Chapters 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.
rainbow crashes and pink parties
Just wanna throw a shootout to Harbinger-of-script thanks for the positive review. Helped reassure me I’m not writing total shit hahaha.
And yes I am totally ripping off furstreak’s idea of wingboners, it is too damn funny to pass up. So furstreak if you ever read this by some off chance thank you for a truly great idea that is if you came up with it in the first place. no clue don’t care moving on with the story.
It was kind of nice walking alone down the path. It was a peaceful scenic route trees all around and a beautiful day out. Plus it was the first time I could actually think to myself all day and my mind was swimming in thaught. Everything from what the princess talked to me about earlier about my magic absorption ‘oh yeah crap I need to warn twilight about that. And rarity as well. I’m really lucky she never actually touched me with those measuring tapes. I really don’t want to knock someone out by accidentally absorbing all there magic.’
All the new ponies he had met were fresh on his mind too. All of them were friendly and he liked instantly so at least he would have some friends here for now.
But the thaught that weighed most on his mind was the inevitable transformation he would be going through upon topping off his magic tanks. It scared him, best case scenario he would end up a unicorn and fit into society but if it went wrong he could end up some random animal. Although there were worse fates it would kind of suck to be stuck as someone’s pet phoenix. But then again
“HEADS UP!!!!”
Instantly snapping out of his train of thaught he surveyed the sky seeing a blur speeding straight at him. Knowing he wasn’t going to dodge, not that he would either whatever was coming at him looked to be plummeting from the sky at a dangerous speed. And he would not let any more people get injured on his lack of action.
Quickly spreading his legs and bracing himself the blur slammed into his chest nearly knocking him off his feet.
*cough* “holy shit that smarts” *cough* looking at his arms he found a blue Pegasus with a Mane and tail that resembled a rainbow, on her flank was a cloud shaped marking with a rainbow lightning bolt coming from it.
“Uggg what happened, I feel like I just flew straight into a brick wall. Ouch” the Pegasus started rubbing her head where she crashed for a second before looking at what she ran into.
Seeing Derick’s puzzled what just happened look snapped her back to reality. Jumping from his arms in embarrassment with an “eep.”
“Hehe calm down now ya just hit your head pretty good crashing into me, I’m not going to hurtcha either or I wouldn’t of caught ya to begin with, figured my chest was softer than the ground for a crash landing.”
Still rubbing her head the Pegasus landed before speaking, “Pshh barely what are you made of rocks? Speaking of what are you anyways I’ve never seen anything like you before.”
‘Yup definitely going to get tired of that question from everyone I meet.’ “I’m a human, I ended up here somehow the other day sucked from my own world. Sorry bout the rough landing though, I’m not the softest of people around haha. Don’t call them rock hard abs for nothing.” I said pulling up the bottom of my shirt and flashing my stomach at her.
‘Hey I’m a good guy but doesn’t mean I can’t be proud of my body and screw with small pony’s people at the same time. If I’m gonna ride on the crazy event train I might as well enjoy the trip.’
Her eyes locked onto my stomach before one of the strangest things I have ever seen happened. Both of her wings shot straight out from her sides and fanned out as wide as they could go.
“Uhh” I said pointing back to her wings.
Catching her attention she looked at what I was pointing at before flaring crimson red. And for a few seconds seemed to be straining to try and put her wings back down as I could see them twitching with exertion.
“Did you wings jut have a?”
Her face snapped back to stare at me as she nervously cut me off. “Nope no idea what you’re talking about they just uh.”
Not letting her get away with it before I had my fun I cut back in “hmm I wonder what I should call this phenomena, I guess the term wingboner would be about right wouldn’t you? Or is it you didn’t like what you saw and this is just some unexplainable incident.”
“No it’s a but I… you are so going to get it for this.”
Seeing her flustered face I figured I’d cut her a break. “Haha I’m just teasing I didn’t mean nothing by it. The names Derick and what may I call you?”
Without missing a beat like nothing had happened, wings still flared she struck up a pose before speaking. “The names Rainbow Dash, number one most awesome talented and fastest flyer in all of Equestria. I’m sure you’re honored.” She said giving back a sly look.
‘Hmm well aren’t we the boastful one. Too bad sugar where I’m from I really was the best number one athlete around. Well at least for a year I was but that’s not that important.’ “Well miss dash, that’s a pretty impressive title if I do say so myself. Makes me honored to receive such a magnificent wingboner from such an awesome pony”. I teased with a wink.
I could see the frustration and embarrassment burning on her face, before she just seemed to give up and her face turned back to friendly. Before speaking in a tone that kind of caught me off guard. “Heh you should be, you are pretty cute though and I do like an athletic stallion. And judging by what you oh so modestly shoed off you must have at least some moves. But you couldn’t ever hope to match up to the number one Pegasus in all of Equestria!”
“Well your right in that category, seeing as I don’t have wings there’s no way I could beat you there. Well Dash I should be getting back to the library. I guess there are some mystery plans someone has setup for me and I was told to be back before it gets dark out. And the suns going to be setting pretty soon.”
“Did you say the library? You must be heading to see Twilight then how do you know her?”
‘This must be one of those towns where everyone knows everyone. Rainbow doesn’t seem like the pony to hang out at a library.’
“Oh well after ending up in Equestria by lord knows how the princess and twilight agreed to let me stay at the library for a few months before they figure out what to do with me.”
This seemed to strike as a surprise to Dash. “Huh well that’s kind of crazy, but I’m warning ya Derick Twilights one of my best friends so don’t go messing with her or ya got me to deal with.” She spoke striking a tough pose.
“Wouldn’t dream of it, I mean who in their right mind would want to mess with the number one Pegasus in Equestria after all.” Chuckling and giving a wink with my response I waved goodbye and started walking back to town.
Yelling back in an almost playful tone “That’s right mister wouldn’t want to have to go crashing only on purpose. I’ll be seeing ya later then.” And with that she flew off.
‘There’s some real interesting ponies around here, I can already tell it’s going to be hard to be bored here.’
Arriving back at the library I found twilight inside studying a book. ‘Why do I get a feeling this is a very common sight around here?’
Hearing him enter she set the book down and greeted him. “Oh hey Derick I was wondering when you would get back from helping Applejack.”
“Hey Twilight yeah I finished up at the farm a while ago. I would’ve been back sooner but this Pegasus named Rainbow Dash crashed into me on the way back.”
“Oh so you already met Rainbow Dash that’s good, she is the last of the group I was going to introduce you to. I would’ve taken you to see her but she lives on a cloud so it’s not somewhere we can really just go visit.”
“Uhh lives on a cloud? Isn’t that kind of uh you know impossible?” ‘Well I would think so but nothing here really obeys physics so why not.’
“Well Pegasus have the ability to stand on clouds, so if you’re a Pegasus they are as solid as the ground we stand on. Especially if you put enchantments on them you can create buildings like Rainbow’s home.”
‘Uh huh of course “Makes sense I guess. So what is going on that you wanted me back for?”
“Oh well I wanted to bring you to sugercube corner later to help settle down for the day. It must be pretty hectic to go through everything you did lately, so if you want to why don’t you go get cleaned up the bathroom is upstairs. And then we can go get some treats at sugercube corner.”
‘Yeah go get some treats to help me settle down. Ill totally buy that’s all that’s going on. Well might as well go get cleaned up at least so I can go get my treat.’
Half an hour later I was cleaned up and ready to go. And let me say that was an interesting experience using a pony sized bathroom. Considering the tub/shower was the appropriate size for a twelve year old and I’m above average size. Having to sit in the bath tub to be under the shower head is going to take some getting used to for now.’
Heading back downstairs I found twilight sitting with a book again. “Hey twilight ready to go?”
Setting down her book and hoping up from the couch she stretched out before answering. “Yup, let me just go grab spike and we will head out.”
Ten minutes later we arrived in front of sugercube corner. But the place was dark and seemed closed.
“It looks like they are closed Twilight maybe we should come back some other time.”
“Maybe. Well let’s at least go see if pinkie is here, she seemed busy when we ran into her earlier but I know she would love to meet you.”
Entering the building it looked like I was right all the lights were out and it was dark inside.
“Well I guess no one is here we may as well.” But just then the lights turned on.
“SURPRISE!”
Looking around where all the ponies I had met today Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie even though I hadn’t been technically introduced to her yet. Looking around where streamers and balloons everywhere. And a banner hung across the ceiling titled ‘Welcome to Ponyville.’
Dashing from her spot the pink pony appeared in front of me.
“Welcome to ponyville! I saw you with Twilight earlier and I didn’t know who you were so I knew you were new here because I know everyone in ponyville and if your new here then I just knew I had to throw you a welcome party because it looked like you were friends with twilight and any friend of hers is a friend of mine by the way my name is Pinkie Pie Where you surprised because it totally wouldn’t be a surprise party if you weren’t surprised and I spent all day preparing and inviting all of our friends to come surprise you and welcome you to ponyville.”
My mind by now was as confused as to what just happened and what laws of nature ignored this pony. Who could break physics and apparently speak 10 sentences worth in about 7 seconds without breathing. I was honestly impressed and amazed.
“Yes I was very surprised. And it’s nice to meet you pinkie my name is Derick.”
‘Great and here comes the whole what are you speech I’m sure.’
“Well it’s nice to meet you Derick and I’m sure we will be great friends. But for now it’s time to PARTY!”
‘That simple? No what’s a human spiel? I think I like Pinkie already.’
For the next few hours I was constantly the attention of all the ponies. They made me dance and play so many games with them that belonged at a 6 year olds birthday I honestly would’ve thaught I was going to go insane. But the strange part is I didn’t. Its odd how many grown men play pin the tail on the donkey err pony. Or bob for apples but it didn’t even seem out of place here. Instead of laughing at you like most of humanity would these ponies laughed with you and were genuine. It was refreshing and actually pretty fun to say the least.
After pinning the tail on rainbow dash, nearly drowning because my teeth got stuck on an apple glued to the bottom of the bobbing for apples tub. Being knocked halfway through a wall by pinkies dancing and being the king of a conga line the party seemed to be coming to a close.
“Wow that was fun girls I haven’t done most of these things since I was a small child, it was actually really fun.”
Pinkie pie just bounced up and down answering “Of course silly it wouldn’t be a party if it wasn’t fun.”
Looking around it was pretty obvious that most everyone here was already very tired though, except for pinkie pie. I swear if humanity could harvest her raw energy it would render nuclear energy obsolete.
“Thank you very much for throwing me this party pinkie, but I think it’s time for me to call it a night I’ve had a very eventful day. And it looks like some of your friends could call it a night too.”
Just then Applejack let out a loud yawn “I hear that sugercube. I’m plumb tuckered, I’m going to head back to the farm. Got plenty of work to do in the mornin and I don’t need to be dead tired.”
Nodding in agreement Rarity spoke up. “Yes I quite agree darling, and I have much work to do tomorrow. Oh and Derick you simply must come by the boutique tomorrow and try on your new clothing.”
After wrapping up the rest of the goodbyes Twilight led me back to the library.
“It was awfully nice of all of them to go out of their way to make me feel welcome here. It’s crazy to say it so quickly but I’m liking this place so much more than where I come from already.”
Twilight nodded back “I’m glad you like it here Derick, and all of your new friends seem to be taking quite a shine to you as well. *YAWN* oh haha sorry I guess I am really tired after all. Well seeing as you are so big unfortunately I don’t have anywhere to let you sleep. Let me go scrounge up as many spare pillows and blankets as we have and we can put together a makeshift bed for you until we can figure something better out.”
“That’s fine with me, I’m used to sleeping anywhere.” ‘Can’t be worse than sleeping in a desert or jungle while on a recon mission anyways.’
*KNOCK* *KNOCK*
“Uhh Twilight I think someone is at the door.”
“Yea your right but who on earth would be here at this hour?” walking to the door she opened it to reveal a Stocky Stallion with a clipboard.
“This is the ponyville library correct?” he asked.
“Yes it is and who may you be?” She responded in a mix of tired and irritated.
“I have a delivery here for one Twilight Sparkle, along with a note.” He replied while handing over the note.
Twilight I apologize for the late hour, but I realized that Derick will be too large for any accommodations you could offer him tonight. I would have had it sent earlier but it had to be custom made to accommodate his unusual size to pony standards. I would not like to welcome a guest to my kingdom only to have to sleep on the floor.
