Darkness filled the room. It was around 5am and Gordon was up and about, though keeping as quiet as possible. He was fully dressed, wearing walking boots and kagool and carrying his useful aluminium baseball bat. He had grabbed a small back-pack and snuck out of his bedroom window and onto the balcony. Skulking his way down onto the ground below, he approached the kitchen door and saw that the kitchen lights were off. Quietly opening the door he went inside. He could hear Shining and Photon playing on his Xbox, Star Cross and Nightlock were resting in their rooms.

Good for him. Highly acute Thestral hearing wouldn't help at the moment.

He quickly and quietly made his way to the fridge and opened it. He took out a few snacks and bottles of water and put them on his backpack. Just as quickly and quietly he had entered, he exited. He closed the kitchen door behind him and made his way towards the back of the garden, not having to worry about the light sensors as he had switched the lights off. Climbing over the garden wall he landed on the other side undetected.

He moved as quietly as possible but reasonably fast, making his way to the Everfree Forest.

From what the girls told him it was a very dangerous place where animals cared for themselves and the weather did its own thing.

Just like home then.

He walked down the dirt path leading onto the forest. Though it was dark it wasn't too difficult to see where he was going, the moon reflecting enough light to make things visible enough.

The forest got slowly denser as he went in, animals becoming more frequent. Mostly birds but he saw the odd rabbit and squirrel. He had his baseball bat with him just in case he came across bigger critters though.

He'd been walking for about half an hour when he heard a growl.

Turning around the the source of the noise he heard nothing more except for the wind and rustling of leaves. He began turning back around to continue his trek when a louder growl sounded. An instant later something jumped out of the bushes and landed in front of Gordon.

"What the fuck are you?"

He looked at the creature and saw it was a wolf made out of wood. The wood wolf snarled at him.

"Do you want a fight wood nuts?"

The wolf snarled again.

"Bring it on then."

The wolf launched itself forward and Gordon readied his bat.

The wolf jumped up and Gordon swung, his bat hitting the wolf's face. The blow knocked the wolf to the ground and made it even more agitated. It got back to it's feet and launched itself in another attack. Gordon swung the bat again and hit the other side of the wolf's body, smashing it to pieces.

Nodding in satisfaction, Gordon began walking away. As he did he heard the sound of snapping wood. He turned back to look at the wolf and saw something unreal. The wolf was regenerating. After a few seconds of watching on disbelief, the wolf was now fully regenerated and standing on all fours again. It began pawing at the ground aggressively before raising its head and emitting a loud howl.

In a matter of seconds several more wood wolves appeared.

Gordon was now outnumbered six to one.

And all six immediately ran at Gordon.

Gordon got in a couple of good hits before a felt a tingling sensation on his arm. As much as he wanted to check what it was his attention was elsewhere. He swung his bat once more and got on another couple of strong hits followed by a good kick from a strong right foot, smashing the wolf to bits.

He suddenly felt the same tingling sensation on his left leg. He looked down and saw another wolf biting it.

He took a swing with his bat and delivered a one hit KO to the wolf.

Taking advantage of his distraction, a different wolf launched itself on Gordon's back, clamping its jaws down on his right shoulder.

Gordon yelled out in excruciating pain. He unintentionally dropped the bat and stumbled around. The wolf on his back didn't give in its grip, its jaw still digging deep into his shoulder. Yet another wolf had another bite at his left leg, causing an already sore area to become even more painful.

Gordon was beginning to lose consciousness when what could be described a flash grenade went off. The wolves biting Gordon immediately let go of Gordon and after another flash bang, ran off back into the woods.

Gordon stumbled over to where his bat was and picked it up, noting the tree sap covering it.

"It is dangerous to go out alone, but come with me and I can heal your wounds in a more cheery tone."

Gordon turned to look at who was talking.

He saw what he presumed to be a mare, given the sound of the voice. But she didn't look like a pony.

"What the fuck are you?" he asked, though not completely coherent given the pain he was in.

"I am a zebra and Zecora is my name, but come with me and I shall heal you of your pain."

Gordon stumbled towards Zecora, the pain in his shoulder and leg eye-watering.

"Why do you rhyme when you speak?"

"It is the natural pattern of my speech, come back to my place where I may offer you a peach."

The creepy rhyming made Gordon feel uneasy, but his wounds needed tending to and reluctantly went with her. They were not walking long when they came to a hut built into a tree base. He followed her inside and set his bag and bat down. He sat down on a nearby seat while Zecora went to fetch medical supplies.

Looking around the hut, Gordon felt African vibes coming from the décor.

He felt the stinging sensation again and it was only now he decided to have a look. He removed his kagool and shirt and saw the damage the wolf did. There were deep bite marks and a fair amount of blood. He removed his boots and rolled up his trousers, his left leg was in a similar condition. Zecora walked back into the room carrying medical supplies.

"Those wounds are red and deep, would you prefer I treat them while you sleep?"

"No thanks, I can stay awake while you sort them out."

Zecora sat down next to Gordon and began administering treatment, causing him to hiss and wince in pain as she did so.

"So Zecora, do you live in the forest?"

"Live in the forest I do, occasionally helping travellers like you."

"Are you not......scared of me? I am human after all."

"A human you may be, but that does not mean I cannot see."

"Cannot see what?"

"A heartless savage you are not, for your eyes are transfixed on a mares' plot."

Gordon felt his face heat up, "I have no idea what you're talking about.....and stop talking in rhymes, it's creeping me out."

Zecora laughed, "A humorous creature you are, have you ever been caught with your hands in the cookie jar?"

Gordon raised an eyebrow at the odd, unexpected question.

"Once or twice. Are you asking odd questions so you can finish on a rhyming word?"

"End on a rhyme I must, lest my language crumble to dust."

"Oh, well you're good at it."

"Thank you my human friend, you make a nice change from ponies who normally drive me round the bend."

