Mind Over Matter

Credit for the editing of this chapter goes to BarracudaJoe and AwkwardTaco (whom gave me a lot of pointers.)

I will now use transitions for when to signal scene transitions. (I hope I used them in the proper spots otherwise this would be really awkward). I also feel that I kinda rushed it in the end because I just wanted to get this over with after 5 days of stressing over this crap.

During the beginning of the race, I could see Dash going at a very light pace. It took me a while to understand how she did things when she raced others. It seems that she likes to be neck and neck with her opponent first, and start to pick up speed after luring them in. I noticed this as Dash picked up a good ten feet ahead of me. I focused my energies on my stamina and speed, and I could feel myself catching up.

RainbowDash looked back and saw me speed up. She got nervous, and picked up the pace. I could almost feel myself within reach of her back hooves, but I flopped when my head started to ache and my nose began to bleed. I was pushing myself too much, and I needed to stop; but I couldn't when we were only half a mile from Ponyville. As soon as we got within mere feet of the small town, I lost focus and collided with the ground.

I felt my body roll, and bounce as it hit the hard earth. The haziness in my eyes as I opened them made me see things in a daze, and my head was rolling. My muscles started to ache as well. I managed to muster up enough strength to slowly bring myself into a sitting position with my legs crossed. I rubbed the blood from my nose with my fore arm, and held my head in my hands. The pain was just so unbearable to the point that I wish I had been unconscious.

I could hear Rainbow's voice calling out to me, but my hearing sort of suffered a bit after overexerting myself. What I was hearing were muffled words of worry from the mare's mouth. After a few moments I was able to see fine, and my nose-bleed along with my headache went away. Same goes for my hearing, which fully recovered as I fully awoke from the daze.

“Are you okay, James?” Dash asked with deep concern.

I looked up at the Pegasus hovering in front of me. I gave a weak smile and replied, “I'm fine. I just pushed myself a little too hard that’s all. ”

“I don't know. Are you sure you're going to be alright?” The Pegasus helped me up to my feet as she said this to me.

“Look its fine, Dash.” I said groaning with a hand on my head.

Rainbow shrugged, but still felt worried after seeing me eat the hard earth violently just a moment ago. “Well if you say so.”

I took a moment to take in the sight of the town. Colorful ponies going about their daily lives, and socializing with each other was one of the many things I saw. The houses seemed dated, but were made with what I think was concrete and wood...mainly wood with thatched roofs.

I also saw many Pegasus placing clouds in some areas above the town, and busting them in others. At least I think that would be the plural form for the word. I thought over that word a few times, but I decided to just stick with it.

From what Dash told me during our chat before we raced, was that the Pegasi could actually control the weather here. I guess that makes sense if you're in a world filled with magical talking ponies.

“So, what are we doing first?” I asked.

“Like I said, I'm going to introduce you to my friends.” She answered.

“So, who do we visit first?”

Dash thought for a moment. “Let's go over to Sweet Apple Acres. That's where my friend Applejack lives.”

“Okay, let's get going.” We were still at the entrance to Ponyville as we conversed.

We began to head through the town toward Sweet Apple Acres, with Dash leading the way of course. I got some awkward stares from some of the ponies as we walked into town. Many of them kept their distance, and some of them approached with interest; however it was all starting to freak me out.

“I am quite uncomfortable with these stares from the ponies that are following us.” I whispered into Dash's ear. “Can we get them to stop?”

She nodded as she began to hover in the air, and turned to the crowd. “Okay everypony nothing to see here. Just go back to do whatever it was that you were doing.”

The Pegasus mare made shooing gestures with her hooves as she told the crowd. The crowd of ponies began to murmur, and speak amongst each other as they dispersed. They seemed disappointed; but to be honest, I wasn't comfortable with being followed or stared at like that.

Well it looks like I'm going to be the talk of the town. I started to think to myself as we made our way to a large farm with apple trees laid out all over the place. The plantation looked like it went on for miles.

