A lone human struggles to find acceptance in Equestria, but it turns out he’s not the only one treated with caution.
After waking up alone and trapped in Equestria, I found myself treated with noticeable caution by its inhabitants. Not that I blame them; I am a predator species after all, but that still doesn’t make it easy. Will I ever find my place in this world? Turns out I may not be so alone in my struggle for acceptance. Following Luna’s return, the bat-ponies are also faced with adversity and although most ponies see their return as ultimately positive, it only takes a couple bad apples to spoil the bunch. We are all individuals, with strengths and weaknesses and should treat each other as such. Unfortunately, not everypony sees it that way and although it’s natural to group yourself (and others) together, it’s still ultimately harmful.
How many times in your life have you woken up and asked “Am I still dreaming?”
That was exactly the question I pondered, as I sat on the wall, thinking about my place in this world, of my time here and how it came to be that a human ended up in such a strange place.
After waking up in a hospital bed, tied to the frame and my system drugged with god-knows what, I opened my blurry eyes to see several colourful equine faces peering down at me. “I must be dreaming… or hallucinating.” I thought. Unlike a dream or hallucination however, it never ended. After several months it became apparent it was unlikely I would ever get home, and so I had no choice but to scrape together what I could of a ‘normal’ life. As normal as one could get when surrounded by magic and colourful talking ponies anyway. And so here I was, a soldier in the Royal Guard, under Princess Celestia’s request.
“Watch where you’re going, Vampire!”
I was pulled from my thoughts by an angry voice spitting venom nearby. I looked over and could make out 2 equine figures. My shift was almost over, the burning braziers along the wall illuminating the figures enough to make out the left was a day guard, and the other, a female bat-pony night guard.
“You walked into me! You prissy Sunflowers need to open your bucking eyes!“
“Watch your mouth, you disgusting Blood-Sucker! Pack of savages!” The older stallion spat.
“What the hell is your problem with us?! You Canterlot-types have it out for us!”
“We don’t like monsters like you hanging around the princesses!” Reluctantly, I hopped down from the ledge and made my way over. “It’s only a matter of time before Celestia sees you for the murderous blood-suckers you really are! Why don’t you save us the trouble and scutter back to the Hollow where you belong?!”
“Come on, Sir.” I said as I approached, trying to sound reasonable. “She doesn’t deserve that.” In the dim flickering light, I could make out his face; Obsidian Broadsword.
“This doesn’t concern you, Rookie!” He snarled. “Do you have any idea what this thing is?! It’s a meat-eater! A blood-sucker! They’re probably just waiting to sink their fangs into the Princess!” I knew he out-ranked me but decided to stick to my guns, regardless.
“Meat-eater or no, she’s no more a threat than you or I, or shall we take this to the Princesses, see what they think?”
“Shut. Your. Mouth, Soldier!” Growled Obsidian. “Remember your place!” I folded my arms stubbornly, signalling I wasn’t going anywhere. He huffed angrily. “Figures the ape would be a bat-pony sympathiser.” Obsidian looked around for approval, forgetting we were alone up here. “What’s become of our ranks? It’s disgusting!” He stormed off in the opposite direction.
After he was gone I turned to look at the stunned bat-pony mare beside me.
“You ok?” She hesitated for a second before her predatory eyes narrowed.
“What the buck is your problem?! You think I’m some damsel in distress or something?! I don’t need help from the likes of you, Day-Dweller!” My mouth fell open, completely taken aback by her malice.
“I’m sorry… I just… I just wanted-”
“Yeah well don’t! Just… just mind your business, ok?!” With that she shot off into the night, her dark coat masking her almost perfectly against the starry sky. Sighing in defeat, I gloomily made my way back to my quarters.
“Morning shift for the Throne Room will be Iron Gates and Flaming Shield. Aqua Aurora, you and Dayspear are afternoon shift.” Captain Firebloom read from his clipboard. “Thunder Spark, Cinnamon Dawn, you’re south wall.” Then he turned to me. “Oh, and I have a special assignment for you, Probie.” I suddenly gave him my full attention and I noticed a number of other guards now had their ears pricked.
“Sir?” I asked, leaning forward.
“Until further notice, you will be on, ‘Spud Duty’.” This prompted a snicker from some of the other guards. “You’ll be assisting the cooks down in the kitchens.”