Gordon laughed "Yeah I can see why you feel like that. First time I met them I was attacked, knocked unconsciousness and woke up in hospital strapped down tightly to a bed. I get attacked on sight and they accuse humans of being violent."

"Ponies are skittish and are easy to fright-"

"And not particularly bright," Gordon finished for her.

He turned around to see her scowl unamused, "Sorry, couldn't resist."

"Interrupt my rhyming you must not, lest you wish to find yourself in a tight spot."

After cleaning the wound, Zecora began applying a sterile dressing and wrapping bandages around his shoulder. After a minute or so his shoulder was properly bandaged and much less painful thanks to painkillers. All that was left now was to treat Gordon's left leg and right arm.

After a few more minutes Zecora had both of them properly bandaged.

Fortunately, Zecora said the bite marks didn't puncture the skin and the bites weren't to deep. They looked worse than they were.

"So what now? Am I free to walk again?"

"You may continue on your travels if you wish, but I insist you stay for a morning porridge dish."

"Thanks but I'm not hungry."

Just then his stomach rumbled.

Gordon rolled his eyes.

How cliché.

He looked at Zecora, "Alright, I think I might stay a little while."

During a very early 6am breakfast Gordon told Zecora of his time in Equestria and a little bit about his time before on Earth. She wasn't surprised at the ponies' reactions to him, and like him she can see there is a clear anti-human tone in Equestrian history books. She was quite impressed with his military career and expressed an interest in visiting his home.

Gordon had no problem with it but was concerned how ponies might react to seeing her, given that she's not a pony. So Zecora retold her story of her first foray into Ponyville.

Gordon wasn't surprised in the slightest. It appeared it wasn't just humans that ponies were xenophobic to.

It was now around 6am and Gordon was ready to be off again. Zecora walked him outside and told him of the Castle of the Two Sisters. She gave him directions and after thanking her for her hospitality, set forth for the castle.

After about another half hour of walking he came across what Zecora described.

The castle was severely run down and clearly had not been used in centuries. An old, rickety rope bridge led across to it. He tentatively walked across it, fearing it could snap at any moment, but got across without incident. He approached a doorway that looked like what was the main entrance and pushed it open. A loud creaking noise echoed throughout the room as light slowly filled the dusty interior.

Gordon took out his torch and switched it on, giving him a much better view on things.

He saw there were a few worn tapestries on the walls opposite each other. One side looked like the sun, the other the moon.

Celestia and Luna. Maybe they used to live here. It would make sense, Zecora said this was called the 'Castle of the Two Sisters'.

He walked forward through what looked like a throne room with two thrones. Both were covered in dust and had not been sat in for a long time.

I wonder what happened for this place to fall to disrepair.

He continued to snoop around the old castle and found familiar rooms in kitchens, dining rooms, reception halls. Downstairs he found the dungeons.......and a torture chamber. Complete with familiar looking torture tools and devices. An Iron Maiden, the rack, an Iron Chair, a Brazen Bull, a Wooden Horse.

I wonder what Celestia has to say about all of this.

He took his phone out and took several pictures as evidence to show Twilight. She wouldn't believe him otherwise. Though even with evidence she still wouldn't believe it. Though it was impossible to determine if Celestia used them or not or if the first humans made them after the castle was abandoned.

He walked down a passage way to what appeared to be prison cells. Most were empty.

Most.

A small number had skeletons in them. All of them pony. Unicorn, Pegasi and Earth pony skeletons could be seen. Some were still 'shackled' to the walls.

Reluctantly, Gordon took photos. He had no idea why they were left here but he had to find out why. He didn't know if they were left here when the castle was abandoned or if they were left here afterwards, either way he needed answers.

He left the dungeons and went back up the stairs and up another flight of stairs to the upper floors. Most were bedrooms that were dark and dusty, void of anything of interest. He kept on snooping around when he came across a larger room complete with a balcony overlooking the forest.

Looking around the room there wasn't much of interest at first glance, at least until he spotted something odd. He walked over to the picture, of a phoenix, on the wall and noticed it was hinged on one side. He slowly pulled the other side and sure enough the picture swung around.

Behind the picture he found a stone wall.

One that had been cleverly designed to blend in with the natural stonework.

Testing a hunch, Gordon scarped away the stone with his Swiss knife and sure enough, the 'stone' started eroding away. The polyfilla like substance kept falling as Gordon removed it. It took several minutes but soon enough there was a large enough hole to get a good look. Gordon raised the torch to get a clearer view. All he could make out was something wrapped in cloth.

Sighing he carried on removing the polyfilla until the hole was large enough to remove the items.

He reached in and pulled the cloth sack out. He walked over to the bed and laid the sack on it. After a few seconds unsuccessfully opening it he finally succeeded. He opened the sack and what he saw caused his jaw to drop.

Gordon was in utter disbelief at what he saw.

How the bloody hell did these get here?

In addition to this item, there was another. A photo album.

Opening the album he saw photos showing Celestia and Luna as fillies, and a unicorn mare. He presumed she was their mother or nanny.

Pity I didn't meet her then. Much less of a threat.

Stuffing all the items back in the sack he slung it over his uninjured shoulder and walked out of the room, after having pushed the picture back against the wall. Deciding the leave the castle he swiftly made his way out. The dusty atmosphere having become unpleasant.

He was soon outside again and ventured into the forest once more, having found another route that doesn't involve going over that rope bridge. After walking for a few minutes he came to a clearing and found a large rock sticking out of the ground. Perched on top of the rock was a phoenix. Gordon walked slowly over, not wanting to startle it.

The phoenix saw Gordon and turned around, watching him intently as he walked closer.

Just as Gordon was about be in front of the phoenix, it took to the air and flew off slowly to a nearby tree. It landed on a branch and started squealing.

Gordon walked over to its new position and like before, the phoenix took flight once more as Gordon approached; landing on another nearby tree branch, squealing again.

"You want me to follow you?"

The phoenix squealed.

