LD Chapter 2: Making Connections

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Oh, nothing. Just wondering what you’re doing.”

“A whatnow?”

“What’s a videogame?”

 

 

 

 

“Okay.”

 

(Youtube link: The intro cutscene to Super Mario 64)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Jake, do you have any books about magic?”

“Anything will do as long as it’s the right subject. I’ll go look for it.”

 

 

 

 

“Jake, would you mind explaining how some of these devices work?”

 

 

“Excuse me, Jon?”

“Jake said you’d be the one to ask about how some of these things around the house function. Do you have a moment?”

“Jake gave me a quick explanation of how the ‘micro-wave’ works earlier this week. Would you mind going into detail about it for me so I can take some notes?”

“I meant that we’d go down to the basement. I don’t have any paper here.”

“So, how does this ‘micro-wave’ machine work?”

“I did.”

“I couldn’t see that from my angle. Please continue.”

 

 

“Would you tell me more about the exact composition of these ‘micro-waves?’”

“Right, so you keep saying that ‘micro-waves’ are a form of energy. What type of energy is this?”

“Which is composed of what, exactly?”

“What are ‘electrons,’ how are they related to magnets, and how do they radiate photons?”

 

 

 

Part 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Jon.”

“Not in the mood for jokes. I’ve been thinking about how we got sidetracked and you didn’t tell me everything about the microwave oven. It’s gotten distracting. I’d like you to explain something quickly.”

“I’d like you to start with how the clock and timer work. What sort of enchantment does it use?”

“I’m not. Please, just tell me what spell was cast on it.”

 

 

“Alicorn.”

“There isn’t magic here?”

“There’s really no magic?”

“Seriously?”

“You’re lying.”

 

 

“If magic isn’t real, then how could it work?”

“Yes, why?”

“Somewhat, but I’m not sure what you’re getting at.”

“So… the same could hypothetically be done with electricity?”

 

 

“I’m trying to wrap my head around all this.”

“No, I think I understand the concept, but how many switches would you need for a clock?”

“How many does that have?”

“What are ‘computers’ used for?”

“How long have these ‘computers’ existed?”

“What year is it now?”

“Relative to what?”

“Who is that?”

“Which one? Zeus had a lot of children, so I don’t see what would make him special if he’s Zeus’s son.”

“What do you mean?”

“And the Greco-Roman mythology wasn’t?”

“So manticores, hydras, and magic are-”

 

 

“No! I was teleporting to my house but I ended up here instead! It is real!”

“How else could I have gotten here?”

“That spell exhausted me, but I’m getting more magic back every day. I’ll be able to show you soon.”

“I should get back to my studies for now.”

 

 

 

Dear Princess Celestia,

I have made an unexpected discovery. These human creatures claim that magic is an entirely

fictional concept to them, but not a foreign one. I have every reason to believe them. All texts I could

find about magic appear to be about card tricks and similar fake magic, and objects from this world

seem to be surrounded by an aura that makes influencing them with magic significantly more difficult.

Devices which I had assumed to be powered by complicated enchantments and stored magical energy

appear to be workarounds of equal physical complexity. I am continuing my research on their theory of

matter, as I believe that an understanding of this will be essential to further study of these machines.

I am slowly recovering my magical ability and can perform basic telekinesis spells again, but do not yet

feel that I would be able to provide a convincing demonstration to them.

 

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

 

 

 

Part 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Twilight and Spike,

We were so worried when we heard that you disappeared. It’s good to hear you’re okay, even if you

might not be coming back for a while. We are doing what we can to get those due books back for you so

when return, you won’t need to run about getting them yourself. The other townsponies are upset that

we didn’t keep the library open, but we’re not used to your sorting system.

 

Stay safe,

Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy

 

 

 

“It’s a letter from our friends in Ponyville.”

“Is something wrong?”

 

 

 

 

 

Twilight Sparkle,

My sister has been in the habit of reading your letters aloud to the researchers who wish to

study your findings about humans prior to copying and distributing them. She began reading your

latest letter moments ago. It seems to have sparked what could be described as a riot amongst the

majority of the researchers present, who are claiming your findings to be impossible or too outlandish to

believe. Celestia is attempting to calm the crowd and Discord is on hoof replacing thrown objects with

tennis balls while teleporting those objects safely aside. We will notify you when we are ready to receive

letters again.

 

I should go. My assistance is needed.

Princess Luna

 

“Twilight, what in the name of blood red rubies was that letter about?!

 

 

 

Part 5

 

 

 

 

“What are they talking about on the ‘radio?’”

“I’m sure it is, but I don’t understand why they’re talking about birds.”

“Oh.”

“So what does the ‘Catholic Church’ do?”

 

 

“Okay, but what are they worshiping?”

“Prophets? You mean like the ones for oracles?”

“Does the Pope has a similar role to prophets?”

“Does he speaks to this ‘god?’”

 

 

“They set laws? I thought that they were an organization, not a country.”

“What happened?”

“I was thinking of studying history sometime. How much would you say ‘Christianity’ influences human culture?”

“I guess that gives me a bit more required reading.”

 

 

“Well, I bet you haven’t seen what it does to ponies.”

“Don’t worry. I know my limits.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part 6

 

 

“Good morning. Is something wrong?”

 

 

“You don’t look like you’re fine.”

“Thinking about anything in particular?”

“Not the house, you mean.”

“Such as?”

 

 

“There are humans in Equestria?”

 

 

“Maybe that’s why humans are doing so well here. The most that ancient humans had to worry about was a venomous sting from the wrong sort of bug or a large predator, not a massive combination of both threats. A manticore could probably make quick work of a tribe of early humans.”

