Heart Of Gold

Catching up to Celestia as she left the hospital Derick finally got a few of the world he was going to be calling home. Looking around it seemed almost like it was out of a cartoon. Vibrant colors everywhere small clouds that seemed almost intentionally placed. A cheery atmosphere as he noticed ponies of all colors littering the streets enjoying the day.

All in all it looked like a happy little town, and to someone like Derick that was perfectly fine. He had already seen too much war death anger and hatred in his old life, all of which seemed to be nowhere in sight in what he was already starting to think of as his new home.

“So you said that I would be staying with you student here in town is that correct?”

“Yes that is correct, her name is Twilight Sparkle, and she is my gifted protégé. She lives here in ponyville at the local library, if you would like we could head there now and let you two meet. She should be waiting there for our arrival since I visited here earlier today and told arranged for you to stay there.”

“Oh, Ok that sounds uh nice.”

“Does something not please you with this arrangement? You sound worried.”

“OH sorry it’s not that I’m worried or anything, I sure she is a great person, uh pony. But I don’t want to feel like I’m imposing, after all who would say no to a princess if they asked to let someone stay with them.”

Once again the natural kindness that radiated from the princess showed from her face as she turned to look at Derick. “Ahh I understand, you think that you will be imposing upon twilight as a Burdon since you will be living with her before meeting her. That is perfectly understandable, but to be perfectly honest she herself volunteered to let you stay here as long as I deemed you a good and kind person. And just from spending the last hour conversing with you I believe she will enjoy your company. She came to ponyville around a year ago to learn about making friends and has taken many lessons on the subject to heart. And I believe that you will become another member of her close friends. Are you still worried about the arrangements?”

“Not nearly as much now, thank you for everything you have done today, never in my life have I met such kind people. I arrive in a strange world and already feel more comfortable here than home, and I’ve been shown more kindness by you alone than I have in years back home. And after everything you have told me I can’t wait to meet this Mrs. Sparkle.”

“Well you opportunity is sooner than you think, the library is just around the corner.”

‘Alright goes nothing, time to meet my new uhh I guess roommate would be the word for it. Although I’m still a guest in her home, well I’ll just have to make the best of it no matter what happens.’

Reaching the door the princess knocked, several moment later the door opened revealing a small purple and green dragon.

‘Hmm well the princess told me there were dragons here. Although this isn’t what I expected, he must be very young to be so small. Might as well introduce myself and try to fit in at least. I doubt anything is really going to surprise me from now on though. Pretty hard to get surprised after surviving a nuke, landing in a pony world. Meeting a Princess Alicorn and seeing a dragon. Within 24 hours of being conscious to boot.’

Kneeling down to get closer to the small dragon Derick held out a hand. “Hello my names Derick it’s a pleasure to meet you, I’ve never met a dragon before.”

The small dragon just stood there for a second looking at his hand before shrugging his shoulders as if to say ‘why not’ and grabbed his hand. “The names spike, I’m guessing you’re the guest that Twilight has been talking about?”

Nodding his head to answer Derick stood back up “Yes I am is she around?”

Spike simply nodded as he stared at Derick “Dang you’re huge! You’re almost as tall as the princess! You seem alright but I have no idea where you’re going to sleep, your way too tall for any of the furniture here. Oh sorry lemme go get Twilight for you.” He rambled before turning to run up the stairs.

Looking at Celestia Derick gave her a look that just said ‘uhh what just happened’

Giving another regal chuckle the princes spoke “Oh don’t mind spike, he lives here with Twilight as her assistant, they are very close since it was Twilights magic that hatched him, he is very smart for his age but he is still very young so pardon his antics.”

Nodding to himself he followed Celestia into the library to wait for Twilight.

After a minute he heard the sound of hooves coming down the staircase, a second later a lite purple unicorn with a dark blue mane that had a pink and purple stripe running through it. Reaching the bottom of the stairs she looked up at Derick for a moment then to the Princess.

“Welcome back princess, I’m assuming this is who will be staying here for a while?”

She spoke calmly and with calculated precise wording Derick noted. But underneath it he could hear what he could’ve sworn was an excitement, why would she be excited to have a complete stranger come live with her?

