replied rubbing my ear. 'If I lose my hearing in that ear I'm blaming you Badge.' He didn't say anything at first. He just stared at me shell-shocked that I had spoken. Humana was also staring at me but unlike my brother she was completely void of emotion.  

Finally Badge broke out of his stupor "How could you just revel yourself. Now there is no way out of this." He yelled again. At least this time it wasn't in my ear. 

"Jezz Badge, how do you think we could have hide this any longer. She saw me speak. Nothing we say is going to convince her otherwise. Besides I trust her enough to tell her the truth." badge groaned and shook his head. 

"We could have told her that she was hallucinating or something... and how can you trust her so quickly. You have barely know her." I looked over to Humana who was still staring at me blankly.  'think I broke her' I was about to turn back to Badge to tell him that I knew her enough when I saw movement. The edges of her mouth start rising. Soon enough I could see teeth as the ever-growing grin increased in size. Lastly her eyes started to glow like tiny stars had embedded themselves into her irises. 

"OH MY GOSH, OH MY GOSH, OH MY GOSH!! You can talk... and very well too." Her enthusiasm dimed slightly as she tried to control herself. "OK, you need to tell me everything. No more lies." Her eyes darted back and forth between me and my brother. I swear that this mare was about to jump us if we didn't answer quick enough. 

Badge was the one to answer. "Um we told you everything really." Humana jerked her head to him giving my brother a critical gaze. 

"Oh and when was that?" she asked.

Badge raised his hooves in the air waving them. At the park. What I told you is the truth for the most  part. I mean the only things we didn't really tell the truth about is when we got Luke and how old he is."

"Fifteen,  they got me fifteen years ago a few months after I was born." I added in immediately.  

That sure threw Humana for a loop. Her jaw dropped and her eyes bugged out. 'Wha- th- that's... but you look so young." She stuttered.

I smiled. "Thank you and I am young. It looks like I age like a pony, oh and I have more of a allergic reaction to Avocados then a 'oops I ate something I shouldn't. let me just keel over now.' type of reaction. Still dangerous though"   Looking at Humana I think I broke her again. I know I shouldn't really be messing with her when she is recovering but one does not simply reveal a major secret without screwing around with friends.

Badge wasn't as amused. He rolled his eyes before talking "Listen Humana, I know your still recovering but If it is ok can you tell me what happened." As if like magic Humana returned to her normal state of mind. 

"Why?" she asked. I to was curious for I thought we were just coming to visit her not to start an investigation. 

"I'm just wondering what happened. You don't need to tell us if you don't want to." He replied. There was something more to it then that. I have lived with him long enough to see that he was trying to get something useful out of whatever Humana would tell us if she told us anything. I will admit thought that I wasn't so sure he should be going into detective mood right now.

"Okay I don't mind." There was a moment of silence as she collected her thoughts. The memories of that night had to be hard on her to recall. She did almost die that night  "After I left the house I only trotted a few feet before I saw a figure in the dark. From the height of the figure I could tell that it was a human. I... I honesty thought it was lost." Humana released a heavy breath. "I was wrong. I wanted to help and if I was lucky it would have ID, sooo I called out to it. I used words like 'come here' 'I won't hurt you' and' I'll help you' Eventually it came close enough for me to tell it was a male. I remember looking up at him and saying 'good boy, let's find your owner.' The next thing I knew was that I felt a pain in my side. Enough to make me collapse. The human just stared at me. I tried to get up but I was stating to have trouble breathing. After that... well I heard the door slam open and the rest you... you know."

Slowly Badge and I turned to look at each other. "That is definitely weird. either that human is like you Luke or he is well trained. At that moment I realized that I had knowledge to answer that question. 

"Um he spoke to me before he left." Instantly to pairs of eyes focused on me with great intensity. "he said that 'we will settle this later son of Greg."

The room was silent for all of four seconds before Humana called out. "You know what this means!!! there are other intelligent humans out there!" 'yea but so far they aren't as friendly as me.' Not a moment after her outburst Humana goes into a state of rambling about the humans and what scientific advances could be made. My brother wasn't so ecstatic, in fact he look like he was deep in thought or at least that is what I gather from his stone face expression and chin rubbing. 

I was about to tell Badge to come back to us when he move on his own. His head swerved to me and he pursed his lips. "I got to think about a few things... alone so how about you and Humana talk for a bit." We glanced at the still rambling pony then back to each other. "Um, if you can." 

