Human and Pony Alike

Chapters

The Job
From Hand to Hoof
Timberwolf
Pony Meets Man
Trip to Ponyville
Photoshoot with Rarity
Memories
Nightmare
A Day of Thunder
Sealed with a Kiss
How can the Best Day Turn...
Into the Worst Night Ever
The Deal

The Job

The lamp in the corner dimly lit the room while the moon hit across my face. the painful ticks of the clock were reminding me that soon I would have to leave for my job. I laid on my bed and stared at the ceiling all the while wishing that I didn't have to go to work. I signed myself up to some security company that liked to keep it's employee's in the dark. It was rather shady and suspicious, but I couldn't find any other job so I just delt with it. It made it easier to handle knowing that my only friend Robert was also signed on with me. Man I don't know what I would do without him, I thought to myself. I closed my eyes and started to go over my life, observing the man I became. I was 23 years old with no real education, a bit of an drinker, and overall one massive screw up. The clock began it's toll of bells indicating that my shift was to start soon. I sat up and placed my face into the palms of my hands. Why, God, why? When will this nightmare end?

I stood up and made my way over to the dresser. I opened the second drawer from the top and pulled out a navy colored uniform. The shirt had an embroidered white falcon on the right hand side, which was the companys emblem. I began to throw on my shirt only to stop when my eyes met with a dusty camera on top of the desser. I let out a long sorrowful sigh and continued to get dressed. I'm sorry Dad, but I am not that man anymore. I just got my pants buttoned when I heard a hard knock at the door.

"One moment, please." I called towards the door. Another loud knock hit the door and an raspy elder voice hissed at me.

"Chris! The rent is due! I demand payment you piece of trash." The voice belonged to my landlord, a withered old man with no heart and didn't know how to die. Seriously, he had to be there at the beginning of time itself.

"Sir I told you I get paid tomorrow, you'll get your payment!" I felt like snapping on him. I leaned on the desser as I slipped on a sock.

"Oh look who thinks he owns a pair! Tomorrow you'll pay me my money and then your out!" his voice sounded more sinister than usual. I stopped a moment at his words. I felt a mixture a anger and confusion fill my body.

"Wait, what!? You can't just kick me out!" I grabbed my boots from the corner of the room and made my way to the door. I was about ready to lose it.

"Yes I can. And I will!" I opened the door and glared in anger down at the old man, the top of his head met at my chin.

"No your not." I attempted my darkest voice possible. However he was unintimidated as he leaned in towards my face. Only inches from my nose I saw the definition of his wrinkles in the poorly lit hallway. He stayed there for bit holding the same looking glare I gave him. He finally spat in a low evil voice, "Try and stop me." he turned around and slowly made his way back down the hallway. My vision turned red and I began to grind my teeth. I let out a low menacing growl as I placed my hand on the door and slammed it hard.

-_-_-_-

After claming down a bit I made my way down the hallway with a duffle bag clenched in my right hand. I noticed the office door on my left. My landlord's name was on the door in golden lettering. I stared at it a bit with the cogs rotating in my brain. I felt a smirk form on my face as I pulled out my pocket knife. As I passed the door I pushed the tip of the knife into the wood creating a good scratch mark through the gold letters. I flipped the knife closed and smiled widely as I placed it back in my pocket. I felt a brief moment of victory in my action while I headed out of the building. When my feet hit the black pavement I started to think to myself What do I do now? With my apartment taken away from me, I'm left with not a lot options. I walked the dark street with no sight of any other living being. The cool air in my face seemed to calm my senses and subdue my anger.

I turned a corner of a building still thinking of my situation. Moving back north with my mom isn't an option. She hasn't been the same since dad... I stopped walking at the thought of my dad. I was filled with regret as I remembered the last thing I said to him. My harsh words seem to linger still in my head like a audio loop "I don't need you in my life!" Tears freely flowed down my face as I stared into the purple night sky. "I need you, now." I wispered in a low sorrowful tone.

"Hey Chris what are ya doing" A familar friendly voice called out behind me. I quickly wiped my eyes and threw on my best fake smile. I turned to see Robert in his navy colored uniform running up to me. He was my hieght and made me look like a lightbulb with his tan skin. "What's with the duffle bag, man?" he asked eyeing the bag in a quizical manner.

"I got kicked out of my apartment." I lifted the bag up a little. "It's all my stuff that really matters to me." Robert's face went from concern to cross.

"That old bas..." I held up my left hand to stop him. He respectively did knowing that I myself didn't like swearing. It was just the way I was brought up. He shook his head in disapproval at the situation I was in. "Well what are you going to do now, man."

"I guess I'll need to find a new place after our shift." I gave him a rather hopeful glance. But I knew he saw through my wall and was able to see my worry. He smiled at me and started wave his hand in a 'show me the money' gesture.

"Ah, forget about it. Let me ask you somethin'. Have I ever let you down?" he put on a heavy fake itailan accent. "In da meantime you be staying in my house. Or I'll bust your kneecaps, Kapesh!" I chuckled deeply before replying.

"Bada bing!" I attempted a terrible accent of my own.

"Bada boop!" He patted my back. "Now let's not be late for work." His voice back to normal, he ran off down the dark street. I smiled as I threw the strap of the duffle bag over my shoulder and gave chase after him.

-_-_-_-

After a good run through sleeping city we made to the bus station where about fifteen other men were dressed in the simlar navy blue uniform. We seemed to arrive with perfect timing as the bus's headlights came around the corner. All the men stood to attention and kept silent as the bus slowly pulled in front of the station. The doors flew open and a dark figure could be seen with his head downward staring at men on the sidewalk. After a moment of awkward silence the figure stepped down onto the pavement shifting his head glaring down the row of heads. He wore the same uniform as the rest of us but on top of his head he wore a navy beret with a gold falcon. He stopped at me and rolled his eyes. Robert leaned in close and whispered.

"The beret is a nice touch." I nodded in agreement.

"So this is the group that has signed up. Why do I not feel safer already?" the man shook his head with his fingers holding the bridge of his nose. He then resumed the glare he wore before and rose his voice to near yelling. "Open your ears and listen closely for I only like to say things once. I am your Captain. My name is Mike O'Harrea, but you will always refer to me as Captain O'Harrea. Got it?"

"YES SIR!" We all spoke in unison.

"Very good. Now line up and approch upon hearing your name." we did so quickly so to not to test the authority that this man seemed to possess. He pulled out a clipboard and began to read off names. One by one the men approched the bus and entered the dark interior of the vehicle. After a good number of men were called onto the bus he finally came to the 'T''s on the list. "Chris L. Taylor." O'Harrea looked up saw me coming towards the bus. His eyes narrowed at me as I passed him and stepped up the stairs. I was meeted by two offical looking soldiers that grabbed a sack and placed it over my head.

"Wait! What are you doing?!" I started to pull off the bag when of the soldiers put a heavy hand on my shoulder and in a deep tone spoke into my ear.

"If you take off the bag while the vehicle is moving, I will have no choice but to shoot you." My eyes widened in the darkness of the bag. What have I gotten myself into? He continued. "Also no talking is permitted until we reach our destination. Understand?" I nodded slowly. He used the hand my shoulder to turn me around and I felt myself being led down the isle of the bus. He turned me around again and pushed me into a seat. Outside I could hear O'Herrea call out the last name on the list.

"Robert S. Villa, Okay that's it put on this bag on your head and don't take it off unless told to. Understand?" it would've been nice if someone had told me that.

"Got it sir." I could hear Robert climb into the bus and was navigated towards the back. Then the same soldier that spoke to me earlier yelled behind me.

"Okay everyones on. Drive." At his command the bus shifted and I could feel the sickening motion of us moving forward. Why do I have a bad feeling about this? I let out a low soft sigh. This is going to be a long night.

Author's Note

I have a tremendous respect for writters now. Again this is my first time doing this so please give any feedback. Good or Bad anything would be awesome. Thank you.

From Hand to Hoof

As the warmth of the sun touched my face I squinted in rays of light pouring through my widow. I rolled out of bed and landed with a thud against the hardwood floor. Why, Celestia, why? I just want at least one more hour. I picked my head up and rubbed my eyes with my hoof. I wonder if she ever sleeps in. Probably would do her some good. I looked at the mirror to see that a ragged looking pony was staring back at me. My brown mane was tossed to one side and patches of my navy blue fur were frayed. I lazily blinked in the morning light trying to see if I could possibly fall back to sleep. However, the damage had been done and I was now up and awake.

Seeing that sleep was no longer going to come to me I staggered over to the window and pushed it open. The cool morning air hit my face and waved through my mane. It felt good and refreshing as I closed my eyes to take a deep breath. The crisp chill that flowed into my lungs made my heart start to pump, knocking all thoughts of sleep out of my system. I peered over the rooftops of Hoofington and took in the peaceful silence that covered the town. I was about to bring my head in when a delicious aroma crossed my muzzle. I began to drool at the thought of the fluffy buttery goodness of, "Hay pancakes." I spoke aloud and sat there letting the heavenly scent hit me.

Somepony knows how to start the day. I think I will make a batch myself I stood up and trotted over to the bedroom door and opened it. It wonderful smell only intensified as I could smell it coming from the hallway. Wait, why is the smell coming from my house? I trotted slowly to my staircase and could hear movement down in the kitchen below. Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs I heard a sweet soft voice that sent my heart fluttering. "Good morning, Shutter Flash. Are you hungry sweetheart?"

"Lora? what are you doing here? How did you get in?" the peach colored pegasus popped her head out of the kitchen, her rose colored mane wrapping around her face. Lora Silkstep, one of the most talented dancers in Equestria and I was lucky enough to call her my mare-friend. I let out a deep loving sigh. She smiled at me intently and gave me a loving stare with those sapphire eyes that seemed to pierce my soul. I swear, if I had wings myself I would've been pretty embarrassed right about now.

I remember meeting her almost two years ago at the Grand Galloping Gala. It was my first real photography job. I was to document the event and do a photo essay on 'Lifestyles in Canterlot'. I found it difficult to find a good story amongst the cluster of the financial elite ponies. There seemed to be a lot of interesting ponies, but all them were uncooperative in my cause. I was about to lose faith in completing my endeavor, when I saw her. I instantly fell in love with way she twisted and turned, dancing in the air. Her moves were elaborate and flowing like waves of silk. And while the other ponies watched in amusement, I gazed at her with my mouth gaped in awe. After her dance I asked if I could photograph her and she agreed eagerly. We had such a connection that night I knew then and there that she was my special somepony and I was hers. I want to be with you forever. One day my love, I will ask you to be my wife.

"Babe, you always keep a spare key in the bushes. Breakfast would have been done sooner if I hadn't had to wash my hooves from digging it up." Lora's voice pulled me back to the present. She withdrew her head back into the kitchen and continued to flip the pancakes. I thought that hiding place was rather clever. I didn't mind her popping in unexpected. She usually just comes in unannounced anyways, but making me breakfast was a new thing. No complaints here though. I glanced over to the coffee table in the middle of the living room. On it were a stack of letters.

"Lora did you grab my mail as well? I headed towards the table.

"Oh, yes I did. The mailmare was here when I arrived."

"I do rather like her. She always kind to me when delivering my mail." I smiled at the thought of that adorable grey pegasus.

"She is a sweetheart, isn't she? I do hope she finds a special somepony to settle down with." Lora with a kindness that made my world brighter.

"Trust me honey, I know she will." I started to go through the letters as Lora trotted in with two plates filled with buttery hay pancakes. I looked at them and shuddered in delight. So good. Pancakes your going to get it. I went back to the letters and picked them up in my mouth. Which probably wasn't the best idea since I was drooling at the sight of the heavenly food. I placed the saliva covered letters on the dining table and Lora immediately shot me glance of disgust. "Look I am sorry I don't have a horn and that food makes me drool."

"Well... what do you have in the mail?" She gave the stack of letters a flick of her hoof and began eating. I took a bit of my own before peering down at the first letter. The first thing that caught my eye was the elegant writing and I instantly knew who wrote it. I opened it up and read aloud.

"Dear, Shutter Flash. How have you been darling? It's been a long time since I have seen your handsome face. I wanted to thank you for the lovely job you did on the pictures you did promoting my dresses. I would like to ask you to please come to Ponyville and showcase my new line of fashion. At your earliest convenience of course. I will pay you the same as last time and will throw in an outfit for you and your lovely mare-friend. Safe traveling darling and I hope to see you soon. Rarity." I rolled up the paper and placed it to the side and continued eating.

"Oh a trip to Ponyville? That would be a good excuse to see your parents again, Shutter." Lora beamed at me with a smile. She actually loved my parents and enjoyed visiting them. There would be times where she would push me out the door to go see them.

"Yeah I suppose that would be nice." I took another mouthful of pancakes. So good. I eyed over the next couple of letters. I received a couple of requests to photograph weddings, some on parties, and one family portrait.

"Looks like my star photographer is getting more attention." She slid her hoof down my back and stopped just above my mark, which was a gray camera body with a flash on top. I playful pushed her hoof away.

"Well I have you to thank for it." I gazed into her eyes and she returned with a loving smile. I brought my head back down onto the plate and finished the pancakes. "Oh my gosh. That was amazing. Thank you so much."

"Think nothing of it." She leaned over and kissed me. I immediately felt my cheeks heat up and the butterflies were tossing the pancakes in my stomach. She pulled away giggled and trotted in the kitchen with the plates. I sat still for a moment feeling lighter than air. I was grounded shortly after by checking the last letter one the table. A letter from the Princess!

"Honey get in here! I got a letter from the Princess!"

"You what?!" She immediately dashed into the dining room and rammed into the side of me. She practically jumped up and down squeezing my foreleg. "What's it say, what's it say?!" She excitedly squealed. I opened the letter and read it out loud with her peering over my shoulder.

"Dear, Shutter Flash. I would like to formally invite you and your Mare-friend to our annual Grand Galloping Gala as a honorary guest. Here attached are two tickets, please come join us in the celebration. And Shutter please bring your camera. I am to believe this gala will be most interesting. Your Princess, Celestia." On the bottom of the parchment two golden tickets seemed to shimmer.

"Oh my goodness, I can't wait. We have so much to do to get ready. I mean its only four days away and everything has to be perfect." She hovered around the room anxiously. "I know I will go home and get packed and we'll leave tomorrow morning. That sounds like a plan. Doesn't that sound a plan? Its a good plan! Oh I can't wait!" She flew into me smacking me onto the floor. She kissed me hard and then looked into my eyes while hers were shinning with admiration. Minutes seemed like hours passing as we just sat there gazing at each other. She smiled widely before she leaned in towards my ear, she spoke softly "I love you."

My heart immediately melted as the world dissolved all around us. I could only see her. Her beautiful face slightly covered by her rosy red mane. Her eyes were my world now. I wanted to swim in the blue pools of light that seemed to halt my beating heart. I felt a wave of ecstasy flood my senses as we just stared at each other. I suddenly felt my lungs again as I let out the only four words that spoke truth. "I love you too." I lifted up my head and tenderly kissed her sending me farther into bliss.

She pulled away and smiled warmly. "I'll see you later, okay sweetheart?

"Okay." Is all that I could muster. She giggled and flew over to the door. She opened it and trotted outside, but before she closed it she looked over at me.

"You should probably go and take some pictures today. Its so beautiful out today. Bye... Shutter." her voice was coated in love as she said my name. The door clicked closed and silence filled the house. I laid there with the widest smile I ever wore In my entire life.

"Bye." I dreamily said to the air.

-_-_-_-

I practically hopped through town with my camera around my neck and my saddlebag over my back. My saddlebag held most of my camera equipment, although not very well, as it clattered together with my trot. I couldn't care though because I was walking on clouds as the happiest pony that lived. No pony could take that feeling away from me.

I was greeted with smiles all through town by my fellow ponies. Either they waved at me or would tip their hats it felt good to be known like a bit of a celebrity. I waved to them all as I made my way out of Hoofington and out onto the northern fields. The green grassland stretched out far rolling up and down like still waves of the ocean. On the far east of the fields stood the tree line of the Everfree Forest.

Many were scared of the mysterious forest and from what I collected from the survival stories, they had every right to be. Things like hydras, Manticores, timberwolfves, and other unknown creatures lay hidden by the dark ominous veil of trees. I still found it extremely intriguing and exciting. I mean, I never would put myself in danger at the risk of being scolded by Lora. Nothing in that forest could compare to that mare if you got her angry. A chill ran up my spine from just thinking about it. However, the thought of capturing the mysteries of the forest on camera always brings me here to these fields. Today I could feel something calling me here like as if I was to be here to witness something extraordinary. Then again I always think that when I come to this place. I sat down in the grass to enjoy the scenery and to see if anything would play out on my hunch. After several minutes of scanning the forest I figured it was safe to say that nothing was going to happen. Like usual. I stood up and began to trot towards the west. Well I know a good a waterfall that I could...

BOOM

I snapped my head back to the Everfree forest. What was that? I squinted into the distance of the forest and make out a faint aqua glow. Reaching into the saddlebag I pulled out a telephoto lens and twisted it on the camera body until I heard it lock into place. I kept my eye on the glowing aura as it grew and shrunk in size. Pulling my camera up to my eye, I zoomed in as far I could possibly go. The glow seemed to originate from somewhere deep in the forest. Ever so slowly moving I was scanning from tree to tree until I came small gap that revealed the source of the light. My eyes widened. Is that some sort of portal?

What appeared in my viewfinder was an oval shaped ring that held the aqua glowing tint on the outside and what appeared to be a dark interior of some room. I then saw some four legged figures jump into the dark center disappearing. There was no mistaking it those four legged creatures were without a doubt, timberwolves.

I snapped a shot before putting the camera down. I quickly put my hoof up to my chin and thought of actually going to investigate. What if it is a portal? What if it's a magical anomaly? Does this mean timberwolves also have magical abilities? hmm. I stomped the ground with my hoof. Right then its settled. I quickly took off the telephoto lens and placed it back into my saddlebag along with my camera. I then placed it on my back and turned towards the forest with a determined face. I knew I was putting myself in danger as well as risking a tongue lashing from Lora, however this was moment to rare to pass up. I needed to know what was going on. With a kick against the ground I broke into a fast paced gallop. My face was solemn as I rapidly approached the Everfree Forest.

Timberwolf

The silence was unnerving and I began to feel sick from not being able to see the road. In the last thirty minutes I sat in darkness, due to the sack on my head, I was able to think about things. Things like When will we arrive? Where are we going? Why did they have to throw a sack on my head. and the one that kept popping up in my mind WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INVOLVED WITH?!

I felt the bus come to a sudden stop which made me almost hit my head against the seat ahead of me. I heard others around me started to get off one by one. I didn't move due to the earlier threat that the soldier said. After a couple of suspenseful minutes I finally felt that same heavy grasp of the man's hand on my shoulder. He pulled me up by my shirt and started to tug me towards what I could only assume was the front of the bus. Why, if this is a job, do I feel like some criminal? Suddenly the bag was ripped off and I was shoved out of the bus, making me struggle to regain footing. The duffle bag still on my shoulders swung around and threw my balance off causing me to fall onto a white tiled floor. I shot back at the man a nasty snarl. "How about you try that again. We'll see who ends up on the floor this time." the soldier stepped down and approached me with a almost pleased smile. He shot out a hand towards me and in instinct I grabbed it and pushed away. But, I was too slow when he used the other hand to grab the collar of my shirt. In a jerking motion he lifted me up close to his face.

"Every man that signed up to be a 'rent-a-cop' for tonight are dispensable." His eyes narrowed. "Especially you maggot. Your life can easily be replaced with another. Remember that." His tone was deep and menacing. He released his grip and I landed on the floor standing up. With my fists clenched tight I did everything in my power not to throw a punch at him. He turned and headed back to the bus which Robert was just hopping out of.

Once the man stepped inside, the doors of the bus closed and headed its way through a huge metal door. Beyond the door seemed to be open country, but with darkness of the night it was difficult to tell. When the bus disappeared into the blackness the door automatically slid shut with a loud metallic clang. I looked around to realize that I was inside some hanger. Behind me stood the other men mumbling to each other about the scene that played before them. Captain O'Harrea subquested himself apart from the group with his arms folded and was glaring at me with a disapproving look. I turned my body towards him as he signaled to the men to move out. Robert's hand patted my back and I glanced over to the concerned face of my friend. I felt the frustration subside as I let out a sigh. That went well.

The clomping of boots echoed through the hanger as we approached a set of doors. O'Herrea Made his way over to the pin pad and entered a code that I couldn't make out. The lock disengaged and the doors swiftly slid open revealing a long hall way that sloped downward. I felt a shiver crawl down my spine. Something about this place gives me the feeling that something dreadful is waiting. O'Herrea continued to proceed down the hallway and the men silently followed him. Robert leaned in began to speak in low voice as to not to draw attention. "Chris, man. You know if you started a fight with that guy, you would have probably lost. Even as strong as you are, you can't expect to take on someone who's trained to fight."

"It doesn't matter. I'm not going to just sit around letting someone push me like that. I got to stand up for myself."

"Yeah, I can understand that. However, you need to start choosing your battles better or you'll find yourself getting seriously hurt one day." He poked me in the shoulder. He wore a stern face but his eyes were filled with concern.

"Don't worry about me, man. I can handle myself in a pinch." I gave him a nudge. His mouth was held open like he wanted to say something back. He shortly closed it afterwards and shook his head. I smiled and walked with the other men toward the hallway with Robert close behind me.

-_-_-_-

After several minutes of walking down the hallway the air became cold and thick. The men in line kept their tongues silent and heads forward as they followed O'Harrea. He stopped in front of a door and turned to face his subordinate ranking members. His face was somber as he announced, "This is the locker room, you ladies have three minutes to get ready for your shift. Move!" The men fluidly filed into the room while the captain eyed each one. When it came to me he narrowed his eyelids in a menacing stare. I bet this man never smiled in his life. And why does he give me the dirty look?

Upon entering the locker room I could see that our names where pasted on each locker. On finding mine I swung the duffle bag off my shoulders and lowered it to the ground. Closer inspection at my name revealed that the tag was already peeling off. I could see that it had covered another name beneath it. I peeled it back halfway to uncover the last name of 'Mason'. Wow they don't even remove the previous guys name. The feeling of being expendable slowing crept into my system. I grunted in annoyance as I opened the locker and began to push my duffle bag into it. I stopped when I heard a clattering sound ring off the tiled floor. I brought my head downwards to see that most of my stuff had fallen out and was laying askew around my feet. Again I grunted and pounded the locker. You've got to be kidding me! Frustrated, I pulled out my duffle bag and begun to reload it with the fallen items.

I grabbed at random items stuffing them into bag. However one particular item caused my hand to hover over it. It was the aged camera that used reside on top my dresser. I silently stared at it noticing the newly formed crack in the lens glass. There would have been a time that I would have thought that the end of the world had come due to this. Now it was just a remnant of a ironically broken dream. I wonder how mad he would be?

I started to remember the years I spent in high school studying; trying to better myself in menial subjects like math, english, history, and science. All in which I actually did okay in, but where I soared was in a extraordinary elective class of film photography. I was the one everyone went to when questions needed answers. Even the teacher would ask me questions on rare occasions. My father seeing how I progressed in leaps and bounds, he used almost all the money he had to buy me my first camera. I couldn't have been happier back in those days. However, that all came to a crushing end in my senior year. I had a huge fight with my father which resulted in me running off to some friends house. In my return I found my mother crying hysterically. In those moments received the most heart retching news that I could ever receive in my life. My father had passed during the night. And my passion for photography died along with him.

I felt the tears start to build up and I clinched my eyes to push them back. Not here, not now. I picked my camera and humbly placed it in the duffle bag. After picking up the remainder of the items on the floor I managed to successfully place it into the locker. Before I closed it though, I noticed a radio and flashlight that hung on the backside of the locker door. I grabbed them and attached them onto my belt. Okay let's get this party started.

-_-_-_-

I was the first to leave the locker room. Upon exiting, I saw O'Harrea leaning against the wall on the opposite side of the hallway staring at me. "Mr. Taylor. Please follow me I need to talk to you." his voice was slightly less stringent. He pushed off the wall and began to walk away. I followed him wondering what could he possibly need to talk to me about. Once he knew that the locker room was out of hearing range, he began. "To think I would ever see another Taylor. And in this hellhole no less." his comment struck me off-guard and I instantly was looking at him in confusion.

"What do you mean by that?" O'Harrea completely disregarded the question.

"He used to talk a lot about you, you know? He would go on and on about his son back home and how that he was a success just waiting to happen. Couldn't shut him up about it. Even after we threatened to cut out his tongue." I half expected him to at least chuckle, but his face was expressionless. Hearing this about my dad made me weep inside my heart. However, I was striving t keep a straight face.

"How do you know my father?" he slightly turned his head towards me.

"U.S. Army, we were stationed in Germany. Our battalion name was called Spearhead." He began to move a little slower. "Chris. What are you doing here?"

"Well I signed up with..." he interrupted me.

"I meant why are you not out and using your talent." He shot me a glare of annoyance. "From what your father had showed me you could've been one of the best out there. But instead here you are wasting your life on security detail."

"That part of my life is over. I'm just playing with the cards that were dealt to me." He suddenly stopped and turned towards me with an angry look.

"You were given a winning hand and your the one who decided to flop! You have no one to blame but yourself." at the end of his sentence the lights flickered. I glanced up at them Wha... He continued paying little attention to it. "You can still get a hold of your life, but you need to actually try to make it work." He held his index finger at my chest.

"Do you expect me to just go back the way things were! It doesn't work that way!" I raised my voice in resentment and we glared into each others eyes. After a short while the lights flickered again. Okay what's going on?!

"No I don't expect that. However, I don't think your father would like it if his son was just wasting his life away."

"How am I wasting my life away? I got a job isn't that a step forward?" I gestured to the uniform. O'Harrea's face went grave and shook his head.

"Chris. I have been doing this for five years and I watch men leave here worse off than how they came. Sometimes some men don't leave because they no longer have a choice. Why do you think I'm still here?" I stood there trying to process what he meant about men not having choice to leave. He noticed this and to my shock he placed a hand on my shoulder in a brotherly manner. "Just get out of here the first chance you get." he began to walk away but then hesitated like he remembered something. "Oh yeah. your father wanted me to give you this if I was to ever see you again." He pulled out an aged piece of cloth and extended it towards me. I grabbed it and opened it up my heart skipped a step at seeing it's contents. inside was a slightly worn out dog tag where the name "David T. Taylor" still held its embossment and a dirty folded piece of paper. I looked at O'Harrea in a trivial manner.

"You just happen to be carrying these?"

"I was my piece of memory of your father. He was a good man Chris. You should be proud to be a Taylor." He walked away leaving me alone with the last present I would ever receive from my father. Dad I... I'm so sorry... Tears building up in my eyes, I promise to make a difference in life. I will make you proud one day I swear. I leaned my head back and closed my eyes trying to hold back from crying. Through my eyelids I could see that the lights flickered off again. Okay seriously that's starting to... BOOM A thunderous clasp caused me to cover my ears. What was that?! I opened my eyes to see that all of the lights were now out. I couldn't see anything at all not even my hands in front of my face. I folded the cloth gingerly and placed it in my pocket along with my knife. I was about to pull out my flashlight when suddenly the emergency lights came on with an eerie orange glow. The hallway had given me the creeps before, but now it just made my skin crawl.

"All personnel report back to the hanger and wait for further instructions!" O'Harrea announced and I slightly jumped at the radio coming alive. Turning to head towards the hangar I immediately stopped as a blood curtailing scream came from behind me. My legs locked up and my senses were heightened as I tried to imagine what could have happened. I continued to stare down the hallway when I heard something else that made slightly quake with fear. Howling.

I fought with myself trying to decide whether I should go to the hanger or see If I could save the person in trouble. Trying to face a wolf alone I'll die. Another scream echoed in the hallway and I started to run towards it. It doesn't matter I need to help them! The orange lamps flashed past me as I sprinted down the dark corridor. I rounded a couple corners and could hear the sounds of struggling. I turned the last corner and saw a man running in my direction he was wearing a white lab coat. When he got closer I could see blood stand out on his coat. He grabbed me and with his eyes bulged looked at me with a diluted and frantic stare. "P-Please you h-have to help them. Close the portal make sure no more get in." his pupils shrunk at the sound of growling that came from behind him. He let out a whimper as terror formed across his face. He let go me and dashed like mad down the way I came. I squinted to see two neon green eyes staring at me.

The creature was large and its stance was similar to a wolf. It just stared at me growling from the darkness with its glowing neon green eyes. The smell from its breath was putrid and gagging I held my stance never taking my eyes off the creature. I could feel the fear crawling up my legs giving me the thought of fleeing. However, I knew that I stood more of chance if I stood my ground. I hope. The creature moved slowly towards me with a creaking sound. A sound that you normally heard from wood? It crept into the light of the soft orange lamp that hung over my shoulder. My sight confirmed that this creature was constructed of numerous branches and short logs. I was taken back with my eyes wide and baffled. What?! How is that possible?! This can't be real, can it?

Almost to cue, the creature bounded towards me sweeping with his wooden claw. It slashed across my shirt and abdomen leaving little blood trials. I jumped back, my eyes shot down at the claw marks in fear. IT'S REAL! THIS THING IS REAL! I put my hand immediately on my stomach and cringed. The pain felt like barbed wire scraping across my skin. I looked back up at the creature with the newfound understanding that my life was in danger.

I started fumble at trying to pull out my knife, but the creature wasn't going to let me as it leapt towards me with its spear like fangs expanded widely. I threw my back against the wall on my left just as the wooden monster landed with a snap of it's jaws. With adrenaline pumping hard into my system I was able to clearly perceive the situation in a slow manner. The creature landed just in front of me and its back was exposed, If I'm to take action I need to do it now. Not wasting a second I jumped on it's rough wooden back wrapping my legs around its torso and arms around its neck. It began it to shake attempting to knock me off causing wooden limbs and branches to jab into my sides. I need to end this now! I firmly grasped the bottom of it's jaw and with all my strength I twisted it upward. I heard a sickening snap of the wood and the creature let out a horrible yelp.

As the creature fell into individual pieces along the floor below me I felt my heart sink into the pit of my stomach. My breath was heavy and short from the rush of battle. The head was still in my hands it's eyes shut and the terrified expression still held on its face. I hated harming any animal let alone killing it. It was either you or the creature. I tried to justify as I lowered the head. I stumbled on the pieces of wood as I stood up and continued towards where the man came running from.

I came to a set of metal doors that were lightly ajar and an aqua bluish glow seemed to radiate from inside it. I pushed the door to the side see a huge room with wires and coils everywhere. In the center of the room there was the oval ring like portal to a sinister looking forest on the other side. The portal seemed to be kept open due to two electrical towers that still seemed to be powered up. What's it a portal to? What kind strange place would have wooden living creatures? I noticed on the floor several bodies of scientists that were killed by the creature. I put my hand on my forehead and heart became heavy as I overlooked the murderous scene in front of me. I then looked back at the portal with determination thinking on how I would close it.