“Please don’t call us apes.”

 

 

“So are alicorns a type of unicorn?”

 

 

“Yes.”

 

 

“Twilight, I want you to know something. Three things, actually.”

“First, you’re here. You go against everything I knew to be true, but you’re as real as I am. Second, the news publishes stories based on what gets people to listen. Whether it’s because they think people should hear about it or because they think they can profit off of the demand of people who want to hear about what’s happening doesn’t matter. They report because it’s information that should be spread and acted on. Maybe it’s a cause that’s worth supporting. Maybe it’s just a topic for small talk. They’re talking about the Newtown Massacre with people who are for and against weapons regulations in response to that event, and people who believe that the problem isn’t even what rules there are. There is good news, but if all the news was good, no one would care what the news was.”

 

 

“If you ever have any questions, you can ask me. I promise to give you the straightest and most honest answers I can.”

“You, and everyone else.”

“Okay, but I don’t see how this works if you don’t have hands.”

 

 

 

Part 7

 

 

 

 

“You’re getting snow this late into the year?”

 

 

“Isn’t there someone organizing the weather or migrations?”

 

 

“Sorry to interrupt again, but what is ‘internet?’”

“Nevermind. Uh… I finished the notes I was compiling on ‘atoms?’”

 

 

 

 

 

Part 8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“You aren’t stuck on anything, I assume.”

“You weren’t too good to try swimming in lava.”

“You tried twice.”

“You’re an idiot.”

“Maybe, but you’re short.”

“Your breath set off the smoke alarm.”

“You’re about halfway through this game.”

“Unless you’re going to get all 120 stars, yeah.”

 

 

“I’ve got plenty of other games. Do you want to try another one like this when you’re done, or something different?”

“Okay, I’ve got just the one for that. Same sort of thing, different characters and stuff. It’s got a bit more reading, though. I remember you said that that was one of the parts of this game you didn’t like.”

“I think you’ll like it anyway. It’s got a bit of a comedy thing going in the bits when characters talk to eachother. By the way, I found a few more notes from my chemistry class.”

“Nah, you should just send them. It’s just summaries of chapters and reviews I did for tests, so she’s probably seen all the stuff in them already.”

 

 

Dear Princess Celestia,

My family and I have had the pleasure and privilege of giving your student and her assistant a

welcoming home for some time now, and we ask nothing in return. I have no doubt that Twilight has

mentioned to you that we do not allow them outside because “we don’t know how the world would

react.” I believe that news outlets would sensationalize her to no end, there would likely be public

outcry of some sort, and events might slip from the control of responsible people. To be fair, your kind

would be the first sentient species that humans have ever encountered. This is not the only reason for

attempting to isolate her, as she may soon notice that we seem to direct her away from certain topics of

study and conversation. This next fact is rather disturbing, and I fear she may become irrational if she

learns it. She is not supposed to be real, nor is Spike. All of Equestria and everything associated with it is

part of a very specific work of fiction. This is either the most improbable coincidence ever, or we are

playing the fools in a practical joke of cosmic scale. I recommend that you share this information with no

one, except perhaps Princess Luna. As proof of my claims, I have included an image of your reunion

with Luna which could not have been obtained by anyone present at that event. I can provide other

images upon request if this is not satisfactory proof.

 

Humbly yours,

Jake Addams

 

 

“Did that last report start another riot?”

“What about the other half?”

 

 

 

Part 9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twilight,

 

Apologies for the late delivery, but I had a massive order. I couldn’t buy supplies and send this first class.

Just let me know if you need anything else.

 

Sorry to keep you waiting!

Rarity

 

P.S.

Spike, this letter might get to you after you’ve received one I sent more recently, but just in case I forget

to mention it later I can’t send you any gems. The postal service is worried that shipments of gems might

attract those mean wild dragons and they’re refusing to send them.

P.P.S

The gossip going around is that there’s not anything magical where you are. Is this true?

 

“Hey, Twilight. More mail for you.”

 

 

 

Part 10

 

 

 

 

 

 

“What is it?”

“I… wow, thank you! Don’t tell Eliza I said this, but this gift is way better than those relabeled Valentine’s Day chocolates she got for me. I mean, I didn’t ask her for anything but I didn’t ask you, either.”

“Yeah. Before you ask, it’s a holiday at the end of February about love where people send eachother heart-shaped cards and boxes of candy and stuff. She probably got the candy on discount since the stores need to get rid of the stuff they still had in stock after the holiday.”

“I’ll tell you later. It would only ruin the mood. Really, thank you so much.”

“It still means a lot to me.”

“We noticed you looked nervous the last time we had meat, if that’s what you mean.”

 

 

“Oh. Well, I really want to start reading this and I think I just ruined the mood anyway. Thanks again!”

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Jake Addams

We found your last letter enlightening, but what you have told us is not news. My sister and I

discovered the nature of our existence shortly after the Elements of Harmony were used to remove the

corruption from the being known as Nightmare Moon. We are the only ponies who are aware of this,

and for the time being, we would prefer to keep it that way. Keep us informed about whether you

believe Twilight is making progress towards discovering this truth. She has shown progress in dealing

with difficult situations, though your choice to be cautious may prove to be the correct one. We cannot

waste this opportunity to have Twilight study your species, as you likely know more about our kind than

we do of yours. Her clear conscience is essential to this endeavor.

 

This letter will dispose of itself after you have read it twice. Please inform Eliza and Jon of our orders.

Princesses Celestia and Luna

 

 

 

 

 

 

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