“Yes Twilight, this is Derick he arrived in ponyville a few weeks ago injured by unknown circumstances. From what I can tell he is a very kind individual and I believe you will get along fine. I’m sorry though I have been away from the castle for far too long already, I just had enough time to escort him here, I would love to stay and introduce you two further but I must be leaving.”

Twilight simply nodded to her “I understand princess, you are very busy after all. Thank you for visiting.”

Nodding back Celestia and twilight left the building to say farewell, leaving Derick alone in the house.

‘Well this is awkward, I have no idea what to say. I’ve only ever talked to three ponies and now I’m in one’s home as a long term guest and I haven’t even introduced myself personally. Atleast she seems very friendly I’m sure things will go smoothly.’

Hi thaught were interrupted though as Twilight reentered the building. She had what looked like a genuine friendly smile that helped Derick relax slightly. ‘Yes at least she seems very friendly that’s a good thing.’

“So your name was Derick correct? My name is Twilight Sparkle, it’s a pleasure to meet you, and I have to admit I’m kind of excited to have you around. I’ve never met a human before, I just know I can learn so much from you. Like what other humans are like and about where you’re from, there’s just so many questions I have.” Looking at Derick she noticed the strange look on his face like ‘uhh what?’

“Oh I’m sorry I didn’t mean to ramble on like that it was rude of me, I just get excited with the possibility of learning new things.”

Derick just chuckled to himself, she reminded him of himself when he was younger, back when he was a child he split almost all of his time to either studying or working out. It fit with his ideals of improving himself however he could. ‘Heh a lot of good that did me, I still couldn’t save so many people despite all that work.’

“It’s all good, I understand your curiosity, I tend to like to look into and learn all about new things as well, besides if I’m going to be living here for a while I’m sure you will have all the time you want to question me.”

“Yea your right, I’m sorry I just got so excited, I doubt you want to just answer my questions all day. I mean you just arrived here, I know how about we go out and I show you around? I’m sure my friends would love to meet you as well.”

Standing up Derick stretched out getting ready to head out hearing her suggestion. “You know that doesn’t sound like a bad idea Mrs. Sparkle. I would love to see the town and meet some of the other ponies.”

He did however notice Twilight keeping both eyes on him as he stretched though, and he could notice red creeping in to mix with the purple of her face as his shirt pulled tighter. ‘Hehe man these ponies are suckers for a six pack. I may have a fan club at this rate, but then again I had one back on earth a few years ago. It gets pretty irritating after a while.’

Twilight finally seemed to get the blush under control before speaking “Please just call me Twilight, all my friends do, so you ready to head out? We should stop and see my friends, Pinkie will be Pinkie the moment she sees you I’m sure, you’ll see what I mean later. And Rarity will probably be taking measurements of you seconds after entering the door. But I’m sure you will like them all.”

‘I’m pretty certain part of what she just said was meant as something else but sounded kind of awkward.’

“Uhh Twilight, when you say your friend would take my measurements is there something I should be prepared for?” he asked in a slightly innocent tone.

Missing his meaning at first “Oh nothing she will probably just”… but then she thaught about it for a second before turning beat red. “OHMYGOD that is not what I meant and you know it. But just for that remark I’m going to leave you wondering.” Turning her head away with a slight Humph in a pouty tone.

‘Oh I am going to have fun here teasing these innocent little ponies’ Derick chuckled to himself before following twilight out of the library.

After following for a few minutes through town and just chatting with his new roommate Derick her a load gasp behind him, turning he saw a pink pony with a… well the only way he could think to describe it is a poufy inflated mane. She gasped in an incredibly exaggerated manner even standing up on her hind legs. Before suddenly vanishing in blinding speed leaving behind an afterimage of herself for a second that slowly faded.

“Uhh Twilight, what did I just witness. And how did it break the laws of physics.”

Giggling to herself she answered innocently. “Oh just a local ponies acting like themselves, trust me it’s not a big deal you’ll definitely find out more about her later. Well since we are in town and the other two stops I wanted to go to are outside near the everfree forest how about we visit Rarity first, her house is just down the road.”

“Sounds good to me, you in charge I’m just following since I don’t know my way around.”

And the pair continued to chat for another minute until a building came into view that Derick could barely describe. It was two stories, and looked like the second story was made to look like a small carousel on the outside. And everywhere on the building was decorated and or designed in some way with patterns ribbons curtains you name it. It looked like the house of someone who wanted to project an image in his opinion.