With my senses still in their heightened state I could feel the presence of another life. In my paranoia I started to look around wondering if it was another wolf. I bent my knees to ready myself in case of any surprise attacks when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I spun around swinging my foot into the air only to be stopped by a two hands mere inches from his face. It was Robert.

"WHOA! It's me man take it easy with the kicks!" I brought my leg down.

"Why are you sneaking up on me?" I gave him stern look.

"I have been looking for you. Since I heard the loud..." His eyes widened at what he saw behind me. "What the hell... Happened here?"

"It was a monster that came from the portal." I nodded my head towards the aqua glow.

"What monster?" He asked with an raised eyebrow. And almost right on cue I heard a familiar growl coming from behind Robert.

"That's impossible!" My brain began to rack up questions. I was flabbergasted to see that wolf-like creature back on it's feet especially after what I did to it.

"What is that thing?!" Robert yelled out with an extended finger pointing at the creature.

"I-I don't know some sort of wooden wolf, b-but I destroyed it!" I stumbled to get out my thoughts as I tried to comprehend the fact that it was still alive.

"Well you didn't do a good job then!" Robert started to look around frantically for a weapon to use as I did the same. On the floor I saw a wrench close to one of the fallen scientists. I ran over to it with the wolf in my peripherals, he seemed to ignore me as he inched his way over to Robert.

"Robert! Heads up!" He turned to the wolf that was already rushing towards him. BANG My ears ringed at the sound of a gunshot. I directed my head at the doorway to see O'Harrea standing there with a pistol in hand. He had shot off the jaw of the wolf. BANG Another shot and the wolf collapsed back into a pile of mixed limbs. Perhaps its really dead now. I doubted that thought but I was happy to see it stopped for now.

"So this what they've been working on." he eyed the both of us and an expression of rage formed across his face. "Are you two deaf and stupid? I ordered to go to the hanger!"

"O'Harrea listen to me!" The seriousness in my tone caused him to lose his rage. "We don't have a lot of time we need to shut off this portal before more of those things get through." He lifted his head to the portal and then to the pile of wood. He sighed and then nodded.

"Okay, Chris you deal with the portal while me and Robert see if anyone is still alive here." he turned to Robert. "Come on." I grabbed the wrench at my feet and made my way over to the portal.

I stood before the portal which was about six to seven feet tall. I quickly scanned the world it projected on the other side. It seemed to just be a typical dark forest with the exception of some flowers and other plant life I never seen before. Out of curiosity I put my hand through and could feel humid forest on the other side. That's insane. I quickly brought my hand back and placed it on the wrench. I moved over to the electrical tower and brought up both my hands. I twisted my body back and with all my might I swung the wrench forward and smash it against the tower. The portal began to slowly close. I looked the sparks flying out of the tower and smiled a little. Well it seems to be working. I lifted my hands up again and repeated my action. The portal began to rapidly close. Okay one more should do it. As I brought up my hands for the final swing I heard both O'Harrea and Robert yell in unison. "Chris! Look out!" I glanced back to see the flying form of the wolf only feet away. My eyes shot open and I tried to dodge, but it was to late. The wolfs claws pushed me back into the portal and felt my body pass through the threshold. "CHRIS!" My friends voice became muffled as to my horror the portal closed shut.

My body skipped across the soil and landed with a thud against a tree. I heard the growling in front of me. I lifted my head to see six pairs of neon green eyes glaring at me with hunger. Oh god. I'm screwed.

Author's Note

I rewrote this twice I have to say that this chapter was very difficult to write but its finished. And I know cliffhanger WHAHAHA. Hope you enjoy this chapter Thank you for your support. If you have any suggestions for me please feel free to comment.

Pony Meets Man

I slowly trotted past the tree line and instantly felt the uneasiness crawl all over me. With the exception of the wind whistling through the forest, there was no sound of life. The air was dense and warm as I started to sweat a little. I kept my head shifting side to side my eyes opened alert as I made my way deeper. The sun seemed to fade away atop of the branches as the shadows seemed to dominate the interior of the forest. In the distance the alluring aqua blue glow could be seen beyond the menacing trees. My ears twitched at every snap of twig and rustle of leaves. I shouldn't be here. Perhaps this wasn't the best Idea I had. My heart stopped when I heard running in front of me. I quickly dropped my body and sunk into the shadows. My navy colored fur provided me the ability to sneak in dark areas without much detection. In front of me a pack of five timberwolves ran past heading towards the glow. They were huge; they easily stood at least a foot above me, if I were standing. I need to be careful I can't let them see me.

I silently rolled my hooves with step as to reduce the sound they made on the soil. My back tensed up as I made my way up to where the timberwolves headed. The aqua light intensified its glow as I approached. I snuck around a tree to find that there were some thorn bushes that blocked my path. I peaked my head up ever so slowly to observe over the hedges. I stopped the moment I saw the heads of the wolves watching intently at something that was out my line of sight. I looked over and saw that a tree was in the way of me seeing what held their interest. It's going to be dangerously close, but I need a better angle.

I could feel the nervous sweat on my brow as one of the wolves glanced over in my direction. I held perfectly still in fear that the predator would see me. Seconds seemed to be minutes as the neon eyes of the wolf stared through me. Oh no, he must have picked up my scent. BANG the sudden thunderous sound filled the air and made the wolves retreat momentarily. I put my hooves to my ears that were ringing with pain. AHHH... I think I busted an eardrum! Oh my gosh that was loud! I slowly lowered my forelegs only to be blasted again by another ear piercing wave. BANG I winced to the throbbing from my inner earlobe. GAHH... Curse these sensitive ears! I wobbled over to the other side of the tree in disorientation. I plopped onto my haunches and leaned my head against the tree. I began to rub my hoof against my forehead trying to rid myself of the headache that tormented my brain.

As the ringing in my ears subsided I began to make out a voice that held a tone of authority. It sounded far off and faint but I was able to make out the words, "Okay, Chris you deal with the portal while me and Robert see if anyone is still alive here." My eyes shot open wide and I disregarded the pain in my head. What? So it is a portal. But to where? I need to take a picture of this. I opened my saddlebag and readied my camera. I took a deep breath and released to calm my nerves allowing me to take a picture with minimum shake. I wrapped my body around the tree and faced the portal. I pressed my hoof down on the trigger and the camera responded with the shutter closing and opening in rapid succession. Upon opening it revealed a tall creature standing in front of the portal wearing navy clothing that matched my fur. I gazed at the creature with my jaw agape in wonder and awe. What in Celestia's name is that? I never seen anything like it. AND I GOT A PHOTO OF IT! YES!

I pulled my camera closer and started to observe this amazing creature. He had no fur except the mane on his head in a style similar to mine. On his forelegs there seemed to be grabbing appendages. I snapped pictures as I went along making sure I didn't miss a single detail. Then I came to his face, which to my initial reaction, seemed extremely familiar. His brown eyes were small and what I could only assume was his muzzle protruded out in a beak like fashion. Beside this features I couldn't make out why his face seemed so familiar. It was like remembering a friend that you saw everyday, but then he changes a simple feature and you no longer can recognize them. What is it about him that I feel like I know him?

Pulling the camera away from my face, I noticed that the timberwolves had returned and were watching the creature as well, drooling. I slowly crept back and hunkered into the shadow of the tree, but kept my face towards the portal. Then saw in the background a pile of wooden limbs starting to reassemble themselves. The creature was oblivious as he began swinging a shiny object somewhere off the side of the portal. Turn around buddy that timberwolf is getting up. As he made contact with a metallic clang the portal began to slowly close, but my eyes were fixed on the now rebuilt timberwolf. Turn around! The timberwolf looked around before seeing the creature near the portal. Again the figure swung and the portal began shrink in a rapid pace. Upon seeing This the wolf leapt towards the portal claws extended toward him. I was about to yell when I heard two voices melded together shouting, "Chris! Look out!" He tried to move but the wooden wolf already was upon him shoving him through the small space that still existed of the portal. A heartfelt cry filled the air as the portal vanished, "CHRIS!"

The body of Chris bounced and slammed into the tree I was hiding behind, while the timberwolf just dusted herself off and growled at Chris with the pack closing in on him. I sat in the darkness of the tree thinking of what I could possibly do against six timberwolves. I can handle one or two at the most, but we're talking about six predators that stood as tall as this Chris fellow. I can't just let him die. There needs to be something I can do. An Idea suddenly came to mind. I reached in my saddlebag and I cradled my flash within my hooves. I set it release all of it's power and then placed it in my mouth. Okay here it goes.

I swung myself around and launched myself at the pack of wolves. They all looked up at me in confusion as I fell at them. Just before I landed I clinched my eyes and bit the button to the flash causing the surrounding area to immediately become blinding. I opened my eyes and found the wolves all disorientated and stumbling over each other. I turned to Chris and he too was wide eyed and shaking his head discombobulated. I wrapped a foreleg around his upper back and lifted him up. I placed the flash back into the saddlebag as Chris struggled to gain his footing again. I then realized that Chris only on two legs wouldn't be able to outrun the agility of timberwolves. My mind went numb at the thought of what Chris and I would have to do to survive. We have to fight them. I placed my saddlebag down on the ground. I hope your a good fighter Chris because this will get out hoof quickly if your not. I was never fond of violence, but that won't stop me from protecting myself or the ones I care for.

The wolves were still dazed when I turned towards them, I knew that wouldn't last much longer. At my hoof was the metallic weapon Chris used to close the portal. I kicked over to him and he shook his head one last time before looking down at it. He brought his attention to me and I gave him a glance that he read almost instantly as he picked up his weapon and readied it. We both nodded and charged.

The wolves were startled to see the two of us attacking simultaneously. I leapt up throwing my hind leg into a wolves head hearing the wood crack under my hoof. Without stopping I spun around and swung my hind legs up knocking back a snapping pair of fangs. I brought my legs in and with a mighty recoil I bucked the wolf into a scattered pile. I shot a peek over at Chris just as he brought his forelegs down with the weapon clutched, smashing the body of a wolf into pieces. He has strength I'll give him that. My mind returned to the battle at hoof when another wolf lunged at my backside. I quickly side-stepped and began to throw my front hooves out pelting the wolf. She whimpered backwards as I barraged her wooden body. I only stopped when she was out of my reach. I brought my forelegs down and angrily glared at the now hobbling wolf barely holding herself together. Her neon eyes narrowed as she turned away and headed swiftly into the depths of the forest.

I heard a massive struggle ongoing behind me. I looked back to see that the last two wolves were tag teaming Chris taking turns clawing at his torso. He managed to block most of the attacks with his weapon, but the more recent tears into his shirt indicated that some had gotten through his defenses. I rushed over and threw my foreleg straight at one of the wolfs head, however the wolf pulled back at the last moment and my hoof missed by inches. Before I could correct my stance the wolf snapped its jaws with my foreleg bleeding inside of its mouth. "GAAH!" I immediately began to use my other hoof to try to dislocate the jaw with no success. Chris threw his weapon at the wolf's head and with a loud crack my foreleg fell from its fangs. The wolf howled In pain as it crumbled into a pile. Breathing heavily I scanned the area to see wooden limbs scattered all over the dimly lit clearing. I fell down to my haunches and held my wounded foreleg in my hoof. I can't believe it. We won against six timberwolves. Nopony back in town will ever... Oh no, Princesses help me. Lora is going to stuff me and probably use me as a pillow now.

I examined the wound and it only appeared to be tearing of the flesh. I winced as I put pressure on it, but it was tolerable. I stood up to see Chris just staring at me with a blank face. "Let's get out of here. Quickly before the timberwolves have a chance to regenerate." His eyes shot open and his pupils became small, I was thinking the fact that wolves regenerated took him by surprise. "Yeah I know. All that hard work and they still manage to stand back up. We need to get out here. The one that got away is bound to bring more and I don't think they will like what we did here." He slowly raised his foreleg and pointed at me with one of his appendages.

"You talk and... " Now it was my turn to shoot open my eyes. We stared at each other and in perfect unison spoke together, "You sound just like me." We shook our heads and gave each other the same expression of confusion. He even brought his foreleg up to his chin in the same manner as me. "Stop that." we ordered in stereo. "Your the one copying me." again our voices layered in the exact tone. This is slightly annoying. The irritated look on his face told me he thought the same thing. Enough of this!

"We need to get going." I started towards my saddlebag when the sound of howling made Chris and myself jump. "Now!" I grabbed my saddlebag and threw it over my back. "Follow me Chris. I know how to get out of here."

"How do you know my name?" the howling echoed through the woods again this time closer.

"I'll tell you on the way. Let go, quickly!" Chris nodded and we hurried our way back west towards the fields near Hoofington.

-_-_-_-

After putting a good distance between us and the recent battle, I introduced myself, " The names Shutter Flash." I extended a hoof out.

"Chris Taylor... I just want to say thank you." he reached out and wrapped his tiny limbs around my hoof and shook it.

"No problem. I think you would have done the same for me, if I was in your position."

"Yeah I would have. I tend to prioritize other lives higher than my own in those situations." I smiled at him

"So do I. If you don't mind me asking how did you end up in the land of Equestria?" His eyes widened slightly and held his chin in thought. "Um... Chris?" he shook his head and looked at me.

"Oh, well I guess it all started when I decided to take a job with a security company..." He began his story as we started to walk. I found it to be fascinating up to the point where he told me about the dead scientists. At this I frowned and shook my head in empathy for the lives taken by the timberwolves. When I asked who it was that called out his name when he fell through the portal, he told me that it was a man named Robert. I found both Robert and this O'Harrea individual quite interesting to say the least. I couldn't help the felling of wanting to know more about them, but he changed the subject before I could ask.

He continued to explain to me about how he came from a race called 'humans'. It sounded exotic and the word seemed to roll off my tongue in a unique way. I learned that the appendages on tip of his foreleg where called 'fingers' with the exception of the 'thumb' and they were attached to his 'palms'. This is as a whole was known to called a 'hand'. Those could be handy in a photo-shoot. As Chris continued to talk about other features of his body, like his 'feet', I noticed the white falcon on his shirt. "It that your cutie mark?" I asked slightly interrupting him. He looked down at his chest and chucked.

"What's a cutie mark?" He asked with a raised brow.

"Its a mark that represents your special talent. Take a look at mine for instance." I gestured towards my flank with my hoof. He looked back at it and stopped walking completely. I glanced back, "Chris is everything okay?"

"Your talent... is photography." He face went blank as he stared at it.

"Yeah, check this out." I reached in my saddlebag and pulled out my camera. "I customized it myself. It has a faster shutter speed than most cameras available. It also can let in more light than others thanks to the wider aperture." His face slightly lit up at the sight of it.

"What ponies can also take pictures?" he reached over and took it from my hoof and eyed it with a slight smile on his face. "What's the ISO of your film?" He held it up to his face looking through the viewfinder.

"400. Good thing too the lighting in this forest was terrible. The picture should turn out though, I opened the aperture to 2.8 and slowed the shutter down to 1/125." He nodded in with a pleased look on his face. The smile suddenly faded and he handed me the camera back. I looked at him and his face was saddened by something. "Chris?" I was concerned that perhaps he found something wrong with my camera.

"It's nothing. Can we just go to wherever we're going?" His features were stiff like he was holding back all emotion.

"Yeah, Hoofington isn't that far from here." He began to laugh. "What's so funny?"

"Hoofington... Really!" He laughed again. "You name your town Hoofington."

"And you don't." I thought over all the names of Equestria to come up with a clever comeback. "I bet you humans have a city known as 'Man'hattan instead of Manehattan, huh?" his sudden stop of laughter told me that I hammered that nail right on the head. "That's what I thought. That will be enough of that thank you very much."

We began to continue when we both smelt it. The putrid odor of the breathe of timberwolf, but this time it was worse like it was all around us In a fog. We both turned to see a sight that took the air out of our lungs as we gasped. Towering over us was enormous Timberwolf that seemed to be constructed by the trees themselves. Upon seeing us it let out a loud ear ringing howl that caused the air gust past us. Chris and I quivered a little in fear. "RUN!"

We bolted for the fields that where no more than forty yards away. I saw Chris immediately starting to fall back where the giant wolf was easily maintaining a close distance. I huffed and thought to myself that I would do something that I never really liked doing. I would let Chris ride me. Just this once! "Chris, jump on!" I yelled over the air rushing past us and the growling of the wolf. He didn't object and in one good leap landed on my back. The pain in my leg instantly shot up my system and I almost tripped due the sudden weight of Chris. My speed was reduced significantly, but it was still faster than Chris running on his own. Focusing all my might I sprinted for the field as fast as my legs could carry me, ignoring the incredible pain in my leg.

We came to the end of the forest rapidly and for a split second I thought that we we're going to escape the clutches of the massive wolf. Just as we reached the tree line I felt something grab hold of my hindlegs and jerk me upward sending Chris and my saddlebag flying. Terrified I squirmed and thrashed against what ever held me. I opened my eyes to see the snout of the wolf slowly lifting up revealing a dark moist interior. "SHUTTER!" I heard Chris scream. Hanging upside down I tilted my head back to look towards the ground about a story below me. I saw Chris climbing up the wooden leg of the beast. After another jerk I felt myself land inside the wet interior of the monsters maw. The dimming light only could mean the mouth was closing. I closed my eyes trying to think of my love. Lora... I'm so sorry... I should have listened to you. I hope you can forgive me. I sat there accepting the fate that awaited me.

In the back of the throat I could hear sounds of the beast grunting. Confused I opened my eye's and in front of me, I saw Chris. He had his hands above his head against the roof of the mouth struggling to hold it up. His face and muscles strained under the pressure of the jaws pushing against him trying to close. He clinched his eyes shut and yelled, "G-Get out SHUTTER! H-HURRY!"

"Not without you Chris!" I looked around but nothing came to me as an obvious point of weakness. "Hold on, Chris! I have an Idea!" I ran to the front of the mouth and squeezed through the gap of wooden fangs. Chris shot a look that told me he couldn't hold much longer. I climbed up the snout of the massive timberwolf and was greeted with two huge glowing neon eyes. I glared at them and approached my voice filled with anger, "Try to eat me? you try to eat ME?!" I felt the pain stirring as the light began to swirl around me. "Allow me to show you why my last name is flash." I dug deep holding through the pain as the light wrapped around my body. The moment I felt the light touch every part of my anatomy I let go of the buildup, causing me to twist in unbearable pain. "AHHHH!"

In a explosion of light the monster was pushed back in the percussion of the blast. It let out a howl of pain and I heard something land in the grass below with a thud. I tumbled off the snout and fell to the ground with a plop of my own. I landed next to the still body of Chris, who didn't seem to be breathing. I turned my head In pain and watched the giant wolf withdraw into the forest. I spat a bit of blood out on the ground and got up on all fours. I limped over to Chris and tapped his check with my hoof.

His head turned over and he began to mumble something incoherent. I chuckled down at him as I sat next to him. You lazy bum. You feel asleep. A sigh of peace escaped me. "Welcome to Equestria, Chris." I patted his chest with a hoof. Then a thought hit me. It actually made me think that going back into the Everfree Forest would be actually be safer. Lora is going to kill me.

Author's Note

Fourth Chapter- Had a lot of fun writing this one. Please leave me a comment on anything that could be fixed or you feel is out of place. I look forward to writing more and I do appreciate you took the time to read this. Thank you.

Trip to Ponyville

I woke up to the sound of a heart monitor pinging away my pulse. I had the strangest dream. I dreamt that I fell through a portal and there were talking ponies. I met one that was like me in almost every way. Man I wonder if Robert is okay. Ow! I felt a stabbing pain in my arm and could feel the blood leave my system. I opened my eyes to piece of white sheet covering my face. I immediately felt pain all over my body as I tried to move. An older male voice spoke next to me on the right side of the bed. "Oh, he's finally awake. Nurse please go tell his friends that are waiting for him." I then heard a clopping sound of two sets of feet. I figured that more than one nurse left and both were wearing some kind of shoe that clopped with each step. "Now, that she's gone I can finally ask you some questions. First question: What type of species are you?" At hearing this I slowly lifted my hand to the white sheet and pulled it down a little. I was staring into a pair of gray eyes that were wide with anticipation. On the side of the bed I saw a turquoise colored pony with a horn that had a light blue aura around it. Is that a... Unicorn? Then all that I thought was a dream, happened?! I felt my mind go numb as I looked at a clipboard and a pen both encased in the same colored aura and were... LEVITATING?! How in the world is that even possible?!

The pony scratched his grey mane with a hoof and began to cross something out on the clipboard. He wrote something else and then looked at me. "I guess the first question should have been 'Do you have the ability to speak?' which in this case I will write no."

"I-I can speak..." he stopped at what he was doing and looked up at me with beaming eyes.

"Oh you can speak! I knew it! Now can you answer the fore-mentioned question, please?" He brought the pen to the paper eager to hear my answer.

"What question was that again?" I was overwhelmed with everything that had happened. I couldn't even think straight. His face became slightly disgruntled as he rolled his eyes.

"What is the name of your species?" his voice was a little less enthusiastic than before.

"Well I'm..."

"I don't care! Even if the princess herself told you to go, you just don't go into that forest Shutter!" I was cut off by a yelling female voice that came from the hallway. Both the pony and me turned our heads to the door that was on my left.

Hearing his name instantly brought back the memory of the navy pony who saved my life. He was like my twin in almost every way except for the small fact that he was a pony and I was human. I remembered having my mind blown by the shear fact that he could talk. A world of talking ponies. No one would ever believe me back home... I let out a mildly sad sigh as I heard the angry female voice coming closer. I wonder if I will ever see home again... Well I guess I'm stuck in this world for now. What did they call it again? Equestion... No... Oh come on its going to drive crazy if I can't remember. Equestlia...

"Lora, you don't understand! I never seen anything like him in all of Equestria!" Upon hearing Shutter Flash say the name I face-palmed and shook my head. How could have I forgotten a name like that? I put my hand down to see the door was opened by Shutter. I saw that his right foreleg had a bandage wrapped around it. "I promise Lora once you see him you'll realize why I endangered myself." A peach colored head popped from around the corner with her sapphire eyes burrowing into Shutter and teeth grinding. Her rose colored mane was flared up and almost seemed to be dancing like fire. I felt a chill climb my spine at the fierceness that this pony produced.

"You should've never even endangered yourself in the first place!" She nearly screamed in a sibilant tone. I than became conscience that I was shaking in fear as much as Shutter was. She then entered the room not taking her piercing stare off of Shutter. The first thing I noticed, besides how beautiful she was, were the wings on the side of her body.

"Y-your a... Pegasus!" My thoughts became audible with my face in a state of shock. Her ears immediately perked up and she spun her head around to stare at me with those soft blue eyes. Upon seeing me she let her jaw drop and let out an adorable squeak.

"Your voice..." She then began to alternately look between Shutter and myself. "How... What kind of animal are you?

"That's exactly what I have been trying to find out!" The turquoise unicorn yelled.

"I can answer that, Doctor. He is from a legendary race called humans." Shutter stepped to the side of the white bed and smiled at me.

"Legendary? Humans, legendary?" I rose one of my eyebrows and Shutter gave me a wink. The unicorn squinted his eyes and looked at me tapping his hoof against his chin.

"Intriguing... Most intriguing. Such an exotic species. Furless, small eyes, little mane. And also apparently is capable of copying both vocal patterns and speech. Tell me. Can you replicate my voice? Are you bilingual in any other language beside Equestrian?" The levitating pen scratched some words as he continued to peer at me with a look of interest.

"Well no on both questions. I don't copy anybody's voice and the only language I know is English. I do know some Spanish."

"Anypony..." The uncorn said in a corrective manner.

"What?"

"You said 'anybody' when its correctly said 'anypony'." I glanced over at Shutter with a deadpan face. He responded only with a look that said 'He's right'. The unicorn continued, "Tell me what is this Spanish that you spoke of?" I turned to the peach Pegasus, who was studying me with those lovely eyes of hers.

"Como te llamas, guapa?" She tilted her head to side.

"What does that mean?" I smiled as I repeated the same question in English.

"What's your name, Beautiful?" She immediately blushed and her wings popped open.

"Oh... um, Lora Silkstep." she slightly turned her head away and gave me an adorable look out of the corner of her eyes. "What's yours?"

"Chris Taylor. It is an honor to meet such a pretty girl... uh I mean mare like yourself, Lora." I reached out with my hand. She smiled and placed her hoof inside my palm to shake it, but I gently pulled it close and kissed her hoof. Her face reddened even more and she tried to hide her face with her wing like a fan.

"Chris... I like that name. I'm very happy to meet you as well." she said partly behind her peach feathers. Shutter giggled at Lora's adorable shyness while the unamused unicorn impatiently tapped his clipboard.

"So are you saying that the voice you have, is your own?" I didn't turn my head to respond I was too busy enjoying the look on Lora's face.

"Yes, it is. Why is that important though?" The unicorn was about to speak when the door swung open. Standing at the doorway was a beige pony with a nurses hat and she had a look of complete bewilderment. She was wearing a pouch on her back where multiple clipboards sat inside.

"Um, doctor the blood test we did on the creat..." She eyed me nervously. "I mean 'patient' came out to result that he had visited this hospital on a prior date."

"What!? that is impossible! How could that be true when he came in just today?" The nurse pulled out a clipboard with her mouth and the light blue aura took hold of it. The unicorn began skimming the writing then stopped. Shutter noticing the expression on his face approached.

"Doctor what is it?" The unicorn slowly pulled his face away from the paper and glanced at Shutter Flash. He then stiffened a hoof out towards me.

"If I may ask. How did you come across this human?" His gray eyes darted at me then back to Shutter.

"Well I found him being pushed through some portal in the Everfree Forest. Why?" the medical pony quickly trotted right next to me and studied my face closely. He then directed a question to the nurse that stood on the far side of the room.

"Are you sure that you didn't mix Mr. Taylor's blood with anypony else." he shot a glance to Shutter and then back down to me.

"I'm very certain sir." She replied with confidence.

"Very interesting... we need to make sure no mistakes were made. Take another blood sample for testing."

"Yes, doctor." the beige pony trotted over to a white cupboard and began pulling out syringes. Shutter and myself quivered at the sight of them. I felt a tap of a hoof on my shoulder. I looked at the supporting smile of Lora on my left, somehow she knew that would be enough to calm my senses.

"Mr. Taylor..." the professional sounding voice grabbed my attention. "After we take another blood sample..." He let out a soft sigh. "You'll be free to go. Your wounds should heal up fine and the stitches should fall out on their own in three days." I glanced down to realize that I had been striped of my shirt. I lifted the white sheet and was immediately relieved to see my pants had been left on. Lora gasped at the sight of my abdomen. It was covered all over in little gashes and my stomach had been wrapped up in bandages. "I still want you to take it easy for next two days. No extreme lifting or pushing yourself hard. This will only make the healing process a little bit longer. " the nurse came to side where Lora sat and grabbed my arm prepping it for the needle. Lora's face held a puzzled expression.

"Why not just heal him with a spell?" My eyelids blinked rapidly at Lora's question. Spell?

"I tried that, but for somepony to receive magic, one must already have magic in them. I could only assume that Mr. Taylor is immune to magic because not a lot is in his system. It was a good thing he was still unconscious when I stitched him up." I tensed up as the needle went into my skin. Lora comforted me by rubbing my shoulder with her hoof.

"I shouldn't have any magic in me what-so-ever. I come from a non-magical place."

"Well not to surprise you or anything, but you have somehow obtained a little magic. Only that of a newborn colt which is very little." with the syringes finally filled with my crimson blood the nurse gently sat them down on a tray and carried them out of the room. "Well that's it. You can be on your way. I suggest that you come back to check up with me in a week. Here's my card." I grabbed the card and read it in my head. Dr. Crescent Inter-species specialist and member of PAS.

"PAS?" he nodded

"Pony Advocates of Science. Were always discussing on the latest breakthroughs, like yourself. If only we could get our hooves on you for one day." Feeling slightly discomforted I got up out of the bed.

"Thanks, but no thanks." Still feeling weak I stumbled and almost fell to the floor if Lora and Shutter weren't there to catch me. "Um, doctor where is my shirt?"

"Oh of course here you go." the torn navy shirt floated through the air and landed in my hands. "Remember. No extreme lifting or pushing yourself, understand?"

"Got it thanks again Dr. Crescent" He sighed as continued to write down something on his clipboard. I threw on my shirt and all together we made our way out of the room.

-_-_-_-

Before leaving the small hospital, Shutter Flash picked up his saddlebag that he left at the desk. "Thank you for holding it for me." the pony behind the desk smiled at him.

"Anything for you Shutter Flash. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the family photos you did for me. They're beautiful!" Shutter rubbed the back of his head and smiled.

"No problem, I'm always happy to work with my camera. Take care and have a good evening." She waved to us goodbye as we headed outside. The cool evening air was relaxing and I took a deep breathe through my nose. The oxygen was fresh and had a hint of sweetness from far off baking. The street was empty and the moon began it's rise over the rooftops. The sky was magnificent stars were twinkling against the purple hues and the moon looked like someone had painted it with acrylics. Wow... this night is so beautiful.

Thank you...

I quickly snapped my head around and scanned the area. The only ponies around were Lora and Shutter. The female voice was elegant and smooth like Lora's, but it didn't belong to her. I could've sworn I heard someone say thank you.

"Chris, what's wrong? Lora was eying me in concern as she saw me looking around.

"Oh... it's nothing much. I was getting used to my surroundings is all."

"Okay. Well Shutter I will go home and get ready for tomorrow's trip to Ponyville." I began to slightly giggle, but a glare from Shutter caused me to silence it completely. "Uh... um yeah. Chris it was a great pleasure to meet you and I look forward to spending more time with you tomorrow." I nodded and she smiled widely at me. She then turned to Shutter and leaned in close. Really close. Then I felt my stomach turn slightly when she wrapped herself around his neck, kissing him. Wait do I actually feel jealous about this. She pulled away and looked into his eyes. "Your right. Saving Chris was a good reason to go into the Everfree Forest. But if you do it again. I will make sure that you won't ever find your camera, okay sweetheart?" Shutter's eyes widened and he rapidly nodded. "Good. Night you two handsome stallions." She flapped her wings out and flew off into the air twisting and turning towards a distant cloud. Shutter Flash sat on his flank and sighed lovingly.

"She is amazing, Isn't she?" I turned away from him to hide the frustration in my voice.

"Yeah, she is..."

"Let us get some sleep, I think we both deserve it. I'll show you where I live, Come on." He stood back up and began slowly walking away from me. I stood there a second longer just staring at the disappearing form of Lora as she soared. I felt my heart thumping in my chest and I could feel a lump in my throat. Do I actually have feelings for this pony? I shook my head. No I need to stay vigilant. She belongs with Shutter Flash after all. I turned towards Shutter and followed him through the dark streets of Hoovington.

-_-_-_-

We came up on a two story house that held a sign over the front door. It had Shutter Flash's cutie mark and words that were off center, the words read 'Picture This'. Shutter opened the door and gestured inside. The doorway was just big enough for me to walk in without ducking. Shutter patted the sign and entered the house. "My father was the one that came up with that name." I was saddened a little at the word of father.