“What?! What for?” I protested. “That’s grunt work!”
“Insubordination!” He snapped, checking his clipboard. “‘Disrespecting a superior officer’, ’Failure to comply with orders’, ’Absent from your post without reason’, I think you know the rap-sheet.” Then it clicked; Obsidian. That racist old stallion.
“Sir, I can explain, I-”
“Shut it, Soldier!” Firebloom barked. “I know you’re new, Rookie, but here we follow the chain of command. You have your assignment, get to it!” Sighing in defeat, I saluted.
That night, I walked down the dark hallways, my hands dry and red-raw. Frustrated, I muttered to myself angrily. I had no way home, no family, crappy job, racist bosses, untrusting locals, I was punished for trying to do good and to top it all off; there were signs my body was protesting to my new vegetarian diet. I may have lost a bit of excess fat from my days on Earth, but I had also lost some muscle with it. I always seemed to feel tired or weak, I was starting to get muscle cramps almost every day, and every night I would go to bed aching.
Suddenly the soreness of my protesting muscles, as I dragged myself up the spiral stairs, was momentarily interrupted by a welcome distraction. My nostrils flared taking in a sweet, heavenly scent. Following it, the smell swiftly led me to a closed doorway. It was a night guard dining hall. I entered and found, to my surprise, the same bat-mare from the other night, sitting alone, tearing into a thick, bloody piece of prime meat. My mouth watered at the mere sight of it. Her eyes looked up to meet mine and she snarled.
“What?! Bat-Ponies are carnivores ok?! Bucking deal with it, Day-Dweller!” She hissed, showing her blood-stained fangs. I didn’t back away however.
“No, no, it wasn’t that. It’s just… well… Ummm, w-where did you get that?” I asked cautiously. She scoffed.
“A little magic fairy poofed it up for me. Where’d you think, Numb-Nuts? From the cafeteria!” She spat.
“Oh… well… how come I’ve never seen any?” She scoffed again.
“They usually don’t have them on display; makes the sissy Sunflowers ‘uncomfortable’ or whatever, but Princess Luna ensures there’s enough grub for all of us from the Shades.” I hesitated.
“T-Think you could get one of those for me, sometime?” She looked at me, confused.
“Why don’t you ask yourself?! And why would a Rabbit like you even want one, anyway?“ I sighed, sitting down.
“Look, this is strictly between us, ok? Everypony else thinks I’m a vegetarian but the truth is, humans are omnivores.” Her mouth fell open in shock.
“You‘re a meat-eater?” I nodded.
“Yeah, and the truth is I’ve been dying for a hot rare steak or a decent burger for months. I just don’t want anypony to know because well…” I slowed, choosing my words carefully. “Ponies are very…. Errr… emotional… sometimes…”
“Another way of saying they’re wussy.” I chuckled at this.
“Yeah, thing is… ponies are already scared of me as it is. I don’t know why, but ponies have been very slow to trust me so I figured telling everyone I was a veggie might help things a bit.” She just shrugged and returned to her steak. “So, about the meat, could you please help me out? If it helps I can sweeten the deal a bit-” I dropped a small coin bag on the table. “30 bits for every raw, dripping, bloody steak you get me. First payment in advance. What‘da say?” She smirked.
“Yeah, buck it. Ok. I’m not gonna turn down free money like that, and nopony’s going to question if I ask for seconds every now and then. You got yourself a deal, Human.” I shook her hoof gladly.
“Thanks, uhh…?”.
“Azure. Azure Moon.”
“Thanks, Azure. Appreciate it.” I got up to leave but just as I got to the door she called out again.
“Hey,” I looked back at her. “Not that I care, but what happened the other night with that walking Fossil; never let anypony talk to you like that! You‘re a predator! An apex hunter just as Luna intended. Don’t let anypony tell you different.” I allowed myself to smile apathetically, and nodded.
“Thanks, Azure. Goodnight.” Halfway down the hallway, I heard faintly,
“Goodnight” in response.
“One sack of potatoes and some onions, please?” I asked the nervous-looking farm-pony, who was making a noticeable effort, like everypony before her, to bag my goods quickly. I saw it. She wasn’t alone in her outlook. All around me I could feel the stares. Young mothers pulling their foals closer. Hushed whispers. I saw it. There was tangible tension in the air. Even after months here, the public still showed considerable distrust; although I knew it wasn’t malice, simply ignorance and evolved caution.