P.C
Reading the note Twilights face perked up significantly. “Derick you’re not going to believe this but the Princess had a bed custom made for you and sent here.”
*Ahem* “I apologize ma’am but it is late and we were paid extra to make this delivery. Could you direct us to where you would like it brought?”
Ten minutes later found a fully set up King sized bed in the spare room of the library. It was quite the sight though. The sheer size of the bed dwarfed the room and almost completely took up the entire guest room.
Twilight could not stop staring at it. “Wow this thing must have cost a fortune, I can only imagine how much it costs to make a Pegasus down mattress of this size. A standard pony sized mattress of Pegasus down costs almost 3000 bits.”
“Uhh is that a lot? I’m sorry I do not know how your currency works here.”
“I’ll put it this way, the cost of that mattress could probably buy you a small house in canterlot.”
“I’m going to assume that translates to VERY EXPENSIVE.”
“I’ll say, you must have made quite the impression on the princess for her to give a gift like this.”
“I will definitely have to write her a thank you letter in the morning then. But for now let’s break this bad boy in.” stepping toward the mattress I jumped on and layer back. “OH MY GOD, Twilight you need to lay on this.” I reached over and patted the mattress next to me. I felt like I was laying on a bed of pure relaxation, I sank into it loosing myself to the bliss of comfort.
Looking over I saw Twilight approaching the bed with a blush of red on her face and a look of hesitation.
“Hey I’m not asking you to come snuggle up you don’t need to be shy. But dear lord this is the comfiest mattress I have every layer on.” I could already feel myself drifting into the land of sleep. A few moments later I felt the mattress bounce slightly.
“Oh sweet Celestia.”
“Told you it was *YAWN* comfy.”
“You weren’t *YAWN* kidding. I could just lay here and drift away.” She replied. Each word getting heavier as if she was trying to stay awake.
A few moments later I could hear the slow rhythmic breathing of Twilight next to me letting me know she had fallen asleep, and at the moment I couldn’t care because in about 3 seconds flat I would be joining her in the world of dreams.
A week had passed since I had moved into the library with twilight and spike. And man it has been a very interesting week. There were a lot of interesting events that happened with my new pony friends. I still laugh and then cringe every time I think about the first day waking up with twilight in my bed.
Flashback
*chirp* *chirp*
‘not know birds five more minutes… why do I feel like I’m covered in fur?’ opening my eyes I found twilight curled up and pressed into me. Smirking to myself I started to run my fingers over her shoulder hoping to wake her up. A few minutes later she started to stir speaking half asleep
“Mrrm not now shpike, five more min*YAWN*utes.”
“You know Twilight, I know this bed is comfortable and all but if you wanted to snuggle all you had to do is ask.”
She sat there for a minute still half asleep before the words registered in her head. Her hoof raising and pressing behind her until it prodded into me. I guess that was her way of finding out if it was a dream or not because in about a half second and a blue of purple she was out of the bed her face crimson red in embarrassment.
“Oh my gosh I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to I’m so sorry, I don’t even remember doing that. All I remember is you telling me to feel how comfy the mattress was and the next thing I know I was asleep.”
I chuckled to myself at her frazzled response. “It’s alright Twi, I know how it is to wake up and not remember how you got there. You’re not really in control when you sleep. We can just pretend this didn’t happen if it makes you more comfortable.”
The red of her face seemed to slowly start to fade. But a mischievous look replaced it “Ever the gentle colt aren’t you Derick. But I didn’t see you arguing about it at all. Maybe you just wanted to take advantage of the poor tired pony, I know you’re smooth with the ladies but tricking a poor defenseless girl into bed, tsk tsk.”
‘Uhh did the innocent bookworm just crack a dirty joke at me?’
I would’ve responded but that just seemed to be the exact moment that spike woke up and walked past my room hearing everything.
His eyes were as wide as saucers, “Did Twilight just make a dirty joke?”
‘Huh guess great minds think alike.’
Taking that as my cue to get back at her for the comment. “Oh she is just trying to cover up waking up curled up next to me I know I can be considered attractive but seriously to wake up with girls curled up to me is pretty impressive if I do say so myself.”
And bam the red returned. “I did not and you know it, I was just very tired and you didn’t get any blankets before tricking me into falling asleep on your bed. And it just so happens you are very warm.”
“Oh come now twilight that just makes you sound desperate blame the blankets, you know you just wanted to snuggle up to me.”
That seemed to put her over the edge as a devious smile appeared on her face. “Oh I’ll show you snuggle.” A moment later her horn started to glow purple.
‘SHIT NO, I totally forgot to warn her about magic around me I have to stop her.’ “Twilight wait stop don’t use magic I.” but I was too late as a purple glow appeared around me then faded a moment later she dropped to the ground.
“Shit, spike can you check on her? I forgot to mention that for some reason I’m absorbing magic and she probably just used up all her magic trying to get back at me. I’m so stupid to forget that even after the princess explaining it to me.”
He immediately rushed over to her before checking her over “She is fine just exhausted from overuse of magic.”
“Thank god” I walked over picking her up and setting her back down in the bed.
Looking back at spike I saw he had an angry and accusing look on his face at me.
“I’m guessing your wanting an explanation huh?”
Twenty minutes later after I had finished explaining to spike and he seemed to forgive me Twilight woke back up. “Uhh what happened, I feel like I just tried to teleport my whole house to canterlot.”
Another fifteen minutes of explaining and apologizing later Twilight forgave me after berating me for forgetting to mention that little detail.
End flashback
Yeah that was definitely an interesting morning to say the least.
It was almost as strange as the next day when he ran into Pinkie Pie again, he didn’t even want to remember that even because every time he did he somehow got a migraine trying to explain everything he witnessed. And he still had no idea where that cannon came from. And don’t even get started on what apparently everyone called the pinkie sense. It seemed to literally find laws of logic and break them just to fuck with his head, I mean seriously one morning he had been taking a bath in the mini to him tub when he felt something clamp onto his leg. Literally one second later Pinkies head popped out of the showerhead and asked if he had seen an alligator in the tub because her shoulder was twitchy. And sure enough a small toothless alligator had clamped onto his leg.
On other less mind melting topics he had grown quite fond of the Apple farm and had made pretty good friends with the interesting apple family. And even struck up a pretty good albeit quite friendship with AJ’s older brother Big Macintosh
Flashback
Derick had decided to go visit sweet apple acres again, last time he had enjoyed his time on the farm. Physical work always brought a sense of accomplishment to him and most aspects of a ponies life he had noticed didn’t include much. Magic probably didn’t help this feat, most people who could just make something happen with magic wouldn’t exert themselves to do it manually.
Making his way to the orchard he noticed AJ out bucking apples in an orchard near the barn.
“Heya AJ how’s the bucking going.”
Stopping her work for a second she trotted over to Derick. “Howdy Derick, going pretty good. Stopping by for a visit? Or hoping to make a few bits, not often we get someone who can actually keep up round here.”
“Well I could probably use the exercise so if you got something that needs doing I’d be willing.”
She put her hoof to her chin for a few seconds in thaught. “Well I have the bucking under control here but Big Mac may be able to use your help in the fields over yonder.”
“Sounds good thinking bout it though I don’t believe I’ve met Big Mac yet.”
“Well now’s your chance, he is the big red stallion in the fields over there.” She said pointing in a direction away from the barn.
“Sounds good I’ll go introduce myself.”
Heading over to the fields I soon found the pony in question. He was pretty large considering the average pony size standing a good foot taller than the standard pony. He was also pretty stocky built with muscle, which was reinforced by the huge plow he was pulling through the fields. Jogging up to him I saw him take notice of me stopping plowing to watch me approach.
Reaching him I waved to great him “Hello your Big Macintosh correct?”
Swishing a piece of grass in his mouth around for a second he replied “Eyup.”
‘Man of many words I see’
“Nice to meetcha my names Derick I’m friends with AJ, she told me you could use some help out here in the fields.”
Looking around the field which had a large area still to be plowed he nodded again “Eyup, I reckon I could use some help plowing iffin I want to finish today. You up to plowin?”
Giving my muscles a stretch I responded with a grin. “I bet I’m up for it, do you have any more equipment?”
“Eyup, seein as ya aint a normal pony I doubt a collar would fitcha right but let me go to the barn and check what we got available.”
A few minutes later he returned from the barn with a plow and a large horse collar and a large padded blanket.
“I wrecken if ya pad the collar with the blanket it should work fine”
A few minutes later I was rigged into the collar and led to a nearby field, it was a bit large for me but with the blanket wrapped over my shoulders it was a pretty snug fit. If I planned on doing this though I bet I could create a vest to attach the plow to.
I spent the next few hours pulling the plow through the dirt, it was hard work and required a lot of muscle but it wasn’t something I was completely unfamiliar with. Back in my training days there was a very similar exercise where you rigged a sled with huge amounts of weight and pulled it. One of the things the program always taught was that its movements were designed to help you in everyday life. Times like this I look back on that and think there more correct than they think.
Roughly four hours after we started I had finished with my area and met back up with big mac who was finishing his second. Walking up to him I gave out a friendly chuckle. “Dang I thaught I was moving pretty quickly too, you must be pretty dang strong.”
“Eyup, though I must admit I didn’t think you would do so well using only two legs.”
We spent the next twenty minutes bringing in all the gear chatting. Witch mostly involved me talking and him throwing in short responses, but it was a nice enjoyable conversation. He was actually a pretty cool guy, and he didn’t make you feel like you were boring or irritating him by talking too much. He just preferred to speak less, and he always made got more across with a simple sentence with each word than most people can with a small speech.
Back at the barn AJ was just finishing up bringing the last of the apples she had bucked in from the fields.
“Well howdy you two, howd the fields come along.”
Speaking up for the both of us I replied. “Pretty well actually, and can I say dang your brothers strong I thaught I was moving quick and he still did double what I accomplished.”
It seemed like a pretty modest statement to me so I was confused when AJ’s face showed surprise. “Wait you actually managed to plow half of what he did? I’m impressed I he is Atleast three times faster than me with that plow. There’s a reason he is in charge of plowing while I buck.”
Scratching the back of my head in a bit of embarrassment I replied with a friendly chuckle. “Well I have had some practice doing something similar to this, and besides I always liked a good challenge.”
She just shook her head in a disbelieving way “Well I wrecken you musta built up quite an appetite from the work how’s about joining us fer dinner. I’m sure Granny Smith and Applebloom would love to meetcha.”
My stomach decided to answer for me as a load grumble echoed from it. “Well I believe there’s your answer im starved haha.”
We made our way to the farmhouse and AJ pointed me to a washroom to get cleaned up. A couple minutes later I followed my nose to the kitchen.
I was amazed at the scene, there was a large table set out filled to almost overflowing with so much food I couldn’t believe it, it was like a Thanksgiving dinner on appleroids. I seriously didn’t even know so many things could be made from apples but my nose and my stomach weren’t complaining. It smelled and looked fantastic and I couldn’t wait to dig in.
During dinner I was introduced to the rest of the apple family. Granny Smith I took a shine to, she reminded me of my grandma. Old fashioned in her beliefs, a sharp and witty tongue, and a mean ass cook. It was also pretty amusing listening to her crazy antics through dinner. She also made me instantly feel like I was almost part of the family, treating me exactly like the rest of her family and completely ignoring my appearance as a non-pony. Come to think of it Big Mac hadn’t even brought it up either. Upon asking them about it she responded.
“I’ve seen many strange folk in my day sonny, and I wright don’t care whatcha look like, its whatcha are on the inside that counts. And you got guts specially after the way I herdja handled the plow earlier.”
It was a said in a completely no nonsense tone, and I practically translated it to. Don’t care I like ya, from the tone she spoke it. It honestly made me feel warm how these folks could just accept a stranger into their home without a batted eyelash.
Applebloom though was another story. Throughout the whole dinner I was bombarded with questions about my everything. What I was, what it was like to stand on two legs, how I got so strong. She even told me all about her club the cutie mark crusaders and seeing how I didn’t have on asked me to join her club.
“That’s something I been meaning to ask by the way, I’ve noticed all the marks on everybody. And I’ve kind of made the connection they represent that pony in some way, but what’s the scoop on them? If I’m gonna be living here seems like something I ought to know.”
AJ seemed to volunteer to answer my question. “Every pony gains there cutie mark when they discover their true talent. They are special and unique to themselves, like both mine and Big Macs symbolize our love and skill in tending to our apples.”