"Funny, I was going to name a photo business that same name."

"Are you serious? Wow... I guess we share more in common that just looks." He lit up the room with a lamp. He took his saddlebag off and started to rummage through it inspecting his equipment. Everything seemed to be going fine until he pulled out his camera. He let out a quick gasp and was troubled greatly by his discovery.

"Flash, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for that to happen." Shutter lifted his camera and the lens were hanging off it cracked. "If you didn't slow down for me, your camera would have been fine." He immediately shot me a stern stare.

"Yeah and If I didn't you wouldn't be alive. I think your life is a little more important than a lens."

"How about your camera?" I walked over to the couch and sat down.

"Its got a couple of dings that are new, but nothing that should affect its performance. I'll just buy another lens in Ponyville tomorrow, before our job." I was taken back a little.

"Our job? What do you mean?"

"Well a friend of mine needs pictures done and seeing that you are completely new here your going to need a job. So as of now you are my assistant, you're going to need the bits." He put his camera back into the bag.

"Bits?" I was yawning and could feel my eyes become heavy.

"See, if you don't even know what our currency is how do you expect to survive here? I'll explain more about bits in the morning. For now you should get some rest." I snapped my head back up pulling myself out of a dreamy trance.

"I'm sorry about the lens Shutter." He looked at me and smiled.

"Ah, don't worry about it. I was more concerned about the camera. It was given to me by my dad."

I could sense my heart start to ring itself with pain. I suddenly found myself to be disgusting as I remembered my lack of a reaction to my own lens cracking. Shutter thankfully didn't see the tear roll down my face. Suddenly my mind remembered the aged cloth that was still in my pocket. Shutter hung his saddlebag on a hook near the door and was about to turn off the light when I stopped him.

"Shutter if you please I would like the light on for a little while longer."

"Oh sure, Chris when your done just turn it off. Are you sure your going to be okay?" I smiled at him for his sincere caring tone.

"I'll be fine thank you."

"Alright, good night Chris." he trotted upstairs and I heard a door close shut. I then pulled out the old cloth and gingerly opened it. I pulled out the dog tag and stared at it remembering O'Harrea's words in my head.

"He used to talk a lot about you, you know?" I turned the tag until I could see the name of 'David T. Taylor' in the warm light of the lamp. "You can still get a hold of your life, but you need to actually try to make it work." I unhooked the chain and pulled it around my neck. "He was a good man Chris, you should be proud to be a Taylor. I clipped the chain into place and let it fall onto my chest. I am proud to be a Taylor, just not proud of what I've said.

I started to tear up at the memories of our last fight. Had I only known that it was the my last moment with him I wouldn't have fought with him. I threw my head into my palms and sobbed quietly. Dad... Please forgive me... I-I just wish I had a chance to take it back. Oh God, I would do anything for that chance. I continued to cry into the night trying keep my regrets at bay.

-_-_-_-

The sun shone its powerful rays onto my face and I opened my eyes squinting. The dryness under my eyelids told me that I had cried myself to sleep. I imagined my father would tell me to man up at this point. I sat up to find myself in a bed. Wait wasn't I on the couch? Just then I heard hooves getting closer beyond the door of the room. I looked around to see that I was some guest room. The door slowly opened and Lora popped her head in.

"Good morning, Chris. I have breakfast ready for you." She beamed at me with a beautiful smile.

"Thanks Lora, I appreciate that." She must've seen the way my eyes looked because her smile turned into a frown.

"Sweetheart, what's the matter?" I slowly brought my feet down to the hardwood floor as she came and sat next to me on the bed. She brought her right foreleg up and began to rub my back. I have to say with the fact that didn't have any fingers It felt incredibly comforting. "You can tell me anything, I want you to know that."

"Lora I... I'm just missing home is all." I knew I could trust her, but I didn't want to burden her with my problems.

"You know, keeping it in will only hurt you. Shutter told me how you have these moments and he understands them. He does the same because he doesn't want to hurt others with his problems." She leaned in and nuzzled my check which I instantly blushed from. "I won't push if you don't want to tell me, but please remember I will always be willing to listen." She pulled away from my face and I looked over at her with slight smile. Her mane seemed to curl around her face directing me to her gorgeous blue eyes. We sat there staring at each other and I could sense something stirring inside of me. A warm and wonderful emotion that I wished wouldn't go away. I smiled widely at her and she returned it with a smile of her own. I continued to take in the adorableness of her stare loving every second of it. Her muzzle and rosy checks made me want to take her in my arms and not let go. I placed my hand on her hoof.

"Lora..."

"Yes..." She said in a soft voice.

"I... I... Just want to tell you..."

"Chris! Lora! Come on the food is getting cold and we're going to be late for the train." The sound of my voice from downstairs was enough to pull me back to earth.

I don't know how but I suddenly found myself mere inches from her face. She seemed to realize the same thing as she slowly pulled back and gawked at me. I removed my hand from her hoof and looked at the floor feeling ashamed. She's a pony and she doesn't belong to you. Come on Chris! Get your head on straight! I felt a hoof touch my shoulder.

"I'm sorry Chris, I hope your not upset. It's just whenever I look into your eyes, I'm reminded of a certain stallion." She gracefully fluttered off the bed and landed in front of me. She took her hoof and made me look up into eyes again. "Your a very handsome human and I bet you make your special somepony very happy back where you came from. Now lets go get some pancakes." My entire body popped up in response to hearing the word. "Shutter knew you would like that." She giggled with her hoof over her mouth. I rushed out of the room and headed downstairs my mind consumed with thoughts of fluffy clouds of pancakes raining syrup. I only stopped when I saw the old piece of cloth with the piece of paper still inside it sitting on the coffee table. Another time, right now pancakes! I grabbed the cloth and placed it in my pocket. I then made it to the dining table where the smell of pancakes overtook me.

Shutter was just finishing his stack as he looked up to me with a bit of syrup dripping off his muzzle. "Gould Morling!" he tried to say with the pancakes filling his cheeks. I chuckled at him.

"Good morning Shutter Flash. Where do I sit?" he indicated with a hoof towards a pillow next to the table. "You ponies wouldn't happen to have chairs would you?" Shutter swallowed his bite and gave me a confused look.

"Chairs?"

"I'll take that as a no." I walked up to the table and knelt down on my knees my arms just high enough to clear the edge of the table. It was uncomfortable way to eat but I didn't care. In front of me was six pancakes all of them were covered in syrup and a touch of butter. Heaven in Equestria.

After the most delicious stack of pancakes i ever had in my life Lora, Shutter, and myself made our way over to the Hoofington Train Station. I was carrying the most of the luggage due to the fact that I had none of my own and my hands were perfect for grabbing multiple bags. Figures that i would be made to to carry the most. As we traveled the streets I saw the array of multicolored ponies carrying on with their business. Any who made eye contact with my form was instantly frozen with wide eyes. A world of colorful, talking ponies. Why do I feel like I'm in some cartoon show. I shrugged off the thought as we approached the train platform. The train was a vastly colored as the rest of the ponies that roamed through town. I walked up and placed the luggage down in front of the booth. Shutter brought up a hoof and tapped the window. "Um excuse me I would like three train tickets to Ponyville, if you please." A head came into view and looked down at Shutter with a smile.

"Sure thing that will 12 bits please."

"12 bits? I guess they've raised it since last time. Well i guess I can get more bits once we're Ponyville." he reached into his saddlebag and pulled out a bag that jingled with the sound of coins. He emptied it and bunch of golden coins fell onto the counter.

"So those are bits."

"Yeah, this is how we financially pay for our needs and wants." the pony in the booth started separating the coins counting aloud.

"Okay." I secretly thought that bits were something edible.

"Ten, eleven, and twelve. Alright here you go and enjoy your trip." The pony reached out three tickets and Shutter took them with his mouth. He and Lora went ahead and jumped onto the train opposite of the ticket booth. When I lowered myself to grab the luggage I noticed the pony' smile slowly fade at the sight of me. He began to tremble almost in fear. Gosh I guess ponies are still as timid as the ones back home. I grabbed the luggage and followed Shutter and Lora into the train. Stepping up into the first car, I immediately sensed numerous sets of eyes peering at me. A bunch of various colors and types of ponies had silenced their conversations to stare at me. Starting to feel uneasy I slowly made my way to the empty seat at the back of the train car.

"Um hi there. Please don't mind me, I'm just a plain harmless human." Their eyes followed me as I made my way to the empty seat behind Lora and Shutter. I turned around placed the first of the luggage up in the compartment over head. I could still feel the stares and to be honest it started to get on my nerves. I finally finished organizing the luggage to fit when I heard the train start to move. Before sitting down into my seat I looked up to see that the ponies were still blankly gazing at me. You know screw it. I am an alien to them, and I probably would have gawked at a martian the same way. I plopped down into the seat and began to observe the scenery as it slowly moved past the window.

After what seemed to be an hour of traveling I started missing simple things I took for granted back home like a mp3 player. Then I just started thinking of home wondering if I would ever see it again. Not this world wasn't beautiful, it was just being the only human was beginning to mess with me. I sat next to the window with my chin resting on my palm watching the trees blur past me. I glanced forward to see that Shutter was doing the exact same thing. Then Lora placed her head on his shoulder and he turned to her kissing her on the forehead. I shifted my position to folding my arms taking my attention back outside. I can't let anything happen to them... there so perfect together. I need to accept that she is a pony and I'm human. I let out a sigh and then threw on a face of determination. I swear that I will protect their relationship. Even from myself.

Out of the corner of my eye I noticed a mountain range with what seemed to be a castle built off the side of it. It was terribly far so I could only make out shapes of it. Shutter turned around and pointed to the window. "Chris, that is Canterlot. Home to the Princesses and where I first met Lora." He turned to nuzzle her and she blushed.

"Princesses? You mean you have more than one?"

"Yeah one who rules the night and one during the day. Luna is the one that rules by night and Celestia is during the day." I was confused at how the politics worked here, but not caring for politics I decided to let it go. I turned my face back to the window to see a town on the horizon. I felt the train shift as we started to decrease in speed and let out three long whistles. Shutter's face lit up slightly. "Yes we're finally here!"

"Where?"

"Ponyville, Chris."

-_-_-_-

Once the train came to a complete stop the ponies all filed out of the train all carrying their baggage's. Lora, Shutter and myself were one of the last ones off the train. I stepped off onto the platform and took in the town known as Ponyville. It was bustling with a good number of ponies about forty were all going about their business. There was a market place where vendors were selling food and a few restaurants that were busy attending hungry ponies. One shop that stood out to me though was one that looked like a gingerbread house that said 'Sugercube Corner'. Shutter exhaled a content breath. "Ponyville, my hometown. I lot of my happiest memories are from here." He turned to Lora and nuzzled her check. "Honey can you go and pick up something for us to eat for lunch. Meet us at my family's house when your finished."

"Sure thing sweetheart." She smiled and flew off towards the market. Shutter turned to me and smiled.

"Chris follow me. I think I know a shop that you would like." Luggage in hand I walked after the navy colored pony pondering on where he was taking me. After a few blocks around the homes we came to a little store with cameras sitting in the window. Shutter immediately jumped for joy at the sight of the store. "Oh my goodness, they finally got a new lens. Come on, Chris hurry!" I smiled after him as he galloped towards the shop. I readjusted my grip on the luggage feeling my arms getting tired from carrying them. I walked forward, but soon found myself tripping forward and face-planting into the ground.

"Oh I am sorry I didn't see you there... Well hey there Chris." I pushed off the ground and looked back at a brown stallion with a dark brown mane and a hourglass on his flank.

"How do you know my name?" He chuckled a little as he reached out a hoof to help me up.

"Did the kick to the head do more than just a migraine? It's me, the Doctor." I grabbed his hoof and he pulled me up to my feet.

"Doctor who?" He laughed even harder.

"No, just the Doctor. Well it's good seeing you again. I would love to talk, but I am actually late to meeting Miss Hooves over at Sugarcube Corner." We waved to me and ran off in the direction towards the gingerbread house. I stood there flummoxed. How did you know me?

"Chris I finally got it. The new 20mm lens with an aperture that opens to 1.2. Wide angle shots will look amazing with this." Shutter then leaned into my line of sight. "Chris, are you alright?

"I'm not sure..."

"Well, did you hurt yourself? Because your face is really dirty. What happened to the bags you were carrying?"

"I tripped on someone. Er, I mean, somepony." He nodded in satisfaction of my correction.

"Let's get going to my childhood home. There's a couple of ponies I really want you to meet." I grabbed the bags and quickly stared in the direction of where the brown stallion ran off to. How could he know who I was, if I never met him before? Deciding that it was too confusing to understand I shook my head. "Come on, Chris!" I ran to catch up to Shutter who was heading towards the outskirts of Ponyville.

He came up to a green house with a dark blue trimming surrounded by a white picket fence. He trotted up and opened the gate. He bowed his head towards me like I was royalty and announced, "Welcome to the house of Lighting Flash the third. This is where I was born and raised. Come inside I can't wait for you to meet them."

"Who, Shutter?" But before he answered me he opened the front door and called out inside the house.

"MOM! DAD! I'm home and I brought a friend." I entered the house behind Shutter Flash and took in the surroundings. Portraits and beautiful pictures of Equestria lined the walls everywhere. My heart skipped a step at the sight of one particular family photo. It was one of where Shutter Flash was just a colt with his mom and...

"Hey, there's my boy! How is Hoofington treating you son!" I lost all feeling to my senses as I heard the one voice that I thought I would never hear again. Tears fell rapidly as I looked towards the source of the voice dropping the luggage in the process. In the doorway between the living room and the kitchen stood a tall pony that held the same look as my...DAD!?

Author's Note

Whew, well here it is. I really hope you enjoy this chapter. Please leave me a comment on what was good or bad I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for reading.

Photoshoot with Rarity

I stood in complete silence as my tears continually flowed off my cheeks. The pony that stood before me had a dark shade of teal with a short brown and gray mane and tail. Dad... But,,, It can't be. I tried to subtlety wipe my tears, but he saw me and trotted over. I brought my head up to see him giving me a look of concern. He stood as tall as me and his build told me that if he wanted to he could crush me under his hoof. I saw that deep in his dark brown eyes held the same loving and caring look my own dad gave me whenever I was down. I felt myself choke up at remembering all the times my father was there to support me. Even though my father had passed on, I never felt closer to him then when I was standing with that pony. I wanted with all my being to throw my arms around his neck and tell him how much I missed him. I restrained knowing that he wouldn't have known me, being Shutter Flash's father.

He turned to Shutter and placed a hoof on my left shoulder. "Shutter, who is your friend here?"

"Dad I would like you to meet Chris Taylor. He comes from a race called humans."

"Humans?" he had an opinionated expression on his face as he said it. "Seems to just roll off my tongue. I've never heard of his kind before."

"That's because his kind hasn't been in Equestria before. He is the first human here, or at least I believe he is." Shutter placed his hoof on my right shoulder and smiled. His dad turned to me and nodded.

"I see." Shutter then patted my back and gestured to over to his father

"Chris I would like to introduce you to my father. Thunder Wing." I was about to extend my hand to shake with him, but stopped when I heard the last part of his name.

"Wing?" Thunder then stepped back and opened up a pair of strong wings that spread out to be nearly the same length as me standing. My jaw seemed to unhitch as it fell. I quickly snapped towards Shutter Flash's backside to find that it was barren except for the navy fur. "How... If you don't have wings?"

"Well Shutter's grandmother on my side was an earth pony and my father was a pegasus. The wings skipped his generation and the horn as well." Thunder folded his wings against his body and looked between Shutter and myself. "Chris, is it?" I nodded "Can you explain why you and my son both have the same voice?"

"I don't believe I can Da... sir." Both Thunder and Shutter raised an eyebrow at my correction.

"Sir? I don't think I heard that since I retired from the Wonderbolts."

"Wonderbolts?" I looked over at Shutter who still had his hoof on my shoulder.

"Yeah, they're the most elite flyers of all Equestria. My dad joined them after serving time with the royal guard." So went into the military like my father. I'm starting to sense a pattern in this world. Shutter took his hoof off my shoulder and scanned the house. "Hey Dad, Where's Mom? I really want her to meet Chris."

"She went to the market place to grab ingredients for tonight's dinner. You two can wait here for her." Shutter and me both nodded. "You know Chris, this might sound strange. But even though I just met you, I feel like your part of my family. So please make yourself at home." feeling welcomed by him made me shed a tear.

"Thank you sir." I bowed my head in respect.

"Your going to have to stallion up and cut the off the tears, though. One thing I remember teaching my son was..." I knew exactly what he was going to say so quoting my own dad I cut him off.

"Don't waste essential fluids on the little things." I laughed and shook my head. I couldn't believe that his saying stuck with me all these years. Both stallions looked at me baffled. Shutter moved in front of me and poked my chest gently.

"How did you possibly know that saying?" I brought my eyes to Thunder and then back to the navy pony.

"My dad was in the Army, a massive group of humans that fight to protect the freedom of others. Which I can only assume is equivalent to the Royal Guard here." Thunder nodded and I started imagining my father in his army uniform. "He was very much like you, sir." I paused momentarily to catch myself from tears again. "A lot like you."

"Sounds like a human I could get along with." I Chuckled at the thought of my father meeting this pegasus. They would probably would have endless chess games and arm wrestling. Shutter continued to eye me as he sat next to his father. Thunder turned his head over to his son next to him. "Shutter can I ask a favor of you?"

"Sure Dad. Anything?" He eagerly turned to his father awaiting orders.

"Can you see if you can get your nephew outside. He has been in that room all day playing. I will get your luggage up stairs while you do that." He trotted up to me and patted my back with a stern, but loving hit. "Take Chris with you. He could hold him down with these things on his forelegs if needs be." He tapped my fingers with his hoof and Shutter and I chuckled a bit.

"I'll see what I can do. Come on Chris lets go get Flash Drive out of the house."

I followed Shutter through the living room to a hallway, but before I entered I turned back to Thunder who grabbed the luggage and was heading upstairs. I knew it wasn't my father, but that connection, the love I sensed in his eyes was that of my own father. I thought I would never see that look ever again. I could feel another wave of emotions hit me as it caused me to cry in the hallway.

Shutter was about to turn the corner when he saw me. He trotted back and studied my face. "Something tells me that your not fretting over something small." I tried with all my strength to regain composure, but only managed to stop my sobbing as the tears continued.

"I'm just... Worried about my family back home is all." He gave me a low disappointed sigh.

"Nice try, but I already know that you do that to withhold something. I know because I do it too. Who can you trust if not me. We're practically the same pony you and I." I softly laughed at the fact that I was being comforted by my own voice. "Come on Chris... Please tell me what is truly troubling you." I slowly turned my head to a face filled with deep concern. I let out a long sigh as my defenses came crumbling down.

"Okay Shutter I'll tell you. But can we do it at a better time, like after dinner." He nodded with a wide smile for he knew that he was victorious in getting me to open up.

"Sure thing. Now lets go deal with my nephew."

His hoofsteps echoed as he made his way around the corner. I smiled after him and followed. A young voice could be heard at the end of the hallway. I never had a lot of time with my own nephew in my world so this voice was somewhat new to me. Shutter made his way to the door and opened it to reveal a small unicorn that had greenish blue fur and blue streaks through his short light brown mane and tail. He was sitting on his blank flank in the middle of the room watching something on the wall that projected from his horn.

"Cover my flank, I going to use my special ability!" He stomped his hoof against the ground. "What do you mean you ran out of arrows?! Didn't you buy some at the last town? ARHG! What am I going to do with you?!" He then turned his head at the sound of Shutter and myself entering the room. "AFT." he turned around with a little smile. "Hello, Uncle." I leaned in towards Shutter.

"AFT?" Shutter in a low voice responded.

"Away from telekinesis." I mouthed the word of 'Oh' and stood up straight. "Flash Drive, have you been in here all day?"

"No I've been outside." Flash Drive's green eyes widened with protest.

"When?" The little unicorn turned to the window of the room, opened it up and stuck his head outside. He then pulled it back in and returned to the center of the room.

"Just now." He then turned his attention to me. "Uncle what's that." He pointed a little hoof out towards me. Shutter turned his head towards me and an evil smile formed on his face.

"That is called a Chris, he is trained to grab young ponies with his talons." He gestured to my fingers. Catching the hint I pulled up my hands in a claw like fashion and smirked at the little unicorn.

"WHAT?!" He stepped away from us.

"Yeah, and sometimes he even nibbles on ears." I started to chomp my teeth.

"No! Not the ears... Please." he made a whimpering sound as he covered his ears with his hooves.

"If you go outside I will hold Chris back, but if you don't..." I took a step towards Flash Drive and he let out a gasp of fear.

"Okay, okay! I'm going outside! Please don't nibble my ears!" He dashed out of the room and galloped down the hallway. Shutter and myself were laughing our heads off to the point of falling over.

"That was excellent teamwork Chris." I continued laughing. "I don't think he'll be back with you still here."

"Should we explain what I really am then." He tapped his hoof to his chin while smiling.

"Later, I want him to stay outside for a bit." We both laughed again when the front door opened and shut. Shortly after it opened again and from the hallway two female voices could be heard talking to each other. I immediately recognized both voices to belong to Lora and a more content voice of my..."Mom!"

Shutter tugged at my torn shirt and it ripped completely. My bandages and healing wounds were now clearly visible. "Oops, I guess we should head straight to our job after some lunch."

"What is our job anyway?" I pulled off my shirt and examined it. The front was completely gone, but the white falcon still survived somehow.

"You'll find out soon enough. I know you'll like it and besides we can get you a new set of clothes as well." I was about to rip the shirt into pieces when Shutter stopped me. "No! Don't do that. My friend will need that to be able to design the clothes properly. You being her first human customer and all." I slowly folded the shirt and stuffed it into my back pocket. I felt a little awkward having no shirt on. My physic wasn't appalling, but it wasn't extraordinary either. I had a flat stomach and my shoulders were broad. Most of my muscle mass was in my arms and legs, while my core could have used a little bit more attention.

"What am I going to do now? Do you really want me to meet your mom like this?" Shutter looked me over and nodded.

"You'll be fine. Your not that creepy to me, I know some other ponies might find you a bit frightening, but I don't see it."

"Wait other ponies find me frightening?"

"Oh, you bet. Throughout Ponyville ponies looked like they were about to wet themselves at the sight of you." I looked down at my hands thinking a few minutes back at Flash Drive's reaction to me. I'm I considered a monster here? "Don't you worry though my mom will find you very unique and might even try to levitate you so be prepared."

"Levitate... You mean...?"

"Yep. She's a unicorn." He trotted out of the room and I was left to ponder.How is it that two very distinctive traits, found in Shutter's mom and dad, are absent from him? I shook my head in confusion. I haven't the slightest idea.

-_-_-_-

I made my way back to the kitchen area where Lora and a sky blue unicorn, with a blonde flowing mane and tail, were working away prepping for lunch. The Unicorn was as tall as Lora, which was about my chest area, and seemed to have a yellowish glow mark around her flank. She was cutting slices of bread with a knife that had a yellow aura around it. She was humming a pretty tune until she glanced in my direction. I was a little unnerved to think how she might have reacted with the knife upon seeing me. It was also unnerving to see that she didn't really have any pupils in her eyes. Just golden round irises and the whiteness around them. Could she be blind? I moved right to left and she followed every movement. Nope I guess not. Whoa! What the... I suddenly couldn't feel the ground as a yellowish glow surrounded my body. It slightly tingled like numerous little fingers were wrapping around my figure. I felt myself get pulled further into the kitchen. She brought me in front of her and began to twist me around like she was examining me. In a sweet and collected voice I heard her speak to Shutter. "Shutter honey is this the Chris creature that you happen to scare poor little Flash Drive with?" I heard Shutters voice somewhere over my head by Lora.

"Mom! Please put him down." She slowly lowered me upright so I would land on my feet.

"He is a fascinating looking creature. I'm surprised the P.A.S. hasn't confiscated him for testing."

"They won't get their hooves on him. I won't allow it." She looked over at her son with a doubtful stare.

"It's a pretty big organization, honey. And a good number of the members live here in Ponyville." She brought her head back to me and smiled. "Hello I am Aurora Flash." Still getting over the tingling and feeling lightheaded from being levitated I responded dumbly.

"Uh... Chris Taylor...Mrs. Flash." She looked at Shutter was about to ask, but Shutter already beat her to the punch.

"I don't know why he sounds like me, but its pretty crazy huh?" She nodded.

Finally feeling like blood was flowing back into my brain I walked over to Lora. "So what's going to be for lunch?" I heard my stomach ask me the same thing as it growled. Lora looked at my bandaged belly and smiled up to me.

"Hungry are we?"

"Starving." I looked over her ingredients and saw nothing but daisies, daffodils, and some grass with some seasoning on them. "Um... What is for lunch?" She pointed at the ingredients in front of her with a hoof, That's what I was afraid of.

"I'm making daffodil and daisy sandwiches with my signature seasoning," I facepalmmed in my stupidity of forgetting that ponies were herbivores. Lora noticed this and tilted her head to the side. "Sweetheart what wrong?"

"Well... it's not that I don't want to eat the food that your making. It's just I can't."

"Why not, Chris?" Shutter spoke up behind me; he was leaning on the counter opposite of Lora and myself.

"I can't eat flowers. Well I can, but they won't do anything for me nutritional wise."

"Well what do you eat?" Counting with my fingers, I began the list of basic food groups.

"Lets see there's the bread group, the fruit group, the vegetable group, the diary group..." Shutter smiled and relaxed off the counter.

"Okay so you're like us then." I raised my index finger to indicate that there was one more.

"Lastly is the meat group." Shutter slightly hesitated at the sound of this, but shrugged his shoulders in accepting the differences.

"Oh your an omnivore? That's really intriguing. Well we don't carry a lot of meat around here."

"Yeah I noticed."

I felt my stomach cringe in hunger as it growled more pronounced than last time. Lora giggled as she trotted past me with a sandwich delicately balanced in her wings. She held out the sandwich to Shutter.

"Here you go Shutter." Shutter looked over to Lora and smiled lovingly to her.

"Lora could you be a dear and wrap it up for me. I don't feel hungry right now." he headed towards the exit and tossed me an apple from the counter. "Here Chris, it's an apple from Sweet Apple Acres. It will do for now trust me." I gave him a skeptical look as I held the apple. I took a bite and my mouth instantly went on a ride of nirvana.

"Wow that is good!"

"What did I say?" Lora trotted past me with a sandwich wrapped in a big leaf in her mouth. She gave it to Shutter and then kissed him on the forehead. "Thank you honey. I'm going to enjoy this at Rarity's."

"Oh good you can finally get Chris some new clothes." She turned her head towards me and smiled. I immediately felt my heart start to race as I saw her. What is it about Lora that makes me feel this way?

"Come on Chris let's head out to Rarity's" I happily nodded with my mouth filled of the wondrous apple. Aurora caught Shutter and in a serious tone spoke low.

"Make sure you take the back roads to Rarity's don't want to cause a lot of attention with Chris."

"It's okay mom, Chris will be fine. I'll have him home just before dinner starts." He trotted over to his saddlebag and threw it on. Before leaving the kitchen I turned to Aurora.

"Mrs. Flash I would like to thank you for your hospitality. I'm willing to contribute in any way to earn my keep around here."

"That would be greatly appreciated, Chris. Thank you." I smiled at my mothers accepting tone, but I noticed that it was just her voice that matched. Something about her personality was off, but in a good way. She certainly was happier than my mom that's for sure. I headed out of the kitchen only to catch the face of Thunder Wing giving me a caring smile. I'll see you when I get back dad. Shutter opened the door quickly.

"Chris lets just get going. We don't want to burn anymore daylight."

-_-_-_-

While we walked along the outskirts I was enjoying the amount of sun my torso was getting. I have to say with the stiches and the bandages I probably looked tough and rugged. As shutter trotted along side me I could hear his camera equipment clatter together with each step. That's no way to carry photo equipment. Perhaps these ponies never heard of camera bags. I let the thought subside as I stretched my arms over my head and smiled in the rays of the sun. Shutter looked at me and saw my smile on my face. He must have known what I was thinking and smiling about.

"Why don't you just take off your clothes and enjoy the sun like the rest of us?" My smile slightly disappeared as I tried to think of a way to explain my need of clothing. I was going to go with the fact I was furless and needed them for warmth, but the afternoon heat was against me. Then I thought maybe I could convince Shutter that my race was very fashion orientated, which isn't too far from the truth. In the end I couldn't think of anything other than that I needed it to cover my manhood. That was something I was not going to discuss with Shutter under any circumstances.

"I just need them on. Going shirtless is fine for my race, except if your a girl. However both male and female are kind of reliant of clothing for the waist down." I was hoping he was going to leave it there, but if I had his hooves I bet I would ask as much as I could to know about him.

"What for? I mean for Celestia's sake the sun is hot out and..." He stopped in his tracks and put on a scowl. I was happy he didn't continue further, but noticing his angry complexion I couldn't help being concerned.

"Shutter? Shutter what's wrong?" I followed his eyes to a giant poster that had a pony with the same colored fur as Aurora, but her mane was white and she wore giant magenta colored shades. His teeth grinded as he said her name.

"Photo Finish."

"I take it she's competition for you."

"Only the biggest. She's considered the most talented fashion photographer in all of Equestria. And it's because of her title that when I get a big photo job somewhere. BOOM! There she is taking the thunder as my client would rather work with her than with me." He continued to walk past me as I looked at the poster.

"Well what about you Shutter? I bet your really talented as well. I mean you have a camera on you indicating that you do." He turned and smiled at me as he continued to walk.

"Thanks Chris, I really appreciate that coming from you." I grinned hearing him say that. "We photographers gotta stick together." Then the grin faded.

"I'm not a photographer Shutter." He turned to me with a expression on his face that said 'Are you kidding, me?' he trotted up to me and put a hoof on my bare chest.

"I've been taking photos since I was a colt and I can tell a photographer by the way they act around camera's. Your biggest sign of being a photographer my friend was when you first held my camera."

"I don't do that anymore Shutter. I'm not a photographer." he sat on his haunches and looked at me as if to say 'We'll see about that.' He then turned around and pointed out with a hoof.

"We're here."

I took in what looked like a purple carousel that had elegant trimmings all along it, but it had windows and a front door. "The Carousel Boutique. Rarity's home and shop for the latest fashion design in all of Equestria. Trust me Chris if anypony can make you an outfit it's Rarity." He trotted up to the door and knocked on it. An elegant voice seemed to sing from within.

"Come in." Shutter opened the door and trotted in. I followed closely behind him. Inside I saw a bunch of Equine-shaped manikins with dresses and suits In various colors and fabrics. Any one of these outfits would make me stand out like a walking fruit. "Why hello Shutter, darling! It's been ages since I last saw your handsome face." Shutter blushed at the voice that came from the stairs. I glanced up to see a pearl white unicorn, with a curly purple mane and tail, descending down to us. Once she hit the bottom of the stairs she looked over to me and shrieked.