Reaching the door Twilight knocked, a few seconds later a white unicorn with a beautifully flowing elegant purplish blue man and tail answered the door. Derick instantly noticed how her mane and coat were completely spotlessly clean to where they almost shined. On her flank were several small diamond markings. ‘Well I hit the nail on the head with the appearance thing. But if she is a friend of Twilights I’m sure she is a very nice pony.’

“Hey rarity I came by to introduce you to someone. He mysteriously appeared in ponyville with nothing but the clothes on his back. So I want you to help him feel welcome.”

Hearing her words rarity strode out to introduce herself before finally looking at Derick and taking his appearance in. seeing him he noticed her jaw ever so slightly start to lower before she snapped out of it and a small grin took its place. It wasn’t sinister or plotting but it was very curious. It honestly kind of scared him a bit.

Finally gathering words it seemed she started talking in a load and embellished but very refined tone.

“Oh my poor dear, it has to be terrible being in a strange place, and with nothing but your clothes.”

Chuckling to himself he thaught he would throw in a curveball just to spice things up a bit, he always was one to feed the flames so they say. It didn’t help his mouth ran before his mind most of the time.

“Actually Mrs. Rarity when I arrived all my clothes were destroyed, I would’ve been walking around in the buck if Princess Celestia hadn’t used her magic to create these ones.”

He let his comment sink in for a few seconds. He could see her processing the words as her eyes travelled up then down then up again before a very small tint of pink flashed and was hidden again.

‘Oh I’m going to have a lot of fun here causing a bit of trouble hehe. And I’m still curious what Twilight said about measurements, so might as well fan the flames.’

“Like what you see?”

“Uh h… wait no I mean yes. What I mean is Darling you absolutely must come in those clothes compliment your physique but I absolutely won’t allow you to walk around in those for forever. I can’t wait to create a masterpiece for you to show off to the whole world!” not a moment later he felt himself pulled into the building and saw measuring tapes flying out of nowhere going up and down every part of his body. ‘Huh guess what she said by measurements was literal. She must be a clothing designer from everything in here, there’s bolts of cloth and posy shaped mannequins, Yup definitely a designer.

Smirking to himself he decided to continue to push his luck with his comments. “Well I suppose I could let you, I mean how could I say no to such a beautiful and Elegant Lady such as yourself.” The words making rarity blush again even harder as she tried to focus on her work. “But In the end I must decline for now seeing as I just arrived here with nothing I couldn’t possibly expect to pay you for any of your work. Maybe when I have a j.”

Seeming to have snapped out of her blush rarity spoke up cutting him off. “Oh no no no darling I simply must insist. I could never let someone arrive and not even have a change of clean clothing. I would be honored to make you an outfit befitting such a handsome stallion err well whatever you are darling. And do not even think of paying this one is on the house.”

Her generosity honestly caught him by surprise. He was used to his world where if someone didn’t have money they would starve to death without a second glance, he of course didn’t believe like that since he and his mother rest her soul used to act out just to help others.

“That is awfully kind of you Mrs. Rarity, I’m truly happy to have met such a kind and generous person here. Where I’m from most people would let you starve to death if you didn’t have money. My mother raised me better than that though I used to always volunteer for the less fortunate, although there were far too many people who just ignored them. I’m glad there are such kind people in this world.”

Nearly swooning at his praise to her she simply walked it off to maintain her graceful demeanor. “Don’t think nothing of it. It’s the least I could do for you, simply think of it as a welcome to ponyville gift. Thinking of such do you have a place to stay yet? I would hate to think of you being out in the cold when there is an empty room here for you if you need it.”

These words caught him by complete surprise and nearly choked him up in tears. And he instantly regretted any negative thoughts he had first had seeing the house and thinking merely a simple image obsessed person lived here. “Wow that is one of the most generous things anyone has ever offered me. But once again I must decline, I have already been arranged to stay at the library by both your princess and Twilight. I will not forget your offer though and will find a way to thank you for it.”

“Oh psh think not another thaught, I could never let someone simply stay out in the cold. Now I’m sorry to say but I have finished your measurements and am extremely eager to try some things out. I have never attempted to make clothing for a… I’m sorry not to be rude asking but I never did catch what you actually are my dear, I’ve never seen a creature quite like you before.”