“Huh makes sense, but are they called cutie marks even on stallions? It seems kind of feminine. I personally wouldn’t go around calling anything about myself as cute. People from where I’m from would laugh at somebody like me having anything called a cutie mark, sorry I’m not saying that o be rude I’m just from a very different place.”
Big Mac took the turn to answer the question. “It’s just the way it is, every pony has one so no one has to be ashamed of nothing.”
“Huh I guess when you put it that way it sounds a lot better. Where I’m from no one has anything like cutie marks. Heck if a guy even got caught saying the words cutie mark he would probably get laughed at. But if every person had one then there would be no reason to laugh.”
The rest of the dinner continued and there was never a dull moment. Between Applebloom going on about all the crazy ideas her and her friends had concocted to get cutie marks. Granny Smith telling old stories and AJ and Big Mac getting in an eating contest. I still don’t know how so much food can disappear into a girl that smalls frame, I don’t think Big Mac does either from the look on his face after losing. It was all in all an extremely enjoyable evening for myself.
Flashback end
The day after that was another strange one. Pinkie Pie had… wait nope not touching that one I want to keep my sanity by not remembering. I still have no idea where she pulled that trombone from. Or where on earth she acquired a full-size medieval style trebuchet but something’s are better left unanswered.
Pending insanity aside there were a couple other events that had happened I smiled looking back on.
Flash back
The sun barely started to peak over the horizon and it was a beautiful morning.
I had woken at the crack of dawn like I used to and decided to go get some exercise, I always felt it was a great way to start a day. Although I still should look into finding something other than jeans to run in. not that I hadn’t done it many a time before it just felt better in a nice pair of shorts.
An hour job later found me down the path back to town after a loop around sweet apple acres. Halfway back to town though I heard a faint sound coming ahead. It sounded like. Singing?
Slowing down and approaching slower I could hear it slowly getting loader. It was a beautiful and melodic voice that seemed to be chorused by the sound of birds. Approaching quietly I soon found the source, it was Fluttershy.
Tucked back jut a ways off the path she was singing and dancing with a flock of small songbirds flying around her. Was this the same timid and scared stiff from being shy girl I met a few days ago? I was enthralled by her performance it was truly beautiful. I sat and watched from my hiding spot for ten minutes before she slowly came to a stop of her song.
Standing up I approached the edge of the trees I had hidden in and knocked on the wood of one hard enough for her to hear. She looked over to where I stood before pure shock and embarrassment flashed onto her face. Immediately she went to hide behind her long man covering her face. And dashed behind a tree, ‘yup saw that one coming if she was so shy she probably just got embarrassed she got caught.’
Deciding to take the initiative I walked over to around 20 yards from where she hid. Kneeling down on the grass I sat down to make myself closer to her size. Speaking in a very soft and kind voice I called out to her. “I’m sorry Fluttershy I didn’t mean to startle you, I just heard singing from over here and can I just say that it was absolutely beautiful, and I hope you’re not mad at me for listening to you. I enjoyed it very much you are very talented.”
She stayed behind the tree for a few seconds before I saw just the corner of her face poke out to look at me. “D-do you mean that?”
Looking back I gave a warm and friendly smile “Of course, it was great. I’m sorry if I embarrassed you though, I didn’t mean to spy but I guess I was just enchanted by your music. Would you mind coming out from the tree? It’s rather hard to talk to a tree.” I let out a small friendly laugh at the joke trying to coax her out. “Besides we are friends right? Or Atleast I would like to be considered your friend. And friends don’t need to hide from their friends, they support each other instead. And from what I heard there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of with your singing, it’s a wonderful gift you have.”
After a minute she walked out from the tree and sat down near me still hid behind her mane. “Do you mean it?”
“Of course friends shouldn’t ever lie to their friends about things like this. “Thank you, nobody has ever complimented my singing before. And yes I think I would like to be your friend. That is if it’s alright with you.”
“Of course Fluttershy, I already consider you my friend, and if there is anything you ever need don’t hesitate to ask. Friends are always there for friends so you don’t have to be scared around me.”
“I don’t, well I was, but then you… I’m not scared of you, I was at first but for some reason I’m not anymore. I can see you are a very kind and good friend already. If you wouldn’t mind me asking though what are you doing all the way out here so early in the morning the sun has only barely been up for half an hour.”
“Well I decided to go for a run and get some exercise, other than working on the farm with AJ the two days I haven’t gotten much exercise since arriving in ponyville.”
It was at this moment that I noticed that I probably looked and smelled a little funny to her, especially if the sweat marks on my shirt had any say in the matter.
“Wow you must really enjoy exercise, especially since you worked on Applejacks farm twice, I know that the work they do is very tough so you must be very strong to be able to keep up and still do exercise on the side. I mean if it was me I probably couldn’t do anything to help on her farm, I’m really week and worthless like that.” She moped out at the end.
‘Dang this girl has some serious for real esteem issues.’
“And you know what Flutter, that’s completely ok. Just because you aren’t physically strong does not make you 1 tiny bit less of a great pony than it does anybody else. Everyone is special and unique in their own ways. Myself for example, if I tried to sing to the birds like you did they would probably all fly away so fast we would never see them again.”
This actually got both of them to share an honest laugh together.
“And besides the main reason I’m so attached to staying in shape and being strong is to protect and help those who aren’t. I’ve made mistakes and failed to help people before and I’ve promised myself I never would again. So like I said if you truly need anything Flutter just find me and I’ll be glad to help.” ‘Wow this is getting sappy fast I should probably find a polite way to excuse myself before it just gets awkward, damn this kind mind of mine.
Standing up I stretched out for a few seconds before looking back to Fluttershy who was still lost in thaught at my words. But I could see a small smile appearing on her face. “Well speaking of which I should probably get back to it then, don’t want to get too flabby by skipping the second half of my run. I hope to see you again soon Fluttershy.” I waved good bye and took off jogging and could just see her snap out of it and wave back to me before I lost sight of her.
Flashback end
I still felt bad running away like that but I didn’t want the situation to get awkward, and I’m definitely not trying to get into any form of a relationship right now especially due to my current condition. But I just can’t help myself, especially when faced with someone so innocent and just soo... I don’t know how to describe it. It’s just like an urge to protect her, she seems so helpless, innocent and vulnerable.
Overall running into her had been a really pleasant surprise during his morning workout. But the bundle in his hand made him smile. He was currently on the way back to the library from rarities and she had solved the jeans problem for him pretty well.
Flashback
*Knock* *Knock*
Derick stood at the entrance of Carousel boutique. Rarity had told Twilight to have him come by that day to look into some clothing she had been working on for him.
‘I wonder what kind of clothing a pony will come up with for a human, I don’t know whether I should be exited or nervous. From what I saw last time Rarity definitely favors dresses and less uhh manly designs to begin with. And I don’t even know if she can pull off my shape, oh well guess I’ll have to just find out.’ Right then the door opened.
“Welcome to Carousel boutique where everything is shic unique and magnifique. Oh Derick my dear wonderful to see you, please tell me you’re here to look into your new wardrobe. I’ve been playing with the measurements I took and have some things I would just love to have you try on.”
“Well twilight told me you wanted to come by so here I am, and I would love to see the clothing you’ve come up with. Oh and I’m sure twilight let you know but a reminder never hurts, do not use magic on me please for your own safety.”
She just nodded her head in knowing. “Yes darling I heard about what happened with twilight and I’ll be sure to be extra careful now come in I can’t wait to show you what I came up with.”
Following her into the shop I noticed several dresses on mannequins over what I assumed was her workshop area of her shop.
She walked off to a side room calling back to me.
“Please make yourself comfortable and I will retrieve what I’ve worked on for you. I noticed your very well developed body and assumed you live a very active lifestyle so I took the liberty of creating both an outfit I think will be simply stunning on you and something else for you to wear when you work. I assume you only have the clothing on your back and just couldn’t let someone like yourself be limited by your wardrobe.” She spoke as she walked back levitating some folded clothing with her.
“I hope I got these right dear, I’ve never had to create anything in a shape like this before but I think I nailed it if I do say so myself. First try these on.” And she floated over the larger portion of the folded clothes.
Grabbing them from where she set them next to me I went behind a screen nearby obviously set up for changing and put changed clothes. I was actually pleasantly surprised they fit great, the shirt was snug and fitted almost perfectly and the pants where a nice breathable fabric and fit great but were obviously made to look nice. And the last piece I grabbed to put on, wait is this a.
“Uhh rarity are capes common in Equestria? There pretty outdated from where I’m from.”
“Oh yes dear, there not too common but are indeed found in many high class places, and I just believe that you will pull it off fabulously.”
‘Alright if she says so I guess I’ll give it a shot.’ Fastening the cape into place I stepped out to show her how it looked.
“Oh my gosh dear you look absolutely dashing if I do say so myself, you simply must see yourself.” She seemed very excited about it so I followed her over to a triple mirror set she had set up obviously for people to check out their purchases beforehand.
‘Wow I must say it was a rather unique but nevertheless good looking ensemble she had created for me.’
It consisted of blue dress style pants, a white fitted elbow length shirt with a blue patterned design on it slightly resembling the diamonds of her cutie mark, it was a tight fit but made of a slightly elastic but high quality material so it didn’t feel restrictive at all. And a cloak that hung to around my knees, it was a brilliantly white on the back with an almost identical copy of her three diamonds on the back. And on the inside it was a silky bright blue. All in all it was an extremely unsubtle and flashy design while being pretty simple and not over the top. The garments were all fit almost to my exact size, I’m actually amazed she was able to get it so close to perfect with only a quick measuring. They were tight but only just so that it showed my toned muscles through the clothing.
“Its great rarity, and I’m surprised it fights almost perfectly.”
She made a modest gesture that seemed to say ‘of course darling what would you expect’. “I’m so glad you like it, I was so unsure about what to make but I decided since it was a welcome to Equestria gift to you I wanted it to be personal. I hope you don’t mind that it has my marking on it but I wanted you to remember me every time you wear it. And everyone else who gazes upon it will see my work and be just be simply amazed and ask themselves who created such a marvelous ensemble. But it is hardly a subtle everyday outfit so I believe you will also enjoy the other set.” She said gesturing to the second pile.
Grabbing them I headed back behind the screen and swapped the clothing out carefully folding the beautiful gift she had given me.
Stepping back out revealed a much simpler and more my style outfit. It was a black pair of shorts with purple stripes down the sides. The shirt was a t-shirt similar to the one I already owned but it was a dark purple tight but breathable and comfy. Stepping into the mirror set I noticed something else about them on the back of the right shoulder was a copy of what looked like Twilights mark.
“You added twilight’s cutie mark to these? Isn’t that kind of personal to her? With the other outfit you did it personally as a gift so I love it but shouldn’t I Atleast have permission to wear another pony’s mark?”
“Well darling Twilight actually came by yesterday and looked at the outfit I designed for you, after which she told me about your morning routine and commissioned me for an outfit for you and helped me design something she thaught you would enjoy. So if you’re worried about her mark on it it was her idea to begin with, she must like you to want to put her mark on you darling. The other ponies better keep an eye out it looks like there’s some competition for you.” She said in a teasing way with a wink. I didn’t even know if she was joking or not, twilight had never seemed to take an interest in me that way. I just decided to chalk it up to rarity teasing me and twilight being a good friend.
“Well rarity I must say I am thoroughly satisfied with both. And I can’t wait to show off your colors except I’m not entirely sure where I would they seem to be a little over the top for everyday life.”
She looked stunned for a second “Wait you mean Twilight didn’t tell you? And you’ve been here for a whole week!? Why it’s only in a week how could she forget? Darling the Grand Galloping Gala is coming up. It is the most prestigious and high class event in all of Equestria, only those specially invited by the princess are allowed to attend. Yesterday twilight brought the ticket that Princess Celestia sent for myself. And I know for a fact that there is one for you as well.”
“Huh I had no clue, oh well I’m sure she had a good reason or planned on telling me soon. I’ll head over to the library and ask her about it. Thank you very much rarity for the amazing outfit I can’t wait to show it off with pride.”
She blushed at my compliment but without missing a beat spoke back. “It’s my pleasure, and seeing you display it with pride makes it all worth it. Now I believe you need to head on back home and talk to twilight to plan for the gala.