I wanted him to stay and chat with us but he wasn't in the mod to talk so the best thing is to leave him be. I waited till he ad left before I focused on Humana. Got to say I really hate sweaty palms. Even before I open my mouth I realized I was alone with Humana. Nervousness overcame me. heart rate went up I felt warmer and the before mentioned sweaty palms. Lucky ponies, they don't get sweaty palms. Why was I like this, I was alone with her three days ago and I was mostly fine except when I woke up with her on top of me but besides that there was no problem so why was-

"Luke?" 

The voice of an angel called out to me saving me from my spiraling thoughts. "Luke are you ok? your red in the face." Humana tilted her head with a mixture of curiosity and worry on her face. 

Quickly I came up with an excuse. "Oh I'm just feeling a little warm in here." I hoped to the heavens that she would buy that. She lifted a brow.

"Really? It doesn't fell hot in here." She shrugged. "Must be a human thing."  'thank you thank you thank you.'   oh and I just realized why I was so nervous. It was because I was talking to her. Seriously?! such a small think as talking to her is making me go week in the knees. Now I see why Badge was so nervous around that filly he like in the last town. 

"Anyway why don't we just... ah chat for a bit. You know since I can talk back and stuff." Boy do I love the way her eyes sparked.  





We talked for what felt like hours. We talked about my past and why we move every few years. The shenanigans that me, Badge and occasionally and forcefully Sweeper came up as well. She shared her foalhood with me in exchange. Sadly no tales of troublemaking from her though, she is a good girl through and through. All good things come to an end and so my chat with Humana came to a close. 

A knock at the door sent the room into silence. I was getting to the good part of the story too. A moment later it was opened by brother. I relaxed my muscles with the knowledge that it wasn't somepony else. 

"Lunch is about to be served and I promised mom that we would leave around that time sooo, sorry but we have to go." Badge unfortunately reminded me. Humana's expression was similar to mine yet a bit more expressive thanks to her now drooping ears. The cute sadness was worthy of a Dawww award if one ever existed. I couldn't leave her like this so I temped something that I hoped would not be rejected. Before she could react my hand sprung forward touching her just below the base of her right ear. The result was instant. 

Her head collapsed into my hand as she cooed softly. I could do this for days if need be, just to see her smile. Guess what happened. Badge ruined it. "Oh, you told her you liked her all ready?" 

"Whaaa?"

"BADGE!" 

Badge was confused, Humana was in shock and I was furious. "li-li-like me?" Humana was able to shudder out. Her far face was becoming bright red which is quite the feat for the midnight blue pony. I could feel my own face heat up in embarrassment. I looked back at Badge, seething.

The only thing that came out of his mouth was "Oops." Damn right 'oops.' I had to get out of here and quick. Humana had yet to collect herself and I didn't plan on being here when she did. I rushed out of the room with Badge close behind. It was to early to tell Humana that part and Badge should know that. Now I just didn't know what I should do next time I see Humana. What would I say. What would she say. 

Badge bombarded me with apologies every moment we were alone, which at the rate I was walking wasn't very much. I ignored him all the while. We exited the stairs and the last moments that Badge could talk to me without getting looks. Any piece I want to say to him will wait till we get home. For now I just wanted to get as for away from the hospital as I can.  Walking out of the hospital wasn't hard, nopony stopped us and I doubt anypony was paying attention anyway. 

In my angered state I almost ran into several ponies crossing my path. Badge and I stepped back in fear of hate full comments and despiteful stares. We got neither, instead they were to focus on something else. A something that was across the street and from what I could tell it wasn't good.            


> Chapter 8
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a rally and from the looks of it the rally was not friendly. My first clue was several police officers watching the gathering ponies. I caught Badge glancing wearily at the growing crowd. "Something doesn't feel right about this." Badge said, barely above a whisper. I was only partially listening to him. The other part was trying to find out what the rally was about. I could here a voice from the middle of the herd of ponies but it was to low to get what was being said. the cheering of the crowd every several seconds didn't help. I looked to Badge for guidance but saw him staring at another pony not to far away. A small comforting smile formed on his face. I realized why he was staring. The pony he was looking at wore the familiar light blue jacket of a police officer.

"Come on Luke. Let's see what Officer Billy" he spoke in a childish manner. I chirped in return before the two of us made our way to the officer, Officer Billy a.k.a Officer Billyclub, a pony I have heard my brother talk about often enough for me know a bit about him. Billyclub was a light grey unicorn with dark blue hair. He was also one of the few ponies in town to have a mustache. Apparently facial hair on a pony isn't really popular and fewer go well with them. Badge also said that he hates his full name. 'he thinks it makes him sound like he is into violence' my brother told me once. Officer Billy also happens to be one of the ponies helping Badge on his way to becoming a officer of the law was well. 