“I am a human, I’m not from this world. And I honestly don’t quite know how I got here, but if everyone else leaves even a fraction of the impression you did on me I’m already glad I’m here.”

“Oh you do know how to sweet talk a lady don’t you Mr. Derick. I do believe we will make great friends in time.”

“Please just call me Derick.”

“Then you must simply call me Rarity, after all we are friends already. Now please I want to get started on your fabulous new ensemble. It was a great pleasure to meet you and I do hope to see you again, perhaps tomorrow you could stop by and try out some clothing ill make for you.”

“It would be my honor rarity.”

After finishing up their goodbyes and leaving the shop Twilight lead Derick through town to the other side. After a while they started walking down a country path just outside of town. There was a small park nearby with a jungle gym and ducks in a pond. It was a very peaceful area and he enjoyed it immensely.

Breaking the silence twilight spoke up. “So you and rarity appear to of hit it off rather well.”

“Yea, in my days I have never met a more generous or kind person. It honestly surprised me because with her house and her personal appearance I would’ve guessed a completely different personality.”

Twilight had to just nod in agreement before speaking. “Yeah I could definitely see how you would think that. She is obsessed with her appearance and everything as she would call it fabulous but she has a very pure and generous heart and is who she truly is. Oh and thinking of my friends here we are at our next stop.

Taking in the surroundings I was stunned, it was like a natural zoo. Birdhouses hung from everywhere in the trees, there was a small river running past with all sorts of fish swimming. Bunnies, birds, chickens, turtles, and even a flamingo could be seen nearby. “Wow” was all I could say.

“I must warn you though. Fluttershy is extremely shy so just don’t do anything to startle her.”

Reaching the house twilight knocked on the door, and a few moments later it opened revealing a very timid looking Pegasus. She had a mellow yellow coat and a soft pink mane. And on her flank was a set of butterflies. I instantly knew that just from her appearance and how her mane hung to hide part of her face that she would naturally be a very shy and timid pony.

“Hello Fluttershy it’s great to see you.”

The yellow Pegasus spoke back her voice barely above a whisper but it was very soft and smooth and kind sounding.

“Oh hello twilight yes it is good to see you too.” But then she noticed me standing behind Twilight and seemed to shrink back and hide even more behind here mane. I could swear I even heard a scared whimper escape her as well. ‘Wow she really is shy.’

Taking it in stride Twilight continued “oh I see you noticed Derick. He is new here in ponyville. I know he may look a little strange but he is very kind and wanted to introduce you.”

The protective and caring part of me kicked in immediately. I have no idea why but I just felt the need to protect and care for this Pegasus. Kneeling down to get closer to her height I softened my face and put on the kindest smile I could. “Hello Fluttershy I’m Derick, sorry if I scared you a little bit I know I’m pretty big. But I mean you no harm I’m just trying to make some friends since I’m going to be staying here.”

Fluttershy perked up slightly and a bit of her fear melted away but she was still timid of me from the looks of it, but then again she looked that way talking to twilight and they were apparently close friends so I just brushed it off. Standing up she walked over to me. “It’s good to meet you Derick, but what are you I know every creature from around here and I’ve never seen anything like you before. Unless you’re from the everfree forest but you seem much to kind to be from there everything in there is very mean and scary. Unless you actually are oh my gosh I’m sorry I didn’t mean to call you scary or mean.” And she seemed to shrink back again in a mix of shame and fear. It honestly broke my heart a bit that I scared her just from my appearance, I wish I could look nicer to her she seemed nice. But I must seem like a giant and my large build definitely didn’t help in this situation.

“It’s quite alright, and no I’m not from the forest. I’m from another world, I’m a human.”

At the mention of human all fear seemed to vanish and she seemed to suddenly grow slightly bolder.

“Wow a human, I’ve never met a human before. I would love to learn more about you I know almost everything about all creatures. And humans were thaught to be only myths and foals tales. Are all humans as big as you? You’re very large but seem very friendly and kind.”