Changing back into my old clothes I gathered up the two outfits and thanked her again before heading out.
Flashback end
Witch brought me back to now, I was heading on back to the library to ask twilight about the upcoming gala.
I had just arrived and entered to find twilight studying like normal.
Entering the room she set the book down before looking up at me. “Oh hello Derick I was wondering when you would get home, there’s something I would like to talk about.” She had an exited look on her face. ‘5 bucks says I know where this is going’ I chuckled inwardly at myself.
“Alright what’s up you look awfully exited, what happened did we get invited to a royal ball or something?”
Her face seemed to deflate a bit at my remark. “Oh rarity must have told you, I’m sorry I didn’t mention it earlier I just wanted to make sure you were invited before I brought it up and I just received the tickets yesterday.”
Sitting down on the couch next to her I pulled out the blue and white outfits bundle.
“Yeah rarity told me after she showed me this, and don’t sweat it I knew you had a perfectly fine reason, and seeing as you were probably about to tell me anyways no harm no foul.
“So what do you think about it? This is the grand galloping gala I mean, all the high class ponies and royalty will be there. You don’t actually have to go if you’re not comfortable with it, I mean outside of ponyville no one has ever met a human before.”
I just shrugged my shoulders indifferently. “It doesn’t bother me any, the ponies here adjusted pretty quickly to me, I’m sure they’ll get in there stares then go back to their own business. Plus I can’t let the outfit rarity prepared for me go to waste she would be so disappointed.”
We spent the next two hours talking about the gala. Twilight had told me about last year’s gala and how it had turned into a complete disaster for everyone. It was quite an interesting tale to say the least. Fluttershy the kind pony she is despite how good she was with animals had went berserk in the Castle gardens, Pinkie had terrorized the party hall, Applejacks Apple stand fell short and was ignore for the most part. Rainbow Dash despite meeting the group Twilight called the wonder bolts was disappointed in the end, Rarity’s I guess had a bad experience with a prince. And twilight who went to spend time with Celestia was disappointed because Celestia was too busy greeting the guests.
But from the sounds of it the group had already talked it over and decided to take another shot at it.
Well I guess no matter what happens it sounds like it will be an interesting night to remember.
Thank you all for reading and following my story so far. After my last chapter somebody messaged me concerned about my spelling. Hey I think my autocorrect is doing a pretty ok job, and besides you can’t really blame me can you? I mean I was the kid who had a composite act score of 27 but scored only 13 on my English. It’s literally that much of a weak spot for me, the fact I can write this story at all means I deserve some sort of medal or trophy I think.
“Rise and shine sleepyhead.”
“Urmff nurr 5 moar minutes.”
“Derick come on wake up. It’s already past noon and the train to canterlot leaves in a couple of hours, I told you that challenging Applejack to a drinking contest last night wasn’t a good idea.”
“Alight fine Twi, I’m up I’m up. And just for the record I did come out victorious didn’t I?”
Twilight just face hoofed before looking at me. “Yes but she also has one third your body mass to hold the alcohol. Now hurry and get cleaned up, we are supposed to all meet at rarities in an hour to get ready for the gala.
Oh yeah the gala, wow had it already been a week? Time in ponyville just seemed to fly by. There was never a dull moment or lack of something to do, whether it be working on the apple farm. Or visiting Flutter shy’s cottage and spending time with the animals. Or even surprisingly chilling with Rainbow Dash, heck once ya got to know her and got passed her showing off she was pretty fun to be around. Rarity was a little harder to spend time with since dresses weren’t exactly my cup of tea and I wouldn’t let her drag me to the spa yet. And then pinkie pie, I had actually begun to get used to the antics of the pink pony. I could now witness her in action for excess up to five minutes before any form of headache from lack of sense would appear, so it was improving. Although I still had no idea what happened to that coconut and how she had managed that with only a soup ladle three rubber bands and a nine iron. Or where she even got the nine iron considering I don’t think ponies can golf.
But today was the day I had been hearing about in excitement from all my friends. Their second and my first shot at the grand galloping gala. Fluttershy was eager to try and befriend the animals in the palace gardens again. Applejack had come up with a whole new what she called high class menu for her apple cart and was hoping to make a killing at the gala selling her farms products. Pinkie… well I honestly don’t know what she hoped to accomplish but I actually wanted to witness it, because I had the strange feeling that the party cannon was going to be making an awkward appearance today. Rainbow dash was convinced she would be able to impress the wonder bolts this year and get in the cool crowd as she dubbed it. And Twilight had accepted that the princess would probably be busy with guests again this year but hadn’t given up spending some time with her.
Surprisingly rarity was the one that actually hoped less happened this year, from what knowledge I gathered last year she went searching for a prince and had even found one. But it was far from a happily ever after scenario, this year it sounded like she just wanted to stick with her fashion and socializing with high class ponies. Seemed like a pretty safe bet for a good evening to her in my opinion.
“Are you still in bed!? Don’t make me come up there mister.”
The threat from down below made me shiver, I could still remember the last time I had refused to get out of bed and twilight had to get him out of bed. Last time it consisted of a bucket of ice cold water and 2 nights of sleeping in a moist bed.
“Nope I’m up just heading to take a shower.” I climbed out of bed and made my way to the bathroom before cleaning up in the pony sized shower. I had actually gotten the hang of it and figured out a few tricks to make it work. But let’s just say staying bent that way gets a little tiring after too long.
Finishing up in the shower I dried off and wrapped the towel around myself, it was pretty dinky only covering the top half of my thighs but hey Atleast it protected my modesty, err well somewhat Atleast.
“Hey twilight should I put on my gala outfit or something else till we get to Rarity’s?”
Calling back from the kitchen she answered “Probably something else for now, let’s avoid as many opportunities to get it dirty as we can. You haven’t seen rarity mad until you get her clothing she is proud of dirty.”
I shuddered at the thaught of a pissed Rarity before going and throwing my black shorts and my yellow shirt with Fluttershy’s cutie mark. It still surprised me but after the girls had seen the purple shirt twilight had made for me every one of them had one made for me with their own marks. I guess it was just a symbol of friendship to them? Well now I had 5 shirts with their marks on them. All but Rarity’s and none of the girls other than Twi and rarity knew about that outfit yet.
Getting dressed I made my way down to the kitchen where spike was just finishing up making some pancakes and dishing them up for twilight and myself.
After eating we all made our way down to the carousel boutique and found the entire rest of the gang hanging out waiting for us.
As soon as we joined them though my danger sense started going off, and it was warning me to get away fast.
Just then rarity came into the room and called out. “Alright who is ready for a makeover!? We have to look fabulous for the gala after all.”
Hearing the word makeover just sent the alarm off even louder, grabbing spike I slowly backed out of the room, “Come on spike, let’s give the girls some uhh space for their makeovers.” Before promptly bolting out of the room and into an empty room in the boutique. Calling out behind me I yelled back to the girls “Spike and I are going to go get ready we will see you all in a little bit.”
As we escaped err calmly left the room to find another area to change I felt spike wrap his arms around my bicep like he was hugging it. “Thank you so much, I thaught I was going to have to go through that again, last time though nobody was here to let me leave. I had nightmares for weeks.”
I patted the young dragons head while whispering back to him “Its ok spike, I understand. And I’ll make sure you don’t have to go through that again, that’s one of the reasons us manly men have to stick together.”
Pulling back he just snorted half-jokingly. “Sure you can call yourself a manly man, your even more muscular than Big Macintosh, I’m just a tiny pipsqueak.”
Laughing at his pouting I responded. “That may be true but from what I understand dragons get pretty big, I’m sure you won’t be that way for very long.”
Spike and I continued chatting for the next two hours nonchalantly and not in a hurry at all.
“Uhh Derick shouldn’t we get dressed soon? The train leaves in less than an hour.”
“Trust me little man we have Atleast another fifteen minutes but I guess you’re right.” We both changed into our respective ball outfits, seeing mine spike got extremely jealous seeing rarity’s mark but tried to and failed to hide it.
“Tell ya what spike your looking sharp in that tux, I bet your going to be popular with all the lady’s at the festival tonight.”
Hearing that he busted into a pose showing off his arms “Yeah probably all the ladies just go crazy when they see me, I can barely keep them off.”
Laughing at the small dragon I sat back down, “well the train leaves in 45 minutes and we are 20 minutes away so I figure the girls should just be finishing up there makeovers by now, should we go and check it out?”
“Probably, and besides if we didn’t they may just forget to finish and miss the gala.”
Heading back downstairs we headed back to the room we left the girls in. “Hey yall almost ready in there? We should be heading to the train soon.”
I could hear Rarity’s voice call out in response, “Just one second dear, just finishing up Twilights hair and then we are all done.
“Well spike we have 5 minutes left so let’s just relax for a few more.”
Sure enough five minutes later hoofs on the hardwood floor could be heard coming into the waiting room spike and I were in. looking up at the group my jaw dropped at the sight before me. Gone were the six friends I had made here and in their places were beautiful ponies that looked like they belonged in a palace instead of ponyville.
“Wow, your all stunning.” And I wasn’t lying.
All of them were in dresses that seemed to just belong on them and fit their personalities.
Rainbow Dash was wearing a dress that faded the colors of the rainbow matching her hair, trimming the base of it was what looked like literally a border of clouds. On her head rested was what looked similar to an ancient roman civic crown woven from leaves, but it was cast in gold. Her front legs were adorned with golden wrapped sandals. And her hair had been lightly altered it still resembled her old hair but had been shifted from wild to a more tame look. Instead of appearing so spike it was more curved and slightly wavy. All in all she looked like she belonged as royalty in an ancient Greek coliseum and it fit perfectly.
Fluttershy looked like a living embodiment of nature. Her dress appeared to be what looked like a long skirt that looked almost like it was made from a gigantic leaf, adorned by blue and white flowers and a soft blue ribbon. Around her neck was a floral collar with a large blue flower on the front, and a matching smaller blue flower was tucked behind her ear. Her hair had been done to highlight all the natural curls it had, looking very similar to how it actually had started off as, but it was adorned with small flowers. And was wearing sandals that were the same green as her dress and wrapped with what appeared to be small vines. It was a natural looking dress that just seemed to pull out all of Fluttershy’s inner gentleness and love for nature.
Pinkies dress seemed to capture here love of candy sure enough and was definitely as different from all the rest of the dresses as pinkie pie was from every other pony. It started with a striped blue and white vest with a fluffy fur like collar and a pink bow in the front. From the back of the vest were several layered ruffled layers of light and dark pink cloth and then a large white skirt with the patterns of candy corn and lollipops on it. From the back of the skirt came a pink dome that looked similar to old style ballroom gowns. She was wearing small pink slippers on all her feet that had small blue bows on all of them. Her hair looked almost unchanged other than it was a lot less crazy and spontaneous looking, like they had completely straightened it and styled it cleanly back into her normal look. And the last piece was a small old fashioned looking white and blue ladies hat that had another small bow on it. All in all it was very pinkie pie and despite its oddity looked fantastic on her.
Applejacks ensemble almost couldn’t be considered a dress but then again she isn’t really the type of pony to be caught in a dress. It seemed like a very appropriate dress outfit for the cowgirl in her though. It started with a green kerchief around her neck and a Texan style bola tie with an apple as the fastener. The dress itself looked almost like only what I could describe as a dress saddle. It was the same design but smaller and obviously decorative instead of real. And from behind that a simple green cloth wrapped around her back end with brown tassels coming off the bottom. And adorned by small apple markings. On her front hooves were green cowboy boots with a red and white line across the top and marked on the sides by apples. Her mane and tail had been styled into a large braid. And she wore her trademark cowboy hat but embroidered with apples.
Twilights made him stop in his tracks, it was so perfect and so beautiful yet so simple and so her. It was a royal midnight blue, covering her entire back half just letting her rear hooves poke out the bottom. Along the bottom was a light blue patch decorated by stars drifting upwards. Around her midsection was a light blue piece of fabric almost in the shape of a tiny saddle. In the section where it connected with the back portion of the dress were several more star ornaments. And from the front it led into a magnificent high neck wrap with a tall collar. And fastened in the front by one brilliant star. Her hair remained almost untouched just straightened and perfected in its original style. The lower part of her man however had been bundled up and tucked down into her collar hiding most of it from view. And last she wore a set of what looked almost like a royal pair crystal sandals on all hooves with the front pair being slightly larger and accented with more stars. It was simply magnificent.