“T-there you go.” She said hurriedly. “That’s 13 bits. Anything else?” Hers wasn’t a cruel voice but neither was it welcoming.
“No, thank you.” I said, handing her the money, keeping my voice calm and soft. I could almost feel her relief as I walked away.
“Nearly done.” I assured myself. With my new secret deal, I’d been dreaming of beef and venison stews, or steak in homemade peppercorn sauce and my pack was now filled to the brim with ingredients.
A couple weeks passed and Azure’s words still bugged me. Was she right? Should I stand up for myself more? Or would showing aggression just make things worse? Frustrated with my looping brain, I had decided to go for a late-night walk around the castle grounds. I was naturally a night owl but even so, hadn’t done this in years - just taking a break from it all. Walking under moonlight and in near perfect silence was blissful. Plus, I couldn’t deny the contrast of a pure, unspoiled night sky after growing up in the city was truly mesmerising.
“I trust thou couldn’t sleep, Soldier?” A soft, angelic voice asked. I looked up from my place on the bench to an unusual sight; Princess Luna, the literal Ruler of Darkness and Goddess of the Night.
“P-Princess!” I stood quickly and bowed respectfully. This, to my surprise, just promoted a small giggle from the dark princess.
“At ease, Soldier. Thou does not need to be so formal around us when thou is off duty.” I relaxed a little and sat back down but my spine remained taut. To my further surprise, she took a seat next to me. I didn’t dare push my luck by making eye contact however, so settled to simply stare into the middle distance. “Apologies, Soldier; it seems we have interrupted a deep trail of thought.” I quickly shook my head.
“No, no. It’s ok, Princess. I just have a lot on my mind, is all.”
“Then tell us, what vexes thee?”
“A question of... Difference, and belonging, I suppose.” I said, trying to avoid details.
“Then perhaps we could provide answers.” Luna gently countered. It was clear she wasn’t going to let this go.
“It’s… it’s about your Luna Guards; the bat-ponies.”
“Oh, they may seem predatory in nature, but we assure thee, they mean no harm.” Luna quickly offered. I shook my head.
“I know they don’t. I’m just thinking about how the other races treat newcomers.” Her face fell to an ‘oh’ of realisation.
“We understand. Thou see’s thyself in them. Has our world not been as welcoming as thou would have hoped, Subject?”
“I mean no offence, Princess, everybo-uh-everypony seems nice enough, but I am treated with such caution, nothing feels natural and seeing the way bat-ponies are so misunderstood, I can’t help but empathise with them.” She nodded.
“We understand. We have raised this issue to our sister on more than one occasion, yet the rift betwixt our worlds only seems to be growing.”
“Maybe we’re too different? Maybe we just can’t get along.” This prompted a sharp headshake from Luna.
“Absolutely not. Relationships are not built solely on identity. They are built on mutual trust and respect. We are not the same, but we do not have to be to work together. Diversity is a strength, not a weakness.” I nodded.
“Sure, I agree it’s a good thing, but what if you just want to be seen as equal?” Luna thought for a few seconds.
“Tell us of thy race.” She suddenly said. I looked up at her, surprised and not knowing exactly were to begin.
“Well… uhhh… a lot of humans tend to have a bit of a negative outlook on our species; that we have a talent for war and conflict and so on. That’s true enough I suppose, in the sense we‘re great at finding new ways of hurting each other, but we are also brilliant problem solvers. We invent techniques and machines for everything. We’ve invented medicines and cures for diseases that killed millions, we built buildings and bridges hundreds of meters tall, and we’ve invented ways of communicating with someone on the opposite side of the planet in a split-second,” I looked up at the night sky and smiled. “One time, we even went to the moon.” This predictably caught Luna’s attention.
“And why would thou do that?” She asked, confounded.
“Because we’re explorers!” I said simply. “It’s in our nature to touch new lands. To us, the moon was always this beautiful, mystical, but unattainable thing. Just hanging there in the sky. We had myths and folklore around it. Cavemen were always thinking, ‘I wonder what’s in the next valley‘, or, ‘I wonder what’s on the other side of that ocean‘. The moon was the… ‘ultimate challenge’ I guess.”