"Rarity, please don't be frightened he's not dangerous. He's actually..."

"An inspiration! Idea!" She sang with a high pitch note. Her horn glowed with a light blue glow and sheets of white, navy, and royal blue fabrics floated up into the air. She began to piece them together in a symphony of color as she stationed herself at a sewing machine. Shutter sat and watched while I was in awe at the work of this unicorn. In less than ten minutes she had crafted a beautiful white gown with navy and royal blue stripes twisting their way down the dress. She even made a navy sunhat with a white stripe at base of the brim to accommodate the dress. She jumped into the air with excitement. "Oh my isn't it just lovely!" Her blue eyes twinkled at her creation.

"It's beautiful Rarity. I see you've been making progress since the last time I saw you." She turned and smiled widely at Shutter.

"Oh thank you, darling." She then gave me a curious glance. "Oh my, who is this? if a lady may ask."

"This is Chris Taylor. He is known as a human."

"Human? Why is that word interesting to say, oh well. He is quite..." She closely eyed me up and down my figure. "To be frank... Intimidating."

"A lot of ponies seem to react to him that way. That's why when you shrieked I thought you were frightened."

"I've seen scarier things in the Everfree Forest, Darling. Sure Chris is a little more furless than I would like, but he's not that scary to me. Looks a lot like you to be honest." Shutter nodded in agreement.

"Miss Rarity if I may ask. How did you find me to be an inspiration?" Her eyes widened at the sound of my voice, which at this point was to be expected.

"His voice...sounds like..." she was holding a hoof out towards Shutter and myself.

"We know." We spoke in unison. She then blinked a few times listening to our one voice combined.

"That's extraordinary." she then regained her composure and stared at me with a grin. "To answer your question Chris I simply was taken by your navy pants and white bandages. The bandages reminded me of stripes and thus I came up with the third color to go with it. The result." She gestured to the dress and kissed her hoof into the air. "Perfection."

"It is quite beautiful Rarity." She turned back around and showed her pearly whites in a wide smile.

"Why thank you Chris." Shutter then stepped in front of me.

"Rarity can I ask of you to make an outfit for Chris?" She examined me closely and nodded.

"Yes I believe I can, but it will take about two hours to come up with a design to fit his body."

"You don't have to. We have something for you to work with." Shutter pulled out the torn shirt from my back pocket with his mouth and walked it over to Rarity. She scanned it over taking it in. She noticed the falcon and nodded.

"Chris darling would you like it in the same three colors I used to make the dress."

"Um... sure I guess that would be great thank you." She giggled

"Not a problem." Suddenly I felt a tug at my pants as she pulled them off with her magic. I grabbed the nearest piece of fabric to cover myself. Even though I was in my briefs I still blushed uncontrollably.

"Please warn a guy before doing that!" Shutter laughed and Rarity giggled at my outburst.

"This shouldn't take too long. Please if you two wouldn't mind taking a seat." Shutter pulled out his camera and clipped on his new lens.

"Actually Rarity I'm here with Chris to photograph your dresses for you." Rarity paused a moment before continuing her work on my new set of clothes.

"Oh do you have a model in mind."

"Yes. I figured who better to show off your design than you Rarity."

She was scribbling something a design board. She was too focused on the task on hoof to answer us right away. She then put down the pencil with a smile of satisfaction.

"Oh that would be a splendid Idea. First I must complete Chris's outfit. Chris darling, please would you be so kind as to stand over in front of the mirrors." I nodded and walked over to the yellow pedestal that stood in front of three mirrors. Shutter trotted over to Rarity.

"So where do you wish for me to set up my equipment Rarity?"

"Oh in my room darling. I have four dresses I want done including my latest one. I'll call it the Chris Twist." Shutter laughed and headed upstairs while Rarity stared at me intently.

She tugged with her magic at my hand holding the fabric that wrapped around my waist like a towel. I shook my head in protest, but she didn't give it any more thought she pulled away at the sheet of cotton. I stood there in my black briefs my face completely and utterly red with embarrassment. "How peculiar you wear shorts under your pants. I guess I can make another pair like them." I heard Shutter setting up his equipment in Rarity's room. He called down at me.

"Chris what do you think? 100 or 400 film speed." I felt a little agitated at the question. Rarity pulled out a pair of glasses and placed them on her muzzle. Then proceeded to grab a piece of paper, a pencil and measuring tape. She began run it along the length of my body when I called back up to Shutter.

"Depends on the lighting. If you have poor studio lights I would go with the 400 film speed." Rarity's magic pulled my arms up and she measured across my chest.

"400 you say. Alright good choice. What do you think about a smaller aperture?" I slightly growled in annoyance. Why are you asking me if you know so much about it already?

"A smaller aperture would capture the background too much. You don't want to open it up all the way either or you'll lose depth in the dress." Rarity wrote down a couple more measurements then took her glasses off and headed over the table to begin her work.

"Good call. I knew you would make a great assistant. Come up here and help me with the camera angle." I shook my head as I made my way up the stairs.

I entered the room where a total of nine Dresses were lined up against the wall. Three of them looked to be somewhat plain with a little design, but the other six stood out on their own. Each one had its own personality. One looked to be made out of candy and another seemed to be made of a rainbow. I peered at each one catching each theme. A nature related one, one that seemed to be made for a cowgirl, one that seemed to sparkle, and the last one was just overwhelmingly elegant. Shutter looked up to me from the viewfinder of his camera. "Chris good thing your here can you position the camera to where I place a dress." I sighed in exasperation.

"Fine, Shutter just let me know where your going to put it." He trotted over to one of the more simple looking dresses and pulled it to the center of the room. "What are you doing?" I gave him a deadpan stare.

"I'm setting up the shot. What's it look like?" I pulled my hands to my face in a double facepalm and ran my fingers through my hair in frustration.

"Where's your backdrop for the subject? Where's your lighting, Mr. 'I was doing this since I was a colt'?"

"Hey professionals make mistakes."

"Yeah, but not amateur ones. GAH! You know what? You know what? Just go and sit in the corner or something." Shutter raised an eyebrow at me before going over to his bag. He sat down and pulled out the sandwich that Lora made him and started eating.

I looked around the room trying to come up with something creative to capture these dresses. I gazed at the window in Rarity's room where the afternoon sun was jetting through the tapestry. Instantly I had an Idea. I walked over to Rarity's bed and pulled back her red blankets. Thank you for having them Rarity I promise to make up your bed later. Underneath was a white thin bed spread that was perfect for diffusing the light from the window. I pulled the thin blanket and the rest of the bed fell apart. I walked over and draped the thin bed spreed over the window which created a soft warm glow. Next I ran over and grabbed the full length mirror and placed it next to the window where some of the light bounced off softly back towards the window. I walked back towards Shutter who was already halfway done with his sandwich. "100 film speed please." He reached in the bag and tossed me the roll. I caught it and walked to the camera. I opened the backing and realized that Shutter had already put in the 400 film.

"Don't worry there wasn't any pictures on that roll."

"Thanks Shutter, but I don't need any help right now." He shrugged his shoulder and continued to eat his sandwich. I loaded up the new roll and moved the camera over to the window. I pistioned it to where the subject would have a glow around them while the light from the mirror would brighten the subjects face. This is going to look amazing. I stood up and turned to Shutter with a wide smile. "And that's how its done." Suddenly I stopped smiling when I saw the giant smirk across his face.

"Did I ever tell you about how I could tell whether a pony was a photographer or not?" H-how did he... What just happened?

"Chris darling, I finished your outfit it's downstairs folded nicely. I know you'll love it. It's a navy jacket with a hood and that falcon mark across the back. I also took the liberty and made you a royal blue shirt. I also provided you with extra shorts and pan... What did you do to my bed!" Rarity yelled upon seeing her bed askew.

"I needed the white bed spread for the pictures Rarity." Shutter was trying to calm her down, but with little success. She narrowed her eyes and glared at the both of us.

"Just as long as you two make it perfectly again things will be fine. Next time though ask a lady before destroying her accommodations... Gasp?" She put a hoof over her mouth. Shutter immediately rushed to her.

"Rarity, what's the matter?" she pointed down the stairs.

"Chris's outfit is gone. And whoever took it left my door open." She stomped her hoof in frustration. "Who would do such a low act?" I approached Rarity and put my hand on her shoulder.

"Rarity, I hope it's not an inconvenience for you to make my clothes." She turned towards me and shook her head.

"Oh no, Chris darling, its not a inconvenience at all. I can make you another but I ran out of royal blue. Can you settle with red?" I smiled at her generosity.

"Yes please, that sounds great."

"Okay it will only be about an hour, do you mind waiting that long?"

"Not at all. Thank you very much." She gave me a sweet smile and descended the stairs.

"Your very welcome Chris." I looked back to the open door with a question flowing in my mind. Who would steal clothes that doesn't fit anybody else on this world?

Author's Note

(AFT) Gamers will get it. There is probably a lot of errors in this one. I will go back and re edit but I just wanted to get it posted. I hope you enjoy it.

Memories

Rarity had just finished my navy jacket when I took notice to a funky smell that seemed close by. I was sitting on the floor downstairs with my arms folded, while Shutter was prepping the dresses for Rarity to model in. With my boots off and pants back on, I watched as Rarity created my new outfit with a suprising rate. The aroma in the air continued to pleage my nose causing my face to scrunch up. What is that smell? I slowly lifted one of my arms and found that my hygiene was slightly offensive. Please tell me that these ponies have plumbing.

"Um excuse me Rarity?" She didn't turn her head away from the sewing machine as she fed the red fabric into the needle.

"Yes darling."

"Do you have a place where a man can wash up?"

"Of course I do dear," A pointed hoof lead to the staircase. "Up the stairs and to the left you can't miss it." A content feeling crawled across my system. Thank you so much. Standing to my feet I headed my way to the staircase. "Your outfit will be done shortly." I turned to Rarity, who was holding a red shirt with her magic examining the stitch.

"I can't tell you how much this means to me Rarity."

"One thing you need to know about me darling. Is that I am always willing to help a friend." at the word 'friend' she gave me a soft smile that seemed to warm my heart. Feeling a smile of my own I turned to the staircase and ascended.

Sure enough, the door to the left of Rarity's bedroom, was a beautiful bathroom. The upkeep was pristine and everything seemed to be shining with a clean glimmer. It was by far the most elegant bathroom I had ever been in. Longing for the shower that I desperately needed, I didn't waste any time to disrobe completely. I piled my socks, briefs, and pants on the counter and opened the water to the showerhead. While waiting for the warm water, I began to search the bathroom for some soap of some kind. In my search I accidentally knocked off my pants off the counter which resulted in my knife and the piece of paper to fall out of the pockets.

The paper immediately brought back the suppressed memory of the fight of my father and me. Sounds of the water hitting the tub and steam seemed to fill the room as I stood in silence. That's right I'm going to tell Shutter tonight after dinner, aren't I. Clenching my fists I could feel the anger rise inside me. I get to tell him how I was nothing more than an ungrateful son! How I told my own father that I was better off without him! ARGH! In my rage I slammed my fist against the countertop. The pain shot up my arm as a little blood came from the side of my hand. Lifting my hand to my face I stared at the broken skin ignoring the pain. Maybe... I am a monster.

After I scrubbed off the smell and grime I sensed my mind return to its former state. I sat down as the water hit across my stiches stinging with each droplet. The pain was all to real for me to think that this was some sort of dream. Twenty-four hours ago I would have never thought that I would be taking a shower in a land of speaking ponies. With magic no less. The upbringing I had made me a little nervous about the magic at first like it was witchcraft. However, It seemed to be natural here much like oxygen that filled the air. I could feel it in my system warming me up inside ever so slightly. Magic... Quite possibly could be my way back to my own world. These ponies are extremely intelligent I'm sure they have some method of getting me home. A knock on the door pulled me out of my train of thought. Behind the wooden white door I could hear my voice calling to me.

"Chris are you okay in there? It's been about an hour since you got in." Raising to my feet I shook my head at how much time had passed.

"Yeah Shutter I'm okay, just occupied with thoughts." I stepped out of the tub and turned off the water.

"Alright, I'm just worried about you. Your clothes are hanging on the door. I'm almost done with Rarity she's putting on the last dress on as we speak."

"Thank you Shutter. I'll be out shortly." Grabbing a towel off the rack I quickly began to dry myself off.

"Okay I'll see you out here." The sound of hooves moving away from the door gave me the chance to grab my clothes off the knob from outside the bathroom.

After I slipped on the red shirt and the black undergarments I immediately took notice at how unbelievingly comfortable the clothes felt. They seemed to just mold to my form perfectly and match every curve of my body. Wow... I now understand why Rarity is the best. And I slightly don't blame whoever took the clothes. They're amazing! Upon opening the navy jacket the silhouette of the white falcon stretched its wide wings across the backside from each shoulder tip. It's talons open and poised to grab it's prey while its head was aimed downward. An emblem that once signified a job, will now take a new role as my mark amongst these ponies. A sense of pride dawned in me as I slid my arms into the jacket. The pants had some white highlights that seemed to balance the white falcon in the ensemble. After slipping them on I noticed my belt was sitting on the floor of the bathroom flashlight and radio still attached. Must have been brought up with the clothes. I buckled it around my waist and out of curiosity I flicked on the radio. I was only greeted with static, which wasn't much of a surprise. Finally dressed with the exception of my boots I placed my pocket knife and the piece of paper in the pockets of my new pants. Examining myself in the mirror I was extremely pleased with the result as I nodded my head. Looking good Chris.

Rarity was excited to see me as I entered her bedroom. "Oh my Chris, you look absolutely dashing, darling." The sunlight had dimmed considerably as the evening light hit the bed spread giving the room a relaxing atmosphere. Rarity in her latest creation, the 'Chris Twist', was posing for the camera while Shutter was focusing on capturing the shot. He glanced in my direction and smiled.

"Looking good Chris," I shook my head and laughed. I don't think I will ever get used to hearing my own voice from someone else. "By the way the set up for the photoshoot is phenomenal. I honestly think I couldn't do a better job myself. Where did you learn to improvise like that?" The question caused me to lower my head down to the purple carpet.

"High School, It's a place where young adult humans go to learn about the world." Shutter's face showed that he had some interest on the subject, but proceeded to continue on with the photohoot. Lifting my head up my attention was drawn back to the six unique dresses along the far wall. "Rarity?"

"Yes, darling?"

"What are those six dresses for?" Turning her head only for a moment to see what I was talking about, she struck another pose.

"Oh those are for my closest friends to wear at the Grand Galloping Gala. I'm sure you'll get to met them soon."

"The Grand Galloping whata?" Rarity and Shutter both laughed deeply at my question.

"No dear. Gala, its the biggest and fanciest parties in all of Equestria. Anypony who's anypony will be there. What about you Shutter are you going to the Gala to take pictures again this year?" Shutter pulled away from the camera and looked at Rarity.

"Um... Yes and no. I was formally invited this year to attend with Lora, but Celestia asked me to bring my camera along. I'm really excited because it will be our second year anniversary and I have got something very special in mind." A wide smile formed across Shutter's face as he most likely was thinking of Lora.

"Oh congratulations darling. you two are such a beautiful couple together. Ah! I know exactly what she can wear." With one last shot Shutter began disassembling the camera equipment.

"Okay Rarity were all done. I can get these developed and sent to you in about two days."

"Oh that would be marvelous! Thank you Shutter I know they will be lovely as always." A flash of red filled his checks as he rubbed the back of his head with a hoof.

"No problem Rarity I just happy you chose me to be your photographer." The expression on his face told me that he would have finished the sentence with '... Instead of her'. I frowned at seeing him place his equipment in the saddlebag. The sounds of the lens clacking together came back to mind and I felt something inside me slightly snap.

"Shutter, stop." I grabbed his hooves and his face was in a state of confusion.

"What is it Chris?"

"I can't let you carry your things like this anymore. It will drive me crazy to hear great camera equipment bounce off each other like that."

"Well what do you suppose I do?" I took off my jacket and stuffed it into the saddlebag giving some absorption between the multiple lenses.

"That should cushion it for the walk home, but you seriously need a camera bag." Rarity tilted her head to the side.

"Whats a camera bag look like, darling?" Opening my mouth to reply I found it would be simpler to just show what I was talking about.

"May I have a pencil and paper please?" Nodding her head she pulled out both items from her dresser with her magic and laid them in my hands.

I proceeded to draw a typical backpack, but remembered that a ponies figures might find it difficult to reach if it stayed on their backs. Erasing one of the straps I designed a single strap bag that would be able to just slide to the front with a little push. The eyes of Shutter and Rarity grew with interest as I continued my sketch. The bag wasn't perfect but It would have a compartment that would be able to hold the camera and lenses, one to carry rolls of film, and the last one would be for miscellaneous items. As I finished the drawing Rarity put on her glasses and examined the drawing with her full attention. She pulled the paper off the floor with her magic and sung in a melodious tone, "Idea!" Next thing I knew she was already downstairs and the sound of the sewing machine sprung to life. Shutter looked at me with a smile.

"Guess you should come here more often, huh?"

"I guess so. Is she always inspired this easily?"

"I couldn't tell you the answer to that. Come on let's make the bed before Rarity uses us for her next dress."

Shutter made his way to the edge of the bed while I grabbed the bed sheet off the widow seal. The sun was already setting with it's colorful hues of oranges and reds. The serene landscape seemed to glow in the lowering sun's warm colors. Seeing a sunset here in this world was somehow heartwarming as I remembered relaxing to many sunsets back home. Such a beautiful place. It almost makes me feel like I don't want to go back home. With the bed sheet in hand I turned to bed and began to help Shutter make the bed.

Just as we finished, the high squeal of Rarity's voice echoed up to the bedroom. "Chris! Shutter! Come down I have something to show you two." Shutter trotted over to his saddlebag and followed me downstairs. Once we hit the bottom we saw Rarity grinning ear to ear.

"Yes Rarity, what is it?" Spinning around she presented a bag on her back that was made of durable material. The bag held Shutters mark of a camera and was two toned of orange and brown. It matched my sketch perfectly and even looked like it was modified to form to a pony's body more efficiently. Shutter was ecstatic at the sight of the camera bag that he nearly ran into Rarity. "Oh my gosh! That is amazing Rarity! Is it for me?" She nodded as she took it off to hand it to Shutter.

"I want you to tell everypony that I will be selling a new type of bag from now on. Oh I can't wait to explore what designs I come up with for them," Shutter took the bag and excitedly started to fill it up with all of his camera equipment. Rarity turned her head to me and smiled. "Chris I want to personally thank you darling for inspiring me so much today. Please if you ever have the chance I would love it for you to come over more often. Perhaps we could go to the spa together darling." I shook my head politely.

"No thanks Rarity I not much of a spa person. However, I would love to come to your lovely home again sometime." Leaning down to grab my boots I felt a pair of white hooves wrap around me in a friendly embrace. I stood paused for a moment before returning the hug. She pulled away and gave Shutter a hug as well. She then trotted over to the counter and picked up a bag with her magic that jiggled with coins.

"There you are Shutter as we agreed. And tell Lora that her dress will be finished in two days," Shutter nodded his head he tied the bag shut tight with his mouth. Sitting on the floor I began to put on my boots. "Thank you two for coming. I hope to see your handsome faces again soon." Shutter threw his new bag over his back as I finished tying my boot laces.

"Don't worry Rarity you will. See you again and I'll have some photos for you the next time." Standing to my feet we both gave her a wave as we exited the Carousel Boutique. She stood outside with her hoof waving us goodbye as we began our small trip back to the Flash's residence.

-_-_-_-

About halfway back to the house Shutter held my jacket back to me. Grabbing it I threw it over my shoulder and continued to walk in silence. To my left Shutter was slowly walking to match my pace and to my right were some homes lined with bushes. The darkness of the evening was approaching quickly as the sun rapidly sank into the horizon. I noticed Shutter glancing in directions like he was keeping an eye out for someone. "Shutter what are you looking for?"

"I can sense her nearby... She is unpredictable I tell you. Just when you think she couldn't possibly show up she's there."

"Who are you talking abou..." Suddenly a flash of pink came rushing at me out of the bushes and slammed me onto the ground pinning me down with pink hooves which hurt, but somehow they felt light. A high pitched female voice seemed to carry far into the night.

"Run Shutter Flash! I got the monster!"

"No Pinkie Pie! Wait!" She wasted no time to pull out a pie and readied it.

"Terrorizing young colts huh? You big meanie!" My vision went black as the pie smashed into my face. Immediately she released me and began to gallop away. "Come on Shutter Flash while it's down."

"Stop Pinkie! Let go of me, please! Pinkie!" The galloping faded as I stood up to my feet wiping away the cream away from my eyes. They were nowhere to be found. Part of the pie landed in my mouth and I instantly tasted the hot sauce. My face reddened as the pie burnt my mouth with the capsaicin. That's messed up!

After twenty minutes the burning subsided and I was left with a numb tongue. I continuously bit it gently with my teeth to see if any feeling was coming back. Unfortunately it wasn't. Upon coming up to the house I saw two pony figures at the white picket gate the seemed to glow to the rising moon. When I approached I could make out a part of their conversation.

"Human? What a interesting word to say. Human human human human human human. Wow that just tingles my tongue," The pink mare now known as Pinkie Pie glanced in my direction and smiled. Her darker pink mane and tail seem to poof and move loosely almost like cotton candy. On her hind quarters she had three ballons two blue and one yellow. So I take it she's good at parties then. "So that means your not a monster then. The way Flash Drive described you was something rather scary. He told me that you had fangs and talons and that you liked eating ears. Sorry I used my extra super hot chile pie on you, Chris." I dismissed it with a wave of my hand.

"Nuh ploblem." Her eyes suddenly widened and her smile became huge.

"This is your first time here in Equestria isn't? I need to throw you a party! Oh I know I will get the invitations started right away!" Shutter stepped on her tail with his hoof as she was about to dash off. She fell to her stomach and turned to the navy pony who shook his head.

"No Pinkie. We need to keep Chris on low note to the other ponies, especially Twilight. You need to 'Pinkie Promise' that you will keep Chris a secret until I say otherwise." Pinkie's lower lip quivered in such a way that I felt sorry for her.

"B-but I always throw a party for somepony new." Placing a hoof to his chin Shutter pondered on it a bit before he sighed in defeat.

"Alright we can have a private party, but it will have to wait till next week we have big plans coming up. You should know, your going to the Gala as well." Pinkie sprang up with a joyful hop.

"I haven't more excited about anything else! That is going to be the best night ever. And then afterwards Chris we'll throw you a huge party!"

"Pinkie..." Shutter's voice was quickly drowned out by the pink mare.

"There will be balloons and streamers and games. I will bake you cake. What kind of cake do you like? Do you like Chocolate? I like chocolate. Maybe I can make you one of my famous triple chocolate supreme cakes!"

"Pinkie..." His tone was more aggravated and deep.

"By the way I noticed that you don't have a tail. Why do humans not have tails? I guess you can't play pin the tail on the human were you come from. What games do humans play at parties?"

"PINKIE!"

"Yeah Shuttery."

"The promise." Pinkie's face went blank for a second.

"What promise," Both Shutter and myself brought our arms up to our faces in a synchronized facepalm. Her eyes widened. "Oh yeah that promise. Ahem," Clearing her throat she acted out the gestures that followed the words "Cross my heart hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye. Okey dokey lokie I need to go. Chris it was great meeting you and if you ever want to have somepony to talk to you can find me at Sugercube Corner. Later." She spun around and bounced away into the night. I followed her with my eyes until the bouncing figure was out of sight. Feeling my tongue once more, I spoke up.

"She is something else entirely, isn't she?" Shutter shook his head

"You have no clue, Chris. You have no clue." Looking at each others eyes we broke out in a hearty laugh before turning towards the house.

-_-_-_-

Once we were inside I was met with a delicious scent of fish and greens. Shutter hung his new Camera bag up and trotted into the dining room. I followed closely behind to find that the entire family had already set up dinner and were waiting for us. Thunder Wing pushed a pillow out from under the table and gestured to it, while Lora patted a seat next to her. I knew that Lora wanted Shutter to sit next to her so I took the seat next to Thunder. Upon getting settled on my knees Thunder looked between me and Shutter. "Took you colts a mighty long time to get back. Food was getting cold."

"Sorry Dad, we had a random encounter with Pinkie Pie." Aurora gave her son a worried glance.

"Did she see Chris?"

"Yes, but I made her 'Pinkie Promise' to keep it a secret and you know how much importance a 'Pinkie Promise' is to her." Aurora sat back on her haunches letting out a sigh of relief.

"Good thing or else half of all the planet would know of you Chris." Thunder chuckled lightly as he patted my back

"Quite the crazy mare she is, huh Chris?" Nodding in agreement Thunder rubbed my back as he smiled at me. Dad... I'm so sorry. Withholding the tears I looked at the food in front of me. It was a steamed fish with a side of mixed vegetables. I peered at everyone's plate to see them filled with a rather delicious fruit and vegetable salad. Noticing one spot at the table was empty, Thunder confirmed who's seat it belonged to as he yelled across the house. "Flash Drive! Get your flank in here young stallion! Food is ready!" Tiny hoof-steps came down the hallway.

"Coming Grandpa I was just talking to my marefriend. She was telling me about some creature that came into town toda...," His figure became as still as stone when his eyes met mine. "Its the Chris! Everypony run!" Yellow magic encased Flash Drive and lifted him up while his little legs kicked wildly. Aurora glared at Shutter then pulled her attention to Drive.

"Flash Drive you know better than to treat a respected house guest like that." She lifted Drive over the table and sat him at his seat which was opposite from me. His little figure shook as he stared at me. Feeling bad for what I did the last time I saw the little guy I extended my hand slowly.

"I'm really sorry for scaring you Flash Drive. I hope we can become friends." At the sound of my voice he immediately stopped shaking. He leaned his head cautiously towards my hand and I gently patted his head. His eyes closed and a small smile could be seen on his face. Withdrawing my hand he had a look of disappointment that I stopped.

"So you can copy ponies voices? You sound exactly like Uncle Shutter. Hey can you copy mine? Please?" Thunder chuckled at the little colt.

"That's enough. Time to eat you two."

The fish was amazing I savored every mouthwatering bite as it melted in my mouth. It was so fresh and it had a touch of lemon to it. So good! The dinner table was silent as the rest were enjoying their delicious meals. It wasn't until we were nearly done that Lora was the first to speak. "Shutter, sweetie? How did the photoshoot go at Rarity's?" Shutter eating his last bite looked at his mare-friend and swallowed.

"It went great! I only took the pictures, while my amazing assistant was the one that set the whole thing up."

"Oh so Chris is a Photographer as well?" Shutter proudly nodded, but I felt that I needed to interject.

"No, I'm not," Shutter brought up both hooves and stomped the ground with one my 'You got to be kidding me!' expressions. "I just know a lot about it." A hoof landed on my back and I looked to Thunder.

"If Shutter says that your good in photography Chris, that means you have a lot of potential. I don't hear him say that a lot about other ponies," I lowered my head and sat down on the pillow beneath me. I didn't have to look up to know that the whole family was watching me. "How did you like the fish? I caught it this morning. If you want I can take you tomorrow morning." Standing to my feet I tried my best to smile at Thunder.

"I would like that. Please may I be excused," Aurora with a concerned face nodded. I turned and walked out of the dining room and headed straight out the front door.

The moon was high into the night sky. Leaning on a post of the front porch I gazed up at the twinkling stars. All I could think was how much disappointment my father had. A tear fell of my cheek as I heard hoof-steps coming up behind me. I felt a elbowing nudge from none other than Shutter who was now more concerned than ever. "I take it that somehow photography is involved with what's been bothering you."

"Shutter please..."

"Come on Brother. You don't understand how much my family cares about you. Seeing you like this is upsetting. Please if nothing else tell me what's bothering you." I kept my head toward the moon as I felt a long sigh leave my body.

"Well you see..."

-_-_-_-

Five years ago -High School-

I was late for class when the second bell rang I had my camera around my neck and was running down the hallways. I can't be late again or the teacher will fail my assignment. Turning the corner I ran straight into my worst nightmare, a twenty year old bully named Robbie and his posse. When I realized who I ran into it was already too late. With a swift kick to the gut I fell backwards onto the floor as Robbie stood over me with a snicker. "Look who's late for class guys. You know, you should take your education more seriously Chris. Wouldn't want you to become some idiotic low-life that only does photography. Oh wait, you already are." He reached down and grabbed my camera. Smacking his hand away I stood up to my feet.

"Look Robbie I want no trouble. I just want to get to class," The smile on his face widened as he cracked his knuckles. Aware that I wasn't going to get out of this one I set my camera down on the ground. "Look you shouldn't take it out on me that you're too stupid to graduate." He clenched his fists towards me.

"Well Chris it looks like you found trouble. Hey guys how about we take pictures of him after the makeover." His two henchmen nodded.

"Robbie I don't want to..." Robbie again kicked out his leg this time I caught it and returned with a kick of my own. Robbie went flying back as his minions grabbed hold of me. I jerked and kicked, but couldn't get out of the hold. Robbie with a furious look on his face was running back towards me. He leapt up into the air and landed a with his fist hitting across my face. Taking punches I tried to escape feeling the anger rise in me. With one last punch to the stomach I pulled with all my might and managed to free myself. My vision turned red and I ran straight for Robbie. Dodging another punch I clotheslined him making his body flip once before landing. I heard the running footsteps behind me and I turned to counter a swing of an arm. kicking out one of his legs I gave him a hard shove sending him to the floor. The other stood still for a second and I was trying to read what he might do. However my head went numb and I fell to the tiled floor. As my eyes rolled into the back of my head I could hear Robbie's voice.

"Grab his feet I know exactly where he can rest."

A severe pain shot up in the back of my head as I opened my eyes to darkness. I lifted my hand to the back of my head and felt it was wet. Blood? My senses slowly came back to me as I felt the migraine taking place. Closing my eye was also painful I knew that it had to be somewhat swollen. Bring my hand back to my face I was encountered with a foul stench. Lifting my hands I felt that I was inside of some kind of container. Pushing up on the lid I found that evening had already came. Looking around I found myself in an alley inside of a dumpster. My head throbbed as I struggled to climb out. Once my feet hit the pavement I saw my camera inside the dumpster with the roll of film ripped and torn. I gritted my teeth. So help me Robbie you will pay for this one day.

Coming out onto the street I recognized the area and was actually a few blocks away from my house. The thought of getting a shower filled my brain as I made my way through the streets. People gave me a wide birth due to my smell, ignoring them I finally made it to my home. Upon entering I was greeted with the voice of my father. "Hey there's my boy. I was getting worried about you. When you didn't show up for dinner I thought you went over to Roberts house."

"Today was terrible."

"Why Chris what happened...," Entering the room he saw the state I was in. His eyes narrowed. "What it that Robbie kid."

"It doesn't matter."

"To hell it doesn't matter! No one touches my boy without hearing it from me. Wait till I get my hands on him." I tossed my camera on the couch and looked over to my father.