“That's one huge apple orchard.” I commented with my eyes widened.

Dash didn't respond as she began to fly over to an orange pony sleeping under an apple tree. The pony's back was slumped up against the base of the tree, with its hat covering its face. This one's rear had a picture of three apples on it after inspecting it thoroughly.

Rainbow Dash tapped the orange pony on the shoulder with a hoof. “Hey, Applejack, wake up.”

The orange pony, now named Applejack, let out a yawn, took off the hat off and stared up at the cyan Pegasus, then greeted her, “Well howdy, Rainbow Dash? What can Ah' do ya for?”

Well I see that she has quite the southern accent. It was...just adorable, I pondered, well then again, the more I begin to look at these ponies, and they all seem adorable. Who could hate them? My thoughts ran through my head, one right after the other.

Dash brought a hoof behind her head and scratched it. “Well, there is some...body, I'd like you to meet.” She said pointing a hoof in my direction.

The orange mare was confused for a moment. She looked over in my direction and then an awkward silence kicked in.

It was about a good couple of minutes before Applejack broke the silence, “So, who or what is that thing, Rainbow?”

“I think it'd be better if he explained.” Dash replied.

The Pegasus motioned me to come over and introduce myself. I wanted to be very cautious as to not to cause any sort of ruckus. I walked a few steps until it was close enough, but not too close. I held up an arm and wiggled my fingers as if trying to say “hello” through non-verbal means.

“Oh, for the love of...just introduce yourself.” Dash sounded pretty annoyed. Hey I couldn't help it if I was trying to be careful.

Applejack gave me a stare, and lowered one brow while keeping the other risen. I could sense that she wasn't going to let any more of her time be wasted; so I spoke up, “My name's James Phillips, and I'm a human.”

Applejack got on all fours, and put her hat on. She circled me as if inspecting me, and making sure I wasn't harmful. “Are ya' sure you ain't some kind of monster?”

“Y-yes. I am sure that I’m not a monster.”

“Ah' don't know, Rainbow.” The orange mare spoke up, “If I were you, Ah' would keep an eye on it.”

“Don't call me it!” I shot Applejack a glare.

“I'm sorry, but you just don't look exactly the friendly kind.”

“If you would give me a chance, then I'm sure you would change your mi-” I was cut off by the orange pony.

“Now Ah' didn't say I wouldn't give y'all a chance.” She stated. “I'm just being cautious that’s all.”

I turned to Rainbow Dash who just shrugged. Well, I'm sure in due time she'll come to accept me as a friend; however, I wasn't going to leave without knowing if she had any questions.

“Oh by the way...” I began, “Do you have any questions you want answered?”

The earthbound pony pondered for a moment. She opened her mouth to speak when she had the question, and asked, “Is there anything about you in particular that Ah' should know about?”

“Well, just this.” I answered.

I messaged my temples a bit to loosen some tension between my blood vessels, and nerves. I held out both arms, and aimed my psions at a handful of apple trees. I noticed some buckets lying underneath them. I used my hands to motion the apples be plucked from the trees, and put into the wooden buckets, about eight or nine buckets were filled.

Applejack's jaw dropped and her eyes were the widened. She was in utter shock from what she saw. “W-was that magic?!”

“Nope.” I replied.

“Then what was that?” Applejack's mouth was still agape from shock.

“This is what I call Psions, or Psychokinesis as it is sometimes called.” I wasn't being smug about it, but I had to do something to prove my worth to this pony.

Applejack shook her head. “Well, Ah’ll be...that's some mighty fine talent you got there.”

Rainbow Dash chimed in, “Yeah, and he can do a lot more. I'm sure he can show you later though. I still need to introduce him to the others.”

Applejack looked over at me and held out a hoof for me to shake. I extended my hand out and grabbed her hoof, and shook her hoof.

“Nice meeting you miss...Applejack. Correct?” I said as we broke the shake.

“You don't have to call me miss. Just Applejack will do.” Applejack had a smile on her face.