"Officer Billy" my brother called out. The officer's ears swerved to our direction. My brother called out again and this time Officer Billy turned his head to look at us. Within seconds he recognized Badge giving him a tired but welcoming smile.

"Hey kid." He flashed me a look "You better keep your human away from the crowd. They haven't gotten violent but who knows what will set them off." Both Badge and I were confused by  Officer Billy's words. Seeing Badge's confused expression, Billy continued. "Well as you can see we have a rally but from your expression I'm guessing word hasn't gotten as far out as projected." Billy paused for a moment to scan the crowd. "The group or should I say the gang behind this one have been traveling around making speeches, standing nf soap boxes and all other sorts of things to spread their ideas. Unfortunately chief among their ideas is that the human race is a menace on pony society. So far they haven't done anything illegal yet and I have been ordered to see that they don't." Badge was at a loss for words. I couldn't use words but Office Billy could and he wasn't at a loss with them either. "You take your human and go, I think I saw somepony look back just now and I don't like the way he was looking at your pet." 

Badge's head snapped around to the crowd behind us. His eyes darted back and forth surveying the crowd. A moment later his hoof touched my leg. 'Luke let's... let's go home.

My brother had us rushing home once we reached the less populated streets. He do not say a word to me at all, not a peep or a whisper came from his mouth. He would however, look behind us every few minutes. Makes me think we are in a horror story. Truthfully I'm afraid that Badge saw something sinister back there. 

We did finally arrive home which Badge practically shoved me into before slamming the door behind us. "WHAT"S GOING ON!" the voice of our mother called out. A second later she appeared in the doorway of the living room with a scorning expression on her face. Through the heavy panting and sweating the both of us flinched. The one thing that anypony should know about our mother is that while she is a gentle mare most of the time she absolutely hates doors slamming. 

" Mom I-I can explain."  Badge blurted out. I could see his hooves trembling as he spoke. I can't really explain it but whenever mom gets like this any who witness her change of mood is overcome by fear. The way she just stares out you makes you feel unable to move until she drops her gaze. If we could sell that Stare to all parents with misbehaving kids we would be rich. 

"You better explain or your going to find yourselves it deep trouble."  

Both Badge and me quickly explained our predicament to mom. Her face went from furious to angry to confusion then finally to worry. "Alright, I understand now." she sighed. "But I don't want you to slam the door again. I doesn't matter if you are getting chased or not. Slamming doors does nothing to help the situation other then make a loud noise and draw unwanted attention." She eyed us wearily. 

'Or brings up bad childhood memories.' 

"LUKE!"

I Jumped at the voice of my mom. "Wha-what?"

Oh ho Mom was giving me the Evil Eye. "I said do you understand. No more door slamming." I look to Badge who was just looking back nervously at me. 

I nodded vigorously at mom hoping that she would take my answer. It did when mom's expression to a normal one albeit a little furrowed. "Alright, now that is over with I want you boys  to go wash up. we are going to have a early dinner so our farther and me can spend time afterword looking for Sweeper." The both of us wordlessly walked up the stairs to comply with her order.

We did was we were told, washing our hooves and hands and such. Mom was already cooking when we returned. As the children in this family it was our duty to set the table. We moved quietly and quickly setting down plates, cups and eventfully food. Our stomachs were practically growling just looking at the delicious food when we finally heard the front door open. Low and behold, dad walked into the kitchen not too long after. There was something wrong however. Dad wore a grim expression on his face and from the looks of it the cause of his mood was a piece of paper in his hoof. 

Mom was first to voice concern. "Fitty? what's wrong?" She rose from the table ready to move by his side. 

My dad said nothing. Instead he tossed the paper onto the table so we could all read it. I was a simple paper with little more then a paragraph on it but even then what was on the piece of paper spoke volumes.

Notice    
New Zero Tolerance Policy
As it has recently come to your attention Humans have begun attacking ponies unprovoked. We the Hooves of Judgment believe that it is time to stamp out all violent Humans and cleanse our streets of this evil. Therefore any and all violent acts by Humans must be met by extreme prejudges. We must fight fire with fire in order to save ourselves from this threat and we want all of you to play a part in saving our beautiful Equestria.  