‘Heh guess her love of animals won out from being scared of me. Guess I’ll just play along for now maybe throw in a few bits to help her relax around me.’ “No I’m pretty big for a human most humans are less than six feet tall. And my build is considerably larger than most humans, some would almost call me a freak but I take pride in my size because it makes protecting those close to me that much easier.” ‘Better not let the part about how I’ve always failed though slip. Lord knows she might just hate me then.’

Just then though I felt a something small hit my leg. Looking down I saw a small bunny tapping its foot and what looked to be pushing me away. “Did I just get kicked by a bunny?”

That caught Fluttershy attention immediately. “Oh angel why would you do that, Mr. Derick has been very kind you wouldn’t want to anger him now would you?”

The bunny just seemed to ignore her instead hopping between myself and Fluttershy before crossing its arms and tapping its foot. I swear the look on its face almost said you want a piece of me?

“It’s quite alright Fluttershy he just seems very protective of you. He kind of reminds me of myself wanting to protect those closest to him.” Reaching out my hand toward the bunny slowly I spoke “its ok little guy I’m not here to hurt anybody. And I’m very impressed by your bravery standing up to someone bigger to protect your friend.”

The comment seemed to boost the rabbit’s bunny’s pride before it changed from an angry look to one that said that’s right I don’t let anyone mess with me or Fluttershy. He seemed to be passive enough when I reached out though and let me pet its head for a second before hopping away into the house.

Fluttershy soft voice picked up again in an apologetic tone. “I’m very sorry about angel he gets pretty protective.”

“It’s quite alright Fluttershy I’m proud of him for defending you.”

A tapping noise could be heard from the inside the house now and it seemed to be getting louder.

“Oh it must be angels lunch time, and that means I have to feed the other animals as well. It was very nice to meet you Derick.”

“Likewise, it was nice meeting you too Fluttershy, I’ll let you get to the animals, wouldn’t want to let any of them go hungry now would we.” I chuckled with a wink before stepping back. “She waved us good bye before stepping back into the house and shutting the door.

As we turned to leave Twilight spoke up for the first time since arriving “You seem to be getting along with every pony here, I’m impressed Fluttershy took a liking to you so quick. The first time I met her I couldn’t even get her to tell me her name before she almost started crying.”

“Well thanks to your warning I was able to prepare myself for her shyness. She I s a very gentle and kind pony I can already tell.”

“You hit the nail right on the head, Fluttershy is probably the kindest pony you will ever meet.”

It was at this time that I noticed our surroundings had transformed into an apple orchard with apple trees as far as the eye could see. Off in the distance I noticed an orange pony with a blonde ponytail main that was wearing a cowboy hat. Watching her for a minute she dashed up to a tree before spinning and bucking it causing the apples to fall.

“That’s applejack, she’s the net of our introductions. All these trees are part of her family apple farm sweet apple acres.”

Noticing us approaching Apple jack started walking on over before calling out. “Howdy Twilight, nice seeing ya. And how might yer friend be he’s a might biggun. Names applejack pleasure to meetcha.”

This was a pony that I could tell I was going to get along with. From the looks of it she was a hard worker and cut right to the chase. “Names Derick, I just arrived here and Twilight is showing my around and introducing me to her friends.”

“Well it’s a pleasure to meetcha Derick uhh if you don’t mind me askin tho what are ya? Yur definitely not a pony that’s fur Shure.”

I had a feeling this was going to be an awfully repeated question in the next few days.

“I’m a human, don’t really know how I ended up here from my home world but its definitely nice here. And a pleasure to meet all you nice pony folk.” ‘Did I just say folk? I’ve been talking to this pony for 10 seconds and I’m already starting to use a southern tongue wow I got comfy around her quick.’

“Wow a human I thaught they were simply a foals tale, well anyways it was mighty nice to meetcha but I need to get caught up. We have a huge harvest going on and I need to stay busy iffin I want to finish for the sun sets.”

“Well maybe I could give ya a hand? I’m new here and ifn you don’t mind an extra set of hands I could use making a few dollars.”

This offer caught her for a moment before she replied. “I don’t quite know what a dollar is but I’m guessing wherever your from that’s money. Here we use bits, we could always use a spare hand as well iffin you wanna help out. Your pay won’t be that great but I’d love to help ya out iffin yer willin to work. And from the looks of it ya got plenty o muscle to spare.”