Gordon shrugged his shoulders, "Why not?"

Gordon followed the phoenix for what seemed like ages until they eventually came to a deep pit. The phoenix flew down and Gordon followed, having found some steps. The phoenix flew into a cave. Gordon continued to follow into the dark cave, the phoenix's feathers though gave enough glow to light the path up.

Things became a lot brighter when Gordon came out of the tunnel and into a cavern.

What he saw took his breath away.

He stood there opened mouthed at the sight of a crystal tree. The phoenix was perched on a rock in front of the tree, squealing once more. He was pointing to the base of tree with one of his wing tips.

Gordon walked slowly over to the tree base, still in awe at what he was seeing. The tree itself let out a soft chime, almost like it was singing. He noticed there were places on the tree that were carved out for unique pieces, though of what he didn't know. Before he could stare longer these said areas began to glow colours of the rainbow and connect to each other, trickling down to the tree base and onto the floor in front of Gordon.

There was a flash of light and Gordon shielded his eyes.

When he opened them again he saw a something had been left there.

Leaning in closer for a better look, the object looked like a case of some sort made out of crystal.

Gordon slowly reached out to pick it up, surprised to find it wasn't that heavy, and felt a sensation he couldn't quite describe. It felt to him as if the tree was speaking to him, but any message, if any at all was lost in translation. Gordon didn't know what the feeling was, only that it was very strange. Just like so many things in Equestria.

The tree stopped 'singing' when Gordon picked the crystal case up. Gordon got the feeling he was lead here by the phoenix, who was currently preening himself.

Gordon walked over to the phoenix.

"Did you lead me here?"

The phoenix squealed.

"Why?"

The phoenix didn't answer, not like it could anyway.

"Well, it doesn't matter. I'd better be heading back. No doubt I'll be yelled at for leaving the town without my wardens."

Gordon began to walk out of the cavern, the phoenix remained still.

"Are you coming with me?" Gordon asked the phoenix.

The phoenix squealed and flew towards Gordon, giving him one of its feathers.

"Is this for me?"

The phoenix squealed once more.

"Thank you. Do you have a name?"

The phoenix shook its head.

"Are you a boy phoenix?"

The phoenix nodded.

"How about.....Fawkes."

The phoenix squealed in delight and spread its wings out.

"Fawkes it is then," Gordon said smiling.

Fawkes flew up into the air and ahead of Gordon, lighting up the tunnel. They soon came out the other end and entered the Everfree Forest once more.

"Well," Gordon said aloud to himself, "We better get going. I get the feeling I'm going to be yelled at."

"WHERE IN CELESTIA'S NAME HAVE YOU BEEN?!"

Twilight was not a happy bunny.

"I went for a morning walk in the Everfree Forest."

"Why did you leave without an escort? Why did you leave without permission? What are those things you're carrying? Why do you have a phoenix? Why do you have bandages on?" she angrily demanded.

Gordon was in no mood for her crap, "I do not need an escort, Celestia said so herself. I don't need permission to go to a public place, what I'm carrying is my business, not yours, I found the phoenix in the forest and I got attacked by wood wolves."

"Yes you do need an escort, Princess Celestia assigned guards to watch over you while you are here. You do need our permission to visit places outside Ponyville, it is my business as to what you're carrying, you can't just take creatures you find in the forest and those wood wolves are called Timberwolves."

Gordon clenched his teeth, "No I don't need an escort, ask her yourself. If I want to travel outside Ponyville, I can do so without consent. No, it is NOT your business as to what I'm carrying, the phoenix chose to come with me and I'll remember that the next time they try to kill me."

"BOTH OF YA QUIT YA BICKERIN'!"

They both looked to Applejack.

"Now look Twi, if Gordon says Princess Celestia said he could walk around without an escort then we should give him the benefit of the doubt and believe him."

She turned to Gordon, "Look, I know how it sounds to ya but it's probably for the best if you let us know where yer goin'. Then if somethin' comes up not only will we know were to to find ya, it could also absolve you of any wrongdoin' if any more ponies try any more funny stuff."

Gordon, reluctantly, agreed.

"Twi, I know what Gordon has is of interest to ya, but ya can't say it's yer business and demand to see his stuff. I think he's been generous already in showing us what he has."

Twilight sighed and looked saddened, "I know.......and I'm sorry. I'm just concerned at his behaviour, and given the characteristics of humans I thought he might be up to something."

Gordon made no attempt to hide his sigh, "What the fuck must I do to convince you all I have no ill intent and that I'm not a psychotic, raging, murderous lunatic?"

All the ponies assembled, Twilight and Co, stood open mouthed at Gordon's strongly worded outburst.

"Is there any need to swear?" asked Twilight.

"Yes there fucking is!" Gordon replied angrily, "I'm getting sick to the fucking back teeth of your lot's bullshit. I'm sick of being accused of being violent and dangerous!"

Twilight scowled and fought back, "I've read every book on humanity and they all say that humans resort to violence to get their own way, that humans are greedy and selfish and care only for themselves. I know all about humanity."

"YOU KNOW JACK FUCKING SQUAT ABOUT HUMANITY!"

Gordon's outburst was beginning to draw a crowd.

"Some humans are how you describe but the vast majority are good, decent people who abhor violence, intolerance, prejudice. All you know about humanity is from the propaganda Celestia spoon feeds Equestria. If I were violent and dangerous, would I invite you into my home like a would a friend? Would I lend you my books? Would I tell you about my world? And you all have a nerve to accuse me of being violent and dangerous considering your initial behaviour."

"What are you on about?" asked Twilight.

"When we first met, were did we meet?"

"In your home."

"Yeah, in my home. In my home without consent, that is trespassing."

"We didn't know you would have been there."

"And how did you react when you saw me?"

"We...."

"You screamed 'HUMAN' before I was knocked unconscious in an unprovoked attack. To summarise, you broke into my home and attacked me. If I did that to one of you Celestia wouldn't be able to kill me fast enough."