"Don't bother. It's not like I can get my roll for my assignment back." My fathers face flashed with anger.

"Where's your backbone Chris! Your a Taylor start acting like one," I folded my arms in annoyance. "We have a request to shoot a wedding tomorrow so I want you ready your camera." My rebelling teenage mind said the next thing.

"I don't want to photograph anymore." Stopping in his tracks my father gave me a look of disbelief.

"Chris... You can't quit we are just about to buy that little store. Our business, our dream."

"No! It's your dream. I only went along because I wanted to make you happy."

"Don't give me that bull! You're always happy when it deals with photography."

"I'm I Dad?! I'm I?! You think I'm happy to get beaten for being involved with it. How about the many times I caused us more loss than profit. Let's face it father I'm not much of a photographer. I'm nothing but just a lame nobody."

"Be quiet now! I will not have you speak of my son in such a way!"

"There you go again trying to control my life! Why do you always interfere with everything I do?! Why?!"

"I'm trying to give you a better life damn it!"

"I don't need you in my LIFE!" His face went into shock as I turned and dashed out the door. I could him yell after me but I never stopped sprinting.

As I approached my friends house I stood there with tears flowing from my eyes. The night was cold and foggy there seemed to nobody home. I then remembered that they left on a trip to Europe. Grabbing the hidden key I unlocked the door and entered the house. They always kept a spare change of clothes for me here, because I practically lived with them. While I was in the shower I could hear sirens off in the distance I paid them no interest as I continued to scrub off the grime of the dumpster. After a refreshing shower I hit my head against a pillow and instantly fell asleep.

The morning light seemed gray and dull. I could almost sense the heavy air around me letting me know something didn't feel right. Remembering the events that played out yesterday I threw on my shoes and ran out of the door. I really need to apologize for what I said. I just hope Dad can forgive me. Reaching the house I noticed the garage door opened and the car was missing.

"Mom! Dad! Anyone home?" I listened for a response, but nothing came. Before I closed the door I could hear the faint sound of someone heavily crying. Following the sound lead me to my mothers bedroom. Slowly cracking the door revealed my mom on her bed with her face buried in the palms of her hands. "Mother? What's wrong?" She lifted her head and I saw the deep despair that filled her eyes. The news she bore made my life stop completely.

"Your father has... passed away. I'm... so sorry sweetheart." My system broke. My mind was fighting me with everything. I no longer felt the pulse to my heart as I blankly stared at my mother. Finally tears came rushing down my checks as I fell to my knees.

"T-That can't be true... THIS CAN"T BE HAPPENING!" I felt my mother's hand touch my shoulder. My body shook violently as the sobs rocked me. "DAD! I'M SORRY!" With my mother joining me on the floor she embraced me tightly. My life was to never be the same.

-_-_-_-

Present -Equestria-

Tears were flowing out in a cascade of droplets. I haven't tried to remember that day ever since, and bring it back was tearing me up inside. Allowing myself to sit on the front porch I felt the sobs start to build. Clenching my eyes shut I wanted nothing more than just feel numb from the pain. Speaking through my tears I looked at the dark night sky. "H-He came looking for me Shutter. He was trying to find me. But in his search he didn't see the oncoming traffic. He died looking for me..." Breaking down I couldn't continue. Placing my head in the palms of my hands I let everything go tears streaming down my arms.

A pair of hooves wrapped around me pulled me in tightly. I pulled my head up to see Shutter with his eyes swollen with tears as well. He stared me in the eye and I could see that he was hurting inside. He placed his head on my shoulder and squeezed me hard with tears running down the back of my neck. "I'm... so sorry Chris," I squeezed him back with all I could. "Don't you worry brother... I will help you in anyway I can."

"Thank you Shutter." Opening my eyes I saw through my tears that some shooting stars were streaking across the sky as if the night itself was crying. Shutter pulled away and patted me on the back.

"You've had a hard night... How about we find you a place to sleep?" I slowly lift myself up and nodded.

"That's sounds good right about now." Wiping the remainder of the tears away I followed him into the house. Dad I hope you can forgive me.

Author's Note

I want to thank APoeticheart for the help of 'Shuttery'

Nightmare

Opening my eyes I saw nothing but blackness. Where am I, I'm I dreaming? "Chris Taylor..." Hearing a far off voice coming from behind me, I turned around to find myself suddenly inside of some hallway. My head quickly scanned the area that magically appeared in front of me. I guess I must be dreaming. Walking down the hall I saw that the doors that lined the sides had weird symbols on them that I didn't recognize. Trying one door out I tugged at it, but it seemed to be locked. Moving on to the next one the previous door opened wide. Glancing back I saw a little white rabbit. It seemed to want me to follow him. When I neared the little creature he scurried off into the darkness of the room, where I heard a familiar growl that sent a chill down my spine. Oh crap! Timberwolf! Two neon green eyes suddenly lashed out toward me. Not being fast enough I felt my figure got snatched into the fangs of the beast. I squirmed, but the creature was taking no attention as it engulfed me. Falling through a dark abyss I feared for my life that I might fall forever. Thankfully I landed into a dense forest amongst some soil and withered grass.

"You sound just like me." Spinning around there stood Shutter and myself both in confusion. What? So I'm in the Everfree Forest. I remember this. This is the moment I first met Shutter and found out he had the same voice as me.

"We need to get going," As Shutter approached the tree where his saddlebag lay some howling sounded off in the distance. "Now!" At his word 'Now' I was being dragged away by my feet back into darkness. Thrashing about I kicked and squirmed only to find myself strapped to some table. A humming of a bright florescent light kicked on.

"Are you sure that you didn't mix Mr. Taylor's blood with anypony else." Dr. Crescent? In front of the table I saw Dr. Crescent leaning over me on a hospital bed. Shutter sat at the base of the bed and Lora was on my side with a concerned look on her face. The nurse seemed to just appear out of nowhere.

"I'm very certain sir."

"Very interesting..." These are some of my first moments in Equestria, but why am I dreaming about these memories? A sudden buzzing sound caused me to jerk my head upwards. To my horror coming straight at my chest at a extremely fast speed was a saw. As hard as I could I jerked against the restraints, but found them to actually tighten the more I moved. I shut my eyes as the saw was about to hit. In the moments I expected to be torn to pieces I only heard the saw powering down. Slowly opening my eyes the saw stopped only inches away from my chest. I just about wet myself.

Feeling of relief swept over me as the restraints loosened. Quickly undoing myself I sat up pushing the saw to the side. The saw began to shake as it started to change form, stretching and elongating itself around me. The table sunk downwards until I found myself in some tubular container that had an opening at the top. Hearing cranking noises the hole revealed a window in the far off distance. It wasn't until I heard the fizzing sound of the fuse to realize what I was in. "No! Wait!"

KABOOM

My heart nearly stopped at the deafening launch. Twisting and turning midair was disorienting at I felt my body fly towards the window. Curling myself up into a ball I smashed through the glass and slammed into the wall. My vision was blurry and my head was spinning to the point I wanted to vomit. Attempting to regain composure I stood up. As my vision came back to me I found my self in Shutter's guest room. "Lora..." To my right Lora and myself were sitting on the bed. From my point of view I saw how much she and I slowly inched towards each other.

"Yes..." Experiencing her soft loving voice over again gave me the same butterflies. It wasn't her beauty that caused me to feel that way, it was something in her eyes. I could feel a connection, the kind that I never before experienced with any other being. I longed to be with her, but I knew that it wouldn't be proper.

"I... I... Just want to tell you..." As our faces approached I saw Lora part her lips slightly as she was about to kiss me.

"Chris! Lora! Come on the food is getting cold and we're going to be late for the train." The two figures pulled away from each other. Lora came to realization of what she was about to do shook her head. As soon as she looked back at me sitting on the bed she gave a sad smile and placed a hoof on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry Chris, I hope your not upset. It's just whenever I look into your eyes, I'm reminded of a certain stallion." She fluttered off the bed and landed in front of the Chris on the bed. "Your a very handsome human and I bet you make your special somepony very happy back where you came from. Now lets go get some pancakes." Lora you don't understand I don't have anyone where I come from. And I doubt I'll find anyone like you. I watched myself dash out of the room leaving Lora alone. She put her hoof on the bed and sighed. "Did I just fall in love again? I mean, I almost kissed him. It's not like me to just do that, but his eye's. The way he looked at me... I've seen it before. I feel like I've known him for so long," She stomped a hoof down "Lora your a loyal and depended mare-friend. You will act as such. Chris is just a good friend... that's all." She trotted out of the room and I felt slightly saddened by the last part of what she said. Just a good friend... That's how it has to be. Electricity ran through my brain as I had a small revelation. Wait, I wasn't here to experience this moment so how is it that I'm seeing this. Suddenly the floor beneath me turned into sand and I felt myself get slowly sucked in. No! Not this time! Reaching for the bed I managed to grab a hold of the wooden leg. The force intensified as if something alive was pulling me.

"STOP IT! I'm not going to be sucked in!" I heard a sickening crack from the wooden leg. "Please no... Don't brea...," The leg splintered and twisted off as I was jerked towards the sinkhole. "SOMEBODY HEL.." My mouth filled up with sand and I couldn't breathe. To my surprise I fell out of the sand and was caught in some vines. Coughing up the sand I turned my body to allow most of it to fall of my mouth. I opened my eyes to see that below me was what looked like the night sky filled with stars. The vines that I was caught by seemed to glow brightly. "What are these?" Reaching out my hand I grabbed one of the vines. It had powerful adhesive properties for I couldn't pull my hand back. "Oh God... Please tell that I'm not in a..." My eyes looked down to find one of my worse fears was crawling toward me. Its eight red bulbous eyes seemed to burn in the light as it slowly approached me. "NO! NO! GET AWAY FROM ME!" The spider hissed through its giant fangs. With my free hand I reached into my pocket and found my knife. My fear caused me to cut myself as I tried to open the knife with my teeth. Frantically I swung at the web to free myself. Seeing this, the spider quickened it's pace. Freeing my legs I felt my body fall through the web. I grabbed a hold to piece of web which swung me away from the spider, but now I was left with no other option than down. Hearing the hissing I looked up to see that the spider was quickly descending the single strand of web with its fangs ready to strike. I guess down it is then. Lifting myself up I swung at the line with my knife and fell. The spider let out a terrible hiss as I fell just out of its reach.

I rapidly picked up speed during my fall. The giant web was massively big and shortly after falling I saw that it had a lunar appearance to it. The air dropped in temperature drastically and I could feel the ice beginning to form around my body. Flipping around I saw that the earth was miles below me. Losing consciousness I shut my eyes all the while thinking, I'm I still dreaming, if so how can I lose consciousness in a dream?

My limbs were stiff as I moved, "Ah... God... Why do I hurt so badly?" Lifting my head ever so slowly I looked up and saw that I hand crashed in front of the Flash's residence. Sitting on the front porch was Shutter and myself, I was crying.

"H-He came looking for me Shutter. He was trying to find me. But in his search he didn't see the oncoming traffic. He died looking for me..."

Why this memory... Why do I have to plague myself the past? Wearily I stood up and felt something rise inside of me. "ENOUGH OF THIS!" My body suddenly jolted forward towards the house. A sharp indescribable pain came from my abdomen. Glancing down my face was filled with shock to find a sword had stabbed me through. My energy began to seep away as I lowered myself down to my knees. "But this is a dream..."

"Is it Chris...," Multiple metallic barbs shot out of the darkness and pierced my skin. I collapsed from all the pain going through my body. Slowly the barbs pulled my body up and I was staring at a figure that stood in front of me. Everything about this figure was familiar to me. It took me a minute that to realize that the figure standing before me, was me. The true difference to him was the lack of spirit and color. He Tilted head upwards to reveal a pair of malicious yellow eyes. "You have proven yourself to be quite promising," The voice was nothing like mine it was unsettling and ominous. As the figure's body slowly dimmed into the darkness, the yellow eyes remained. "I will be seeing you again, my friend." I lowered my head and felt my life slowly drain from my carbon shell. Closing my eyes I thought of all the regrets in my life.

"Chris!" My eyes shot open

"Dad?" I lifted my head to see my dad in the distance searching around in the darkness.

"Chris! Please son just talk to me!" My heart leapt out of my chest as tears flowed from my eyes.

"Dad! Over here please help me!" He looked over and saw me, his face was filled with worry. Suddenly a pair of headlights showed up and a car horn blared loudly. "DAD! Watch out!" With all my might I pulled at the barbs, but nothing came from my efforts. The car came swiftly as the lights grew brighter and the horn became as loud as ever. "NO! DAD!" I watched in horror as the car collided into him. The headlights went out and I could hear the metal twisting and groaning from the crash. "DAAAAAAAD!"

-_-_-_-

"DAAAAAAAD!" Jerking forward I fell off the bed and landed on the floor with a thud. Realizing it was all a dream I pounded the floor in anger. The door to the room burst opened and standing in the doorframe was Thunder.

"Chris what's wrong, are you okay?!" He moved towards me and I felt the sobs come rushing back.

"Thunder... I... I..." Upon seeing how distraught I was he wrapped his wings around me and brought me into a firm embrace.

"Clam down Chris. Clam down... just breathe. Focus on your breathing," With all of my ability I attempted to let out slow breathes as the sobs subsided. "There you go... That's it. Better?" He started to rub my back with his hoof and I instantly felt comforted. I let out a long sigh as I regained control over my emotions.

"...Thank you Dad," I shook my head realizing what I said. "I mean, Thunder... I'm sorry."

"For what my son," He pulled me back and looked me in the eye. "You did nothing wrong. As far as I'm concerned your as much my son as Shutter is. Everything about you reminds me of him," He gave me a soft smile and pulled me in for another hug. I felt tears on the back of my neck. "Shutter told me about your dad. I'm so sorry Chris. I know I can't ever replace him, but as long as you're with us here, I would be honored to be called your father." Tears filled my eyes as I heard him say those words. Nodding, I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"I would like that... Thank you." Other hoof-steps came to the room and the rest of the family were standing outside of the door watching Thunder and myself separate from our embrace.

"Dad is everything okay?"

"Yes Shutter everything is fine now. Thank you." Aurora stepped into the room and saw my face. She must have seen the tears, cause she pulled me to her with her magic into a hug.

"Chris dear, what's the matter sweetheart?" I returned the hug before pulling away.

"I'm fine now, thanks to Thunder."

"Okay sweetie, but if you need anything please don't hesitate to talk to me about it." Her golden orbs for eyes were filled with love and concern.

"Thank you, I promise that I will." Thunder clopped his hooves together

"Alright back to bed, dawn will be on us soon and we'll need to rise early to catch breakfast," The rest including myself nodded and I slowly made my way back to the bed and grabbed the blanket off the floor. As the family all left to return to sleep Thunder stopped at the door to close it. "See you in the morning son." He gently closed it and I wrapped myself up into the blanket. Upon hitting my head against the pillow I had a natural smile on my face. Just to hear my fathers voice call me son again was everything to me.

"Until then... Dad." Closing my eyes I sensed my body return to a state of slumber. For the first time in a long time I felt my heart was at peace once more.

A Day of Thunder

Waiting patently on the side of my bed, I watched as the sun cracked through the open window with the early morning light. The cool breeze hit my skin and I smiled as the rays of the sun warmed me up again. Inhaling deeply through my nose, I took in the smell of pine and oak. Today is going to be a good day. A knock on the door was enough to make me stand up and stretch my arms. "Come in." The door slowly opened towards me and Thunder trotted in with Flash Drive.

"Good morning son. How did you sleep?" Bringing my arms down from the stretch I smiled at him calling me son.

"Much better Dad, Thank you." Drive's little green eye's darted between Thunder and myself.

"Dad? Son? Does that mean I have to start calling you Uncle?" Chuckling at his question I leaned down and rubbed the top of his head.

"Only if you wish to Drive. I won't think of it any differently if you don't." He looked at me trivially as he pondered on it.

"You do remind me a lot of my uncle Shutter, however I think its safe to say I need to know you better. Not that I don't trust you or anything." He eyed my hand as I pulled it away.

"Fair enough. Speaking of which will Shutter be joining us today?" Thunder shook his head.

"No, he said something about running some errands around town. So it will be just the three of us."

"What about Lora?"

"I'm sure Aurora and her can keep each other company. Are you ready to go fishing?" Grabbing my jacket I nodded excitedly.

"Absolutely!" Thunder smiled widely.

"That's the spirit. Lets go." The three of us made our way out of the door and into the living room. Shutter was kissing Lora goodbye when we entered. Glancing in my direction, his face brightened upon seeing me.

"Chris! It's good to see you awake and smiling today."

"Same to you Shutter, it's a shame that you can't come with us today." he shook his hoof.

"It's alright I wasn't all that good at fishing anyways." I chuckled slightly

"Me neither, always hooked myself more than any other fish."

"I know and it's so painful. Probably have a better chance to catch the fish by beating it with the rod itself," At this point we both were laughing together. "Here I want you to take this with you." Shutter then pulled his camera bag off his back and held it out to me in his mouth. I stared at the bag with my heart slightly feeling heavy.

"Look Shutter I already told you..." He dropped the bag and put both hooves on my shoulders.

"Chris listen... I know what you said. And I know why you don't think you're no longer a photographer, but all that happened in the past Chris. It's time to pick up a camera again. Please for one day... Just try it. If you can come back and tell me that you didn't enjoy it, then I won't ever bring it up again." Between alternatively looking at Shutter and the bag, I noticed the rest giving me an intent look. Even Aurora had stopped what she was doing in the kitchen to look at me. The eyes all around the room seemed to just pound me, but I felt something inside me started to churn. Something inside egged me to take it. It was small, but it was enough to make me sigh and grab the bag.

Lora and Aurora squealed in delight while Shutter and Thunder gave me a content smile. Flash Drive's face was in confusion.

"Okay did I miss something here?" Shutter smiled at the colt

"Be sure to take a lot of pictures today, Chris. I can't wait to see what you come up with." Throwing the bag over my shoulder, I gave Shutter a rather forced smile.

"Yeah me either..."

"Okay I should get going. Love you all." He turned and galloped out of the front door sending a little dust trial headed straight for Ponyville.

As Flash Drive and myself sat on the front porch, we enjoyed ourselves to a couple of delicious apples. I savored every mouth watering bite each being better than the last. Perhaps all I will ever need are these apples, taking another bite. Thunder flew around the house and landed in front of us with his saddlebag and a couple of fishing poles.

"Okay son, hop on." I shook my head in what I just heard.

"Wait, you want me to ride on your back." He nodded and stretched out his mighty wings.

"I know I might not be a young stallion, but I am still as strong as ever. Grab hold of Flash Drive and get on." Drive looked up at me with his apple floating in a green aura.

"Your not going to bite my ears are you?" He asked in a nervous tone.

"No. I don't bite ears." He paused a moment before lifting his forelegs for me to pick him up. Weighing somewhere around eighty to ninety pounds, I had to put in some effort to lift him up into my arms. His soft fur tickled my fingers and his little blue streaked mane brushed against my face as I cradled him. Curling his hooves together like a puppy dog I took a moment to see how adorable he looked. Thunder lowered himself and I swung my legs over him.

"Lean against me and do not let go." Complying to his order I leaned on him, which kinda smooshed Flash Drive. His massive teal wings began to flap up and down kicking dust into the air.

"Are you sure you'll be able to fly with me on you?" Thunder slightly turned his head back and looked at me in the eye.

"Do you doubt your father?" Shaking my head side to side, I wrapped one arm around his neck.

"Never." Giving me a smile he returned his attention straight ahead.

"Good. Now hold on." With an enormous downbeat of his wings he leapt into the air with an incredible lunge. The wind swiftly gusted in my face as we picked up speed. Unclenching my eyes I peered downwards and saw that Ponyville was several hundred feet below me. Feeling my stomach swirl I focused on what was ahead of me. My eyes opened wide against the wind. A grand vast sea of cumulus clouds stretched out and rolled far beyond against the bright blue sky.

This is incredible. Thunder plateaued in his ascent and began to just glide with his wings extended out to his sides.

"Dad... This is amazing."

"I knew you would like it. It feels so good to flying with one of my colts again." Flash Drive began to shake, I didn't know from either the cold morning air or the height we were flying at. Regardless I unzipped my jacket and allowed him to crawl inside. Zipping up my jacket I felt him snuggle up against my chest slightly stabbing me with his horn. Gah! That's a little sharp there.

"Sorry, Chris." Patting the lump I leaned forward to Thunder.

"What do you mean by flying with one of your colts again?" Tilting his head back ever so slightly I could see a sad smile on his face.

"I used to fly with Shutter when he was Flash Drive's age, but now he's grown too big for me to fly with him."

"What about me, aren't I too big?"

"No, your not as heavy as him. In fact I can support your figure far better than any pony I ever carried. Where did you say you came from?"

"I didn't, but I came from a place called California on a planet called Earth." I could only assume that I was on another planet, because never in my lifetime would I find a pegasus back home. A thought crossed my mind, Even though finding a pegasus in my own world would be near impossible. I still knew about them prior to coming to Equestria. Is there somehow a connection between our two worlds? Hmm? My hand instinctively was under my chin as I pondered.

"California, sounds like some sort of delicious flower." laughing I rubbed the side of his neck.

"I guess you can say that," He smiled back to me and then his face lit up as he saw a clearing up ahead. The trees below seemed to part away from a serine looking lake. Thunder began to descend when my eye caught something extraordinary. It seemed to be an entire city made of clouds and what appeared to be rainbows flowing out of it like water. Being in the far distance I could make out little flying figures coming and going from it. "Dad, what is that?"

"It's... A lake son. Don't you have those back in California?" Facepalming I shook my head.

"No, not the lake. Two o'clock." He turned his head exactly where I hoped it would.

"Oh that's where I'm from, son. Cloudsdale."

"Extraordinary! Are you telling me that you can walk on clouds?" Thunder flew towards a one of the lower stratus clouds and gently landed with little to no sudden grounding. "That's unbelievable!" Swinging my legs I went to hop off, but his wing pushed me back.

"I'm afraid son that you're not able to do the same. Sorry," He jumped off the edge and continued his glide towards the lake. "Remember to pretend to chew hay. as we get lower. It will equalize the pressure in your sinuses to the air around you." I began to move my jaw and could hear my ears lightly pop as we approached the lake.

As Thunder landed gently, I felt the little bundle in my jacket shift a little. Unzipping revealed little Drive asleep in my arms with a small smile on his face. He's so adorable, I really should've spent more time with my own nephew. Nothing I can do about it now. Wait yes I can... Reaching back I pulled out Shutter's camera and with one hand focused it on Drive. It was difficult, but I managed to get the shot. That will be a keeper, I tenderly slipped off of Thunder and placed the camera back into the bag. After taking off Shutter's camera bag, I unzipped my jacket and wrapped Flash Drive with it. "There you go little guy." His smile widened and he snuggled harder against me.

"Thank you Uncle Shutter." Slightly frowning Thunder placed a hoof on my shoulder.

"Don't worry I know he will warm up to you soon enough." Gently lowering Drive onto the soft grass, Thunder took his hoof off me and began to set up the fishing tackle.

Something stirred within me as I stared down at the little colt. "Where's his mom, Dad?" Thunder's face went stern with a frown. I could tell I struck a nerve as he closed his eyes as he shook his head side to side.

"I don't wish to talk about it. That blasted mother of his is the last thing I on my mind," He bit down on a weight to attach it to the line while I took off my shirt. His eyes immediately saw my scars and his face began to fill with worry. "Son, what happened to you?!" I peered down towards my chest and rubbed my healing wounds.

"Just a present from timberwolves, they hardly hurt anymore. I swear if Shutter wasn't there to save me I would have been a meal for them." I took my shirt and placed it under Drive's head to act as a pillow. Thunder's eyes narrowed.

"Shutter and you were in the Everfree Forest then." After standing back up, I made my way to Thunder and sat next to him. His head was at least a foot above me while he was on his haunches. Grabbing the other fishing pole I started to clamp weights on the line.

"Well you see I was attacked in my own world and, by means of a portal, ended up here."

"I see..." He became eerily silent, which I remembered that meant that a storm was brewing inside him.

"Your not mad, are you?" After tying the hook at the end of the line, he looked down at me.

"Not with you son... Not with you."

After we finished readying the fishing poles, Thunder flew off towards the lake. He flipped sideways and skimmed the water's surface with his wing. Making a wide turn he came back and landed next to Drive with his wing dripping wet. Wet soggy feathers hit across Flash Drive's face causing him to jerk up wide awake. "Wha... Aww stallion... Grandpa I was asleep." With his little hooves he wiped his face.

"Are you here to nap or fish? Come on, get up." He lazily rolled out of my jacket and looked over to me.

"You know for no fur, you sure can produce a lot of warmth." Grabbing my red shirt with his teeth he chucked it to me. Getting hit with his saliva I gave him a irritated expression.

"Why didn't you just use your magic to hand to me." He looked up at his horn and blushed.

"Oh yeah... Sorry." Laughing I slipped on my shirt and gestured for him to follow.

"It's alright, let's go fishing."

Sitting on the bank of the lake I enjoyed the sanguine company of Thunder Wing and Flash Drive. The jokes we shared and multiple failed attempts to cast my line made the mood light hearted and warm as we laughed together. At one point I was even chucked into the water by Thunder. Drive found it hilariously funny when I returned to shore with my line attached to me. When Drive got his first snag he hopped for joy and reeled in as fast as his hooves would allow. To my amazement he caught a whooping fourteen pound fish, it was by far the biggest catch of the day. He wore the biggest grin as he stood over his prize like a champion. We ended up catching only three fish in total. Would have been four, but when it came for me to finally catch a fish it slapped me in the face with its tail and swam off. "Better luck next time son." Thunder patted me on the back.

"Thanks Dad I know I'll get him next time." He gave me a proud smile.

"Hey Grandpa, did you bring the frisbee?" Thunder nodded towards his saddlebag.

"I did. Would you like to play some catch Chris?" Without replying I ran far out into the open and got into a ready position.

"Absolutely!" Drive pulled out a blue frisbee and hovered it in his green magic. Thunder smirked at Drive.

"Drive how about a challenge? You use no magic and I won't use my wings."

"You got it old Stallion. Here try and catch this!" Grabbing the frisbee in his teeth Flash Drive spun around quickly and released it sending it far into the air. Thunder kicked off the ground into a gallop and with an amazing speed he was able to catch it before it hit the ground. "Whoa... Grandpa that was fast." Thunder then tossed the frisbee far in front of me.

There's no way I'll miss this, I sprinted forward with my eyes focused on the frisbee. In the last few feet I held out my hand to catch it and I felt something strange. It was almost like I could make out the frisbee in the palm of my hand without it touching me. I stopped running in my fascination and the frisbee flew by me. Staring at my hand I couldn't help, but feel confused. What was that? How did I feel it if it was still in the air?

"Chris are you okay?" Both Drive and Thunder trotted up to me and I looked at them like I was daze.

"I don't know..." My stomach rumbled and Thunder gave me a hearty laugh.

"Well I do, your hungry son. Come on we'll pack up and head home for some lunch." The afternoon sun was already directly above us as we packed the fishing tackle, but the I my thoughts were still on the event that just happened. How did I feel it...?

-_-_-_-

On the way back home I enjoyed the wind in my face as I leaned slightly back with Flash Drive sitting in between my legs. The air was slightly warmer, but at the altitude that we were flying it was still cool. Drive was content on sitting out in the open air looking out over the land. It must have been the cold that made him shake this morning, I thought as I began to rub his mane in between his ears. He instantly leaned into my hand and gave a little content sigh. Smiling at the Drive's reaction, I continued to rub while I glanced down towards Equestria. The view was grand as green acres stretched far and wide with the occasional mountain jetting out of the earth. I could get used to this. Pulling out the camera, careful as to not drop it, I took a couple of shots before setting it back into the bag. Drive peered up to me with a hopeful look that I would continue. Chuckling I acknowledged by scratching behind his ears.

Thunder began to take a wide turn as he started to descend through the clouds. The wisps of chilled water licked my face as we went through. Once we reached the bottom of the cloud, Ponyville was in view. The residents were moving about their business friendly waving hello to one another. It reminded me of my hometown back in my own world. My own world, it felt so distant like a faded memory. My mom, Robert, O'Harrea... People that care about me and are probably worrying for my safety. I gave Thunder a sad look. But I now have the closest thing to having my father back in my life. As we approached the house I felt my emotions get pulled while I fought with myself in my mind. What I'm I going to do?

The moment we landed Drive jumped off and galloped to the house. Opening the front door he yelled inside, "Grandma we're home!" Thunder lowered himself to allow me to swing my legs off him.

"I'm going to go put away the fishing poles and put the fish on ice. How about you go inside and see what you would like for lunch, Chris." I threw my arms around his neck and placed my head near his shoulder.

"Thank you for taking me fishing. I can't tell you how much it meant to me." He wrapped a foreleg around my torso.

"Your very welcome son," My heart felt warm as he said 'son' and I unconditionally squeezed him. Pulling away he straightened his composure and lifted off the ground "Now go get something to eat, I'll be inside soon." I nodded and headed for the front door.

Inside I found Aurora standing in the kitchen with Lora making something that was out of sight. Flash Drive was sitting on the couch with a pleasant look across his muzzle. "What's got you in such a good mood Drive?"

"Grandma's making us grilled cheese sandwiches and hay fries. My favorite!" Smiling he jumped up and down in excitement. I sat next to him and patted his head. "Sorry I was scared of you before, but knowing that your talons feel good against my head I don't think your that scary anymore." He closed his eyes as I stroked his mane.

"They're actually called hands and trust me I am not the one who likes to scare animals."

"What are you talking about? Your the animal here," Laughing I playfully messed his mane up. His childish giggle could be heard across the house. "Hey I spend good hours of the day make that look good." Aurora came in levitating two plates smelling rich of melted cheese. Upon seeing Drive and me getting along she beamed a happy smile.

"Good that you two are finally good friends." Drive gave put his little hooves on my chest.

"He's awesome Grandma! Like having a second uncle. Chris please tell me that your staying here when Uncle Shutter leaves for Hoofington."

"I don't know about that Drive. I mean..."

"PLLLLEAASSE!" Without warning he was lifted up with a yellow glow and sat next to me. Aurora placed the two plates on the coffee table and giggled.

"Eat up you two. I will join you in a second." Drive looked at the plate before him and smiled widely. He seemed to nearly dive into the plate, causing me let out another laugh. Grabbing my sandwich I took a bite to find it extremely tasty. I might stay just for the cooking.

We were about halfway done with our sandwiches when Thunder, Aurora, and Lora showed up to eat with us. Aurora glanced my way and covered her mouth with her hoof. "Chris, did you take some pictures while you were out with Thunder?"

"A few, but nothing to boast about." Thunder tapped the coffee table with his hoof to catch my attention.

"That will change this afternoon when I take you too a place Shutter and I used to go when he was a young colt." Aurora nodded to her husband.

"Oh honey, that sounds like a splendid idea. I know Chris will love it.