And last was Rarity, her dress while the others were more subtle but magnified all the ponies’ inner selves. Hers was like what you would expect a princess to wear to her wedding. It was a brilliant snow white, layered repeatedly down her entire body. There were probably a dozen layers all trimmed with small gemstones around the edges. Down the center of the back was a stripe of larger blue diamond’s almost identical to her cutie mark. The front of the dress traveled about halfway up her neck and was made of a fine lace pattern with a large blue diamond centered on the chest. She wore a regal looking tiara upon her head with 6 gems around it each one a different color matching one of the six ponies. And on her front hooves were a pair of Crystal slippers similar to twilights but without the stars. She looked every bit royalty as Celestia at that moment.
I just sat there for what seemed like hours but in reality was probably only a minute just staring in amazement at each and every pony. “You all look so fantastic I can barely believe it Applejack your dress suits you perfectly, fitting exactly to the inner country girl you are while bringing out your beauty. Pinkie that dress just seems to embody the joyful and random spirit you are. Fluttershy you look so graceful and beautiful like the most wonderful view in nature. Rainbow, you look like a magnificent Pony not only as someone looking great but as someone who just screams Number one Athlete and with that look everyone can see that it’s true. Twilight I don’t even know what to say, it’s beautiful and words can barely describe it it’s like combining all your natural beauty with the night sky itself. And Rarity I daresay that even the Princess will be jealous of you wearing that it is so gorgeous.
Their reactions to my praise could clearly be seen. All of them blushing slightly and reacting differently. Fluttershy hiding behind her mane and with a barely audible whisper I heard thank you. Pinkie, well was spouting so many thaught I couldn’t keep track. Applejack just maintained a modest posture while saying “Aww thanks sugercube.” Dash had made a heroic pose while stating “Heck yeah I’m number one and now they’ll all see it.” Twilight seemed to suddenly be shy and nervous as she quietly and modestly said “Thank you very much Derick I’m glad you like it.” Rarity eyes were shining at my comparison “OH darling is it really that good? I had a little spare time so I just whipped it up.”
A few moments later the tables seemed to flip as they all took notice of my attire. Soon all attention was on me as I was asked to stand up and turn around and display all the parts of it.
“Dang that’s a mighty fine outfit you’re sporting.”
“Yea like oh my gosh everyone is going to be like oh my gosh look at that, and then those people are going to be like all oh my gosh he looks so….”
“You look very handsome and uh nice, well more than nice but…”
“I gotta say I’m impressed, although if it’s still not as awesome as me, maybe if it was 20% cooler than it might be a close tie.”
Twilight and rarity both stayed quiet letting their friends look it over since they had both seen it already or had been the one to make it.
“Yeah girls, I like it too, and I’m very proud to be sporting rarity’s colors at the gala since she made me this wonderful outfit, but if we don’t hurry up we will miss the train and then it will all be for naught.”
With that said everyone seemed to notice the time and we all quickly made our way to the train station.
We boarded the train without a hassle and all got settled into one of the compartments.
“So I’ve never been up to canterlot before is it a long ride?”
Twilight who sat next to me answered. “It’s about an hour long so it’s not that bad. “Rarity spoke up from across the cabin. “So Derick Darling what are your plans for the Gala?”
I had to sit and think about it for a moment. “I honestly have no clue, I’ve never been to it like you all have. And I don’t know a lot about pony culture outside of ponyville, so I’m probably just going to wing it and find something to do.”
“Well Darling you simply must come find me sometime. I would absolutely love to introduce you to some ponies.”
“And don’t ferget to stop by my stand sometime iffin you go and get hungry.”
“For sure, I’m curious to see what kind of stuff you made for the gala.”
“Well I guess you’ll just have to come by and find out now wontcha.”
The rest of the train ride passed by quickly with friendly chat in the train. Just after an hour from boarding we had arrived and pulled into the canterlot station.
Twilight hopped up from her seat, “Alright girls should we head over to the palace?”
A wave of nods and agreements passed around us and we were soon traveling through canterlot streets towards the palace. I looked around taking in the scenery.
It was a truly impressive city, tall buildings all around designed with great architecture. And many ponies littering the streets, a large portion were dressed up in clothing that obviously displayed that they would be attending the gala later this evening as well.
Although unsurprisingly almost anyone who glanced at our group held their stares extra-long when they looked at me. I felt like I was the main attraction at a circus with all the stares and strange looks I was getting. But then again I had expected this so I just smiled and waved as they say.
Twenty minutes after leaving the train we found our way to the palaces main gate. And for the first time I was able to take in the castle in all its glory.
It was a truly giant and glorious building, built straight off the side of the mountain with towers spanning the sky hundreds of feet tall. The front looked like a giant gathering hall which had currently been decorated to accommodate the gala. It was a huge roughly 150 yards long by 50 yards wide and at least 15 feet high. Inside were all sorts of ponies socializing and dancing to a live orchestra inside. Nearby was a garden area that was also set up with tables all over and had many groups of ponies around.
At the front of the entrance hall stood the one and Only Princess Celestia. She wore her regular regal regalia but in addition had a long white flowing dress that was of a simple design but with golden patterns down the back. But with her natural beauty and grace any pony would be hard pressed to even attempt to compare themselves to her.
But at her side was a pony I did not recognize but still stood out. She stood taller than the average pony but still about a head shorter than Celestia. Appearance wise she was almost a polar opposite to the princess of the sun, where here coat was a dark midnight blue. Here mane seemed to billow ethereally in the wind similar to Celestia’s as well, but where Celestia was reminiscent of the day sky the other ponies was like the starry night. And just to further prove the difference where Celestia’s cutie mark was a radiant sun the other ponies was a crescent moon. The main reason she had drawn my eye though was she was the only other pony I had seen other than Celestia to possess both a horn and wings.
“Hey twilight who is the pony with Celestia? I have never seen another pony with both a horn and wings before.”
She looked over to where I had pointed before quickly responding. “Oh that is princess Luna Celestia’s younger sister. She rules the night sky and raises and lowers the moon whereas Celestia is the princess of the day and controls the sun.”
“Huh Celestia’s sister… WAIT A SECOND! Don’t you think it was worth mentioning that Celestia had a sister and there was another ruling princess?”
Twilight stepped back a little ashamed because of the truth of my remark. “I’m sorry Luna still doesn’t have a very active rule in governing Equestria so her name isn’t nearly as common as Celestia’s. Up until a little over a year ago she wasn’t even in Equestria due to events over a thousand years ago. Although if I were you and I talked to her I wouldn’t bring them up.”
“Fine but if you don’t mind could you tell me about it after the gala?”
“Of course I will. But for now how about we go say hello and you can introduce yourself.”
“Just go introduce ourselves? You make it sound so easy to just approach them casually like they weren’t the rulers of the country.”
Twilight just got a little smug look on her face for a second before answering. “Wellbeing the Princesses prized protégé has some benefits after all don’t you know.”
“Well ok then sounds good let’s go say hello.” But looking around I noticed it was just Twilight and myself by now. She seemed to notice me looking around for them
“They all went to enjoy the party a few minutes ago, you must have been really interested in Princess Luna to have missed them.” She giggled to herself while teasing me.
“Oh shush let’s go meet some royalty.”
Twilight led the way and when we got closer to the two princesses Celestia noticed us and immediately waved her hoof towards us in a kind and loving way like I had seen her do to many other ponies in the last minute. ‘She must really love all of her subjects her love for every pony must know no bound.’
Arriving twilight ran over to Celestia. “Princess Celestia!” she called out in a voice of adoration one would use for someone very close to them.
The princess smiled back to her “Ahh twilight how wonderful it is to see my precious student. And I see you have brought Derick along with you, a pleasure to see you again. I hope life in ponyville has been enjoyable for you so far.”
I gave a small bow to the princess before answering. “Yes it is a wonderful town filled with great ponies like twilight and her friends. I must thank you for allowing me to spend my time there.”
The princess gave a gentle chuckle at my answer. “I’m pleased to hear that, but you do not need to address me in such a manor. Any friend of twilights is a friend of mine, and I do consider us friends already from the day we met. You left quite an impression on my young Derick. Oh but where are my manners, Luna Come say hello.”
The dark princess bid farewell and turned from the guest she was currently greeting. Approaching the group she instantly locked eyes with Derick. “Ahh you are the human I heard about from Celestia, we are pleased to meet you. I must say I did not believe you Celestia when you declared how powerful this human’s draw to magic is, I can feel him absorbing magic around him at a truly astounding rate.”
She can feel it too? So only the princesses have been able to feel it huh I wonder why, at least I’m pretty sure only they can no unicorn has pointed it out yet.
“The pleasure is all mine Princess Luna” I stated back with a small bow. “With all due respect may I ask a question? Only you two princesses have felt my effect on magic how come no unicorns have pointed it out or felt it?”
Celestia chose to answer the question. “Well Alicorn’s are much more intone with natural magic than regular unicorns. And while they all project some magic that would be drawn to you it is normally so miniscule they themselves don’t feel the magic. My sister and I on the other hand have access to roughly five hundred times more magic than a standard unicorn. So simply put they just don’t radiate enough magic to feel it as fully as we can.”
‘Made sense to me I guess.’ “Thank you I’ve been curious about that. So are you both enjoying the gala?”
Once again Celestia chose to answer as Luna turned to greet another group of guests arriving. “It is a delightful evening, and I always relish the chance to see all of my little ponies.” She glanced over at her sister and a small look of sorrow crossed her face. “However, Luna is still adjusting back to royal duties. And many ponies are still adjusting to her presence and she has a hard time making friends.”
“I understand that, especially due to her position. Most people would be intimidated just to talk to royalty. Which is really a shame since you are honestly one of the nicest kindest and loving beings I have ever met, and I’m sure your sister is great inside as well. But most people will never see it due to a crown blocking their view.”
Celestia listened to my words nodding at the truth of my words before looking back at her sister and then back to Twilight and I. “Hmm, I believe you are right. But you do not seem to be so easily intimidated by her or my title.”
“With all due respect your majesty I honor and respect both of you but I can tell that neither one of you are so caught up in your title that you don’t want to be seen as ponies as well as princesses. I will kneel and bow to you all day if you ask but I just figure that you would enjoy to just have a conversation with a friend instead of worry over titles.”
Celestia’s smile grew slightly at that answer before a little mischievous look appeared on her face. “Hmm is that so? Well then I think I have a little idea, Luna dear could you come over again?” Luna bidding farewell to the latest group of newcomers turned and approached them again.
“Yes Sister?”
“I think you have earned a little break, why don’t you go with Derick here and show him around the Gala.”
She seemed to be confused by the statement. “But aren’t we expected to do our duties and greet the guests?”
Celestia just sighed a bit at the formal answer. “Sometimes even we deserve a little fun dear sister, and besides I’m sure Twilight would love to fill in and greet ponies with me for a half hour.”
The smile on twilights face deemed an answer not necessary.
Luna on the other hand started to voice a declination but was cut off by Celestia. “Sister it is fine, you aren’t neglecting any duties. You are a pony just like everyone else myself included and deserve a little bit of fun. Now go on enjoy some of the gala.” Fanning out her wings she used one to literally start to push Luna away and towards the rest of the party.
Taking my cue I followed along with the princess of the night. It was kind of nice to walk next to her. With her sister towering over 7 feet tall and Luna being around a head shorter than Celestia she was roughly the same height as me. It would be the first time since coming here I could have a face to face conversation without looking down or up.
“So Princess Luna, have you enjoyed the gala so far?”
Watching her she seemed to move with royal grace like Celestia but was stiff and withdrawn with her movements. Like she was nervous, and every time I noticed a pony glance in her direction she smiled back but I could see hesitation in her face. Definitely nervous and uneasy, it must have something to do with her situation twilight said she would tell me about.
“Yes we have enjoyed it until now, but we haven’t left Celestia’s side yet.”
She spoke with ease like any royalty would be expected to but I could hear an undertone to it. It sounded like she was almost scared but covering it up with her royal persona.
“You seem to enjoy being by your sister’s side, do you two spend a lot of time together?”
It seemed like an innocent enough question to me but it seemed to make Luna stiffen just a bit.
“We do spend time together but due to our royal duty not as often as we used to before… well a very long time ago.”
By now we had walked around the outside of the main gathering and into the castle gardens. There was still the odd pony or two every now and then but much more secluded overall. And soon found a small balcony over the cliff away from the rest of the event.