Everypony gasped.

"Princess Celestia would never do such a thing!" Twilight cried.

"Open your eyes Twilight, do you honestly think she's stayed on the throne for over a thousand years without silencing political dissenters or anyone else who does something she doesn't like?"

Twilight was on the verge of tears, "Yes I do believe it. Princess Celestia would never kill any pony for any reason."

Gordon sighed and rubbed his face with his hands, "You're naive Twilight. Intelligent but naive, and no understanding whatsoever of humanity. You've never met an actual human to discover what we're really like. It's grossly unfair to judge me based solely off incidents in the past which may not even have occurred how you're told. When I came here you had an actual chance to get to know what humans are really like but you're squandering it by being so untrusting of me."

Gordon picked up his things and continued back to his house, leaving a crying Twilight to be consoled by her friends. On the way he spotted many of the towns ponies giving him cold, hard glares for making Twilight cry. He didn't care what they thought though, it's not his fault they're all fragile snowflakes who can't cope with hearing harsh truths.

He walked up his garden path and and opened the front door to his house, Fawkes having perched himself on the garden wall. He walked in and closed the door and no sooner had he done so was he met by Star Cross.

"WHERE IN TARTARUS HAVE YOU BEEN?"

"Out," he replied as he removed his boots and went upstairs.

"Answer me Gordon, where did you go?"

"The Everfree Forest, now will you stop harassing me? It's bad enough you lot treat me like a criminal."

Star Cross looked like she'd just been hit, "How do we treat you like a criminal?"

"Presuming I'm always up to no good, effectively placing me under house arrest, not letting me go anywhere without you lot wanting to know-"

"Alright you've made your point. Gordon, I'm sorry if it seems we've been treating you as such but please understand we're only following orders."

Gordon scoffed, "Yeah.......that's the same excuse Nazi soldiers used."

He turned around and went up the stairs, leaving behind a confused Star Cross.

He went into his bedroom and put all his gear down on the bed. He took the cloth sack and quickly went to the top floor where in addition to a large railway room, he also had a hidden room containing very personal things. He placed the cloth down on the floor in the hidden room and took out the two objects that most baffled him.

He placed them on a shelf along next to other treasured objects and quickly left the room, not wanting its existence revealed to anyone.

Especially the ponies.

He was still feeling edgy after his row with Twilight and Star Cross so decided to calm himself by going in his railway room and clearing his mind operating his model trains. It's worked in the past.

He just wasn't looking forward to meeting with Shining.

No doubt he'll be pissed off with me.

A few hours had passed since Gordon returned and so far Shining had not turned up. Apparently he went on a search for Gordon and wasn't in Ponyville when the incident with Twilight took place. It was nearing midday when Gordon decided to go into town for something to eat.

"I'm off into town," he said as he passed Star Cross in the hallway.

"Fine."

A minute or so later he was in the town centre, everypony nervously watching him.

As he was browsing the market stands he could hear a commotion from over yonder.

He looked over to see a frantically panicking Twilight try to hold her brother back. Shining was fuming. When he was told what Gordon had done he set about finding Gordon but decided against it and waited on the chance to see if Gordon would come to him.

He did.

And now he had Gordon in his sights.

Gordon though, knew what Shining's intent was and readied himself.

"Shining we can discuss this civilly or let our fists do the talking," he said as a fuming Shining approached.

A surprisingly quick smack to the face gave Gordon his answer.

"OK you bastard, if you want a fight you'll get one, no magic, no weapons. Just a bare knuckle fist fight."

"That's fine with me!" he said as he lit up his horn and erected a shield preventing anyone interfering with their fight.

Shining immediately went on the offensive but Gordon was quick to respond. He quickly deflected the blow followed by a left hook. This action caused the pain in his shoulder and arm to escalate.

Shining not relenting, went in for another attack. This time quick jabs to Gordon's abdomen. Hard, quick punches that made Gordon glad he hadn't eaten much. Gordon kicked out his right leg is response, getting a good kick on Shining's shin. This stopped the flurry of punches and knocked Shining off balance, giving Gordon a window to go on the offensive.

He threw a single hard punch into Shinings' gut, causing him to fall to his knees and groan in pain. He didn't remain that way for long as very quickly he launched forward and Rugby tackled Gordon to the ground.

They each began to throw punch after punch at each other, all the while Twilight was in tears begging them both to stop. Applejack consoled her while everyone else just watched the two captains knock seven bells out of each other.

The two eventually separated long enough for them to stand up. Both their shirts were ripped so they each removed them to continue their bare knuckle fists fight bare chested.

Whilst Shining had already seen Gordon's war wounds, the others had not. They all gasped in horror at his scarring and also noted the freshly applied bandages.

Bruises were clearly visible on Gordon, not so much on Shining given his fur provides some protection. Some ponies fainted at the sight of Gordon's wounds and bruises.

Shining screamed in rage and ran towards Gordon, throwing punches once more. Gordon deflected some of them and got in a few punches of his own for good measure. As the punches came, Shining went off balance once more giving Gordon the chance to put Shining into a choke hold. Shining, who knew what he was doing, moved backwards forcing Gordon into a brick wall.

Shining repeatedly moved backwards and forwards ramming Gordon's back into the wall, trying to get him to release the choke hold. With one last ditch effort, he succeeded. Gordon, unintentionally, released his hold and Shining staggered away catching his breath. Gordon also.

The two of them faced each other once again and charged.

This time though, Gordon came through.

Whilst strong and having excellent physical endurance, Shining was a unicorn and as such he lagged behind Gordon whose traits more closely matched Earth ponies. Meaning he could hold himself in a fight for longer.

Shining was yet again knocked off balance and Gordon this time put him into a headlock and promptly delivered blow after blow his face. Looking over he could see a frantic Twilight pounding her fists on the shield begging him to stop.