"You know what I'll go ask a favor from a friend. Be right back." He took his last bite and trotted out the door. Upon hearing him fly off, Aurora got up herself and grabbed the camera bag. She pulled out the flash Shutter used to blind the wolves attacking me. Undoing the side panel I half expected to find batteries, but instead I saw a dim glow of light. Aurora put her hoof to her chin.

"Hmm? He sure did use a lot of light since the last time he came here." Lora's eyes slightly flashed with anger.

"That's because he used a good portion to save Chris from the Everfree Forest." Even in her slightly angered state, I felt my heart skip a beat at her voice. Aurora's face went from cross to worry.

"Thunder will be most displeased when he finds out."

"I'm afraid he already knows," Both mares stared at me. "I told Thunder how I got here in the first place and that if Shutter wasn't there for me I would have died." Aurora slowly shook her head.

"I hope that will be enough to calm Thunder down. Or else this house will be the eye of the storm." She stood up and made her way to the front door. Her mark on her flank began to glow.

"Um... Mrs. Flash"

"You can call me Mom if you wish, sweetheart." She sweetly smiled at me and I slightly felt embarrassed for the question I was about to ask.

"Mom, not to seem rude, but what is your special talent?" Her smile widened exposing her white teeth.

"That's not rude at all, honey. Come out here and I will show you." Standing to my feet, I followed her outside.

She stood still in the middle of the front lawn with her eyes closed. Her horn began to glow and I could make out little ribbons of light begin to form around it. It started small at first, but they grew quickly as they went from strands to rays of light. They swirled around her forming to her body until she was covered in blinding light then it all channeled directly to her horn. It had to be as bright as an arc welder, it stung to even squint at her horn. She tilted her head down to the grass where the flash was laying and the light seemed to pour into it. She uses natural light as a power source? That's amazing. She closed the side panel and levitated it towards me. My mouth was slightly ajar from the spectacle. She giggled at the expression on my face. "I can manipulate the light of day into shapes, objects, and even into other ponies." A thought crossed my mind and my face lit up for a moment.

"Can you turn yourself invisible?" She gave me a rather odd expression before shaking her head.

"No, I can't. I can tell you, however, why they called that little device a 'flash'," Grabbing the flash I sat down on the grass as she began. "My grandfather was one the first ponies that invented a device to hold light, but it wasn't until recent years that ponies were able to come up with a container that would allow a quick release of the light. In honor to my Grandfather's work they decided to name it after him. His name was Lighting Flash the Third. He in fact built this very house."

"That's truly interesting." Attempting to show her that I was still intrigued. Just like mom. Get her started on a subject and she'll go on about it.

"Not as interesting as the fact that Shutter has the ability to manipulate light as well." My head jerked up.

"Wait... But he doesn't have a horn."

"Now you see why it's truly amazing. However he can't do it without paying a price for it. Without a horn to properly handle the power of light. He suffers from preforming the action with extreme pain. We almost lost him when he tried to light up the evening sky."

"So, Shutter can die from it?"

"If he does it too much in one day, yes."

"As matter of fact, Chris, Shutter preformed such a flash to save you from King Timberwolf," Lora's voice behind me caused me to jump to my feet. Turning to face her I could sense my heart begin to beat faster as I stared into her sapphire eyes. "He told me that you risked getting eaten to save him as well." Aurora's golden irises shrunk slightly.

"You did what, Chris!?"

"Chris jumped into the mouth of King Timberwolf and stopped him from eating Shutter." I placed my hand on the back of my head and blushed.

"I would've done it for anyone." Then I felt my self get picked up into the air by Aurora's magic. Shaking me a little in front of her she turned me to face her.

"You could have DIED!" In midair I could sense her concern as she squeezed me with her magic. Faking my best smile I tried to reason the best I could.

"Yeah, but I didn't," That should be a good rebuttal. She dropped me and trotted towards the house. "Look at least were alive and well now."

"And that I'm grateful for, but you don't understand how much you mean to us, Chris. If something were to happen to either of you..." Lora placed a wing over Aurora.

"Don't worry Aurora. We won't allow anything to happen to Chris or Shutter." They trotted inside together while I was left outside. I'm sorry, but my action's were justifiable. I will happily place my life on the line for anyone,

-_-_-_-

Sitting on the front lawn I watched as the sky began to take a new shade of blue as the day started to wind down. The evening sun was slowly making it's way towards the west when Thunder showed up. Flapping his wings to gently land in front of me, he wore a big smile. "Come with me I have something for you to photograph." I quickly ran into the house and came back with Shutter's camera bag.

"Where are we headed?"

"Oh just you wait. You're going to love it Chris." Hopping up on his back he wasted no time to take off. The evening air was chilly, but held a sweet fragrance of what seemed to be rain.

"Is a storm coming in?" Thunder didn't respond to my question.

"We need to hurry or else we won't make it in time, Chris hug me and don't let go." Complying I laid myself against his back and held on tight. He then shifted his body into a more aerodynamic form with his hooves extended forward. The air rushed past us as everything became nothing but blur. The air stung my eyes as they began to water and the wind howled as we seemed to pierce through the sky. Ahead a mountain range could be seen and far off I could make out Canterlot. Being closer I could see how majestic it was. The palace was a marvel to behold in itself.

Thunder came to plateau on the mountain. It was small and very little vegetation grew. He started to slow down as we rapidly approached the open area. Coming to a soft landing he brought his head around, "Chris quickly set up the camera. I need to go give the signal."

"The signal for what?" I took off the camera bag and started to unfold the tripod. Thunder then rocketed off into the sky as such a speed it was hard to keep up with him. Losing sight of him beyond the clouds over head I brought my head down. I was caught momentarily dumbstruck at the view ahead of me. With the evening sun projecting it's warm tone across the land, the town of Ponyville laid before me. It's small buildings casted a beautiful pattern of shadows, while the sun was hitting the rooftops just right that it wouldn't wash out the detail in the roofs. Oh that will make for a fantastic shot. I nearly forgot what this was like. Clipping the camera onto the tripod I metered for the midtones as to balance the shadows with the highlights.

Just before I clicked the shutter release button I was taken back by what seemed to be the sound of rolling thunder. It was powerful and loud as it traveled across the sky. To my amazement I saw at least fifty pegasi began to form something with the clouds. After a minute of watch them work I suddenly realized what they were creating. Is that a thunderhead? Lighting began to flash underneath and the rain was visibly falling. Towering clouds stretched to the east while the sun outlined the coming storm. I waited half my life for a picture like this. I eagerly looked through the viewfinder and re-metered for the new addition to the picture. While doing so I could feel something rise inside me. A content feeling, a feeling that I thought died long ago. A flicker of flame started inside me as I started to capture the scene. I was actually enjoying myself.

Thunder landed behind me and I brought my head around to look at him. "Pegasi can create weather?"

"And maintain it." I glanced back to the thunderhead.

"Did you put this together just for me?" His wing laid across my shoulder.

"Yes, son I did. I have a good friend in the weather team and I convinced him that Ponyville hasn't had a good thunderstorm in quite a while." He looked down at me and smiled. Staring into his eyes I saw the same loving look of my father. He's not him though. Even with the same voice, same mannerisms, same love and care. It's still not him. I wouldn't have changed anything from that day though. The moments spent with that pegasus I knew I would cherish forever. But something about it all just didn't fit right and I knew what the reason was. The memories and moments spent with my own father would never be there. All the times we spent going on outings to photograph, the laughs we shared, the hard times we endured. All gone. I had one more reason, but I felt that it was something best kept to myself.

"I greatly appreciate you allowing me to call you Dad, but I feel like something is preventing me from accepting that." Thunder's smile vanished as he stared at me with brown eyes.

"You mean the fact that your a human and I'm a pony," I couldn't look at him, he seemed to just read me too openly.

God just like him. The one thing I hated was that I couldn't keep a lot of secrets from my father.

"Chris look at me..." Unable to move I kept my head downward. "Look at me..." His voice was stern and I felt my chin slowly rise to met his eyes. "Do you know what tells me your my son? Those right there," He pointed a teal hoof at my eyes. "I look into your eyes and you know what I see Chris? I see the eyes of my little baby foal that came into my life all those years ago. My little baby colt," His eyes started to slightly tear up. "I will never forget the day I held him in my arms. The first moments that he opened his little brown eyes and looked at me. Those same eyes that I see in you, Chris. You are my son regardless of your species. And I know that your dad would agree with me when I tell you that I am proud to have you as my son," I couldn't hold it any longer as I begun to let the tears fall. His wing wrapped around me an pulled me in to his side and he rubbed his muzzle against the top of my head. "Your a good stallion Chris. Don't let anypony else tell you differently." My heart and mind for once came to agree on one thing, that for the time being that I was with Thunder. I was with my father. Hugging him hard, I allowed myself to cry a certain type of tear that I hadn't shed for a very long time. Tears of happiness.

"I... Love you, Dad." Thunder squeezed me harder.

"I love you too son." As the sun began to set we continued to hug. I felt complete again, that the missing part of my entity was whole once more. I was home, I was happy, I was a Flash.

Sealed with a Kiss

Yesterday was pretty uneventful for me except for the thundershower that happened at the end of the day. I wonder if my father had anything to do with it. Nearly ruined my photo supplies. Setting up shop in the bathroom I had three trays filled with the photo processing chemicals. The first one was the developer, followed by the stop bath, and then lastly was the fixer. I put up a black fabric in near the front of the bathroom door so as to not let any unnecessary light to enter and possibly destroying my film. The window was covered with a scarlet blanket giving the room just enough light to see the white tubs of chemicals and nothing much else. A knock at the door prevented me from opening my first roll of film. "Come in and close the door before you open the black sheet." The door opened and closed. In the darkness I could hear hoofsteps so I knew it wasn't Chris.

"Shutter I need to speak with you."

"Oh, hi Dad how are you this morning?"

"Fine..." His voice was stern and the air became tense as I could tell that he was unhappy with me.

"What's the matter Father?" I could feel him approach my face and I didn't have to see to know that his expression wasn't pleasant.

"You disobeyed me Shutter..." Taking a step back I felt confused.

"How did I disobey you?"

"You know very well how. Going into the Everfree, alone!"

"Dad, it wasn't like I was alone. Chris was with me."

"Not at first, Shutter! Tell me what do you think would would have become of this family if we lost you?!"

"Dad! If I hadn't gone, Chris would have died! Besides I'm a grown stallion now I don't need you to..." Upon remembering the fight Chris had with his own father, I held my tongue. Sighing I lowered my head, "Your right, Dad. I shouldn't have gone by myself, but in the time I had gone back for any help Chris would've been torn to pieces."

"Shutter, everypony has their own limitations. It's important to know exactly what those are or else we're no help to anypony. From what I have heard the both of you were lucky to be breathing. I am proud of you for helping Chris, I really am. However, you need to start thinking of how your actions affect the rest of the family. Especially if your considering of starting your own." I slightly panicked at the end of his sentence.

"Dad please don't say that so loud. I have been waiting for so long to do this, I don't wish it to be spoiled by somepony overhearing."

"I'm sorry Shutter, but I need to know if my son won't be endangering himself any further."

"No I won't, Dad. I promise that from now on I will take consideration of my family's well-being." Feeling his wing gently slide onto my shoulder I moved in closer to receive my father's hug.

"That's my colt... I can't believe how fast you've grown." Chuckling I gave him a gentle push.

"Dad, please. Don't you need to go somewhere today?" He gave me a chuckle of his own.

"Okay, Shutter. I know when you want me to go. When you have the chance today please develop this roll of film." In my hoof, I felt the object being given through the dark.

"Is this Chris's roll from yesterday?"

"Yes and I am sure you will be impressed with what he's captured."

-_-_-_-

My arms were feeling numb as I stretched them from my sides. With a mighty yawn I blinked my eyes in the morning sunlight. The warm and comfortable bed summoned me to roll over and pull the covers over my head. Just a little bit more please. I'm not ready to get up. The amazing day yesterday made me so happy, I couldn't sleep at all last night. Everything seem to be in order for the first time in my life. Closing my eyes I heard little hoofsteps coming down the hallway. There wasn't any need to uncover myself to know who was coming. As the door swung open I heard his developing voice ring out into the room.

"Chris! Chris, wakey wakey!"

"Chris isn't here Flash Drive. I think you should try sometime later."

"Uncle Shutter what are you doing in Chris's bed?" I felt him jump on to the bed and he began to feel the blanket with his tiny hooves. "Wait your Chris! You tricked me!" He began to bounce on me. It was tolerable at first, but soon it became a little painful.

"Tell me Flash Drive are you ticklish?" Quickly throwing out the blanket like a net I snatched Drive out of the air. He let out a childish scream and I began to tickle him through the blanket. His adorable squeals were music to my ears. He kicked and thrashed as I rapidly moved along his sides.

"C-Chris HAHAHA... P-please... HAHA... Stop I'm going to... HAHAHA... Wet myself." Upon hearing that I stopped and picked him up into my arms. Uncovering the greenish blue fur of his head I smirked at him.

"Are we going to bounce on Chris anymore, Drive?" He let out a little giggle from me poking his muzzle.

"At the risk of being tickled again, maybe," My hand started to rub his side again and he let out a tiny scream of laughter. "Okay, okay I meant no," Releasing him he rolled over to stand up on the bed. He placed his tiny hooves on my legs and smiled at me. "Chris I was ordered by Grandma to tell you that breakfast is ready."

"Oh really, why didn't you say that to begin with?" Stroking my hand through his mane, he closed his eyes as I rubbed between his ears. A chuckle escaped from my mouth. "What are you up to today Drive?"

"I have to go to school," Upon saying the word 'school' he lowered his head. "I would much rather stay here with you Chris."

"I would love that Drive, but school is extremely important you shouldn't put off education for things that you want to do," His expression saddened a little. "I will be here when you return. You can be sure of that." This made his face beam with happiness as he threw his little hooves around my neck.

"Do you promise?" With a smile on my face, I pulled him into my chest

"I promise." Pulling away he jumped to the hardwood floor and ran out of the room.

"See you after school Chris!" Standing to my feet I stared after the little colt.

Such a good kid. I can't imagine anyone not loving him and wanting to be around him, I couldn't help but feel saddened by the way Thunder reacted to my question about Drive's mother. What could have become of his mother to make him say such a thing?

Walking down the hallway I was encountered by Thunder coming out of the bathroom. When he saw my face a warm loving smile formed across his muzzle. "Good morning son." I felt my face replicate his smile, as he greeted me.

"Morning Dad. How are you today?"

"Great son, thank you for asking."

"Where's Shutter this morning? I wanted to ask him a question."

"Oh he's in here. Working in his temporary darkroom to develop pictures." He tapped the door with his hoof.

"Thank you very much. Would he mind if I went in?"

"No he wouldn't, go on in. Just remember to let the door close all the way before opening up the black curtain."

"Thanks Dad I will," Grabbing the handle I pushed the door open and entered the bathroom. "Shutter?" My voice came from beyond the curtain.

"Chris please come in and talk to me, I could use your useful hands to process the film." Closing the door behind me I moved the black sheet to the side to find that I couldn't make anything out. My eyes were having a hard time adjusting to the darkness.

"Shutter I can't see anything." A hoof landed on my shoulder moved me over to where Shutter was sitting.

"There you go shouldn't be too much longer before your eyes adjust to the low light."

"Low light, more like no light," Shutter laughed at my remark. "Shutter can I ask you a question?"

"Go ahead Chris."

I swear it's like I'm having an audible conversation with myself, "What happened to Flash Drive's mother?" The silence in the air told me that Shutter was bothered by the question.

"Why do you want to know, Chris?"

"Because I care for the little guy and I don't think it right that he's without a parent. Now if I'm not mistaken he is your sister's son I'm I right?"

"What sister? She left him for some Stallion! Practically abandoned him on the front steps. I ask you what kind of mother is that?"

"Where did she go?"

"I don't think even Princess Celestia knows, Chris. And to be honest if she thinks that stallion is more important than her own son, then Drive is far better off without her!"

"A child shouldn't be without their parent, I know too well of what that's like." Silence returned and I finally began to see the white tubs sitting in front of me with film already in the process of being developed.

"You're right Chris. No child should ever have to go through that pain. I don't wish to continue with this subject. Lets talk about your day yesterday with my dad. How did that go?" Shutter took a pair of white tongs, that seemed to just float in the air, and proceeded to move the film into the stop bath. Being a lab assistant back in my high school I knew exactly what how the tubs were set up. Gently grabbing the tongs away from Shutter, I started to share what an amazing day I had with Thunder and Drive.

"I wish you had been there when Thunder threw me into the lake; he's incredibly strong."

"Now you know where I got my strength from. The stallion could probably lift a piano by himself."

"Yeah no doubt." While telling him the about the evening with Thunder, I continued to move another roll of film into the stop bath.

"So the thunderstorm was my father's doing. I should've known better. Did you get anything with the camera?"

"My gosh Shutter I have been waiting half my life to capture a shot like that. I hope it turns out well."

"Oh I know it will Chris. Seeing what you did at Rarity's, you're just the stallion for the job. Speaking of which I never paid you for helping me, did I?" I shook my head, but when he didn't respond I realized that it was too dark for him to see me.

"No I don't believe so."

"Okay stay here and mind the film. I'll be back with bits to pay you."

"Alright, I'll be here."

While standing in the dark a knock at the door caused me to jump slightly. My heart began to race at the beautiful voice of Lora, "Sweetheart may I come in."

"Yeah Lora please I could use the company." The door opened and closed. In the dark I could hear her hoofsteps echo throughout the bathroom as she slowly entered.

"Where are you I can't see anything."

"Right here follow the sound of my voice." She nearly bumped into me as she approached.

"How are the pictures developing?" Lora's voice was close to me, but I couldn't see her from the dim light.

"I can't really tell at this point I'll need to check them after they come out of the fixer."

"Can I tell you a secret?"

"You can tell me anything, Lora."

"A few days back when we arrived here in Ponyville. I was roaming around the market place when I ran into Nimble Cheeryfeather, an old friend of mine. She was looking good since the last time I saw her. Anyways, she was telling me about how she had found some strange creature inside a cave near Froggy Bottom Bog. Something about having no fur. Do you think it could possibly could be another human?"

"That sure does sound like one, but I highly doubt it," What could be the odds of another human here, I could feel the warmth of her body as she sat next to me.

"Do you know how proud I am of you?"

"What? For doing this?"

"For everything. You've turned out to be quite a stallion. Your selflessness, your love for your family, your talent. I'm proud of it all," Her voice became softer and loving as she continued. "Ever since we met I knew I was lucky mare to have you in my life. Your the best colt-friend a filly could ask for."

Colt-friend? Wait that means she must think I'm Shutter... Oh no, "Lora I..." Before I could get out what I needed to say she pressed her lips against mine and I immediately melted into bliss. I closed my eyes as I felt my entire being become warm as she passionately kissed me. Oh God... I'm kissing Lora, Then it hit me. OH GOD I'M KISSING LORA! Pulling away from her I shook with guilt and shame.

"I love you too, Shutter... Your kiss seemed slightly different this time sweetheart, but it was still wonderful. Come outside and eat breakfast with me." My mind went numb as I just stood there with my mouth opened. In my best efforts I tried to give her a response.

"I... Will join you... In a bit." She giggled as I heard the black fabric get pulled back.

"You're so cute when you're flustered. See you when you get out here." The sound of the door closing was followed by hoofsteps down the hallway. I fell to the floor thinking on what just happened.

No! just when everything was going great, this had to happen. I swore to protect their relationship! YOUR SO STUPID CHRIS! How could you let this happen?! The thought of hurting Shutter or Lora tore me up inside. My stomach was tumbling to the point where I was going to throw up. Running my hand through my hair I couldn't think of anything to help me. What do I do now?! Suddenly the door opened and closed. Hearing the sound of coins clinking together, I felt nauseous knowing who had entered the bathroom. The bag rattled as it landed somewhere near my feet.

"Here you go Chris. Some bits for helping me out at Rarity's," When I didn't reply Shutter came closer in the dark. "Chris is everything alright?"

"Shutter I have to go." Grabbing the bag I stood to my feet and maneuvered around him heading for the door.

"Wait, what? Why?" Once I knew the black sheet was closed I opened the door. Before exiting I remembered that Lora would be expecting Shutter.

"I just need to go get some air. The chemicals were getting to me. Lora is waiting for you to eat breakfast with her."

"Chris are you sure your okay?" It took everything in my power to keep up my composure as the guilt made me form a lump in my throat.

"I'm fine Shutter no need to worry."

"Okay Brother if you say so. Remember that I will always be here for you." That nearly killed me inside. I couldn't help but imagine the fictitious knife sticking into Shutter's unknowing back. Quickly closing the door, I thought to myself, The scum of the earth you are, Chris.

I didn't waste any time making my way into the living room where Thunder and Aurora sat on the couch together. Aurora was delicately sipping at her steaming hot coffee and Thunder had in his hooves a newspaper. The sky blue unicorn saw my hurried pace and caught me in her magic. "Young stallion, where do you think your going in such a hurry? Your breakfast is getting cold," Sitting on the table was a bowl of what appeared to be oatmeal with drops of honey on top.

"In all honesty that looks amazing, but I remembered that I needed to leave," My voice was hasty. Aurora raised an eyebrow and stared at me through her flowing blonde mane.

"Oh and why is that?" I could sense that she wasn't going to buy any lame story that I could conjure up. Quickly scanning the room I tried to find something that could give me a way of escape.

"I... Need to go..." Turning my head towards my boots, I wanted nothing more that to just throw them on and run. Then an idea ran through my head. "Buy some more socks from Rarity. I only have one pair and trust me they are getting to stand up on their own now." Aurora eyed me a little more before nodding.

"Okay Chris. Stay off the main road and don't draw too much attention to your self. I wouldn't want the P.A.S. knocking on my door asking me questions."

"You won't, I promise." Her magic released me and I ran for my boots just as Lora came out of the kitchen. My heart dropped into the pit of my stomach as I saw her.

"Beautiful morning to you, Chris," She leaned her head to the side with a wide smile.

"Yeah... uh... morning," Flustered I tied my boot laces in record speed and stood to my feet without looking directly at her.

"Chris? You feeling okay?" The smile faded into a concerned look.

"P-perfect why wouldn't I be fine. You seem fine. Well I don't mean that kind of fine, which I'm not saying your not," Beads of nervous sweat came from my brow as I failed to be calm.

"Chris are you sick? You look pale and clammy."

"Nope. Like I said, I'm fine," I stood up and quickly walked to the door. Opening it I felt myself shake from guilt.

"Where are you going I was hoping we could spend some time togeth..." The door cut her off and I started to run in the direction of Rarity's.

-_-_-_-

Way to go Chris you manage to screw up, AGAIN! What is it about me that bad things seem to happen? In the corner of my eye, I noticed a statue not too far from the dirt road. It was a gray stone statue of a female pegasus with her hair tied up in a bun and her hooves were covering her eyes. The wings were fully extended as they curled skyward. I could of sworn it hadn't been there the last time I walked to Rarity's. Paying no true attention to it, I slowed my running to a brisk walk to catch my breathe. As I approached the statue something seemed slightly different to it. Almost like it changed. Everything was the same expect the head was ever so lightly turned to face me; exposing one eye as if to watch me. A sudden chill ran up my spine as I gazed at the statue. Must have been an optical illusion.

Upon seeing the purple figure of the Carousel Boutique, I ran the final distance. The late morning sun had reached its highest point in the sky when I arrived at my destination. Taking only a second to compose myself, I knocked on the door. The elegant voice sung within, "Come in!" Opening the door I found Rarity in the middle of the room speaking to a cream yellow pegasus with pink flowing mane and tail that curled a little at the ends. She had three pink butterflies for her mark and the softness to her teal eyes told me that she had a kind and gentle spirit. I could hardly hear her part of the conversation, which made me put a finger in my ear to open it up. I'm I going deaf? She can't be speaking any louder than a mouse. Which wouldn't surprise me if they did in this world. On stepping into the building Rarity turned to me and her face lit up, while the yellow pegasus's eyes shrunk.

"Oh...my..." She began to shake slightly at my approach. Seeing this I slowed myself to a halt.

I need to remember that all ponies aren't going to react the same to me.

"Chris, darling! It's such a pleasure to see you again. I am happy you came to see me. Allow me to introduce to you a very close friend of mine..." Rarity glanced over to the shaking figure of her friend. "Fluttershy, dear it's okay. This is Chris the one I told about earlier," The pegasus now known as Fluttershy continued to hold her frightened stare.

"Y-yes... But you d-didn't... Mention anything about him being so... S-scary," She covered her face with her pink mane and lowered herself to the ground. Inching my way forward I tried my best to lower myself down to her level as to not appear so overbearing. In my most gentle and soft voice I tried to calm the timid pony.

"Fluttershy?" She slowly rose her hair with her hoof. "Would you mind if I show you how I'm not scary," My voice seemed to work for she nodded lightly. Careful as to not scare her, I brought my hand to her mane; It was so soft, like putting your hand into a cloud. As my hand came into contact with the top of her head she cringed and let out an adorable 'Epp!'. Gently rubbing between her ears she began to relax slightly. "See I'm not that scary."

She rose to all fours with her eyes closed and a smile was on her face. Rolling her head, she lead my hand where she wanted it to go. Rarity smiled as she looked at the both of us. "Most excellent, I'll leave you two to get better acquainted. I have things to give you Chris, if you allow me to excuse myself, I will be back shortly with them."

"Okay Rarity that would be fine," Stroking the back of Fluttershy, she lowered herself for me to have a better reach as I rubbed between her shoulder blades. Rarity headed upstairs leaving Fluttershy and myself with each other. "Fluttershy, what does your mark mean?"

"Um... Well... I love to take care of animals and little critters, and I enjoy to be around wildlife. I... You see... Got it when I fell down from a cloud during Summer Flight Camp." Continuing my way down to her wings, I started to rub near the joints. Then I glanced at her wings.

"Wait, you mean to tell me that you fell from the sky?"

"I... wasn't a strong flyer... I was only a filly,"

"Sorry to hear that Fluttershy. I can only guess that it might have been rough being a pegasus and not being able to fly."

"Yes... It was terrible, but I find it better now that I'm on the ground with my little friends."

I get it the butterflies symbolizes her gentleness with nature, While rubbing down on a knot in her back her wings suddenly flapped out smacking me in the face. She let out a tiny moan and quickly turned her head towards me. A tint of red was visible against her yellow fur.

"Oh I'm so sorry... I didn't mean to hurt you, are you okay?" Her soft voice was filled with care.

"Yeah I'm fine. What happened?" sitting up I looked at her wings that were fully extended.

"Your... um... the things on your forelegs struck a nerve. Doctors use it when they examine our wings."

"These are called hands actually. I didn't hurt you, did I Fluttershy?"

"No... you didn't, it kind of tingles a little," She folded her wings and stood up.

"Good I wouldn't want to hurt a new friend," A kind smile grew on her face, as she turned towards me. Then the decision to skip breakfast caught up with me as my stomach let out a loud audible growl.

"Oh goodness, looks like somepony is hungry. Chris I can make you lunch to repay for the lovely backrub... That is, if you don't mind."

"I would love that Fluttershy. Thank you."

Sitting on the floor of the main room I found myself still troubled over the whole kiss with Lora. What I'm I going to do? Shutter will be devastated if he found out what I did. Maybe I could let it be water under the bridge. I mean, I'm the only one who knows that Lora kissed me, right? I shook my head ashamed for thinking such things. No! She deserves the truth. I will tell her tonight.

Fluttershy came out of the kitchen holding a delicious fruit salad with honey drizzled on top. "Oh my gosh, Fluttershy that looks amazing," Smiling wide revealed my teeth at her.

"Oh so your an omnivore... I have a friend named Harry the bear who eats meat. If you ever want some all you need is to ask... that is if he doesn't eat it all. He can be hungry at times," Glancing up to her from the floor I couldn't help but feel confused.

"You have a friend that's a bear and you were scared of me?"

"You're only slightly scary, Chris... But now I know you have a good heart, I don't feel frightened anymore," After finishing my first bite of the delectable salad, I crossed my legs and sat back.

"What do you mean?"

"Well... I am the element of kindness and can tell that you have a kind and gentle heart."

"Element of kindness?"

"It's a long story. We can visit my friend Twilight at the library and ask for a book about it... if you want that is," Remembering the name from the other night with Pinkie Pie, I shook my head.

"No thanks. Shutter Flash mentioned something about giving her space." Fluttershy's eyes went wide as if she recalled something.

"Shutter Flash... I knew your voice sounded familiar. Lora and I used to be classmates together. Did she ever become a dancer like she dreamed?" I stopped chewing at the mention of Lora's name. "Chris... is something wrong?" Her delicate voice seemed as light as the air around me. Just staring at the floor I couldn't get the thought of us kissing out of my head.

"I didn't know she was involved in dancing..." A sound of hooves clopping down the stairwell, caused me to look up. Rarity was levitating two dresses and a royal blue t-shirt.

"Here you go Fluttershy for tomorrow evening. I've already pressed it and fixed that pesky little stitch you said was bothering you," She levitated one of the six dresses that I recalled seeing two days ago. It was a beautiful green dress that had a cyan butterfly hairclip and along the chest. The dress itself looked to be made of leaves with assorted flowers of varying colors lined the bottom.

"Oh thank you, Rarity. I can't wait for tomorrow I've been so excited to go and see the exotic critters at the Gala."

"And for you Chris I have these to give you," Surrounded by her light blue aura she levitated a dress that was a variation to the original 'Chris Twist'. However the colors she used to make this dress where crimson, pink and white. It was picture perfect to match Lora's natural color. "The dress is for Lora and this is for you," She folded the royal blue t-shirt with her magic and placed it in my hand along with the dress.

"Wow Rarity, thank you. You didn't have to make me another shirt."

"Oh pish posh, darling. It's the least I could do after what happened last time. I still haven't the slightest clue on who would've done such a thing."

"If they love your tailoring abilities as much as me, I kind of don't blame them," Rarity's face held an expression of concern and grateful at the same time.

"Um well thank you Chris. That's um nice of you to say. I think," Finishing the salad I threw my new shirt over my shoulder and picked up the bowl. "Here I'll take that," Rarity took the bowl away with her teeth and trotted into the kitchen. Shortly returning I remembered what I wanted to ask her.

"Rarity do you have any socks I can buy?"

"Um, yes but they might be a little big for you."

"That's okay I just to have a pair to change into while I wash these that I'm wearing," She opened a drawer and pulled out a pair of long purple socks.

"Six bits please." Reaching into my pocket I pulled out my 'bit bag' and counted out the gold coins needed.

Seems a tad expensive, but what do I know of these ponies currency.

With my new quarry in hand, I turned to Fluttershy,with her teal eyes peering up to me. "I have to be get back now, I don't want to keep Lora waiting for this. Thank you for the delicious salad, it was great Fluttershy," She gave me a toothy grin.

"Your welcome Chris and if you want you can always stop at my cottage near the Everfree Forest. I would love to talk to you over some tea."