“That’s a shame but then again something as important is royal duty is probably pretty hard to make time around. I’m sure she means the best though and would like to spend more time with you. I mean who wouldn’t want to hang out with the princess of the moon.” I spoke as I leaned against a railing admiring the moon itself as I spoke.
She looked over at me before back up at the moon as well. And with barely a barely audible whisper I heard her. “Not as many as you would think” and a look of sadness crossed her face.
Shit was it something I said? Dammit twilight throw me I with a princess with a very obvious recent event weighing on her and don’t tell me anything about it. Anything could be dangerous to say and I have no idea what.
Pretending I didn’t hear her I tried to change to something I hoped would cheer her up. Or at least show I meant no harm by anything I accidentally said.
“So from the stories I’ve herd your sister created the sun and the daytime sky. So did you create the moon and stars?”
She just shook her head. “Not quite, long ago this planet had very severe weather patterns, we tamed the sun and moon to create a more hospitable world for everyone. Although we do control the sky’s and stars respectfully.”
It was nice talking to Luna. And she hadn’t reacted poorly directly towards my casual speech yet. And in the last few minutes had even relaxed a little. It must truly be terrible to have everyone see you so high and mighty that they won’t even have a regular conversation with you regardless of the topic. Yeah she was telling a story about taming a celestial body but it was a friendly conversation. So I figured I may as well just enjoy the conversation maybe even risk a couple of things to say that might help cheer the slightly depressed princess up. On the flipside though I don’t want to seem like I’m flirting with royalty and end up with hoofs in places they shouldn’t be in a painful way. Oh well no risk no reward.
Looking back at the princess I gave a genuine friendly smile. “Well thank you Luna, for the beautiful night, people may look to the day for more of their lives but I always had a special place for the night in my heart.”
She seemed a little awestruck and confused at my words at first, then several emotions flashed across her face. Embarrassment, awkwardness, anger, confusion and finally it settled on curiosity.
“Why? The day is when everyone can go about their lives, crops grow in the sun and fillies play in the day. Most people treat the night for little more than sleeping.”
She seemed hurt by the very words she spoke and suddenly a couple things made sense.
She felt neglected, everybody praised the sun but slept through the moons cycle. I could definitely sympathize where she was coming from.
“Well it is true that most sleep through the night but it’s special to me for many reasons. Both the sun and moon are important for different reasons as well. True crops grow and absorb the sunlight for energy in the day but without the soothing night the moon provides they would burn and shrivel and wither away. And sure many fillies play in the day but they need the moons loving night to rest and relax. And I’m sure if this world is like my own you can’t have a campfire with smores in the daytime. So there are special events that can only take place at night.
And as for me personally I have always felt more comfortable with the moon over my head than the sun. Most of the time at night I’m alone and just have the moon to watch over me. It gives me peace at night as if it was a guardian watching over me. Plus much of the world’s beauty in the daytime is even more grand at night, you just have to search for it. And while most people sleep at night they can never experience it. It’s like a treasure tucked away for those who dare to search and once they have found it they fall in love with it. Sure most don’t know about it yet but there is many grand and wondrous things that the night holds just waiting to be discovered which just one more reason I love the night is. It’s like an adventure in an already discovered world, there is still things to be found sights to see places to go. A waterfall in the woods is two completely different things come day and night in the day it’s a just pretty scenery. But at night it’s a hidden glade of wonder, hidden from the world. A true treasure hidden in plain sight.”
Luna sat and listened to my speech face as plain as stone not betraying a single emotion till I ended. Towards the end I noticed she hadn’t reacted and wondered if I had maybe gone a bit overboard or something, but hey I truly loved the night and wanted to make sure she knew it. If I ruled the night I would want at least a little recognition for it, it must hurt to be so ignored for such a gift that you give every day.
But when I finished a single tear fell from her left eye. I didn’t know how to react to it. So I figured I would just wait until she made the next move. Letting her have her moment I turned my direction back to the moon leaving her in the private world of her own thaught.
We stood that way side by side for a few minutes before I felt a set of hooves embrace me. Figuring when in roam I embraced the princess of the night back.
We stayed that way for probably a good thirty seconds before she backed off. Looking at her face I could see multiple wet paths streaking her cheeks. If it wasn’t for the hug I would be worried right now at making a princess cry.
“We are sorry, it’s not like us to do anything like this. But nobody has ever even thanked me for the night before. And your praise and adoration of my night just… it just… I’m sorry it’s been a long time since I felt happy like that.” It was then I could see a bit of red creep into her face from embarrassment.
“Luna I’m sorry, you give a perfect gift to the world every day that apparently nobody recognizes. Although considering how wonderful of a pony that your sister is I’m honestly not that surprised most flock to her. But you are every bit as special, and I am truly glad and honored I could spend this time with you. And I believe that many more would share my same view they just have yet to see past the sun to the beauty underneath but that can be changed.”
Thankfully she ignored every part of that which could be considered an insult and almost shyly but with hope squeaked out “How” it reminded me of the way a child talked in anticipation to Christmas. It was so innocent and pure coming from a pony with so much responsibility. Just one more reminder that despite their Burdon princesses or not they were still ponies just like everyone else.
“Well show the people err ponies some of the things they are missing. I know the sun has its own day to be praised with the summer sun celebration but I haven’t even seen one pony go camping. I mean how would people know the night is great if they have never even sat next to a campfire with a smores telling ghost stories. We used to do that at least once a month as I grew up.”
The princess looked at me with a bit of innocent confusion for a moment. “Uhh what’s a smore?”
My jaw literally dropped at the comment before I came up with an idea. “Luna I have two questions, does the palace have a kitchen with chocolate marshmallows and graham crackers? And two would the gala miss us if we visited them for fifteen minutes?”
Curiosity and intrigue from my response seemed to get the better of her as a devious look appeared on her face. “Oh I think Celestia can manage for a little longer.”
Three minutes later we found our way to the kitchens which were empty considering the entire kitchen staff had relocated outdoors to cater the event.
Luna and I both scoured the pantry looking for the items I had requested. Luna had found a chocolate bar and a bag of tiny marshmallows like what people use for hot cocoa. And I had found a box of graham crackers. Looking at the marshmallows I had an idea to make the small sugar balls work. Another minute of searching and we had found a pack of shishkabob skewers and I had 6 of them with 6 on each in my hand and over an open flame from a stove. Telling her to create the sandwich part with chocolate and cracker she quickly did so with her magic. A minute later the mallows were golden brown.
“Alright let’s see how this works normally I would just use one giant marshmallow but this should do just fine.” I said as I set the mallows down on top of the chocolate before asking her to press the next cracker down.
When she did I pulled the skewers out and tossed them into the sink nearby.
“And that is how you make a smore. Although normally they are done over a campfire in the woods. Give it a taste I’m sure you’ll like it.” I said gesturing to the finished treat
Picking it up in a midnight blue glow it floated over and she took a small bite of it. Her eyes shot wide open before a look of bliss came on her face. In a matter of seconds the rest of the treat disappeared.
Snapping out of the moment the princess looked at me before flashing red again and giving off an embarrassed laugh and smile showing the sticky marshmallow covering her sparkling white teeth.
Regaining her poise she spoke out. “That was delicious I wonder why we have never heard of those before.”
I just shrugged my shoulders. “I don’t know they were pretty common where I’m from, and even better yet they are a treat almost strictly restricted to night time. Maybe we could organize a campout one night and make a real smore, well that is if you wouldn’t mind hanging out with me again.” I let out a friendly chuckle and smiled at her.
“YES” she almost shouted out before catching herself. “I mean I would enjoy that, and I am looking forward to more of these treats. And I’m sure if I asked Celestia for one night off she would make it work, she is always talking about friendship with her student and has told me about it hoping I would make some. But it’s hard to find people who don’t either look at me in fear or bow immediately at seeing my crown. But your different you treated me like a real pony the moment we met.” She suddenly stopped talking getting embarrassed again realizing how fast she was speaking. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to ramble. It’s just I haven’t found someone other than Celestia I feel so comfortable around. Thank you for this time but I must get back to Celestia and greet the rest of the guests.”
Nodding back at her excuse we both walked and chatted till we arrived back at the main entrance where Celestia was greeting guests.
Celestia instantly noticed the genuine smile on Luna’s face as we walked towards her and grew a warm smile of her own at the sight.
We said our casual goodbyes and as I turned to leave I heard Luna call out. “Derick”
Turning around I gave a small bow. “Yes Princess” I said with a wink at her.
Keeping her royal tone in front of the other guests she called out. “If you have time I would appreciate it if you could come say farewell before you depart from the gala.”
Nodding back in a gentlemanly way I responded, “I believe I could find the time my lady.” And with one smaller bow I turned and left.
An end and a New beginning
I don’t have military knowledge either so someone out theres probably going to be like BULLSHIT at me somewhere. All I have to say is this. GET THE FUCK OVER IT IT’S A STORY ABOUT PONYS NOT THE MILITARY. I just wanted to try and create a good story for our protagonist so go along with it. And no his world of origin isn’t earth just some generic world where all this makes sense and nobody can call bullshit for unlikely stuff happening so on with the story! :P
They say in the moment you die your whole life flashes through your eyes. That’s almost what happens. Or atleast for me it was, it was more like a highlight real of memories.
So as I stood there Blinding light practically melting my eyes out I remembered every major moment of my life.
I was born in a small country
From a young age my father started me into a program called FitCross. It was a fitness program of an immensely intense level. Or as I called it, “show up and get the living shit kicked out of your body.”
But I guess it payed off by the time I graduated high school I could barely keep the girls off me, don’t get me wrong I like the attention but it sucks when people only want you for your abs.
At the age of 22 I entered the world crossfit games and took third place. And to top it off I won the next year. Basically setting me into stone as a celebrity, witch honestly bothered me. I always shied away from the attention, I put my all into it to prove to myself and no one else how far I could push myself. Also the 1st place prize money wasn’t to be scoffed at I wouldn’t need a job for the next 20 years if I was smart.
Everything up till then seemed to be going great for me. But you know that old saying what goes up must come down. And it came down alright, like a lead balloon with a cinder block attached to it.
And here is where the pattern starts. After fighting to prove and push myself for years no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t protect anything in the end.
It started with my mother, she was an angel in almost every way, funny enough her name was even faith. You would be hard pressed to find a kinder and more caring and supporting woman.
Despite having money I always stayed humbled. So I often frequented less fortunate areas of cities and volunteered. Everything from soup kitchens to setting up a dinner in a park for the homeless. I always figured I was fortunate enough for more than one person. So I thaught I should share my own fortune with others.
We were spending the day together in the cities in a seedier run down part of town, several times she had volunteered to go with me on my personal mission of help. Well as we passed by an allyway an arm reached out and grabbed her and before she could even scream a huge fist covered her mouth and a gun barrel pressed to her head.
I can remember pleading with the man figuring it was just a robbery for money, well I was right for the most part and it probably would’ve been fine in the end, he holds her hostage I empty my wallet to him he lets her go I call the police. Well that would’ve been to simple now wouldn’t it.
Apparently from what I would learn at a later date the man was severely drugged at the time and probably couldn’t of told left from purple. So in a fit of what I can only guess was either a heroine meth or pcp (all three and more where found in his bloodstream on autopsy) induced muscle spasm he dropped to one knee screaming. Figuring I would take my chance I rushed the man, almost reached him too when it happened. I will never forget the sound of that pistol discharging. Or of my mother hitting the ground. The only thing I can remember is pure rage followed by time feeling like it slowed to a crawl, I even watched the bullet that ended my mom fly past my head. Humans cant see things like that can they? the police report stated that the man was found embedded 2 inches deep into a solid concrete wall. Without any signs of a fight. So without any proof against me I was never charged with anything.
But the loss of my mother devastated me, I had failed to protect the woman who loved me most and who I also held closest to me in this world.
Not six months later I was driving down a highway with my father. We had decided to head to a small country in the north for a fishing trip. My mothers death had not been easy on either of us my father was devastated and showed it. He stopped eating unless someone forced him. Lost himself in thaught and was pretty much just a ghost of a man. So I figured I would get him out and maybe try to loosen him up to the world. He needed something to take his mind off of the present and fishing had always been his closest hobby.