“How?!” Luna asked in disbelief. “I thought your world did not possess magic?” I shook my head.
“It doesn’t. But humans are stubborn. I’m over-simplifying a lot here, but we basically strapped a couple of people to the top of a huge cylinder filled with highly explosive fuel, lit the bottom end and waved ‘em goodbye! A quarter-of-a-million miles later they became the first humans to touch another planetary body.” Luna smiled.
“It seems you have a lot to be proud of regarding your heritage.” She spoke. I nodded.
“I suppose I do.”
“So why do you wish to be like everypony else?” That caught me off-guard. My mouth opened but no words formed. “You should always be proud of who you are. We all have strengths and weaknesses. Even if you face adversity, ponies usually come around. And the ones that don’t? They just serve as motivation; prove them wrong, Soldier.” I remained silent, allowing her words to soak into me like oxygen. “I understand it can be hard to be different. I understand the desire to be liked and accepted more than most. But you must never let it get to you; keep to who you are, and never let the hatred corrupt you.” I had questioned if I had done the right thing helping Azure; whether I should have just let her deal with it herself. Now I knew I had done the right thing, and I didn’t need her gratitude to know it. I stood up for her, and got Obsidian to back off. That’s what mattered. I wouldn’t let his hatred, or hers, change who I was.
“Thanks, I-Wait a second!” I stopped and processed what she had said to me. “When did you stop using your - what was it called - ‘Royal We‘?” She smiled, clearly pleased with herself.
“When you stopped seeing me as a princess, and starting seeing me as a friend.” I suddenly realised I too was smiling and at some point, my posture had relaxed significantly.
“Thank you, Luna. I needed that.”
“Princess Luna, if you don’t mind.” I choked and tried to correct myself but she suddenly started laughing. “Relax. That was a joke.” I blushed heavily and smiled, chuckling with her.
“Oh, right. Haha.” She got up, regarding me with a gaze almost resembling a mother’s.
“Think on what I said, then I believe you will find your place in this world.” She started to walk away but suddenly turned. “Oh, and one more thing; since you seem to have no trouble staying awake at night, there is a place for you among my Luna Guard, if you wanted it.” My mouth fell open in shock.
“Oh! Uh… t-thank you, Luna. I’ll consider it.” With a wink, she took off and disappeared into the night.
I allowed the ambient sound of chatter and cutlery of the mess hall to fade into the background as I tucked into my salad. Silver Bullet sat next to me; one of my closest friends. I noticed out of the corner of my eye, a group of officers muttering amongst themselves and pointing in our direction. One split from the group, and to my rising disgust, I saw it was Obsidian Broadsword.
“Evening, Lads.” He spoke loud enough for the other officers to hear.
“Evening, Sir.” I said in unison with Bullet but with building disdain.
“Enjoying your new duties, Private?” He asked me, a wry smile on his face. I just smiled at him.
“Feeding the force is a very important job, Sir. I can’t help but enjoy it!” I said with absolute conviction, ensuring I kept my face as level as possible. It clearly wasn’t the response the sergeant was after.
“You being funny with me, Grunt?!” A number of others around us had looked up toward the raised voices.
“Never, Sarge. Soldiering is a very serious business, Sir; for true professionals; like yourself, Sir.” Despite struggling to keep my voice level, I couldn’t help but let a small grin appear.
“You trying to be clever?”
“Not ‘trying’. No Sir. Unlike you, I don’t have to try.”
“LISTEN TO ME, SUNSHINE! You had better-” There was a loud slam of cutlery as my fists hit the table. I stood bolt upright, towering over him.
“I’d better WHAT?” I realised my mistake and brought my voice down so only the sergeant could hear me. “Better piss off back home with the other apes? Go back to where I belong? No, you listen to me. Little bit of news, Sir, I can’t go back home! This is my home now and my job here, for as long as I draw breath is to prove to you how unbreakable my resolve is. No matter what you say to me, no matter what power you think you wield against me, I will never change nor move! My purpose now is to plant myself like a tree. Those tired old bones of yours will give out before I do. So bring it on, Grandpa! I have nothing to lose.” The sergeant was just left stammering.