Are you kidding me! You live near a forest filled with those wolves! And you say you were scared of me. What? "That sounds nice. I will definitely consider it," I don't think I want to go near that forest again.

"I'm happy to have met you Chris," She fluttered over and hugged me with her hooves wrapped around my neck. I brought up my free hand and embraced her.

"I'm really happy to have met you too, Fluttershy."

-_-_-_-

The afternoon sun was warm and bright as I made my way back to the house. My face held a smile, but I could feel the turmoil in my heart; I tried to imagine how to reveal to Lora what we did. Do I just up and say it 'Lora we kissed,' or should I slowly bring it about 'What if I told you we did something that could be damaging to your relationship,' AHH! What I'm I going to do?

"Hello... Um... Excuse me, Chris?" A male voice came from my left from an alleyway. Standing there with a letter was a lime green pegasus.

"How do you know my name?"

"This is for you." In his hoof he held out the letter.

"What's this?"

"Look I don't know, some brown stallion with a hourglass gave it to me and told me to give it too a Chris on this day, at this very spot. I doubted him at first, but sure enough here you are."

"Brown stallion... Hourglass?" I brought up my hand to my chin to think if I knew anyone that matched the description. Then my eyes grew big as I could only think of one pony who seemed to refer to himself as, "The Doctor!" I eagerly grabbed the letter and opened it up. The paper had several folded cresses and seemed to be marked only in certain spots. "Wait it doesn't say anything. Did he tell you anything else?"

"No, sorry about that. I wish I could of more assistance, but I must be going," He opened his wings and took off with a gust of wind that made the paper fly out of my hand. Chasing it down I noticed that it folded on itself and I could make out the word 'Turn'. After managing to catch the paper in the air I began to fold it again to see if I could find the message again. A minute went by and I could sense something nearby. Something dark. Ignoring it continued to fold the paper until I finally discovered what it said, 'Turn around and DON'T Blink!'

What? Is this some kind of joke? Turning around I found no one to be found, expect the pegasus statue I saw earlier. It was in the middle of the road with it's hooves still covering its face. "Someone must have moved it from last time."

Blink

Hooves now were down to the side of the statue and it's face was uncovered. The expression on it was utterly blank as it stared at me with it's wide stone eyes. My system shook with fear at the sudden change in the statue. How can that be possible? It's a statue, it can't move!

Blink

Proven wrong when it had skipped several feet in distance and was now closer, while the statue remained the same. What?! That's impossible, how is it moving?! Taking multiple steps back I kept my eyes open not daring to look away. Is it alive? How come every time I blink it moves? I could feel my eyes start to twitch as I continued to stare. Oh no...

Blink

It was right in front of me with its hooves aimed at me and its face was terrifying with its mouth wide open, revealing jagged fangs. Shaking from fear I kept my eyes peeled back as I thought, Oh GOD! DON"T BLINK, CHRIS! DON'T BLINK! I could only hear my heart beating and my breathing became heavy. Sweat formed on my brow and started to make it's way down my face. Wanting nothing more than to blink, I stood still wondering what fate awaited me if I did. Tears began to pool from my eyes, as they became dry. Here it comes... I don't think I can hold it much longer... I wonder what death feels like.

"Chris!"

Blink

Without as much as a sound the Statue vanished from sight. I immediately scanned the area, terrified that it might pop up in front of me. Little clopping of hooves came though the ally to side of me and my leg was grabbed by Flash Drive. "Chris! I'm so glad to see you! I was just thinking about you," Seeing the worried state that I was in, his little face was concerned. "You look like you've seen a ghost. What happened?" Lightly pushing him off my leg I continued to search the area.

"Lets just get home on the double," Upon glancing at his face I saw that he was troubled. I don't want to scare him with what I encountered here, "Hey I bet I can beat you to the house."

"Oh yeah, we'll see about that two legs," Making one more sweep, I couldn't find the statue anywhere.

"Ready, set... GO!" Making sure Drive took the lead I took hold of the clothing in my arms and sprinted after him. All the while praying that I would hopefully never see that statue again.

-_-_-_-

Reaching the house first Flash Drive performed little victory dance and started chant, "Four is better than two, four is better than two."

"Oh yeah? You forget Drive. I still have my talons," I brought my free hand up to my face and smirked at the colt. He let out a childish scream and ran inside. Chuckling, I stepped inside and put the clothing on the couch. A tapping on the hardwood floor caught my attention. Aurora, with a displeased look on her face, was rapidly clicking her hoof up and down. "Um... Hi Mom what's wrong."

"Come with me young stallion," Her tone was tense and demanding. Not wanting her to be upset with me further I followed her into the dining room where Thunder, Shutter, Lora and Dr. Crescent were sitting around the table.

"Dr. Crescent what are you doing here?"

"Just the human I wanted to see. Come over and take a seat. How are those wounds healing?" Lifting up my shirt, I looked at my abdomen.

"Just fine, thank you," Pulling out a pillow from under the table I made myself comfortable as I sat.

"Now not to be rude, but I will need to speak to Shutter and Chris alone. So if you all would kindly leave us that would greatly be appreciated." The rest began to leave. Aurora put her hoof on my shoulder and whispered into my ear.

"Let me know if he tries to take you Chris. I'll take care him with a traditional 'Flash Farewell'."

"Thank you mom," She glared at Dr. Crescent and exited the room.

"Well now that's over with I can get down to why I'm here," The turquoise unicorn shifted his grey eyes and leaned in towards Shutter and me. Shutter was sitting across from me and I began to feel my stomach churn with guilt. "Chris your blood test we ran back in Hoofington... show signs of being directly connected to Shutter," Shutter's eyes were filled with complete confusion.

"Wait a minute. What?"

"Chris doesn't just share the same type as you Shutter, he shares your blood almost entirely," Now my eyes were wide opened.

"How can that be possible? When we are two entirely different people."

"Ponies."

"Whatever, you know what I mean."

"That's the amazing part... You two are not different. I took your blood, Chris, with a sample of Shutter's blood to a good friend of mine, who is a genealogist. It turns out the DNA in both samples were a perfect match," Shutter and myself joined in perfect unison. Our matching tone echoed across the house.

"WHAT?!" Shutter and I gazed at each other in light of this new information. Shutter pointed a hoof out to me.

"So that means you're me? And I'm you?"

"We're we? I... I... Can't even comprehend this," Lifting my fingers to the bridge of my nose, I shook my head side to side. Dr. Crescent clicked his hooves together.

"I myself find it fascinating beyond anything I have ever encountered. Shutter can I have you sign this?" He slid a piece of paper to Shutter with a bunch of writing on it.

"What's this?"

"Oh just a release form telling me and my companions we're allowed to study Chris." I snapped my head towards him.

"Hey! Shouldn't I be the one deciding wither if I get studied or not."

"Two reasons why I know Shutter is best to answer: one he is the founder of the species of human, and two he is you... technically," Shutter looked the paper over and sent it back with his hoof.

"No I don't think it's right for me to be the one to choose for Chris," Dr. Crescent's eyes pleaded with me and I gave him a stern stare.

"That's a no from me as well," He threw his hooves up in anguish.

"You don't understand Chris! You're considered the most rarest creature in Equestria. Think of the possibilities; the things, we as ponies, could learn from your kind." Holding my stare at him, I leaned forward.

"I believe I said 'no'." His face was saddened by my coldness.

"At least I have the decency to ask for your permission, but be forewarned there are other organizations that won't be as kind."

"I'll keep that in mind..." Dr. Crescent looked between Shutter and me and stood up.

"I guess with that there's no reason for me to continue to intrude on the Flash's hospitality," Before trotting out of the room he stopped and glanced in my direction. "Chris?"

"Yeah?"

"If you do happen to change your mind or need my assistance, you can find me at my cousins. She goes by the name of Lyra Heartstrings. I'll be staying with her and her roommate for the next couple of days."

"I'll consider the help thank you." He lowered his head and trotted out of the room.

The table was silent as Shutter and me stared each other down. We had no clue how to continue knowing that we were like brothers. More than brothers, exact copies. With the minor difference of species. Shutter began to tap his hoof against the table. "So what do you think?"

"You mean if we should tell the others or not?" he slowly nodded. "I have no clue, Shutter. I honestly don't know."

"How about we just keep it to ourselves until the time is right."

"Shouldn't we at least tell Lora?" His eyebrow raised up at my question.

"Why?"

"I mean don't you think she could possibly mix us up?" He was dead silent for bit before he began rolling on the floor laughing. Tears were coming from his eyes from laughing to hard.

"Trust me Chris, I don't think that would be a problem."

Well it is now...

-_-_-_-

Evening came and I found my head was spinning with everything that had happened. Laying on the couch I dumbly stared at the ceiling. Lora came into the room and I tried to sit up, but my body had been made into jello from laying. I grunted out her name as I attempted to sit up again, "Lora?" She turned around and blinked her beautiful eyes that shined like sapphires.

"Yeah, Chris. What is it?"

"C...can I talk to you alone?" My voice hesitant and nervous, I stood up to my feet. She flicked her mane out of her face with a hoof and nodded.

"Of course sweetheart. Lead the way." She followed me as I made my way to the room I was staying in. While we moved through the hallway, I began to get sick again remembering the traitorous act of kissing Lora.

But the feeling was so right. It was as if everything melted away, leaving only her and me. Together, As we entered the room, I shook my head. No this is the only way. Something like that is forbidden in my world and I will stand by that. It's time I do the right thing, "Lora I need say something..." Closing the door behind her I looked into her eyes and felt my heart sink into the pit of my stomach. Here it goes...

"Lora listen I need you to know that I really care about you and Shutter. I don't want anything bad to happen to either of you, but I need you to know that I'm so sorry," Her head tilted in confusion.

"Sorry about what Chris?"

"About..." I let out a sigh of sorrow. "About us kissing."

"What do you mean... Oh sweetheart are you talking about the incident in the guest room... nothing came out of it so its okay." Shaking my head I tried to clarify.

"No not that I was talking abou..." She held up her hoof to my mouth.

"Look Chris it's something that almost happened, but like I said you just remind me of my special somepony. We are just good friends... Nothing more." Her face looked saddened when she finished her sentence.

"Lora please just hear me out..."

"Chris drop it, I don't want to talk about it. The only reason I even considered kissing you is because I... I," I could see her eyes begin to twinkle while she gazed into mine. Suddenly she put a hoof on her head and trotted to the door. "I just need to go clear my head."

"Lora..." She opened the door and began to flutter away.

"I need some time alone, Chris." Left alone in the room I lowered my head.

Way to mess everything up Chris...

Knock

My head jerked up to sound that came from the roof above. Curious, I hopped outside the window and searched the roof for what might have caused it. My eyes found the little form of Flash Drive sitting on his haunches looking toward the setting sun. Returning to the house I made my way upstairs. Moving through the upstairs hallway I saw a door that was opened wide. Poking my head in, I immediately found the sulking figure of Flash Drive outside the window. Carefully I crawled out to him and sat myself down next to him. Upon seeing his face, his fur was dampened and a few tears were still on the end of his muzzle. Heartbroken, I reached out pulled him into my chest. His sniffles caused him to stutter.

"C-Chris w-what's wrong with me?" I could feel my own tears starting to form in my eyes.

"Nothing is wrong with you Drive. You hear me, nothing."

"T-then why does my m-momma not want to be with me?" Feeling my heart shatter, I squeezed him harder.

"I don't know, but your one of the best things that could have ever happened to me, Drive," his sniffling began to calm down.

"R-really? H-how is that?" Loosening my hold I peered into his emerald eyes.

"Drive, don't you know who you are? You're a Flash with the most amazing power known." Gently, I wiped away some of the tears from his muzzle. "Not only do you brighten everyone's day, you also manage to brighten their hearts as well." The tears started up again, as he laid his head on my chest. "Oh no... no... buddy don't cry... I'm here for you, Drive." I began to rub his mane to try to calm him down. It seemed to work as the crying seemed to subside. "There you go... That's it buddy, it's going to be alright," He let out a long comforting sigh.

"...Everypony," His voice wispered.

"What?" The little unicorn's body began to shake with laughter.

"You said 'everybody' when it's correctly said 'everypony'," Chuckling l glanced down at him.

"I don't think I will ever get used to that."

"Maybe your brain is connected to your legs, cause those are pretty slow..." Laughing, I pulled him away and attacked his sides.

"Why you little..." his legs kicked as I continue my tickling assault. Drive's childish giggle once again warmed my heart.

"P-please... HAHAHA... Not the talons... HAHA..."

-_-_-_-

Night fell fast over the land. Laying in the bed that was given to me, I stared out to the open night sky still wondering how I was going to tell Lora what I really meant. Would it be right to tell her on their anniversary? Would it be okay not to tell her? AHH! Why must I complicate things?! Suddenly I felt the bed bounce and something lay against me. Turning myself, I saw two green little eyes staring at me. "Can I please sleep with you Chris?"

"What's wrong with your bed Drive?"

"Nothing... I just wanted to be with my uncle." My heart erupted with happiness.

"Sure thing Drive," I pulled the blanket out of underneath him and covered his body. As soon as he was inside the blanket he threw himself at me and hugged me tightly with his little forelegs.

"I love you Uncle Chris" Wrapping my arms around him, a single tear fell to my pillow.

"I love you too Drive."

"Good night..." I leaned back and kissed his forehead.

"Good night, my little buddy." As my eyelids fell, one last thought crossed my mind before sleep could take it's hold on me, At least this kiss was for the better.

How can the Best Day Turn...

Finding myself upstairs in my room, I paced the floor in the bright morning sun. I just couldn't practice it enough times. Each time I made an effort to imagine her in front me, my legs became weak and my heart would thump out of my chest. Turning to the mirror I tried it again. Okay Shutter we just danced, the party is at its peak, and I just invited her outside to the garden. She's standing in front of you with her dress and her hair is all made up, The adrenaline began to pump throughout my system as I lowered my forelegs and pulled out a golden band with a sapphire gemstone shaped in the form of a dove. "Lora Silkstep will you marry me... No... Will you do me the honor of... Come on! I got to get this right for tonight. I have been waiting far too long for me to mess it up on the delivery," I shook my shoulders to loosen myself up. "Okay... I think I got it..." I lowered myself and presented the band in front of me once more, "Lora Silkstep, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife... Yes, that's it! That's how I will do it and if... No... When she says 'yes'. I will be the luckiest stallion in all of Equestria!" Standing up, I began to rejoice at the thought of being united with my beloved Lora. This is going to be the best night EVER!

"...What makes you think the creature will be here, Twilight?" My ears popped open to the name of a certain lavender unicorn.

Oh...No.

"Rumors around town say that the creature has been spotted around here. And what I heard from Fluttershy seemed to prove that it exists and is residing on the outskirts of Ponyville." Sticking my head outside my window, my eyes sighted the element of magic with her small, purple baby dragon riding on her back. They were trotting along the white picket fence and my eyes grew nervous, thinking she might search here for Chris.

"But the rumors also state that the creature has razor sharp talons and a wicked looking fangs that can gobble little colts. Do you really want to find it that bad?"

That's really my fault then, huh? Sorry Chris I guess I really didn't help your image with that.

"Spike, if this creature is terrorizing the town, then it is my civic duty to figure out how to stop it. And a little research on it would never hurt anypony." My body began a nervous twitch at remembering the time she did a 'little research' on me. It was because of my inherited ability to manipulate light without a horn.

That day was so painful I hope I never have to go through that again... Uh oh she's coming to the house.

"Are you going to collaborate with that one science group if you do find it?"

"Oh please, Spike. The P.A.S. comes to me for help anyways. Finding the creature will bypass that, I'll be sure to share my findings with them, though. The Princess would probably love to hear about it tonight."

When she came within ten yards of the house, I dashed downstairs. Mom was in the kitchen prepping food for breakfast, while my father was no where to be seen.

"Oh morning sweetheart, why are you in a rush? Breakfast is almost ready."

"Mom we got problems," Her face became worried as she saw my state of panic.

"Is it more P.A.S. coming to take Chris away?"

"No much worse... its her," My mothers gold eyes grew wide and immediately stopped making breakfast.

"Distract her the best you can... I'll go hide Chris," She raced out of the kitchen and her hooves could be heard going down the hallway towards Chris's room.

I will try, but it's only a matter of time before she finds him, Upon opening the door, Twilight's hoof was poised to knock. Her face was little surprised when the door opened without her knocking. "Twilight, what a totally unexpected delight that you would be here on our doorstep. Can I offer you something to drink? Juice? Milk? Water? You know I heard something about how water is the most important liquid and is probably the best choice. Wouldn't you agree? By the way any good books that you would recommend? I have been dying for a page turner. Finished this recent one about the beautiful relationship between a mother and her son. Almost cried for days. Got any more like tha..." Her hoof was on my mouth and she gave me a glare of annoyance.

"I don't quite remember you being so ostentatious the last time we met Shutter Flash. Why are you acting so strange?" I flicked her hoof away from my mouth.

"Me acting strange? No... That's insane. I am perfectly acting normal," A sudden closing of a door behind me made Twilight peer inside. Moving my head in front her, I looked at the little dragon. "Hey Spike how have you been buddy?"

"Hey Shutter Flash I've been doing good. Take any more pictures recently?"

"Yeah I just did a photoshoot with Rarity. She modeled in her newest designs," The dragons eyes started to stare off as if he was in a dream and a wide smile formed on his face. He let out a loving sigh.

"Rarity..." Twilight rolled her eyes and brought her attention back to me.

"Shutter I was wondering have you seen anything lately. Like a tall scary creature."

"He's not that scary to me..." Crap! Realizing what I just said I nearly facehoofed. "I mean he doesn't sound scary to me," Twilight's eyes narrowed on me.

"So you have seen the creature then."

"What creature? you make it sound like there is some sort of animal in our part of the neighborhood."

"Shutter Flash this is serious! Have you or haven't you seen a creature that's described as a bipedal, fur-less, and intimidating."

"I may have recalled seeing something like that the other day, however I can't be too sure. I was slightly impaired due to working with photo chemicals all day," She seemed to lower her head in almost pleading manner.

"Shutter you don't understand the fate of the town could in jeopardy if I allow this thing to go around, not knowing if it's friend or foe. You have to let me search for it for all you know it could have been in your house while you were sleeping." Her eyes grew to be like those found on a puppy and I slightly felt for her cause. I found it difficult to resist from staring into her violet eyes. "Please allow me to enter and do a simple search."

"Twilight...I can't..."

"Oh please Shutter Flash. No harm will be done I will just be quick about it," I let out small defeated sigh and stepped to the side.

"Go ahead and look, but I don't think you'll find what you're looking for here." Her face beamed as she gave me a hug around my neck.

"Oh thank you so much, you won't regret this," She trotted in and I watched her as she took a stance in the middle of the living room. Her horn began to glow and a thin layer of purple light scanned the house. She sat on her haunches and had a perplexed look to her. "How can that be?" She glanced in my direction. "Are you by chance housing a teenage unicorn here?"

"No why?" Her eyes got big and she allowed a wide smile to form on her face.

"Gotcha," Her magic dissipated and she started her way down the hallway.

This isn't good she must have picked up Chris's magical signature... Crap! Think shutter, quickly, "Um, Twilight may I suggest the upstairs."

"I'm getting a better sense of its magic down here. I told you Shutter it could be in your house," I quickly followed after her as she got ever closer to Chris's room. Her horn still glowing she waved it around detecting the air for the magic. Just as she crossed the bathroom she halted. The purple dragon on her back leaned forward.

"What is it, Twilight?"

"I can't sense it as much but I know it's nearby," Her head turned to the bathroom door. "It has to be in... Here!" At 'Here' she threw the door wide open to reveal my mom dripping wet and wrapped in towel. The room was completely filled with hot steam. Levitating in the air was a brush that stopped mid stroke through her mane. She gave us a surprised expression and slightly blushed.

"Oh, hello Twilight. Hello Spike. Wasn't expecting to see you today," Spike spun around and covered his eyes and I did the same with my foreleg. "Thank you gentlecolts for having some class."

"I'm so so sorry Mrs. Flash I didn't mean to barge in on you like that."

"It's okay sweetie no harm has been done."

"I have only one quick question, before I won't bother you again."

"Go head ask me anything."

"Have you seen a two legged, fur-less creature in your house lately?"

"You know, recently I have noticed misplaced food and other various items. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if something like that is running around these parts. I really appreciate what your doing, Twilight. It's very noble of you to care for our safety and well-being."

"No problem Mrs. Flash, sorry to disturb you I'll be going now."

"Okay sweetie, you and Spike take care now."

"We will thank you," With the door closed I lowered my foreleg and glanced up to Twilight. She had a hoof to my chest. "Shutter I'm greatly concerned for your family's safety knowing that this creature is roaming through the house unnoticed, If you ever need me please don't hesitate to find me at the Golden Oaks Library," Putting on a fake smile I lightly pushed her hoof down.

"Sure thing twilight," She smiled at me and she started to trot back towards the door. "See you again you two," Spike, who was still turned around, waved to me.

"Bye Shutter, can I get a copy of your pictures?" Twilight used her magic turn him around.

"Spike..." The little dragon turned his head back to me in a pleading manner. I gave him a nod and his face beamed with happiness and joy, as Twilight turned the corner heading towards the front door. Going to end of the hallway I watched as the two left, closing the door behind them.

That was far to close...

The bathroom door opened and my mom came out slightly wet. The still sleeping form of Chris was levitating in her magic above her head. "Shutter please grab him I need to breath," Moving closer she laid Chris on my back and I could feel Chris's weight put strain in my knees, causing me to put effort in supporting him.

"How did she not find him?" My mom took a couple of deep breaths before she spoke.

"The density of the steam in the air causes unicorns to dampen their magical ability. That was why I'm out of breath from carrying him."

"So that's why Twilight couldn't sense him anymore. That was ingenious Mom!" She gave me a smile, as she picked up Chris from my back.

"If you had a horn sweetheart, you would've known," She trotted down the hallway and opened the door to Chris's room. I followed her in and watched her place him ever so gently back onto the bed. The small lump on the bed lazily rolled over and snuggled up against his body. My mother gave the two an adoring awe as she nuzzled both of them on top their heads.

"So Drive is finally friends with Chris. That's good to see that they're getting along," I was Speaking in a low wisper as to not wake them. My mother pulled her head from Chris's hair and smiled at me. She spoke with a low, gentle, motherly voice that made both Chris and Drive slightly grin in their sleep.

"Oh, you have no clue sweetheart, Drive has taken to Chris like he was his surrogate father. You should have seen them two days ago. It's great that Drive has him as male figure to look up to."

"Yeah great..." I continued to stare at the warm embrace they shared and felt something stir inside me. That should've been me... How could I have neglected my duty as an uncle. I glanced over at Chris felt a smirk come across my face. I guess in a way it is me.

"Come, let them wake up on their own. I still need to prepare breakfast for them," My mothers foreleg lightly pushed me towards the door.

"Okay Mom I'm going, I'm going," Before exiting I glanced back towards Chris and thought to myself, I have a surprise for you later today, Brother.

-_-_-_-

I tiredly blinked my eyes as the little form of Flash Drive continued to snuggle up against me. Giving him a big smile, I wrapped my arms around his body and pulled him onto my chest. His little hooves fell to the sides of my body while he began to mumble something under his breath. "No... Not the... Talons," Softly laughing, my chest bounced with each laugh, waking him up from his slumber. His droopy eyes opened up towards me and he smiled warmly at the sight of me. "Morning, Uncle Chris..." He stretched out his hooves to the side and let them fall down onto my chest.

"Good morning, Drive. How did you sleep last night?"

"Very warm and comfy, thanks to you," He burrowed his face into my shirt and then jumped to the hardwood floor. "Today, I'm going to go meet up with a friend of mine, would you like to come Uncle?" I stood up to my feet and gave him a smile.

"Thanks bud, but I believe today I... I need to do something important." Drives little head tilted in confusion.

"What's more important than hanging out with your nephew?" Rubbing his brown mane, I walked past him and headed towards the door.

"It's an adult matter, Drive. Trust me when I say it doesn't concern you." Giving me a moan, he kicked the hardwood floor in frustration.

"That's what Grandma says to me all the time, I'm so sick of being a kid sometimes," I smiled down to him.

"Enjoy it while it still lasts Drive, before you know it you'll be as old as me," He shook his head.

"Hopefully I won't look any worse than you..." Giving him a playful glare, he stammered backward. "I meant that in a good way, I swear. It came out wrong." I inched forward towards him and he started to slightly panic. "Uncle Chris..." With his magic he rocketed a pillow into my face and galloped right past me.

"Oh no you don't, get back here!" He began to laugh as I gave chase after him.

"Try to catch me two legs."

While running through the hallway, the aroma of pancakes hit my nose and I immediately stopped to take in the the delectable scent of fluffy goodness of that only could be described as heavenly. My tongue hung from my lips as I dreamily stared off to the living room. A door open up and Thunder stepped out of the doorway the moment his eyes laid on my zoned-out state he gave me a chuckle. "Looks like you caught wind of your mother's cooking," I half-consciously nodded. He let out another Chuckle as he made his way behind me and gently pushed with his forehead. "Come on son let's actually get you to the table, you can seize up there."

"They smell so good."

"Just wait until you taste Applejacks famous applebutter syrup, I picked some up just yesterday," My eye nearly twitched from imagining both my favorite breakfast meal with those amazing apples, in a syrup no less. My body trembled in delight as the smell intensified from the kitchen. Aurora Looked up from the pancakes on the stove and smiled at me.

"Morning sweetheart, how did you sleep?" Thunder stopped pushing me so I could speak to her. Not noticing that her fur was slightly dampened, I stepped into the kitchen to give her a hug. As I embraced her, the wetness soaked through my shirt and she gave me a quick glace. She began to giggle as she saw the water stained on my red shirt. "Oh sorry honey I took a rather... unexpected shower today," Her golden orbs lovingly stared at me through her blonde mane.

"It's okay Mom, I got another shirt from Rarity yesterday," Aurora shot me a worried look and pulled me in closer with her magic.

"Chris I need you to tell me exactly what happened yesterday," Feeling slightly bewildered, I stepped back from her.

"What do you mean?" She flipped the pancake before turning to me. Her eyes were filled with concern.

"I mean with Lora. What happened to you two that would cause you to act like that around her?" My body nervously twitched at the question. "Chris as your mother you should know that you can tell me anything."

"I... I think it's best that I go," On turning around, I suddenly ran straight into an invisible wall smooshing my face against it like a window pane.

"Chris Andrew Flash... your not keeping secrets from your own mother now, are you?" Her voice seemed to stab through me.

She's reading me like an open book, what I'm I going to do? If she's anything like my mom it's only a matter of time before she'll find out anyways... I let out defeated sigh Fine... I'll tell her. Slowly turning around, I faced Aurora, who had one eyebrow up and wore a stern face. "Mom... I... I kissed Lora..." Her face immediately changed to from stern to one filled with both shock and earnest concern.

"Ohh... Well, that explains some things then... Sweetie... Why?" Her motherly tone was tender and made me feel comforted as I struggled with my explanation.

"It wasn't on purpose, I was in the bathroom... Sorry let me rephrase that... I was in Shutter's temporary darkroom, when Lora wanted to come in a talk. At first I thought she knew that it was me, but when she kissed me I..." The memory of her lips pressing on to mine caused me to slightly drift off sentence as I remembered the pleasurable bliss that the kiss had brought me.

"You realized that she honestly thought you were Shutter..." Her voice brought me back to earth. I dumbly stared back at her eyes and sadly nodded. She must have seen known how I felt, because without much warning I felt myself get lifted up and gently pulled towards her. I curled my legs up as she made me approach her. Letting me go, she wrapped her forelegs around me and began to rub my back. "Honey, you didn't do anything wrong. Why didn't you come to me sooner?" Her soft motherly tone brought a single tear to my eye as I rested my head on top of hers.

"I thought I could make it better, myself." I felt her rub muzzle on the side of my head as she lightly spoke into my ear.

"You still can, you only need to tell them what happened," She kissed my forehead as we pulled apart. "But I think it would be wise to do so after the day is done."

"Why's that, Mom?"

"Shutter has been planning for a very long time for this night with Lora. Their love can handle this, but I believe right now would be a fragile time for the both of them," I slightly nodded, but felt something inside me beginning to burn with guilt. She returned quickly to her pancakes just before they were overcooked. "Don't worry my child, I know you will do the right thing."

"Like you say huh Mom, 'The most bitter of truths is still better than the sweetest of lies'" Her face became flummoxed as she peered back at me.

"Chris I haven't said that saying to you yet. Did Shutter tell you that?" Smiling, I gave her hug around her neck.

"I guess you can say that mom... Thank you." Her fur bristled the side of my head as she rubbed her check against mine.

"You're welcome sweetheart."

Sitting at the table I dug into the succulent pancakes that laid before me. I was so indulged into the bliss of the miraculous combination of the applebutter syrup and Aurora's perfect golden pancakes, that I almost didn't noticed the missing couple at the table. Realizing this, I scanned the house in search of Shutter and Lora. Thunder saw me and with a little bit of syrup dripping from his muzzle asked, "What are you looking for son?"

"Where's Shutter and Lora?" Aurora wiped her mouth with a napkin before she answered.

"They went to the Sugarcube Corner to relax before the big event before them."

"When will they be back?"

"Not until this evening," Sat back on my calves as I continued to ponder to myself.

I know Mom told me to wait for tomorrow, but why do I have an overwhelming feeling that I need to tell Lora tonight. I shook my head as I took another bite of pancakes. My thoughts seemed to melt away at the taste. Oh well...I better just listen to Mom...

-_-_-_-

Lora and I approached the bustling corner of the street where ponies could be seen going on their way of business. Careful as to not bump into anypony, we slowly made our way to the front door of the Sugercube Corner. Being the gentlecolt that my mom and dad raised me to be I opened the door for Lora and stepped aside to allow her to proceed ahead of me. "Why thank you, Shutter."

"No problem my love," She kissed my check as she past me into the shop. My checks immediately filled up with blood red coloring. I followed her into the building and the first thing we countered was the hyperactive pony bouncing table to table serving ponies their delectable sweets that were made here by the owners, the Cakes. They were incredibly nice to Lora and me whenever we went in to grab a bite from them. Always had something nice to say to everypony they greeted at their little store.

"Why, hello there Lora and Shutter you two are looking as lovely as ever." Lora bowed her head slightly toward a light blue earth pony with a pink two-toned mane that seemed swirl upward like frosting.

"Thank you Mrs. Cup Cake, it's always a pleasure to see to you as well." Pinkie on hearing our names stopped bouncing altogether and gazed over to us with wide eyes.

"Shuttery, LORIE!" We quickly glanced at each other slightly worried at what the pink mare might do. Without much warning she leapt up into the air and landed on top of us in a hug. "Aren't you two just so excited about tonight? I know I'm excited. Have you gotten your dress yet Lorie? You should see mine, oh I know come with me and tell me what you think." The overexcited Pinkie almost picked Lora straight off the ground as she pulled by Pinkie. "Don't you worry, Shuttery. I will bring her back. Come on, Lorie!"