"Well this is bad."                         
> Chapter 9
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

One week, 24/7, 168 hours. That's how long I was stuck inside my house. I wasn't grounded or anything it was just that my family was worried. The letter really put everypony's tails in a twist. So my life for the past week has been pretty much me just sulking around the house. I haven't even heard from Humana which of course bothers me to no end. The news I got from Badge and my parents wasn't to good. Humans were being treated more harshly then before. Disobedience was treated like criminal offences. There had also be some more midnight attacks. Nothing fatal but Ponies have come away with injuries that required bed rest. What more is that things are being stolen from around town. Tools, food, and clothing material. Nopony know who it is but so far no clues have been found. 

I am just sitting in dad's exercise room mindlessly working out my arm with a dumbbell. Just as I was about to take a break there was a knock on the door. My Mom shortly called out that she was coming. Curious to see who it was I opened the door slightly and peeked down the Hallway. What I saw both set my heart a flutter and fall at the same time. 

Humana was at the door. 

"Hello Mrs. Rosebud can I come in?" Humana asked politely with her sweet honey sounding voice. 

My mom hesitated with her reply but eventfully she stepped aside to let Humana in. As she stepped in Humana's eyes wondered around the room. She may have been here before but that was like more then a week ago. "How are you doing Humana. Recovering well?" Mom drew Humana's attention from the house to her. 

Those sweet beautiful lips curved into a smile. "I'm doing fine. The doctor says that the knife would leave a scar but you barely notice it unless you look real close." From there on it was nothing but girl talk. I tried to listen but when most of it is in the language of the Mare, a lot of things are lost in translation.  

I was about to close the door when I heard Humana ask something that I wouldn't think her to ask straight out. "Can I talk to Luke?" Ok maybe I didn't hear her right. Maybe she meant something along the line of talking to me like she did when she vented that one time. There was however no chance that that is what she meant and my mom knew that too."

"Excuse me?" Mom said a little to forcefully. 

Humana scratched the side of her neck. "I want to talk to Luke about a few things... I know that he's intelligent." Mom's head slowly turned toward the room I occupied with a stare the could devastate an entire army. Oh oh. 

Thank the heavens that Humana came to my rescue. "Oh please don't be mad at him. I wasn't completely out when he rushed to my rescue. I kind of pressured him and Badge to reveal his secret to me."

Mom gave her a long hard look before saying anything. "You wont tell anypony?"

"I swear on my life that I will carry this secret to the grave." Humana replied sternly. 

My mother one again gave Humana a hard stare. "... Luke you have a visitor." She yelled out. 

Okay I guess that's my cue. I quietly open the door. If there was ever a time for awkward silence this would be it. The two mares looked at me and I looked back, Somepony was waiting for the other to speak. Considering the odds of two against one I guess I was the one who had to step up. "Uh, hi Humana, nice to see you again."   

A small grin found it's way onto Humana face. "Hi Luke, same here. I... uh came here to talk to you." She looked back at mom who was watching us with a raised eyebrow. "In a more private setting and don't worry Mrs. Rosebud we are just going to talk nothing else." She said before my mom could say anything. 

Mom didn't look too pleased. I'm sure mom would trust Humana's word but I guess she doesn't want her little boy to alone with a member of the opposite sex. She did however give us 'The Nod of Approval'. Humana also understood 'The Nod of Approval' and once again I was in her sights. 

I nodded dumbly. "Oh ok... um let's go to my room." I turned around walking up the stairs. A quick glance behind me conformed that Humana was following me upstairs. I opened the door to my room and let her in before me. Once we were both in I closed the door behind me. 

Humana looked around the room noticing the bareness of it. "It's technically the guest room since... you know... odd to give a pet it's own room." Humana nodded, her sight finally settling on the bed.  One leap and she was on the bed. She cringed a bit and a hoof went to her side. I jolted forward hands out to garb her if needed. She waved a hoof to stop me. 

"It's ok. I just exerted myself a little to much there. the pain will pass." She gently sat down on her haunches. I joined her but keep my distance just in case she gets the wrong idea that I am trying to put my awesome moves on her. 

Her left hoof runs circles on my bed sheets. I for one reason or another am draw to it. It stops, I look up to see her staring at me, not a angry stare or anything just a stare one would have if they were unsure of what to say to some one so they just look at them... sometimes for an uncomfortable amount of time.

"So you like me." She finally says. Yes she had said it, my embarrassment is back in full force but now there is no where to hide my shame. I must be a Stallion and take it. 

"Yes" I answered weakly. 

Humana blanks once then twice. "What? I didn't catch that."

There is no way I'm getting out of this is there. I take a deep breath and speak again. This time I was loud enough "Yes." I slouch and my head droops, feeling a little bit better now that I have said it myself but not really happy about it. My eyes wondered upward to see what Humana is doing. 