Why she didn't just use her magic to dissipate it he didn't know but considering the state she's in she probably isn't thinking straight.

Gordon, stopped the punches and stood Shining up.

"I said we could discuss the issue civilly or fight. You chose to fight, not me."

Shining mumbled something incoherently, his face swollen with bruises. Gordon's face too was swollen, though not quite as much as Shining.

Gordon raised his fist in one last punch to finish Shining and win the fight.

"NO! Please don't! I beg you!" Twilight cried.

Gordon moved his fist forward......and simply pushed Shining gently back causing him to fall over. As soon as he hit the ground the shield dissipated and Twilight ran to her brother, along with some nurses and a doctor.

Everypony looked at Gordon fearfully.

His violent side on view for everyone to see.

Shining was violent too, but they won't see things like that.

As he looked around at the mass of fearful ponies, he saw the one pony he really didn't want to see.

If looks could kill, Gordon would be a pile of ash right now.

Celestia surprisingly said nothing, but Cadence did.

"YOU EVIL SADISTIC MONSTER!"

"He started it, I finished it," Gordon replied coldly.

"What a fool I was to think you were a decent stallion. I really thought Auntie Celestia was being paranoid when she spoke of humans, now I see she was right. There is no love in the human heart. None at all."

"And how would you know?" he asked insulted at the statement.

"I'm the Princess of Love. I know more about love than anypony else, it's my special talent and you HUMAN; have no love in your heart. There is no special somepony you love, nor is there any special pony who loves you."

Gordon remained silent. His cold hard glare though sent a chill down even Celestia's spine.

He slowly walked up to Cadence, leant forward to her eye level and started speaking quietly but still loud enough to be heard by everyone.

"The reason I love no one special Cadence, and no one loves me the same way; is because that person.........is dead."

Cadence blinked, "What?"

Gordon's anger began to boil once more. His voice rising with each word spoken.

"I was married once. I had a wife and two children and they were taken from me two years ago! I had a wife I loved! I had children I loved! Do you have ANY IDEA what it's like to bury your own children?! ANY AT ALL?!"

Cadence was on the brink of tears, "I've never had children."

"Then I hope that should you ever have any that you never go through what I have. It is something I wouldn't wish on anyone."

Gordon let his words sink in before continuing, "That is why I left the army, because mentally I was in no state to continue. That is why my house is so big, because I wasn't planning on living alone."

"I'm sorry," Cadence whimpered, "I didn't know."

"Well now you do, so you can take your Fairytale views on love and fuck off back to Canterlot."

Cadence immediately burst into tears and was consoled by Celestia. She said nothing but gave Gordon an ice cold glare.

Gordon walked slowly away only to be stopped by a nurse.

"Will you let us treat your wounds?"

Gordon nodded. No need to get angry with her. She's only doing her duty as a nurse. He followed her to the hospital which was a five minute walk away. Celestia had already teleported herself, Twilight, Cadence, Shining and the medical staff to the hospital so Shining could get treatment.

Luna remained with the townsfolk and assured them everything was under control. She was very concerned about Gordon though and it would take a lot of convincing and persuading her sister not to throw Gordon in the dungeons.

She didn't know about him being a widower and former father though.

Gordon sat in the hospital A&E treatment room while a nurse tended to his wounds.

"Shouldn't I be strapped down to a bed? Isn't that hospital procedure regarding humans?"

"Princess Luna repealed it immediately after you last left," she replied as she got out some elastic bandages, "Who applied these other bandages?"

"A zebra called Zecora. She helped me out after I was attacked by a pack of Timberwolves."

"How bad are the wounds?"

"Not too bad. They didn't puncture the skin, the wounds just needed cleaning and bandaging. I'll be fine."

"Well if any problems arise come and see us."

"You won't turf me away for being human?"

The nurse reeled back in shock, "Absolutely not. It is our duty provide aid to all in need. No doctor or nurse may practice unless they take the Hippocratic Oath."

Gordon had to do a double take, "Hippocratic Oath?"

"Yes, do they have something like that in your world?"

"Never mind something like that, we have the very same thing."

"Maybe those first humans brought it with them?" the nurse suggested.

"That would be the most likely scenario. What's your name by the way?"

"Nurse Red Heart."

"Well Nurse Red Heart, you're very good at your job."

Red Heart blushed, "Thank you."

There were a few seconds of silence as Red Heart applied elastic bandages around his bruised wrists and hands. Gordon noticed she was shaking a little, clearly nervous about something. He guessed he was most likely him.

"Did you see what happened in the town square?"

Red Heart nodded meekly.

Gordon sighed, "I'm sorry you had to see that. It is extremely rare I lose my cool like that. No doubt I've made things a lot harder for myself."

"You made a mistake. Ponies will forgive and forget given time."

"Celestia hasn't. It's been eight centuries and she still hates humans."

Red Heart finished wrapping the bandage around his wrist and began on his other, "I'm sure it's not like that. Princess Celestia doesn't hate anypony, or humans. She's just had bad experiences with humans, kind of like how you're having bad experiences with ponies."

"But I don't hate ponies."

"My point exactly. Just because you have bad experiences doesn't mean you hate it. I've had bad days during my time as a nurse but I don't hate my job. Weren't you the same in your job?"

Gordon thought about her logic for a second, "I suppose so. I had days that......that will always haunt me for as long as I live."

"Were they bad days?" she asked genuinely interested.

"Well put it this way, after one particular combat tour; I went home, my friend didn't."

Red Heart stayed silent for a couple of seconds as the revelation sank in, "I'm sorry."

There was another minute of silence as Red Heart bandaged his wrist and hand before Gordon spoke up.

"Have you ever lost anyone during your work?"

Red Heart didn't immediately answer.

"Too many times."

Red Heart finished bandaging his wrist and hand and motioned for him to stand up, "Now stay still while I treat the bruises on your torso."

After another minute or so of silence Red Heart finished and he was free to go.