“You-you‘re nothing! Y-you’re-”
“Just a primitive Ape? Just a lowly Private? My species has done things on our world you couldn’t even begin to imagine. And one thing I understand from all that, is your ‘big wheel’ will not turn without our ‘little wheels’ driving you.” I gestured around me. “Without us ‘grunts’ you officers are just left barking orders at thin air while you destroy yourselves. Without us, you are nothing!” His ears were pinned back and he was practically cowering now as I loomed over him.
“Is there a problem here?” A familiar voice pulled me back and I turned to see Firebloom. My spine bolted upright once more, my point made.
“No, Sir.” I quickly said. “The sergeant was just helping me understand my place in this world. Right, Sarge?” The darker pony stammered, reaching to find an answer in his moment of unadulterated shock.
“Oh… uh- yes… carry on, Private.” I watched as Obsidian made his way back to the group of snickering officers, his plan to embarrass me in tatters. I sat down for the first time with my back to him and couldn’t help the supernova smile planted firmly on my face.
“Holy moon! That was awesome, Bro! I’ve never seen the Sarge so freaked out.” Bullet exclaimed as we climbed the stairs. I just smiled, actually quite pleased with myself. “Yeah, felt good finally putting the old codger in his place, but kind of worried about the fallout, though. Don’t think I’ll get away with ‘spud duty’ this time.” “He’s got nothing on you, man! Everypony saw it. Besides, whatever he throws at you, it’s worth it. Who knows, maybe he might even start respecting you.” Our conversation was interrupted by Dayspeer, my roommate, who was running down the hallway to meet us.
“Thank Celestia! Dude, there’s a bat-pony mare in our room!” My eyes narrowed.
“What? Who? What does she want?”
“I dunno, man, but she sounds pissed as hell. Keeps saying she wants you. I dunno what you did to her, man, but she looks about ready to tear your throat out!”
“I got your back, Bro.” Bullet said straightening his armour. Dayspear nodded in agreement. I looked upon the heavy wooden door but waved my friends off.
“I got this.”
As I entered the room, my eyes fell upon Azure, pacing up and down the room.
“There you are!” She spat.
“What?!” I protested. Her face raced through a plethora of emotions from hesitation, to pain, softness, thoughtfulness, finally settling on anger.
“Look, I don’t need you, ok! You aren’t one of us! You’ll never be one of us! And creatures like you and me, we’re just too different.” Calmly, I walked over to the cabinet, poured myself a glass of whisky, sat on the bed and let her rant. “We lived alone for a thousand years, banished by all the other races! But we survived. We didn’t need your help then and we don’t need it- HEY! Are you even listing to me?!” She snapped as I casually sipped the fiery liquid.
“I’m listening. I’m just waiting for the bit you actually want to say to me.” Her predatory eyes softened, before she growled in frustration.
“AGHH!! Why do you have to be so… so… UGGGHH!!!!” Her eyes glanced over my glass. “Buck, give me some of that, would you?” Chuckling, I got up and poured her a glass. She took an impressively large gulp and hissed in relief. To my astonishment, she swiftly proceeded to down the rest with barely a shudder. Her posture slowly relaxed as the words came to her. “Look, I’m no good at this stuff. What you did the other night… thank you. Nopony’s ever stood up for me like that.” I smiled warmly.
“You’re welcome, Azure.” I could almost spot her blushing.
“You know, Human, you’re actually pretty cool. I guess I shouldn’t be so quick to judge, just because you’re a day guard.” I refilled her glass.
“Well I think you’d be proud of me, Azure. You know that old guard from the other night? Today he started on me again and I gave it back to him, both barrels!” I laughed and Azure joined me. “He cowered like a trembling foal! Embarrassed him in front of the whole battalion! You should have seen his face when his little plan backfired!”
“Oh, Luna! I wish I could have seen that!” Azure giggled. Another issue popped into my head, and it seemed the right time to mention it.
“By the way, can I ask you something? Princess Luna has offered me a position with the night guard, so theoretically, if I took it, would you be opposed to us spending some more time together?” A sly smirk appeared on her muzzle.
“Thinking of joining the other side, ah? We’ll have to see how you hunt first! You up for it, Human?” I smirked back at her.
“A hunting trip, ah? Sure, I’m up for that.” Our glasses clinked and for the first time in months, I felt like I was home.