She had her head turned, looking at the floor with neutral expression and a hoof rubbing the back of her neck. "Look..." She said turning her head to me. "I don't really know what to say. I mean it's not everyday a creature from a non-sentient race tells you that they have a crush on you. I... I like taking care of Humans, hay it is my cutie mark but being with one... I just... I can't."

There you have it folks, my dream mare has rejected me. There will be a depletion of ice cream tonight. A hoof breaks me from my thoughts. It's Humana but the neutral look is good replaced by  small smile. " I am certain of one thing though. I want to be your friend."  

That was a surprise. A present surprise but a surprise non-the-less. "I... okay I replied, returning the smile. 

After that the two of us just talked. I must say that it satisfying to be able to do so. We talked our pasts which is when I learned that Humana's mother and father broke up years ago and it was only a few weeks ago that she came to live with her father. We talked about many other things as well. Only when mom called us down for lunch did we stop. 

It was just mom, Humana and me at lunch Badge was out shadowing an officer and dad was working.  Finishing her sandwich Humana looked at the clock hanging on the wall above the sink. "I got to go, dad wanted some family time." 

" Can I walk with you?" I said immediately without thinking. Both Humana and Mom look at me like I had three heads. "If that ok with you." I was met with silence. "Please, I've been copped up in the house for a week. I need the be in the sun's warmth for a while. I need some vitamin D. It will only be for a few minutes just over to her house and back." Mom's ears drooped while she sighed. 

"I don't mind and I'm sure dad won't." I sent a quite thank you to Humana who in turned winked at me. 

Mom looked out the window then sighed again. "Fine...but Humana make sure to keep an I on him even if it is a short walk I don't like it with... those ponies trotting around."

"Will do Mrs. Rosebud."

I got my collar and leather leash before following Humana out the door.  Since her house was right next door it didn't take long to get over there. Humana opened the door and walked in with me following her on the leash.  "Hello? dad, I'm home. I brought the neighbor's pet with me for a visit." No answer. She laid the leash down and turned to me. "Stay here." she said before walking further into the house. 

Looking around the house I notice that it has the same design as mine. It did have different colored wallpaper but other then that there was not much different about it. A few minutes later Humana appears. "He's not home yet so he must still be at work."  

"So what do we do now? I asked, folding my arms over my chest. 

Humana tapped a hoof to her chin. "Well I should bring you home and head over to the mine buuttt..." she added mostly likely because od the frown on my face. "I could bring you along. Dad was planning to come home first before doing anything else."

I responded by holding my leash out to her with a big duffy smile on my face. "Thank you."

She took the leash in her mouth and I followed her out the door. We forgo telling my mom the change of plans for obvious reasons and head strength into town. The mine was located about a mile and a half away from town. To get to it we needed to travel into town before making a turn at one of the streets to held out of town and two the mine it was more or less the fastest way to get there from our houses.  

The walk itself started out fine. As our journey continued a sense of being watched came over me. Soon enough it wasn't just a sense. Out of the corner of my eye I could see two ponies following us. Normally I would just conclude that they were just going in the same direction as me but this time was different. They were looking at me with an evil sneer on their faces. 

"Hey there gal." A pasty red stallion called out grabbing Humana's attention. She stopped, I stopped and the ponies behind me stopped. 

Humana's eyes narrowed at the red stallion. "What do you want?" asked through clenched teeth. 

The stallion flashed a smug grin. "Oh I just happened to notice you have a human with you and like a good pony I though I should make sure that you are alright."

"Well as you can see I am perfectly alright so l and my human will be on our way." Humana began trotting forward bring me along. The stallion however raised  hoof in front of her.

"My apologize ma'am but I am sure you are aware of the dangerous humans showing up around here. Your human might one of them. He may seem docile now but he is an animal, you never know when they might suddenly become violent." At that moment I felt a sharp pain on the small of my back. I couldn't stop myself from crying out in pain.  Through the pain I saw our company stare at me intently hoping for something. When I didn't nothing more them rub my back were I had been hit they shared the look of disappointment. 

"Hey what did you guys do!?" Humana yelled at them, sheathing. She then joined in on rubbing my back but in a more 'are you alright.' way instead of doing it to rub the pain away. 

"What? we didn't do nothing!" One of the ponies behind us said in a totally innocent voice. 

"Humana pulled back her upper lip in a snarl. "I highly doubt that." She turned back to me, the snarl was gone but she was certainly still livid. "come on boy let's go." I chirped and swung my head side to side. I was able to take a quick glance back. I was I hadn't. All three ponies where staring at us, a look of pure hate on each one of their faces.