"OK you're all good now. Please try to avoid getting into more fights though."

"I'll try."

Gordon walked through the hospital corridors after having being treated for his bruises. Fortunately that is all his injuries were limited to. He didn't know how extensive Shining's injuries were but felt it would be better off he kept his distance for now.

As he was making his way out of the hospital he heard his name be called out.

"Gordon."

He turned around and saw Luna walking towards him.

"So, you come to take me away have you? Throw me in the dungeons and throw away the key?"

"No. I simply want to talk."

"Can we talk another time? I'm rather tired."

"I won't keep you long."

Gordon sighed tiredly, "Fine. Say what you must."

"I just thought to inform you that Shining Armor refused to press charges, despite my sister's insistence."

"Why would Shining not want to press charges?"

"He threw the first punch and as far as he was concerned, started the fight."

Gordon pointed at Luna, "I''ll have you know that I gave him the option of discussing things civilly but he chose the fighting option."

"I know. It is why Celestia agreed to abide by his wishes."

Gordon laughed.

"Is something funny?" asked Luna, confused by Gordon's behaviour.

"It's just that I've been trying to prove humans aren't violent and such, then I ruin everything by getting into a fist fight with her favourite captain."

"Her favourite captain?"

"Of course he is. Do you think your high and mighty sister would let anyone but her favourite lapdog marry her niece?"

Luna ignored Gordon's insults of her sister and niece's husband. Gordon though, caught himself and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to say it like that. What I meant was of course it would be Shining. Who is also the brother of Twilight, who is the student of Celestia and from what I was told was 'foalsat' by Cadence who's....married to Shining. It seems nepotism is a way of life in Equestria."

Luna remained silent. As much as she wanted to argue with him, he was technically correct.

"I'm going back to my house for some rest. Do not disturb me unless it is absolutely necessary."

Gordon walked away out of sight as Luna watched on. She was becoming more and more concerned with Gordon. She could sense that deep down he had problems he needed help with, but if he couldn't first admit he has a problem....then there is little she can do.

Gordon walked into his home, removing his boots in the hallway, and went straight into the kitchen for some paracetamol to get rid of his headache. He noticed it was rather quiet and as he made his way into the front room, saw a note had been left on the kitchen worktop.

Gordon,

Princess Luna visited whilst you were being treated and requested we give you some space. We'll be staying at the Rose and Crown (it has Bed and Breakfast) if you need us. Don't worry about us arguing earlier, water under the bridge as far as I'm concerned.

Star Cross

"Well at least I know why they're not here."

He was fatigued from the ordeal earlier so decided to get some rest while it was quiet. He went into the front room and laid down on the sofa, falling to sleep within seconds.

Gordon woke in an instant, sweating and panting for breath. Getting his breathing back under control he noticed the room was dark. Curious as to how long he slept he got up of the sofa and went to switch on the light. He switched on the light and closed the curtains before walking over to the clock on the mantelpiece above the mock fireplace.

It showed 7.20pm.

Almost seven hours.

Just then the door bell sounded, causing him to jump in fright.

"Who the bloody hell would be calling at his time," he muttered to himself as he went to open the door.

Looking through the peep hole he saw a familiar looking mare. He opened the door to greet his guest.

"Aurora, what brings you here?"

"I heard you were having problems, so I thought I'd come here and give you a bit of support."

"That's nice and all but I'm not sure I need it."

There was silence for a few seconds before Aurora spoke again, "May I come in, it's getting quite chilly."

Gordon sighed tiredly. He wasn't really in the mood for guests but this guest....was a little different.

"Fine, come on in. I'll put the kettle on."

"Thank you kindly."

Gordon stood aside and allowed Aurora to enter. Closing and locking the door and lead her into the front room.

"Sit yourself down, do you want a cup of tea?"

"That sounds delightful, thank you."

Aurora sat down on one of the sofa, Gordon thankful she didn't sit in his chair, and took in everything in the room. She was quite impressed with what she saw and had many questions already for Gordon.

After a couple of minutes Gordon came back carrying a tray, on which was a large tea pot, two cups and saucers and a plate of cakes. He walked over to the coffee table and set the tray down before pouring himself and Aurora a cup of tea.

"So, what brings you my place Aurora," he asked as he passed her a cup, "Or should that be Luna?"

She smiled, "I heard a fracas occurred and wished to see if the involved parties were doing OK."

She lit up her horn and her disguise disappeared.

"I had a strong suspicion it was really you," Gordon said as he sat down, "Why come here in disguise though?"

"It attracts far less attention."

"Fair point. Really though, why did you come?"

"I was worried about you."

"Worried about me?" he asked raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. At the hospital, you seemed very distressed and afterwards when you came back to rest; your dreams were most unpleasant."

Gordon scowled at Luna, "How the bloody hell do you know what I would be dreaming, or that I was even asleep?"

"Part of my duties as Princess of the Night requires me to watch over the dreams of ponies and protect them from nightmares. I can enter anyponies' dreams and banish their nightmares, allowing them to sleep peacefully."

Gordon felt his blood starting to boil. He did not like the idea of his privacy being invaded in such a gross manner, "Have you been entering my mind? The most private of all places?"

"No. Whilst I can sense if you are sleeping or not, I cannot enter your dreams. But I can sense them."

Gordon breathed a sigh of relief, "Well, I still don't like the sound of it. Please though, don't enter my mind ever. If I find out anyone has I shall be most unhappy."

"You have my word I will not enter your mind. Though, sadly, I cannot say the same for my sister."

"Well if she does I'll deal with it at the time," he replied taking a sip of tea, "You said I was having nightmares?"

"Yes. Do you wish to talk about it?"

He shook his head, "Not really, only that it involved reliving memories from one particular combat tour."

"What happened in that tour?"

"I returned home in uniform, my friend returned home in a wooden overcoat."

Luna's eyes widened slightly as she understood the references.

"I'm sorry to hear that."