Rainbow Dash and I turned around to head back to town. We were barely a few steps when Dash's eyes popped open widely, and rushed back over to Applejack. I heard them talking for about a minute, but I couldn't hear them due to their lowered voices. The Pegasus flew back over to me and let out a relaxing breath. We continued making our way back into town.

“So, what was that all about?” I asked.

“Well...s-she...” Dash was stuttering. She took a deep breath and exhaled. “AJ still sort of has her doubts about you.”

“Why?” I wasn't very surprised at this, but I would like a valid reason.

“How to put it...” The winged mare thought deeply about how to answer my question. “She still thinks you’re some kind of dangerous monster. It wasn't just that you used those cool powers of yours, but AJ wants to keep a safe distance until she can fully trust you. She's not sure if you're not totally dangerous yet.”

“I am going to assume that it's because I am a creature that she has never seen before and also because I am not a species native to this world.” I replied.

Rainbow Dash reassured me with her next statement, “Hey, when we first met Zecora, we were all scared and freaked out by her appearance. We eventually learned to accept her, sort of, and I am sure my friends will do the same for you...”

“But what?” I anticipated more words to come from her mouth.

“But, I think because that you're not like us, or Zecora, it's going to take a little more time for the rest of us to get used to you. I'll admit though, I-I'm still a bit uneasy around you myself.” The mare gave a sheepish grin.

“Understandable.” I replied.

“Really? You're not going to go off on me even though I don't exactly trust you completely myself?” Dash was very confused.

“Well, I have a feeling that somewhere in that conscience of yours, I am being judged rather harshly; however, I don't hold it against you.” I shrugged during my reply.

“So, even though we still have some...doubts, you're still going to trust us?”

“I need to if I am to survive in a place I've never been to.”

“Well in that case, I kind of convinced Applejack to let you come camping with us.” Dash smiled sheepishly.

“But how?” Applejack must be the one in charge of the camping trip. I immediately thought.

“Well, I just told her that it would be a good opportunity to know you more.” She answered.

A sigh escaped my breath as we exited Sweet Apple Acres, and we continued to talk.

*****

Our conversation went on for quite a while, but we stopped when we re-entered Ponyville. I got those awkward stares again, and some of the ponies actually locked themselves inside their houses; while others either kept their distance, or stared with interest. At this point I decided to ignore it all as I would have to get used to it sooner or later.

The next pony that I got to know was quite...quirky? Yeah that's what came to mind at that moment. A pink pony with a puffy, slightly darker, pink mane and blue eyes popped in front of my face out of nowhere upon arriving in a part of the town known as, Sugarcube Corner. What happened next was something I could never really explain.

“So...uh...hi?” I faked a smile.

The pink pony then quickly replied with the most rapid voice ever, “HimynameisPinkiePieandyoumustbenewaroundherewhat'syourname!?”

I didn't even move my mouth to form words. Rainbow Dash just chuckled, while I was mind blown. I slowly started to introduce myself to the mare now known as Pinkie Pie, “My name is James Phillips and-” I was cut off immediately by the crazy pony.

“Let me guess! You're from another world but then got brought here after using your mind powers for reasons you can't remember because upon arriving here in Equestria your memory got jumbled up?” She was jumping around as she said all of this without taking a breath. Pinkie Pie then gave me a huge ear to ear smile.

I was flabbergasted, “How did you know all that?”

“Just a hunch!” She quickly replied.

“Anything else I should know about you?” I asked quizzically, raising a brow.

She thought for a moment and opened her mouth to speak, “Not really. Unless the author wants to make that happen, I don't really have a say in the matter!”

“Wait who?” Dash and I said in unison.

“You know, JakeTheBrony! The guy who is writing the story we’re in.” She continued to smile.

RainbowDash and I were very confused; although I had a slight feeling I knew what Pinkie Pie was doing at this point. There was no sense in questioning her now as Rainbow Dash just told me it was just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie.

I was actually quite scared of the pink pony now because she just did THAT right in front of me. How could the other ponies be so comfortable with her breaking that kind of boundary? I decided not to question it any further as the mind blow I just experienced would drive me to insanity.