Nodding to applejack I turned to twilight. “Hey twilight you don’t need to hang around if you don’t want, I know the way back already and can meet ya back at the library later. This way I can have some money so you don’t have buy my food as well as provide a roof over my head. Besides I could use the workout after the last few weeks of lying in bed.”

Twilight smiled and nodded back to me. “Sure sounds like a plan, don’t work too hard though there’s something else we need to need do later and I don’t need you dead tired.” After saying that she looked over at Applejack before mouthing something that looked like the word pink. And after seeing that I caught a knowing wink from applejack.

‘Hmm something’s going on. Oh well I’m know it’s not going to be anything bad so might as well ignore it and play along.’

“So I’ll see ya in a few hours back at the library Derick.” And with that she turned and started the walk home.

Looking back at applejack I rubbed my hands together before asking. “Alright what’s first can’t wait to get started.”

“Well we need to buck the apples from the trees and carry the baskets back to the barn o’er yonder. I reckon you can help carry the apples back to help save time on trips”

Following applejack to a patch of trees she reared up again and gave the tree a good buck causing all but a few apples to fall off the tree.

“Oh tarnation’s there always has to be a few stubborn apples in the bunch.”

Looking up the apples were pretty high up. It just had to be the largest tree around that I could see the lowest branch was probably a good 12 feet high. But looked thick and strong so I had an idea.

“Don’t worry AJ I got this.” Before I took off running at the tree. Right before running into it I jumped planting a foot jumping back off the tree before spinning and catching the branch and hauling myself up. Grabbing the few apples I dropped them down into the baskets below before dropping from the branch back down to the ground.”

Applejack just stood there in amazement, before it broke “Now that was just showin off.”

Chuckling to myself “Well maybe a little but I will admit it feels good to be moving around and using my muscles again. Oh and I hope you didn’t mind me calling you AJ Apple jack just seems kinda like a mouthful.”

“Its all good sugercube. And thanks fer getting them apples down for me. Now we just gotta haul them back ta the barn.”

I grabbed two baskets by the handles on top and followed AJ back to the barn. Watching her gave me an idea though. She had a special bar across her back with the apple baskets hung from it.

“Hey AJ you got any more of those poles available? Two baskets isn’t very heavy for me.”

“sorry I don’t think so, when we get back the the barn I reckon we can check around to see what we can find fer ya.”

After reaching the barn and dropping off the apples I soon found something of use. There were a couple 8 foot planks of wood nearby. Grabbing two I headed back out into the fields with AJ. And after she bucked another tree I figured why not may as well give it a shot.

Walking up to the next tree that had baskets under it I braught my leg up before giving it a straight kick. Surprisingly the whole thing shook like an earthquake before apples started raining down.

“Well all be, you sure do have some muscles now dontcha that’s might impressive to do with only one leg.”

Taking the compliment and giving off a laugh. “Yeah it didn’t look too hard, thankfully I didn’t kick it that hard I didn’t want to damage your tree.”

My words seemed to shock her. “Well that’s awefully nice of ya to think about but I doubt you could harm one of these trees that much there pretty tough.”

“well I don’t know, I did a lot of training back in my home world, and I could kick straight through a brick wall with around three quarters of my strength.”

Once again her jaw just dropped before she shook her head. “Well don’t go doin that to my trees then but if what ya say is true im might impressed. Well lets haul these apples back to the barn, I noticed ya braught two boards with ya so im sure your going to use that crazy strength to carry a bunch back. You may actually be a pretty good farmhand and ah may need to hire ya more often.”

Wordlessly nodding to her I went to the baskets and started sliding them on the boards. The the time I had 4 on each I hoisted the boards onto my shoulders and started haulin the apples back.

She just looked at me before shaking her head. “Dear lord ah wrecken your built like big mac, I wonder wichn of ya is stronger.”

Several hours passed workin on the farm with AJ before she hoofed out a small bag filled with coins and told me to head on back to Twilight so I could do whatever she had planned. I had thoroughly enjoyed the work too. Even met her older brother Big Macintosh or Big Mac. Who I quickly learned was the strong and silent type. But after seeing me hauling so many apples at once looked awefully impressed and actually wondered out loud witch one of us was stronger, before just shrugging and headed back to work.

Pocketing the bag of coins I turned to leave waiving bye to my new friend heading back to my new hme wondering what the plans were that she had been talking about.