Well driving one day to a small town called homer a blizzard blew in on us. Several times it almost pushed us right off the road. But my father kept driving, he had always prided himself on being a great driver. And I have to admit, he didn’t take pride in it for nothing he had proven time and time again his skill. Ill always remember him driving down a cliff backwords with 2 inches of room on either side in a huge pickup. But that is a story for another time.
But despite himself knowing his own abilities he always preached the line “Your biggest danger on the road is everybody else. You can be a perfect driver but all it takes is someone else to cause a problem.”
And sure enough to enforce his own lesson A semi truck in the oncoming lane had lost control and slid sideways on a collision course with our truck. And in a moment of panic that felt almost eerily similer to the moment of rage at the time of my mothers death time slowed down to a crawl, the only thing I can remember from that incident is somehow getting the drivers doar open and my father out of the vehicle in about 3 seconds flat.
I was found an three hours later in the wreckage. The police said they had never seen anything like it. It was almost like a forcefield went up around me because the inside of the truck had miraculously left a sphere around me absent of wreckage. They said I should have been pancaked to oblivion.
But my father had broken his leg upon me pushing him out of the vehicle. Probobly would’ve servived too except the blizzard had kept the road cleer for almost two and a half hours. I had pushed my own father into a storm and caused him to freeze to death. The police called me a hero for my efforts. Yeah some hero, I failed to save both of my parents and practically witnessed them both die and I couldn’t do a thing about it.
I practically went insane with the grief and somehow convinced myself to join the military. I believe my reasoning at the time was that I had failed to save either of my precious people. So I could atleast try and save someone elses. Long story short I became a repeat war hero, but it seems like at almost every corner I failed to protect somebody. Pretty soon I just stopped talking to anyone and requesting solo suicide missions. The weight of failure just too heavy on my shoulders, that brings me to today.
A couple good memories did pass by though. Especially with my commander, his nickname for me was I.F.T or insubordinate fucktard. I could barely follow any military protocals and had escaped being discharged under insubordination multiple times for the stupidest shit. Questioning your commanding officer, ignoring military protocals. Lack of military etiquete. And my personal favorite, Beating the shit out of my C.O when he started a fight with me, got off that one thanks to a technicality and who threw the first punch not being me. Hell I barely payed attention to anything they treid to tell me. Only reason I didn’t drop in boot was nobody could touch me when it actually came to anything physical. They called me a freak of nature. But when they told me to do something it got done. So they put up with my shit. Hell if you met me on the road you would probably think I was a mentally ill janitor by this point in my life.
I couldn’t take anything serious except my mission. Doctors attributed it to post tramatic stress syndrome. Hell they were probably right to an extent but I know it was my repeat failures to save anyone, in my 3 years of service I lost over 300 soldiers serving under me. And time and time again I was narrowly saved by some freak accident. Almost everytime though I can remember my stress or anger or whatever emotion boiling up to a point before time grinded to a halt but after that nothing.
Ill leave out country names because its pretty much irrelevant at this point but country A got pissed at Country B. me being a part of country B, so they send a FRIGGEN NUCLEAR SUBMARINE at country A. seriously how can man kind just expect to solve problems by launching weapons of mass genocide at one another?
So enter me. The best country B’s military has, to infiltrate and stop the sub. I wasn’t alone for this mission though, another man had joined the mission named Derick. He was a demolitions expert and the one actually in charge of dealing with the subs payload. And in my opinion entirely too friendly and likeable. Despite my best effort at this part to cut off emotion so it hurt less when I fail I found myself becoming friends with him. So why would a country only send two men to stop a submarine filled with Nuclear I.C.B.M’s (intercontinantel ballistic missiles) witch a single one could level a massive area killing millions your probably asking yourself. I sure as fuck knew I thaught the same thing. But then again I barely paid attention to any military tactics. I was pretty much a braindead zombie from failure crushing my mind that just did what it was told. I guess it was some mumbo jumbo about the element of surprise and how a larger force would risk premature launches from the sub. Hey it made sense when they explained it.
Our mission started off surprisingly well. The men on the submarine where pathetic and we swept the decks in a storm. We had successfully deactivated every missile aboard the ship except one. By the time we had arrived though it had already been activated and was set to explode in five minutes. As I patrolled the room looking for whoever had activated the warhead Derick was at work trying to get the missile offline. Halfway through him bringing the missile down, the enemy sprung there trap. Before I knew it we were surrounded. Telling us how we failed and would watch as our nation burned from the missile. Derick being eerily similer to me in his insubordinate ways spat on who im assuming was the captain or head of the sub who was talking to us. The next thing I know derick had a 9mm hole through the center of his eyes. Time crawled as I watched him fall, I didn’t know what to do. That was until I could hear the sounds of an rocket engine and a taunt from the captain. The words “you’ve failed” ringing in my ears.
At that moment, everything stopped and for the first time in my life I felt like I had control over these phenomana that seemed to revolve around me. I cant even begin to describe it only that it felt like well.. magic. Grasping this power surging through me it exploded in a shockwave around me throwing everybody in the room away. Laughing to myself at what just happened I knew what I had to do from that point. ironic really I fully grasp this power now, that could have saved everybody instead of me just repeatedly failing. And now im going to sacrifice it. Because I refused to fail even one more time.
Reaching out with the power I grabbed ahold of the missile before it could launch. I knew i couldn’t turn it off it was pretty much a fact. This thing is going to explode, so knowing we were in the ocean just outside my country I hoped I could atleast minimize the damage. Holding the missile from moving I prepared myself for what I knew I had to do. Throwing the missile sideways it impacted at a terrifying speed, seriously how could I just throw something that huge that fast even with this power? Upon smashing into the wall of the sub I could see the bright flash, and the intense heat. I could feel like I was being melted by the light in slow motion. But I had a job to do. Even at this range the radiation from the missile could kill thousands, and I refused to let even a single innocent person die from any of my failure.
Grasping every ounce of this what feels like magic power I used it to force the explosion towards myself. As if I was trying to absorb it, I guess I just felt like pulling everything towerds myself so nothing could get away. Who knows, it was probably a dumb idea but I couldn’t think of anything else.
But lord knows it felt like it was working, I could literally feel my blood boiling away, my skin seemed to melt off, the pain was unbearable but I for the life of me could not understand why I hadn’t died already. It seemed to stay that way for years or seconds who knows how long but after a while everything just went black. I guess I should’ve expected that trying to absorb a nuclear explosion with some strange magic. HAHAHA that’s a good one wow even I wouldn’t believe it if I told myself that but I guess this is the end. Its nice to go knowing I may have finally saved someone.
Now to just rest…
*BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP*
‘Why am I hearing beeping? Shouldn’t I be dead? Huh maybe this is just a cruel joke and hell is just a black place with a slow beep to drive you insane, ehh I dunno I don’t think hell needs to do that. I did a pretty good job barely holding my sanity together before. And besides im pretty sure hell wouldn’t smell like… I know that smell but how can someone in the same room as an explosion like that and end up in a hospital? I should be literally nothing but dust and memories by now.’
‘Well my answers aren’t going to just make themselves known unless I try to figure it out. But my eyes are covered, what is that bandages? Great well ill just have to pull them away from my eyes.’ ‘Ahhh my arm it feels like its on fire from just trying to move it. FUCK I just want to know where I am and I cant even wiggle my fingers without feeling like that bomb is going off again.’
*BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP*
‘AND WHY IS THAT BEEPING STILL THERE’
It was at this point that panic started to set in, the inability to open his eyes mixed with not being able to move was starting to terrify him. Even from a young age he could always remember being claustrophobic, and this was deffinately not a fun situation.
‘SERIOUSLY FUCK THESE BANDAGES’ was the thaught that screamed through his head before he could here the sound of cloth being shredded. The next thing he knew an ungodly amount of light was flooding through his closed eyelids. Causing even more panic.
*BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP*
“Doctor!” a voice screamed out as he could here someone rushing to him, before he felt himself being restrained.
‘heh restrain me all you want its not like im going anywhere I cant even move. But why isn’t it hurting? Trying to move was agonizing.’
“Nurse whats happening?” another voice called out, must be the doctor. followed by swiftly moving footsteps…errr is that hooves?
“I don’t know he was unconscious one second then the next thing I know his heart rate spikes through the roof and all the bandages over his eyes were ripped to shreds.” Was the reply from the first person he herd. Must be the nurse the doctor mentioned.
By know the lights didn’t burn his eyes through the lids. And even looked pretty mellow on the other side, so throwing caution to the wind he slowly started opening his eyes. Taking in what he could he saw the ceiling, looked like a hospital ceiling. A heart monitor and other machines, yup hospital machines. Before looking over to where he herd the nurse and doctor. But before he could even process what he saw his mind froze and everything went black again.
Dr's and Nurses And Princesses oh my
I know this chapter may seem to drone on with just talk but I’m still breaking into the story just give it some time. Plus I’m just trying set myself up with a decent backstory so I can write something half decent for you all to enjoy.
Did I just see what I thaught I saw? No that’s impossible. I’m going to wake up and be dead, like anybody else who has ever absorbed a nuclear blast. Because that’s reality and that’s what happens. You don’t die then wake up in a hospital to see… no I don’t even want to think about it. I’m not insane and dead just dead.
So why does it still smell like a hospital? Does death just smell like sanitizer, and medicine?
*BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP*
AND WHY DO I STILL HERE THAT FUCKING BEEP! I ALREADY DECLARED IM NOT IN A HOSPITAL AND THAT IM JUST DEAD. AND THAT I DID NOT SEE A NURSE THAT LOOKED LIKE A HORSE!
*BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP**BEEP*
Fine beep. You win do what you want. But know that whatever is causing you dead or not I’m going to destroy whatever is making you.
Well time to get this over with, I at least need to open my eyes and see what the afterlife looks like. And so I can find this beep and wipe it to oblivion.
“Doctor I think he is waking up again, but he looks calmer this time”.
Opening his eyes the man just stared at the ceiling for a few seconds letting his eyes adjust to the light. Before turning his head and staring right at his nurse. Without making a sound he just stared at her for a few seconds before staring back at the ceiling calmly.
Speaking calmly and in an even tone “Why is there a horse in a nurse outfit in this hospital? And am I dead or is this just a cruel joke.”
The nurse’s jaw just dropped before he heard a loud “HUMPH WHY I NEVER” and the sound of hooves stomping away.
“Uhh was it something I said?” the man spoke confused. Before hearing another set of hooves coming from his other side.
“You’re not from around here are ya boy”
Looking over the man saw what another grey horse, or was it a pony? He was much too small to be considered a full size horse. He looked around 4 maybe 4 ½ feet tall. And to top it all off there was a small horn on top of his head making him look like a unicorn.
‘haha that’s a good one, even I know there is no such thing as a unicorn, but seeing how my mouth got me in trouble once already apparently I think I’m just going to ignore this for now. I’m sure it’ll all be explained in time.’
Speaking out to answer “Gee what makes you think that? Could it be that I’m human and just woke up in a hospital filled with small horses?” the man replied briskly with a hint of sarcasm to it.
At that remark the doctor’s face got a little red with anger before he calmed down and spoke again.
“I’m going to let that comment slide since I’m sure you don’t know any better, we are ponies in this land. And I would advise you never to call any of us a horse again. I believe you just made my nurse go cry somewhere from that insult.”
Realizing what the doctor just said the man instantly felt terrible before smacking his hand to his face before groaning.
‘Huh it didn’t hurt much to move that time. I guess whatever was causing pain before has passed’
“I apologize doctor I’m just a little overwhelmed, I didn’t mean to offend anybody. I honestly don’t even know where I am, and as for what I said where I’m from a horse is just a type of animal like you. I did not know in this uhh wherever I am that it was an insult. Especially since I can clearly see that you are not a simple animal but an intelligent being.”
‘Never let it be said that I don’t take others feeling into account. Pony or not hate insulting people, I’m going to have to find that nurse pony later and apologize.’
Chuckling to himself the doctor spoke again. “It’s alright boy, I figured you didn’t mean any harm by what you said. Although my nurse was still upset by it, I would recommend you apologize to her later.
“Yeah I planned on it, I hate hurting people’s feelings. Especially by stupid comments like that, I don’t even know what it means.”
Leaning over the Dr. whispered something into the man’s ear before his eyes shot wide open in realization.