Gordon sighed again, "So is everyone else."

There was a few seconds of awkward silence as they drank their tea.

"This looks like a nice place."

"Thanks," replied Gordon, "Designed it myself mostly, with the help of an architect though. Do you want a tour?"

"I'd love one, but let's finish tea first. We can't be wasting good tea now can we?"

"No, most certainly not."

Gordon and Luna finished their tea followed by a tour. Luna was impressed with Gordon's house. She particularly liked the music room and the model railway, she even had a go herself much to her enjoyment. She also got a look at his war room where he kept his army memorabilia, as well as his fathers' dress uniform. She was equally impressed with his collection and the manner in which he maintained them.

"Well Luna, if you've got time there's something I'd like to show you I think you might like."

"What is it?"

"Come back to the front room and I'll show you."

Luna followed him back and she sat down again, curious as to what he wanted to show her.

"I want to show you a documentary of when man landed on the moon."

Her eyes sparkled like the stars in jubilation, "Your kind has been to the moon?"

"Well, our moon we have."

He got out the DVD in question, Discovery Channel's When We Left The Earth: The NASA Missions and put it in the Xbox.

"Sit back Luna, and enjoy what many consider to be man's greatest achievement."

We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.

That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.

Luna watched with fascination and took in every detail. From the early days with Sputnik to the first manned flight with Yuri Gagarin, from Project Mercury to the Apollo Missions; she watched amazed at the passion and determination to overcome insurmountable odds to achieve the seemingly impossible.

She also felt a little disappointed.

Not at humanity or Gordon. But at herself and ponykind. From what Gordon had told her, humanity went from the first powered flight of a heavier-than-air vehicle to putting man in the moon in just 66 years.

Ponies and Equestria have barely evolved at all in her 1000 year absence.

Watching this though gave her extra determination to push her society towards technological advancements.

The documentary finished but Luna was eager for more.

"Is there more to watch?"

"Yeah, there's a few more episodes. There's a couple about the Hubble Space Telescope."

"May I watch it?"

"Sure."

Gordon switched the DVD's over and sat back in his chair.

"Luna?"

"Yes Gordon?"

"I was told that you and your sister raise and lower the sun and moon here. Is that true?"

Luna shifted uncomfortably in her seat, "Yes."

Gordon raised an eyebrow, "Really? I call bullshit."

"Why so?"

"The amount of energy that would be required to move such massive objects is astronomical. That and it's just a little convenient that the two vital objects are controlled by the people that rule the nation."

"Your point?"

"Well, it helps to cement your power doesn't it. 'Look at us, we can control the sun and moon. Do as we say or you'll suffer the consequences'."

Luna looked a little hurt by the statement, "Surely you don't really think that?"

"Am I wrong?"

Luna sighed, "There is an element of truth to it. Our subjects were convinced we were gods because we could move our respective objects. I was reluctant, but my sister insisted we indulge their belief to better control the population."

"So you admit you have no control over the moon?"

Luna didn't immediately answer, "Yes. And Celestia has no control over the sun. Anything ponies see we do with them is merely illusion magic."

"Does your sister know of your 'Aurora Selena' alter ego?"

"No."

"I heard that she's critical of her work."

"Very much so. My sister doesn't want to change our subjects' perception of us or risk losing control of Equestria. Many subjects believe our world is flat."

Gordon scoffed, "So she would much rather tell lies and deceive her subjects."

"My sister is very stubborn."

"And afraid of change. I have a few gadgets I've been eager to try out, some of which may help in your work, and prove this world isn't flat."

"What kind of gadgets?" she asked intrigued.

"A helium balloon. I can attach a camera and record as it rises through the atmosphere. When you get high enough you'll be able to see the curvature of the planet."

"You seem to have an interest in astronomy."

"A little. But I'm no expert, I can't even begin to understand the hard details with things like quantum chromodynamics, general and special relativity, quartic interaction, quantum gravity and so on."

Luna giggled, "Not many can. Sadly very few ponies pursue such professions in science. They are content to remain in the stagnant state Equestria is in, never pushing the boundaries of their existence."

"Humanity pushes itself. One day humanity will leave Earth and colonise other worlds. It's not a matter of if, but when."

"I heard something about an 'International Space Station'."

"A truly brilliant feat of engineering. But, let's watch the documentaries instead. It's more exciting than listening to me."

"You're not a bore Gordon."

"I can be."

Luna and Gordon watched several more documentaries on space, Luna loving every minute of it. But alas, all good things must come to an end. Luna had night court to attend and Gordon needed some sleep.

"Well Luna it's been nice having you here. I guess I needed the company after today."

"I enjoyed being here. I'd like to visit again sometime if that's OK?"

"Sure. Come any time. Oh before you go I'll lend you a couple of books you might like. Wait here."

Gordon went off to his library and came back a minute later. He handed the books to Luna. One book was a DK hardback solely about the moon. The other was Hubble: Window on the Universe by Giles Sparrow.

"The one about the moon is pretty obvious," he started, "The other one is filled with pictures taken by the Hubble space telescope."

Luna smiled, "Thank you Gordon, I look forward to reading them. I assure you I will look after these."

"That's fine. They're good books. Truly brilliant pictures. The one on the front of the Hubble book is part of the Eagle Nebula, 7,000 light years from my world meaning you're seeing the nebula how it was 7,000 years ago."

Luna smiled, "It looks beautiful. Thank you again Gordon. Goodnight, sleep well."

"Night Luna, and again, I'm sorry about earlier at the hospital. I didn't mean to talk about your sister like that."

Luna smiled softly, "It's OK Gordon, I accept your apology. I understand the situation you are in."

Luna disappeared in a flash of light, most likely returning to the castle.

Well that's one way of leaving.

Alone again, he switched the Xbox and TV off and went upstairs to bed, shattered from the days' events. He knew he'd made things more difficult for himself by fighting Shining. Everyone on town had seen him knock the snot out of him, Celestia included.

