#8 - Khajiit The Bast

Puppy Love didn’t exactly “like” the robust town of Stalliongrad. The streets were admittedly much cleaner than she was expecting, and the guards treated her nicely enough...but the way she had see them treat the other species...

They weren’t exactly going to get any awards for “Outstanding Kindness” anytime soon. It seemed that their view of “Polite” was a demand for an outrageous bribe of some sort. If they didn’t get it, they would pull the poor sap into a back alley to...speak with them.

She planned on reporting them as soon as possible. But for now, she would have to settle for following her gut towards her next target. Once again, her sources had managed to help her onto the right path. This time, she was standing in front of a tavern/bar building in the middle of the city. Apparently, her target worked there as a waiter.

And he was an oddity, according to them. She couldn’t get much more out of them than that...

That didn’t stop her from going into the building, though. Sadly, Dave had elected to stay home this time around. Her earlier notes and interviews still had to be organized after all, and she didn’t feel like putting up with his constant sarcasm.

...And he might have broken his legs...by crashing into Puppy’s moving flyswatter...that was aimed a- Okay, you get the idea.

The Pegasus entered the establishment, and was immediately surprised by how...well...impressive it looked. The main room was a large circular area, covered with durable looking tables that would not look out of place in a restaurant. Off to her right, she could see a bar with several employees bustling about it. Opposite of that, an area had been set aside for live performances and dancing, with some ponies already doing just that. Above her, she managed to glimpse a few more floors that had been set up in a ring-like fashion. Seven balconies loomed above those, their curtains hiding whatever may have been in there from view.

She was tempted to stay there for a while...but she had more important things to do. Climbing up the winding staircase, she made her way to the third floor. Barely any of the tables up there were occupied at the moment, and only one waiter was working this level.

It seemed her sources were right. He DID look downright odd. For one thing, it appeared to be a cat-person with mahogany colored fur. She remembered seeing them around the jungle areas, but it was a bit surprising to see one all the way out here. That, and it appeared to be missing part of its right arm, and its tail.

Her gut was still stubbornly telling her that he was her target.

She trotted over to the figure, and lightly tapped his shoulder. “Excuse me, sir?” she asked.

“Hello. Can I help you with something?” He smiled, but it appeared distant, as if he had a lot on his mind.

The Pegasus cleared her throat, and said in what she hoped was a professional tone, “Hello sir! My name is Puppy Love, and I’m a journalist for the Ponyville Inquirer. Are you Khajiit?”

“Most people call me Jack, but yes. It’s nice to meet you.”

“I was wondering if I might have a few moments of your time, so I could interview you,” she said, getting straight to the point.

“Alright I guess. I have some time to kill.” He shrugged and motioned towards a table.

This time, she set up a small notepad on the table. She really needed to apologize to Dave next time she saw him...

INTERVIEW

“So, first of all, what’s your name?”

“Jack Khajiit. It’s the only name I have that isn’t stupid.”

“That...seems reasonable. It sounds like a good name, at least. So, would I be right in guessing that you’re an alien like some of the others I’ve interviewed?”

“Alien...I’ve never thought of it that way. I always assumed it was an alternate dimension type thing...But yes, I am.”

“It’s easier for me to write. I don’t exactly want to keep writing, ‘Creature from an alternate universe that we’ve never seen before’ every time I meet someone like that. Anyways, were you sent here by a God or Goddess as well?”

“Yes.”

“Which one?”

“...I’m not sure if I’m at liberty to say.”

“They sound rude, to say the least. But, I won’t press for details. So, what do you think of Equestria so far?”

“Well, outside of the things that try to kill me, it’s a great place. Food’s good, there’s a lot of friendly people, and I really can’t complain about the magic. A tad racist at times though...”

“I’m really sorry about that. Some ponies just...well, they don’t take the time to try and learn the truth. Now, may I ask what you’re doing in Stalliongrad?”

“I live here for one thing. Well, for now at least. In a week I’m heading south on an expedition.”

“Oh? Where to?”

“Not entirely sure. I just know it’s south. Off the map south.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

“Long story short, we found an old tablet that supposedly leads to the origins of my race...well the race I’ve become. Me and two friends of mine are going to find it.”

“What’s it like to be in a new body, anyways? I probably should have asked the others that, in retrospect...oh well!”

“It’s...weird at first. My leg structures a little different. And I’m a bit taller. More athletic, senses are sharper...and the fur! Don’t get me started on the fur! How can you stand being covered by wet hair every time you take a bath?”

“On four hooves.”

“...I suppose you think that was clever?”

“A little bit, yes. Was it?”

“...A little bit.”

“Thank you. So, I take it you like being a...I’m sorry, but what IS your race called?”

“I’m a Bast. And it’s okay. Most of my species doesn’t even know what we’re called.”

“That’s a little sad, actually. How can they not know that?”

“...I’m not sure. Apparently something happened a long time ago that caused most of their history to vanish. I’m hoping to find out on this...I suppose quest would be a good term.”

“I agree. If you’re going to be doing that though, why are you working in a bar? Need money, or something?”

“No. I have more than enough prize money. Though most of it’s probably getting spent in Bitsberg...Still, this place is my home. The people here are like family. And to tell you the truth, I just like my job. Sure it’s boring sometimes, but it’s simple and you meet a lot of interesting people.”

“I’m happy to hear that! It’s not often that you can find a good home, huh?”

“Yeah. I’ve seen some of the places people are using as homes in this city. I got lucky.”

“I can tell...So, in happier topics. Who’s joining you on your quest?”

“An old Bast named Ren and a unicorn named Fault. Maybe more people will decide to come along, but for now, it just looks like those two.”

“That sounds good then...erm...I’m sorry if this is a personal question, but...How did...you know...?”

“Yeah...we should probably just get that out of the way.”

“Sorry...How did you lose your arm? And your tail?”

“The arm was shot with a poisoned arrow and had to be cut off. The tail got trapped under a mace by a psychopath who was trying to kill me. Had to cut that one off myself...”

“Oh...I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”

“No, it’s fine. I...I’ve just learned to live with it, you know?”

“I guess...Alright, so. I’ve heard word that you took part in some form of tournament during you time here. Is that true? If it is, how did you do?”

“I won.”

“Did you enjoy it?”

“Hell no! I was hospitalized three times!”

“Then why did you join?”

“...I’m not sure. I guess it just sounded like a good idea at the time. Fight a few people, win some money, a grand old bloody time. Unfortunately I neglected to see who I would be fighting beforehand.”

“That makes sense. So...I’ve also heard something about...what was it...the Ward? Does that mean anything to you?”

“Yes. Just know he got everything he deserved and things will hopefully improve around here soon.”

“I guess I can live with that...”

“So...anything else you want to know?”

“...Um...well, you already told me your current goals. Normally that’s saved for the end, but...Oh well. Is there anything that you’d like to say to the viewers at home?”

“Well...I guess I could say that things are never as bad as you think they are. And trust me, they can get pretty bad sometimes. Still, things always get worse before they get better,so just grit your teeth and keep going...I guess...Good God, I sound like a Hallmark movie.”

“That about does it. Thank you for your time, Mr. Jack,” she said, bowing her head to the Bast in respect and gratitude.

“No problem,” he replied.

With that, she left the bar, and went home, with nothing out of the ordinary happening to her at all.

What? Did you think it always had to end on a bizarre note? That’s just stereotyping.

Khajiit is from Fordregha's story, "Through Feline Eyes" Next Chapter: #9 - Zeta Chi the Winged Wolf Estimated time remaining: 8 Minutes