"Um...okay... whoa." Lora flapped her peach feathers to keep up with the speed of the earth pony as they headed up stairs. A lemon colored stallion, with a candy cane bowtie, was nearly knocked over as they raced up the steps. He shook his head as he stared after the two mares.

"That Pinkie Pie, always makes this place seem so exciting." Trotting up to him, I lowered my head in greeting him. He readjusted his hat after dusting off his orange mane.

"Hello Mr. Carrot Cake how are you today?

"Oh, hello Shutter Flash, been a while since I've seen you last. Good to have you come back to your hometown. Are you visiting the folks?" I gave him smile and a nod.

"Yeah, Lora and I have been invited to this years Grand Galloping Gala. But before we went we wanted to visit one of our favorite places to eat and hang out." His head nodded as he wore a wide smile of appreciation.

"Well, thank you kindly, Shutter. So how is the photography holding up? Have you finally made a reputation in the photo business like you wanted?"

"Well it's been actually..." A tap on my shoulder from a hoof made me turn to see a lime-green pegasus staring at me with diamond colored eyes. Her yellow mane was done in a pony-tail and she had accents of pink on the tips of her bangs. "Yes, can I help you?"

"I need to speak to Lora right away, I'm in a bit of an emergency."

"Maybe I can help. What seems to be the matter?"

"It's this um... well..." She stopped as soon as Lora and Pinkie descended the stairs. "Lora!"

"Nimble Cheeryfeather... what are you doing here?"

"I need to ask you question, you're the only one I trust." Lora glanced at me before giving her a concerned look. "Please follow me..."

"Ooo... is this about the new..." Pinkie saw the stern look I was giving her and she zipped her lip with her hoof.

"New...What?" Nimble gave us all a confused stare. Lora fluttered down and landed in front of her with a graceful land.

"Oh it's nothing really...Come on lets go and you can ask me your question." I watched them trot outside before I turned back to Carrot Cake.

"So yeah um... I guess I'll take two slices of your strawberry cream cake... to go, if you don't mind."

Trotting outside with a bag filled with the two slices of cake, I noticed Nimble flying away in a hurry. I looked back to Lora, who was sitting on her hindlegs with a hoof on her head like she was flummoxed about something. "Lora, honey what's the matter?"

"She asked me if I had seen a two legged figure with a jacket that had a white falcon on it. Shutter that sounds exactly like..." My eyes widened in realization.

"Chris... has he been coming to town without us knowing?."

"I don't know... I wouldn't think we would, but perhaps his curiosity got the best of him. You know Shutter for wanting him to be a secret, you're not doing a very good job." Playfully, I pushed her and she gave me slight whack against the back of my head with her wing.

"Oh... now you've done it!" She let out a giggle as I readied myself like a dog about to pounce her. As I leapt at her, she soared upward and did a flip. Smiling down at me, she took her hooves and gestured for me to catch her.

"Let's see if you are as quick as we first met, Shutter." With a powerful flap of her wings, she flew over the heads of the ponies in town.

"You're so on!" Kicking my hoof off the ground, I chased after her with all the speed I could muster without ramming into any of the ponies in town. Following her, I watched carefully as she started to twist and turn through the air with grace and elegance. She glanced back to me with a loving smile.

"You'll have to be faster if you want to catch a pegasus." I returned the smile and pushed harder to reduce the distance between us. Breathing heavy, I could feel my legs start to burn as I darted through town. She was leading me to the open fields to the east of town, which would lead eventually to our favorite swimming hole. The memory of her and me playing there, a week after we first met, came rushing back. She glanced back again with her rosy mane and tail flowing through the wind. Giving her a smirk, I lowered my head forward to be more aerodynamic. Ever so slowly I started to pull ahead of her. A tree line ahead made her pull up and I began to rush past the trees as they made a whishing sound past me. A small clearing could be seen ahead and gentle river was flowing through it. I slowed myself to a quiet sneak as I approached the watering hole. Giving myself a moment to catch my breath I waited for her to show.

The moment she hits the ground the advantage will be mine. Sure enough, she came though the clearing and after some elegant twists and turns she slowly landed on the river's bank just in front of me. Hugging the tree I crept up behind her being as silent as I could possibly be.

"Shutter?" Her head twisted and turned as she tried to find me. "Where are you Shutter?" Lowering myself I felt as if I was a wolf about to snatch his prey.

"Behind you..." She spun around just as I leapt forward towards her. Wrapping my forelegs around her, we tumbled down the bank and landed in the water. She gave out a gasp of air from the coolness of the stream. Looking up to me on top of her, she gave me a leering smile. Her mane gently flowed in the water's current.

"So you caught me, not bad for a earth pony."

"If I had wings, I would've had you sooner..." She lifted up her hoof and laid it against my the back of my head slightly pulling me down towards her face. My stomach felt warm as I stared into her beautiful sapphire eyes. She propped herself up with her wings and gently slid her lips over mine. My heart erupted within my chest as we kissed.

Slowly pulling away, we both were heavily breathing. Everything was silent to me except for my racing beat of my heart. She leaned over to my ear and softly cooed into it.

"I love you just the way you are..." Overwhelmed with my love for her, I lifted my head back to her and kissed her again. We both lowered ourselves into the water's flow and embraced each other as her fur bristled my stomach. The afternoon sun continued to shine through the trees as we expressed our love under the canopy of leaves.

I love you so much Lora... No pony could ever take that away form me.

Into the Worst Night Ever

The evening came swifter than I could have anticipated. I found it to be really hard to be accepting of this place entirely. It is easy to find reasons why I love it here, but the feeling of being a prisoner would also come to mind. Not being able to really leave the house and lack of other humans felt like I was almost abducted on some alien planet.

The water of the shower hit my head and allowed me to go into a trance of my thoughts. Being locked in the bathroom for about a half hour was okay until the ponies of the house needed to use it. Admittedly sharing a bathroom with an sentient animal wasn’t entirely a concept I thought possible or one I would have to face.

My head shot up at the sound of a strong hoof giving the wood a light kick. “I’m getting out now!” I spoke in a loud voice to get my message through.

“I was worried you had died, however now that I know you’re alive hurry it up please.” The deep voice of Thunder made me feel obligated to move a bit faster now. Stepping out of the shower and onto the cold tile, I dried myself off in a hasty fashion. After some time I managed to get my lower body descent and opened the door to the teal colored pegasus eager to enter.

“My goodness… no other stallion I know takes as long as you in there son.” His fur brushed my chest and it tingled the healing scar on my stomach. How could I forget the wonderful gift that the timberwolves gave me as a welcome? It felt really good to finally have my bandages off and feel the air on my newly developed skin.

“Sorry Thunder.” I slightly smiled at him with my body still facing toward the hallway.

He didn’t hesitate to shut the door. “Go help your mother with the dishes for dinner, will you?” his deep voice rattled through the wood.

“Aye aye sir.” I nodded reluctantly with a touch of a unhappy groan. Making my way to the kitchen downstairs. I saw that Aurora was busy stacking the dishes with her golden magic encasing each dish. The sound of the wood creaking beneath my feet gave her notice of my presence.

“Oh Chris! Perfect timing. you can help me with the dishes.” She chimed with a squeak of joy in her voice.

“It would be a pleasure.” I felt honestly happy to say that as it would be known that I hate doing dishes.

“Good stallion.” Aurora smiled and beamed at me with those golden orbs for eyes. She flipped her curly blonde mane under the lighting of the kitchen to remove it from her face. “You wash and I’ll rinse, alright?”

“Alright.” I stood next to Aurora at the sink washing the dishes with my hands while she rinsed and dried them with a combination of magic and her hooves. I pondered to myself many times how she managed to hold the plates with just her hoof and never really coming up with a good logical reason other than she was adept at using what she had. As if she had read my mind she smiled and grabbed another plate with her hoof. She really did resemble my mother in every aspect except for the magic. To be honest the whole magic of the world both bothered me and intrigued me at the same time. It fascinated me to see it and it felt warm and natural. What bothered me was that I could feel it long after Aurora or Flash Drive used it around me. Could I be allergic to it? Does it have to do with me not being pony? Will it affect me?

“Chris?” Aurora’s voice pulled me back to earth.

“Yeah mom?” I look in her direction.

“You’ve been washing the same dish for the last three minutes. Is everything alright?”

I glanced down to the plate in front of me to see my face reflect back.

“You seem upset about something my son.” She kindly placed a wet hoof on my shirtless shoulder.

“I’m thinking of a lot of things right now.” I picked up another dish to see if she wouldn’t pursue the subject.

“This isn’t about your accident with Lora is it?” She asked in a whisper.

immediately I blushed and shook my head, “No, I had actually put that in the back of my head before you mentioned it.”

“Oh sorry, Chris.” She rubbed my back with the same damp hoof and it made me tense up slightly. “I wasn’t trying to bring it up sweetheart.”

“it’s fine. I think it will blow over as soon as tonight ends. Hopefully. I mean it’s not a big deal to me.” My hands lightly trembled in remembering the feeling I had when she did kiss me. ‘Come on Chris pull yourself together and just finish the dishes.’

“Well sweetie you should talk to her about it one day.” Aurora put her hoof back in the sink and continued to finish the job.

“I will. When the time is right, I will.” The question in my head screamed, “But how will I?”

The front door opened to little flash drive running in. His small hooves clopping across the wood floor as he seemed to be in search for something. “Uncle? Grandma?”

“In here my little colt.” Aurora sang out to him.

His little horn was visible as he dashed about the living room in search for his query. He jumped into the kitchen and ran up to us panting. “I saw my friend today!” He stopped as if that was the big statement.

“I know Flash. You left this afternoon to see him.” Aurora giggled as she placed the last of the dishes in the drying rack.

“No! You don’t know what he told me!” He jumped in his excitement. Before either one of us could ask he hopped up on a stool. “There we were in his treehouse talking about monsters of the Everfree and he spoke to me of the hooded phantom. He said to have glowing eyes of ember flames and carries the spear of goblins.”

My head snapped to Aurora, “There’s goblins here!?”

“No. There isn’t.” She rolled her eyes in a small laugh. “Youth always do have the most active imagination.” She smiled as she dried her hooves on a dish towel. “Swipes do you have any homework before break is over? Remember you have to keep your grades up if you want to go on that field trip to Canterlot Gardens.”

“All I have to do is a report on the history of Ponyville. I got the best source of information right in front of me though seeing your old as sand.” He pointed his hoof out to Aurora in a small giggle.

“Go do it before I give you a real history lecture.” She lowly growled.

Drive ran out of the room with another giggle and his tail tucked beneath him as Aurora apparently spanked him lightly with her magic.

I gently laughed at the scene before thinking on what Flash Drive told us. “What if there is another... ?“

“Another?” She asked me in confusion.

“Oh. Another being like me.” I confessed my thoughts.

“I highly doubt it sweetheart. there is no record of your species… then again… you did appear recently.” She pondered for a second. “Chris would you please monitor Flash with his homework. I’m going to make dinner now.”

“Would you like me to help you?”

She turned around with only her hooves replying my question as they echoed against the kitchen tile.

Nodding my head in silence, I began to make my way to the living room. Turning the corner, I whispered quietly to myself, “I remember she used to do that to me only if she was focused on something on her mind.”

The living room was alight with a warm glow from a center light fixture that seemed to give Drive the best light to write his report. He was busy with the pencil in his mouth, writing away at the paper with speed. I was impressed by the penmanship of his mouth. Getting a good look at the paper, it was a half a page of complete narcissism. “The history of Flash Drive and his discovery of Ponyville?”

His little head nodded quickly and he peered up in the corner of his eye. “This is going to be a hit at school.”

“I don’t think you got your facts correct.” I chuckled and sat down next to him.

“What do you know about pony history?” He spat the pencil down.

“Sadly I know little to nothing about this place.” My words trailed off as I continued to read down the paper. “You are quite the clever little writer now aren’t you?” I stopped on the word ‘Canterlot’ and recalled the event that was taking place tonight. It was something very important to the ponies here and all of them seemed to be excited by the mere mention of it’s name. Perhaps Drive could provide me with some answers. “Hey Drive?”

“Yes Uncle?” He grunted through his teeth as the pencil was back in his mouth by now.

“What is this evening event called again?”

“The what now? I’m doing homework if that’s what you’re asking…” his face was confused.

“No. I meant the thing that Shutter is taking Lora to.”

“Oh, the big triple G.” He smiled. “Yeah around here it’s the biggest party throwdown in the land, but only those with connections can get invited to it. Grandma works setting up the fireworks for the princess. She said that a lot of formal, fancy ponies show up and they dance and laugh till morning. If you ask me, it sounds really fun.”

“Perhaps I could go there and see this party.”

“Maybe you could follow Grandma to help her set up tonight.” Drive flashed a mischievous smile.

“Flash you know as much as I do that doing that would be not…”

“Not entirely wrong if your sneaky about it. It’s at night and who would see you except some rich ponies. They would probably just toss it to the lights in their eyes.” He interrupted me with a witty smile.

“Flash…” I wanted to not encourage his idea, but darn it if it wasn’t a good one. “I’m not saying I’m approving that kind of behavior.”

“But you want to.” The smile broadened on his face.

My mouth opened to say something, but he had me nailed. Drive was almost too sure of himself now as he went back to his writing. The little horse was now all powerful of self esteem that was evident in his history of self glory and power. Shaking my head, I stood up and stretched my upper naked body from the awkward sitting position. To my right, I noticed Thunder coming down the stairs and off behind me was my pony mom fixing up something that had a drool enticing effect.

“Dinner is almost ready boys. Please get the dinner table ready.” Her psychic like statement called out before our stomachs rumbled and growled.

“Honey, I’ll never know how you are able to do that.” Thunder chuckled and trotted across the living room. “Lets go stallions.” He gestured to Drive and myself.

“Chris Sweetheart, please go get Lora and Shutter upstairs. They should eat before leaving for the Gala tonight.” Aurora smiled. “Thunder and Drive can handle the table themselves.”

“Alright, I’ll be right back.” I turned to the stairwell and dashed up them with leaps.

Up in the second story hallway, I could see that Shutter’s room was wide open as the blue Stallion of myself was getting ready for his night. He looked very tidy with his navy bowtie and white formal suit. I walked in and smiled behind him as he looked in the mirror. His eyes seemed to staring at a photograph of him and Lora taped to the mirrors wooden edge.

“Tonight Lora…” He sighed lovingly in a whisper.

“You two were meant to be together.” I spoke softly as to not scare him too much.

“C-chris!?” His eyes darted strainght at me through the mirror and his body shifted in a half turn. “How long have you been standing there?”

“Not very long my friend.” I managed to withheld a laugh. “Mom insists you come eat before your trip to Canterlot.”

“That would be a good idea considering the train food isn’t all that filling.” Shutter fixed his slightly messed up mane from me scaring him. “You mind going to get Lora for me? I feel like it wouldn’t be all that proper if I went to see her before she’s entirely ready.”

“Sure thing Shutter.” I was about to leave when I noticed a few photographs with shutter and few other ponies, mostly all stallions. There were a couple that stood out to me though. There was a tall, lanky brown stallion with square glasses that covered his green eyes with his mane tied up in a ponytail and wore a dark grey jacket. A very smug, sly grey unicorn stallion with a red mane that curled up at the end and magenta eyes that seemed to say ‘That’s right I’m here’. The last one I saw made me believe that he was some kind of night guard of royalty as his deep blue coat stood out against the dark armor and his bright blue piercing stare. “Shutter? Who are these three stallions?”

“Oh those are some of my closest friends.” Shutter smiled and trotted to me to point them out. “This brown earth Stallion is Lego Brick, the ashy unicorn that looks like he is the center of attention is Vocal Point, and the pegasus warrior is known as Feather Book.”

“I see… you have a lot more too.” I took notice at all the others on his wall. In my heart I wondered if there was a pony that would represent my only closest friend from my world. “Robert…” I whispered as I looked at all of them.

“I’m sorry what was that?” Shutter asked looking up at me.

“It’s… it’s nothing important.”

Shutters eyes narrowed on me as if to say ‘I know you’re lying’ and quite frankly it worried me that he was able to read into that. He finally shrugged it off. “Whatever you say Chris. Please go get Lora for dinner now.” He patted my back and trotted out into the hallway.

As soon as I knew he was gone, I sighed and shook my head. “This… isn’t my world…” My heart grew slightly heavy. “I need to find a way back home.” I shook my head as my feet lead me back into the hallway again.

The room that Lora was staying in was closed and everything seemed quiet. Moving toward it I noticed there was no light coming from the door. “Lora? Lora are you okay in there?” My hand on the knob, I pushed on the white door to reveal that the room was completely dark. “I guess she’s not here.” Just as I was closing the door a figure moved about in the room. “Okay who’s there?!” My feet went forward as my mind said not to. The light wasn’t anywhere to be found on the wall as I entered with my hand looking for it franticly. I darted my eyes in the darkness as I looked about for the figure. “Come on please…” I whispered in frustration as my hand couldn’t feel the light switch. Then I could feel something feathery wrap around my body.

“Gotcha.” I heard Lora whisper in my ear.

My heart jumped as her wing threw me down into her other wings embrace. Before I could say anything I felt her lips softly press onto mine as her wing held my head up. Surprised at first I nearly squirmed, but the instant her kiss made contact I froze up and I felt the wave of bliss sweep over me again. My heart was slowing down. I lost all sense of the world around me as I kissed back. The sensation of her kissing me again made me want to lose myself and surrender to the feelings I had for her, However when I felt her touch my scar with her hoof, my mind tried to regain control once more. Pushing myself out of her hold I rolled to the floor and got to my knees. “Lora. Please stop it’s Chris.” I said in a hushed voice.

Her tail flicked at the light switch to reveal her in a beautiful cyan gown with rose stripes that swirled up like a dancing ribbon of silk. She was staring me down with her mane all bundled up looking at me with sultry eyes. “You think I didn’t notice?” She tittered as she closed in. “The feel of your skin, your body’s shape, the taste of your lips. Come on Chris. It doesn’t take much to deduce that it was you.” Her muzzle gracefully touched my forehead as she kissed it.

I pulled back in confusion and almost disgust. “L-Lora I’m not Shutter.”

“I know. You’re more than that I believe. There’s something more to you.”

“What?! No there isn’t anything Lora. I’m nothing more, besides I’m human and you’re a…” My mouth stopped as I saw the slight hurt in her eyes.

“A what?” She frowned. “Somepony that has feelings for you?”

“No… Lora it’s not right. Even if it wasn’t, I only arrived less than a week ago. You and Shutter have been together for what a year or two?”

Her eyes lowered toward the floor as she seemed to have made the same connection in her mind. “But, Chris I feel like with you its…”

“Lora you can’t be with me… I… I don’t want to be with you.” My throat closed up and my mind and heart became numb as I spoke. “There is nothing between us.”

The look of her heartbroken face killed me right down to the core of my being. Tears started to fall from her cheeks. “I… I see.” She turned away from me.

“Lora.” I said her name in feeling I could somehow undo the pain, but I couldn’t say anything now as she made her way out the door with her wing covering her face. My body weakened from the emotions I collapsed on the floor in a pathetic sitting position the wood creaking underneath my bottom. “...Damn it.”

-_-_-_-

Taking the liberty as the family ate dinner, I snuck out of the house and made my way into town. The low lighted streets from the moonlight made the stones pop out of the stream of the dirt path that flowed through town. It wasn’t quite as most of the ponies were having their own party to probably partake in the Gala without going to it. Here I am sneaking around as a thief. A thief of Lora’s and Shutter’s love. My heart knew that only one pony would be wise enough to help me with my sin. Unfortunate for me, Aurora was with Shutter and Lora heading to the train station right about now. The plan formulated in my mind that the best course of action would be to get to that Gala and have Aurora talk to Lora about her feelings. A bad call most likely, but at this point of everything I had no choice.

The shadows made it easy for me to sneak past house to house. My mind was on nothing else than the goal of reaching Aurora at the Gala. A few houses here and there caught my eye as the ponies inside them made gay entertainment out of this night. The gentle breeze hit my face as I ran to shadow to shadow. The smell of the soil and cool air ran through my nose. Train Station was a distant landmark at this point and I could see the column of smoke rising into the clear starry sky. Pulling my jacket on closer to my body, I picked up speed.

Covering ground making certain that I wasn’t spotted, I made my way to town square where the Sugarcube Corner was. my feet rolled off the dirt as I ran up to an empty alley. The feeling that I was being followed was rising the hair on the back of my neck as I neared the train Station. Before exited the alley, I spun around and looked back to see a bright green tail disappear over the top one of the buildings. The faint light of the working station behind me casted a very faint shadow against the building.

Once I regained my breath, I finally asked the pursuer, “Who are you and why are you following me?”

“Oh my… This one talks.” A voice said over the rooftops.

My mouth dropped in hearing this male voice speak. That particular voice was never to be forgotten anytime soon. “Robert?” I slowly took a step forward into the alley again.

The black bat winged pony swooped down and landed in front of me with a wide wicked grin. His mane altered in black and bright green that stood out in the darkness along with his white fanged teeth. His eye’s however were covered with a pair of dark sunglasses. “The name is Veroto Hades, human.”

“Veroto Hades? What kind of pony...Wait you know I’m human?” I asked. “How did you know?”

“So many questions to answer.” Veroto laughed with an evil chuckle before stepping a little bit closer to me. “Tell you what Chris, I’ll answer them all if you survive what's to come.”

“You tell me now! How do you know about me! And what did you mean when you said I talked…” My voice trailed off as I felt something grab ahold of my arm from behind. The shadow I casted on the wall was now larger than before. In a reaction I jerked and turned to see the assailant only to be horrified to my core. My eyes landed on the stone pegasus that nearly got me the day before. “No…” Was the only thing that came to my lips.

“Good luck, Chris. Maybe we’ll met again… if you’re still alive.” Veroto laughed again as he flew overhead. “Try not to blink!”

My heart pounded out of my chest and tears rolled down my cheeks. “No… I will not die like this.” With all my effort I kept my eyes glued to the statue and pulled my arm hard. immediately I was greeted to my appendage not moving at all as it was stuck inside of the pegasus’s stone wing. The face was just staring at me with it’s deathly silence and emotionless expression. “No! Help! Anyone!” My voice echoed into the night, but was silenced by the even louder whistle blow from the train.

Still trying not to blink I saw that ponies were now leaving to go to Canterlot. To my adding pain, my eyes landed on Aurora, Shutter and Lora boarding the train. My heart screamed out as I reached my free hand toward them. “Help me!” I yelled with all my might. In my cry I heard boxes behind me fly back as if I kicked them. My natural response caused me to look back, but I was severely wrong in doing so as my other hand was now imprisoned by the demon statue.

I shot my eyes forward to now have the pegasus in my face. Her eyeless sockets shook me to the core as I knew she was staring right into my very soul. “Oh… God…” I whimpered with fear.

My eyes burned as amazingly I managed to keep them open long enough for the realization to It hit me. I’m going to die here…

*Blink*

The Deal

I woke up with pain shooting through my body like nothing I ever felt before. Light waves of various colors surrounded me and a constant static noise that drove me to the edge of insanity echoed out into the void that I seemed to find myself in. my body tossed and turned as my head pounded hard with the palms of my hands covering my ears in hopes to reduce the sound of the loud chaotic static. Minutes seemed like days as every second dragged on for an eternity. Whilst I struggled to sit up and regain some composure, I could hear my mother’s voice calling out to me.

“Chris!? Chris where are you?!” Her voice seemed too distant for me to pinpoint, however it seemed to be all around at once also. “Chris please! Come back!”

I fumbled on the solid matter that resembled the ground in the void as the static sound in my ears became almost bearable. Crawling in a general direction, my only goal at the moment was to get to my mother's voice.

“Chris! Chris!”

Now I could hear my dad yell my name from another direction. My heart torn and mind racing I didn’t know which way to turn. I tried to yell out but my mouth felt stitched up.

“They sure seem to miss you, don’t they?” a malicious, omnipotent voice seemed to hover over my shoulder.

My heart stopped in its moment of hearing this voice as the static ceased to ring in my ears. I slowly turned my head to see a creature that could only be inside of a dream. His head was part of a goat or a horse while the rest of him was an assortment of other animals limbs. I tried to collect myself but in seeing him hover over me with his red pupils and yellow eyes I ended up yelling, “What the hell are you!?”

“Oh look who is finally awake from his slumber. It only took you like what two years to actually regain a conscience.” It slithers toward me and smiled a white grin with one large fang that seemed to find itself misplaced outside of his mouth.

My heart seemed to sink at hearing the words he spoke. “T-two years!? I've been out two years.. what of Shutter? Aurora and Thunder? Drive?”

“And don't forget the mare that seems to want her two legged human to herself… or is that really what you want, Chris?” The creature floated about glancing a smug smile toward me.

“How did you know my name?” I try to stand up but my body seemed to still be recovering from the rifts effects on me.

“Oh I know more than just your name my boy. I can tell you all about your arrival here and how it triggered a disruptive ripple in the balance of both this world's natural magic and my own. It was quite chaotic indeed.” he said the word chaotic with a small chuckle. “Anyway, it really only has been like two hours since you arrived here, but it can feel like an eternity when you have your only company asleep.”

I knew with every fiber of my being that this dude was bad news and had a feeling that made my hair's stand up I was going nowhere for sometime longer. “If you know so much, then tell me where I am and who you are.”

“Oh dear, I seem to have slipped up on one of the most important things. My introduction.” He seemed to vanish from sight and in his place a stage from a theater appeared with red velvet silk curtains and a spotlight that focused on a microphone that stood alone. “Ladies and interdimensional beings…” a deep voice of announcer echoed through the abyss. “Please put your hands, hooves, or claws together for the Spirit of Chaos. The one, the only, Discord!” An audience clapping roared up in my ears as I found myself sitting in a cushioned chair.

The large serpent like creature came onto the stage holding a suitcase and wearing a pair of shades that he immediately threw to the side and addressed the non-existing audience. “Hello one and all, it is me. Came all the way from my statue prison and it's great to be here with you all.” The sound of applause seemed to surround me from the very air itself. “So there was this bear out in the woods one day and I asked him how he could stand having that much fur during the hot days of summer. He told me that it was unbearable.” Discord read me for a reaction and all I could do is stare back feeling my senses become numb from the bad joke. “Wow… here I hoped that humans would have a better sense of humor than ponies.”

“That was bad no matter what species you are.” My opinion escaped my mouth faster than I would’ve liked and Discord of course narrowed his eyes at me in contempt.

“Despite your rude remark, I wish to make a proposal to you, Chris.”

A wave of distrust hit me and I immediately got up in hurry.

“Now now… You haven’t even listened to my offer and also unless you’re able to control the chaos magic surrounding you, you are not going anywhere fast. I suggest you sit down and listen to what I have to say.”

My legs instinctively backed away from the towering figure until I found myself tripping right into a chair that appeared from nowhere.

“Chris… what is it that you want the most?” The words he spoke like candy, sweet and trusting.

“No. like I would trust the likes of you.”

“I’m not asking you trust me. I want to know what it is that you yearn for.” his powerful lion paw landing on my shoulder as he walked past me. The footsteps he took behind me seemed to send chills up my spine. I felt his breath in my ear. “A home? A family?”

My mind seemed to go to Shutter’s family at first, thinking how they seemed to take me in so easily and accept me for me. Words couldn’t describe what it felt like to hear my father’s voice again. The embrace of their hooves seeming like my own family.
Discord broke my mental image of them as he spoke softer. “Is it Lora? To finally be with her guilt free?”

My heart skipped a beat at the mere mention of that name. “No… I can’t. It just wouldn’t be right for me to be with her.” I tried to speak reason to myself.

“Why? Why wouldn’t it be okay? I mean if it’s physical limitations, I could bestow upon you a form where you could be with her.”

“No I… I… you can?”

“Hmmhmm. I can make you whatever you desire as long as you help me. I can make it so that you and her were endlessly together and you could fit right in with your new family.”

“I...I don’t know about this” I could feel my heart being torn wanting and wishing for what Discord was offering versus keeping to who I was.

“Come on chris. I don’t make offers lightly. And to honest this is a limited time offer.” He came out from behind me and grinned.

“Even if I said yes… what are the terms of the agreement?” I knew that he wouldn’t do this without some motive.

“All I ask is that you come to visit little old me and share a kiss with that mare that you like.”

“Wait… come visit you?”

“Let me show you.” He lifted his fingers or talons and grabbed a bit of air and pulled down exposing a window like portal. Through it I could see that... It was ME asleep on a train cabin.

“What!? How can I be here and there at the same time? This is a dream?!”

Discord only chuckled at my dismay. “This all too real to be a dream. Just call it an out of body experience. Now to find me-”

“How did I make it to the train if I was-” before I could finish a lion paw reached to the corner of my mouth and zipped it up closed. “mmmmmph!”

“Do not interrupt me! It's very rude. Now as I was saying. To find moi you need to go to the Canterlot palace and make your way to the gardens of stone. There the so called benevolent ruler keeps most of her collection of sorts. She keeps one of me there because I'm sorta a celebrity to the ponies.” He smiled as made his window zoom to the Canterlot castle. “It's nice to to see how the world now and again in it's bland and boring state. But that will soon change for the better. With you Chris I'm sure we'll make the land a better place.”

“Mmmph!?” In my attempt to ask him what he meant.

“You really shouldn't mumble, no one likes a mumbler.” He closed the portal just after I got to see the garden of stone just beside of the palace. “Man that took a lot out of me.” Discord said. “But at least you know where to go with your date, right?”

Uncertainty filled my body as i knew that all of this had a bigger catch. However, I wanted to trust him. My heart seemed to yell out my wish to be closer to Laura in a natural way. My head nodded for me.

Discord smiled widely as he saw my accordance to words. “Then we have an agreement? You come with Laura to share a kiss in the stone garden and I'll transform you to better fit in this world.” using his lion paw, he reached out to shake my hand.

My mind was spinning as I locked my gaze at the paw for some time.

“Tick tock, Chris.”

I took a deep breath in and exhaled as I reached up to shake the paw and instantly the zipper covering my mouth disappeared.

“Very good to do business with you human.” Discords smile and eyes were the last thing I saw before darkness swallowed me up.

I seemed to drift in endless space, floating. Off in the distance, I could hear a train whistle as it drew closer. The clicks of the metal wheels hitting the tracks in a steady rhythm was beating in my head like a funky drum set. It grew louder as a blurry gray light slowly came into my view.

“Next stop Canterlot! All passengers prepare for departure!” The voice spoke over a speaker overhead as I began to feel the numbness of my body were off and my sight slowly return to me to see luggage surrounding me.

“I must be in the cargo car…” I groaned sitting up against a suitcase. “Damn… did… all of that really happen or is it all just a bad dream?” My head still feeling heavy leaned back against the soft fabric so I can look up to the metal and wooden ceiling. “Do I do it? Or should I just… ignore everything?”

Suddenly I could feel my hand get squeezed firmly like I was in the grasp of that lion paw. “Okay...I. I will. I will kiss her.” The pressure released. “I hope I don't regret this.”