The waters were going to get very choppy from here on out.

THE FOLLOWING MORNING

Gordon woke up as usual at around 8AM. After getting changed and going downstairs he could hear a commotion coming from outside. Going over to the living room window he looked out to see Twilight and the girls in his front garden, with many more ponies watching from the other side of the garden wall. Not knowing why they were there he went outside to find out.

"Girls?"

They turned around.

"Gordon," Twilight said, "What brings you here?"

"I live here," he said flatly, "What brings you here?"

The girls looked at each other nervously. As they shifted uncomfortably amongst themselves, Gordon noticed something on the door of the standalone garage containing his Jag and Volvo. He walked slowly forward, the girls parting like the Red Sea as he did so.

The garage door came into full view and what he saw made his blood run cold.

On the white garage door, in red spray paint was graffiti specifically targeted at him.

DIE DISGUSTING APE!

HUMAN SCUM!

GO BACK WHERE YOU CAME FROM!

PONIES ARE SUPERIOR!

WATCH YOUR BACK APE!

HA HA YOUR CHILDREN ARE DEAD

YOU HAD A WIFE? SHE MUST HAVE BEEN A WHORE TO MARRY YOU

HUMANITY IS A DISEASE

YOUR CHILDREN DESERVED TO DIE!

Some of these didn't bother Gordon. 'Go back where you came from', he planned to. 'Watch your back ape', he's a trained soldier ready to fight when the time arises.

But the personal attacks, the ones calling his wife a whore, mocking the deaths of his children, saying they deserved to die.....was too much. Far too much.

Gordon took out his phone and took several photos to keep as evidence. Afterwards, he turned around slowly to the girls and spoke in a deep, but chillingly calm tone.

"Find out who did this or Shining won't be the only one who gets the shit knocked out of him."

He gave the girls no time to respond before walking back into his house and locking the door. He went to the top floor to the secret compartment and went in. The room as filled with toys, trinkets and what knot that once belonged to his wife and children.

It didn't take long for the dam to break and for Gordon to break down into tears.

Back outside, Twilight had just finished sending a letter to Celestia informing her of the situation. The girls each felt a chill up their spine at Gordon's words, implying he might do to them or others what he did to Shining.

But considering what had been written, they could understand his anger. Photon, Star Cross and Nightlock immediately began talking to the town residents getting information to find the perpetrators whom the guards made clear would face criminal charges.

"Twilight, do you think Gordon will be OK?" asked Fluttershy, almost crying at what she was seeing on the garage door.

Twilight sighed, "I don't know Fluttershy. Gordon is unlike anypony I've ever met. His emotions are complex to say the least, I really don't know what we can do to help him. After what he said yesterday.....I think his problems run deeper than any of us can imagine."

"Can anything be done to help him?"

"I hope so. Before it's too late."

"What do ya mean Twi?"

"I mean if no-pony helps him overcome his problems, what happened with my brother could pale in comparison to what may happen."

"You think Gordon could do more?" asked Rainbow.

"Gordon is an ex-soldier who's seen action on the front line, he's told us so himself. I'm afraid if nothing is done to help him or improve the situation, then somepony may end up seriously hurt or worse."

The girls' eyes widened as they realised what Twilight was implying.

"Surely you don't mean to say that Gordon would actually kill somepony," Rarity said.

"He was a soldier remember," Twilight responded, "Who's seen action in a combat zone. I'd bet my entire book collection he's had to take a life. And remember my own brother serves in the army, so I'm not entirely ignorant of what being in the military requires."

"But how do we help him?" asked Fluttershy.

"I honestly don't know."

The girls all looked at each other trying to think of a way to help Gordon.

"I've got an idea!" yelled Pinkie, "What if we took him on a tour of Equestria. We could take him to Manehatten, Vanhoover, Trottingham."

The girls all brightened to the idea.

"That's a great idea Pinkie," Twilight beamed, "And Trottingham was founded by humans so it has cultural significance to him."

The other girls also supported the idea, particularly Rainbow.

"Of course it'll be great, I'll get to spend more time with Gordon!"

The others looked at her, Applejack and Rarity smirking.

"Oh my, it seems Rainbow Dash is in love," Rarity said teasingly.

A blushing Rainbow rubbed the back of her neck, "What I mean is it'll be great to spend time with Gordon....as a friend."

"Sure Dash, sure," Applejack replied, "You don't in any way have the hots for Gordon."

The girls shared a giggle at Rainbows expense.

"Don't mind us Rainbow," Fluttershy said, "We're only teasing."

Rainbow mumbled something to herself.

"Well we should at least give Gordon some space for now," Rarity said, "He doesn't seem to be in a talking mood at the moment."

"Agreed," said Twilight, "We could visit later, let him know we're here for him."

"Maybe he could show us those cars of his and watch another awesome film," Rainbow said jubilantly.

"Maybe," replied Twilight, "But let's not presume. He may not want visitors tonight and if he doesn't we should respect that."

Just then a flash of light momentarily blinded everypony.

"Princess Celestia!"

"Twilight Sparkle, I came as soon as I read your letter. How is Gordon?"

"He's in his house at the moment, though he didn't fly off the handle I got the feeling he was very angry and upset at what he read."

Twilight motioned to Celestia the graffiti.

What Celestia saw shocked her.

Sickened her.

Though she hadn't had the best of relationships with Gordon she would not tolerate such behaviour. To mock him about the death of his wife and children was as low as you could get. The racist remarks were another kick in the teeth.

Celestia sighed internally.

Had she handled things differently all those years ago, there would not be the problems there are now.

She remembers the words of one human before he died.

'You will reap what you have sowed'.

At the time she dismissed it as philosophical drivel.

But now she couldn't help but feel that that is exactly what is happening.

Author's Notes:

As you can tell, Gordon was very pissed off after leaving the forest.

It has something to do with what he found.

Would you like to guess what?

---

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