After everything was settled, Pinkie Pie was gone into nothingness. I heard her mention something about a welcoming party. Okay that pony only had met me and she isn't uncomfortable about me the slightest bit? Well, maybe she is, and she just isn't showing it.

*****

RainbowDash and I continued through town until we conveniently met up with a light-yellow colored pony with blue eyes, and a light pink mane and tail. I looked at her rear, and saw three butterflies marked on it. Okay...I need to figure out what these are called later, but it's not on the top of my list of priorities so I'll just let it go for now.

I looked at the pony as if she were the most adorable thing ever. Actually she was the most adorable thing ever! Is!

“Uh...um...can I help you?” She sounded very timid, and...shy?

Rainbow Dash landed next to her and introduced us to each other. “This is my friend Fluttershy. Fluttershy, this is James.”

“Oh...well it's nice to meet you...if you don't mind.” Her voice was very soft. Did she always talk like this?

“It's fine.” I said waving my hand dismissively.

“You look pretty scary.”

“Well, I hope that will come to pass soon, and then we can be friends.” I said giving her a smile. I could never get mad at something as adorable as her. It would be...just downright evil!

“Are you sure you don't mind? I mean...a lot of the ponies here seem to be very suspicious of you.” Fluttershy seemed to have a bit of concern to her tone.

“Hey, it's perfectly normal for them to have fear. Dash here told me about some pony named Zecora.” I began. “I guess sometimes old habits tend to stick around for a while; but I don't mind. They're just trying to take safety precautions from what I see.”

“You're not even offended by it?” Shy's voice retained its soft tone.

“Do I have to be?” I retorted.

“I-I guess not...”

“I don't have any ills if you are not comfortable with being friends right away. We'll get to know each other soon enough and this thing will sort itself out.” I thought about those words, and realized how easy I made it sound. It's going to be hell trying to get to know these ponies.

RainbowDash decided to chime into the conversation after hearing me and Shy talking, “Okay that's cool n' all. So, what brings you into town, Fluttershy?”

“Oh, yeah...right. Um...I came into town to buy some food for my pets is all. What? Did I do something wrong?” Fluttershy lowered her head with her ears down. There was an audible squeak, but I found it adorable.

“What n-n-n-n-no, not at all.” Dash answered.

After a few more words with Fluttershy we continued making our way through the town.

“Now, all there is now is to introduce you to Twilight and Rarity; however, Rarity can wait until the camping starts. I'm that they're getting ready by now, and they're supposed to meet me at their first camping sight.” Dash explained.

“Let's get this over with then.” I let out a breath I didn't know I had.

Thinking back on Sugarcube Corner, the houses looked different. Gingerbread houses covered most of the area. Quite interesting, and...well, delicious if you know what I mean. Eh, now I am just fantasizing about eating gingerbread, but I don't want to waste any more time thinking about it.

*****

At the edge of the town we came by a tree house looking structure. I inspected the tree a little more closely, and noticed windows, and a balcony with a telescope mounted onto the railing that it supported. I looked over at the door and saw Rainbow knock on it. The door opened and a lavender pony with a horn and a mark on her rear which looked like a pink star with sparkles surrounding it came out. It came to my attention that this one was also a mare. Her mane was a dark purple with a pink streak; same goes for the color of her tale.

I have been taking mental notes lately on these marks. Especially on the pink ones mark which happened to be blue and yellow balloons. They must symbolize something, but I wouldn't bother asking about it until the subject was brought up.

When the lavender pony looked up at me after being greeted by Rainbow Dash, her eyebrows furrowed. This is not a good sign. She just stood there scowling at me, as if I did something wrong.

“RainbowDash, what is that...thing?” I heard her stress the word 'thing'.

Rainbow Dash put on a weak smile, and took a big gulp of saliva in her throat under the pressure. “T-this is James...Phillips.”

Why is Dash scared of this pony? Scared may not be the appropriate word for this situation, but she was nervous as to how judgmental Twilight was being with her facial expressions.

“Okay, that doesn't exactly answer my question. What is that thing?” She said that damned word again.

“Stop calling me thing! I'm a human!” I exclaimed. I was pretty frustrated with how I kept being called a thing.

“Y-yeah, he's a human. I saw a flash of light in one of the fields just outside Ponyville before I fell asleep on a cloud after finishing a few weather jobs I had to get done.” Dash explained. “So, I went to go check it out, and it turns out that James appeared from it.”

“Have you been introducing him to our friends?” This mare was quite the curious one.

Dash gave a nod. “Yes...yes I have.”

“Did he harm any of them? Because if he did, I'd have to report him to the princess.”

Oh of course you would! I shouted in my head. Cause I haven't been a good little boy all day right? Jesus Fucking Christ!

“N-no, he didn't harm anypony. He's been on his best behavior!” Rainbow Dash said in my defense.

The lavender unicorn came up to inspect me further. Oh God...here come the questions.

“So...human, what do you eat?”

My score: 1; Life: 0 Ha-ha take that. “I eat both plants and meat.”

The eating meat part caught her attention, “Do you eat ponies?”

“FU...I-I mean no...no I don't.” I answered. Before she bombarded me with another question I decided to ask for her name, “What is your name by the way?”

“My name is Twilight Sparkle. I run the library you see right before you, as well as live in it.” She answered. “Now, Dash mentioned something about a flash of light. Were you the cause of it?”

“If you mean that I made it happen, no; or at least I don't think I caused it.” I explained as best I could. “All I know is that it took me here to Equestria, as you ponies call your nation.”

Twilight looked deep into my eyes as if trying to see if I was lying or not. She trotted back over to her library and opened the door with a purple glow. I observed carefully and deducted that this was that magic that Rainbow told me about. She turned around to address me.

“Rainbow Dash will be keeping an eye on you to make sure you're on your best behavior.” Twilight began to speak with a direct tone. “I would also like to ask you more questions later so I can send a proper report to Princess Celestia; so don't get into any trouble.”

“So...I guess I'm good for now right?” I questioned.

“Well for now, yes.” The unicorn answered.

She turned back around and closed the door. This introduction wasn't very eventful, but I happen to be thankful that something didn't go awry.

RainbowDash walked up to me with nerve-wrecked expression. I looked at her quizzically. “Are you nervous about something, Rainbow Dash?”

“Well I want to know what you think of my friends so far. I mean, I know I haven't introduced you to Rarity yet, but I think it's a little late to meet her at her place right now.” She replied.

“Why would you ask for my opinion on your friends? It doesn't matter what I think of them.” I debated, “What matters is what they think of me. I'm the stranger around here.”

“I-I guess you're right.” Dash's head hung low with her ears down.

Silence filled the air for a bit until I broke it, “Hey, we still have that camping trip that's supposed to happen later. That get our minds off of this.”

Her ears perked up, and a smile brightened her face. “Oh, that's right. It's already in the middle of the afternoon. We'd better get there before we're late.”

“Where is this camping trip taking place exactly?” I asked.

“It was just in some woods outside Ponyville. Just follow me and we'll be there in no time!” Dash said with enthusiasm.

*****

We arrived at the woods just outside of town after about twenty minutes, and there we saw a familiar orange mare, and some other ponies I never met.

“There you are, you two.” Applejack addressed me and Dash. “So, are y'all ready for some campin’?”

“Yeah, we're ready.” Rainbow Dash replied. “I'll go on ahead and wait for you guys at the first campsite.”

Dash took off in a blue blur. I noticed that I got some stares from a couple of fillies except for the third one who watched in admiration of the cyan mare taking off. I noticed one in particular unicorn with a white coat, a styled purple mane and tail, and three diamonds marked on her rear.

That must be Rarity I presume? I thought.

Every pony was looking at me with the face of discomfort. This is going to be a good camping trip...I can tell.