“Oh… I could see how that would hurt her feelings, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s alright I’m sure she will forgive you when she learns of your predicament. Anyways we should go back to the matter at hand, who you are where you came from and how on earth you got so injured when they dragged your nearly lifeless body into my hospital. Speaking of witch what happened to you boy? I’ve never seen Injuries so severe like yours.”
“I would rather not talk about it if you don’t mind “he replied in a sad tone before mumbling again more to just himself. “My nearly lifeless… uhh doctor how long have I been in this hospital?”
‘It must be a painful memory, ill drop it for now’. “Just over two weeks. You woke up 5 days ago for a brief moment before passing out again. It’s honestly nearly miraculous that you even are doing so well now. I thaught you were going to be down for at least a month.”
“What was wrong with me? I remember waking up and feeling incredible pain before passing out again.”
“From what I was told you were found just outside of town, severely covered from head to toe in third degree burns and nearly bled to death. You had bone fractures in both arms and legs, six cracked ribs and a punctured lung. It is nothing short of a miracle you are even alive. And before we continue this conversation I was curious if you had a name? We have been listing you as patient 37 for the last two weeks and I hardly think that’s a suitable title.
The man just sat there for a minute taking in everything the doctor had just asked him, it’s not every day that you arrive in a mystery land beaten to six levels of hell and nearly dead. But then his question registered.
“You can call me Derick, I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name either.”
“I am Dr. Whooves. It’s a pleasure to meet you Derick, now back to the medical side of things.” Your body has been healing very well on its own. And that was before the magical treatments can be factored in. your body.”
“Wait magical treatments? As in Magic? There is no such thing as magic.”
Chuckling again the Dr. Whooves answered. “You are definitely not from around here. Before I answer that where are you from?”
“A small country north of Keld called Atura, but seeing as there is no such thing as talking ponies I’m going to assume they aren’t a part of this planet are they.”
“Never herd of either of those places so I’m going to have to say no. We are in Equestria right now, and as I said earlier magic is very real here.” As if to prove a point the Doctors horn suddenly started glowing silver before a small clipboard appeared in front of him.
“Ooook I’ve seen strange things in my life but that takes the cake.”
“I do find it odd though that you say that I was expecting you to have some knowledge of magic from the tests we ran earlier.”
“Tests? What tests and why does magic have anything to do with them”
Looking puzzled the doctor started looking over the clipboard double checking some information.
“Well to start off when we first used magical treatment on you to re-set your broken bones your body seemed to absorb the magic like a sponge. It was almost like you were drinking it up and couldn’t get enough. That made me mighty curious so I decided to do some further tests. And from what I found out your body is in part accustomed to actually using magic on its own, although at a severely less proficient rate than us unicorns. But I did expect you to have some basic knowledge of magic seeing as you have used it before.”
Derick just sat there hardly believing what he was hearing “But I’ve never used magic before, where I’m from any magic is just smoke and mirrors, tricks on the eyes.” Thinking for a second though the man thaught back on all the strange events that had happened in his life. “But it would make sense, for the past couple years strange things I never remember have happened repeatedly saving my life, I thaught it was a curse though because almost every time it happened someone close to me wasn’t as lucky.”
The doctor could hear the sad tone creep into his voice realizing there must be a lot of sadness and heartbreak in the memories that Derick was remembering.
Thinking to try and break him out of his sudden funk the doctor spoke again. “Well on the other hand I do have some good news for you. At the rate you have healed you are almost back to new, by tomorrow we should be able to release you from the hospital.”
Thinking this would cheer the man up he was puzzled by the man’s face when it just grew more depressed.
Mumbling in a low tone almost as if only to himself “And go where”
Then it hit the Doctor. This man was in a new world, new nothing about it. Didn’t know a single person had no friends and no family here. And not even a place to call home, apart from the hospital gown he was wearing he didn’t even appear to have any clothing. Then an idea struck the Doctor, there was no way that She would ever let one of her subjects pony or not just appear in the land and go homeless without even clothes on their back.
“Hmm if you excuse me I’m going to let you rest for a while. It looks like you’ve had a very eventful awakening and I don’t want to overload you.”
And with that the doctor turned and started to walk off.
“Oh Dr? One more thing before you go.”
Looking back the grey pony smiled “Yes?”
“Uhh if you see that nurse could you ask her to come by my bed? I would like to apologize to her.”
“I will pass along the message.” And he continued to walk off.
Laying back down Derick began to think about his morning so far, there was so much to take in.
But not ten minutes after the doctor had left he heard the sound of approaching hooves.
“Uhm the doctor said you requested me. Is there something you need?”
It was the nurse pony, looking at her she was a white color with a light pink mane and did not have a horn like the Dr did. She was avoiding looking at him directly and from her tone he knew that she was still upset from his comment earlier.
“I uhh, just wanted to apologize for earlier. I didn’t realize what I said, I’m not from here and where I’m from that term is a harmless name for a type of animal that resembles you.”
“Humph” she replied. “So you think of us as animals? She said in a mix of hurt and anger.
“Nonono nothing like that I’m sorry that was worded poorly. From what I can figure out I’m from another world. There we have creatures that resemble you called horses but they are animals. You on the other hand are not even close, unlike our creatures couldn’t think or speak. You are an intelligent creature that I have accidentally insulted. And I would like to apologize and start over, my name is Derick.”
Hearing the words the nurse let some of the hurt and anger leave her features before finally looking at him. “I’m Nurse Redheart, and I understand what you’re saying. I’m sorry for getting upset earlier I should’ve known seeing how I’ve never seen a… whatever you are haha sorry but uh just what are you anyways?”
“I’m a human, so this land uhh Equestria I think I called it has never seen any humans before?”
“Not that I know of you’re the first one.”
“Huh well I’ll be. *YAWN* oops hehe sorry looks like I’m a little tired. From what I herd of my injuries I guess that’ll have that effect on you.”
“Yeah I’ve never seen somebody so hurt. Whatever happened to you must’ve been terrible. Anyways I’ll let you have some rest, it was nice meeting you Derick.”
“And nice to meet you to Mrs. Redheart.”
As she left he lay back thinking about everything again. Ponies, magic, equestrian. It was all so much to take in. and he couldn’t help but think back to his own world and what he was sure should’ve been the last moments of his life. ‘Heh for all I know they were and I’m in a dream’ oh well not like it matters now if it is Ill just wake up dead. No use worrying about what’s past.
And with that he slowly drifted off to sleep.
A few hours later Derick woke up to here voices outside of the room he was in. he could tell the first voice was the Doctor. The second voice he had never herd though, but it sounded well it was hard for him to describe. It was definitely a females voice that was a given, it sounded soft and kind but had a regal sound to it. All in all it was a beautiful sounding voice to him. He decided to listen in on the conversation.
“So this is the room he is currently in correct?”
“That is correct. He has been with us for two weeks and finally woke up earlier, although I did not expect you to pay a visit personally it is quite an honor my lady.”
“Oh that is quite alright, I love and care for all my subjects. And your letter made me want to meet him in person, it is quite a tragedy to end up in a predicament like his. The part about not even having any clothes or a home pulled at my heart. And if it is within my power none of my subjects will be exposed to any harshness like that.”
‘OH. MY. GOD. She really is royalty then, why else would she say my subjects? Why is royalty here talking about me? And what letter? Oh I get it that doctor must’ve herd me say that part and wrote a letter. But why to royalty? And on another note what kind of friggen royalty has the time and is willing to just visit a stranger in a hospital? Well guess there is one way to find out.
He started shifting in his bed making a small amount of noise, making the conversation outside of his room stop. ‘Huh don’t want them to think I was eavesdropping that’s just rude. Butter play it smooth.’
Reaching over he took a glass of water that was next to his bed took a sip and set it down slightly harder than normal. Hoping it would seem like he was just taking a drink and laying back down in bed.
A few moments later he heard a knock at the door before the Dr walked in.
“Hello Derick I hope I didn’t wake you.”
“No it’s alright I woke a minute ago to get a drink.”
“Excellent, I know this may come as a surprise but you have a visitor. That is if you are willing to let them see you.”
‘Heh as if I can say no knowing there is a royal woman outside my room. My curiosity alone won’t let me.’
“A visitor? But who would visit me? I don’t know anyone here other than you and the nurse. Even from where I’m from I don’t have any family or friends that would visit me in a hospital.”
Outside the room the Alicorn listening in on the conversations heart seemed to bleed and pain her for a second upon hearing the man’s words.
“Well I guess you will just have to find out then? Wont you. Unless you’re too tired for a visit.”
‘Hook line and sinker. Can’t play a few heartstrings while I’m at it. Never hurts to have others on your side and get a little sympathy. Just as long as you don’t abuse it and am always genuine and nice back.’
“I will go let he know you would like to see her.” Said Dr.Whoove before walking out the room. A few moments later another MUCH larger pony walked in, before he even looked at her he noticed a small glow filling his room radiating from the pony.
Looking at who just entered his room his jaw nearly broke off how hard it wanted to drop.
Before him stood the most regal and beautiful creature he had ever seen in his life. She towered over the other two ponies he had seen.
Derick was not a small man. Standing roughly 6’6” and extremely toned muscles but he felt so small next and insignificant next to her.
She was easily 7 feet tall probably closer to 7 ½ ft. She was pure white and had a picture of a sun on her lower body where a horse’s flank would be. He didn’t know what to call their anatomy and wasn’t risking anything for fear of insulting anyone.
Atop her head was a beautiful horn but that’s not what caught his eye. Her mane unlike the hair of the ponies he had seen. Seemed to be ethereal and waving on its own magically it was striped in colors off blues/ a light green and a light purple. Her tail seemed to be doing the same thing as well.
She wore what looked like golden shoes and a golden chest piece with a purple gemstone in the center.
And to top off her Overwhelming appearance two huge magnificent wings sat tucked on her back.
‘WOW’ was all he could think.
“Hello” she spoke in a soft and loving tone laced with power and regalness but with no hidden ill will he could find. It was like she spoke with pure unbiased love to all. ‘If that’s actually true she is royalty that in my opinion deserves to actually rule. Far too many monarchs in my world’s history have been far less kind to their subjects.’ “I believe I was told your name was Derick is that correct?”
“Yes your majesty” he sat up trying to bow. He knew it always payed to be respectful to royalty. Although where he was from used a democracy system royalty was abundant in his world’s history.
She giggled at his effort for a second ‘wow even her giggle seems regal, it’s not really a giggle or a chuckle I have no idea how to describe it, it’s simply too graceful’
“Please relax, I am the guest in your hospital room. There is no need for formalities here.”
Her words passing through his mind just reinforced every thaught of her. ‘This is a truly worthy princess or queen who loves her subjects. And is humble too, all the monarchs in my history seemed to believe they were above everybody else and demanded respect.
“It is a great honor to meet you, I don’t believe I caught your name.” he spoke casually but with great respect in his voice.
“Oh my forgive me. I am princess Celestia, the kind Doctor here sent me a letter of your situation and I wanted to pay a visit personally. It’s not every day a human ends up in Equestria.”
“Yeah haha, it’s a little overwhelming, but from what I’ve seen it’s a very kind place. Especially if a princess like yourself pays us unimportant folk a visit haha.” He chuckled out nervously ‘I have no idea what to say to royalty. Am I being too informal? She seems very kind and friendly but I don’t want to cross any lines.’
“That is not true, every creature in my lands are equally important to me. I love and cherish all of my subjects equally. I’ll admit I do not get to spend as much time among them as I would enjoy. But I will always be there for anypony who needs it. And from the Dr’s letter it’s apparent that you have quite a situation on your hands.”
“I’m just lucky to be alive Ma’am I’ll be just fine now. There’s no need to worry about lil old me, I can take care of myself.”
“I’m sure you could, you seem very capable and strong, especially at the rate you are absorbing magic from the area, I have to admit that when I read about that from the Doctors letter that was something that intrigued me and made me want to visit you all the more.”
‘What is she talking about? I’m not absorbing magic, I still don’t even understand this whole magic thing.’
“Uhh beg pardon your majesty but I’m not completely aware of what you mean by that I am absorbing magic. I don’t feel anything at all and I don’t even fully understand the magic of this world. From where I’m from there is no such thing as magic.”
From his words the princess’s face seemed to be held in thaught and was that a little bit of amazement and awe? Nah why would someone like him have any reason to impress a princess.
“That is most intriguing. You claim to have no knowledge or control of magic by the sound of your words. Yet from the tests I looked over before visiting you have been using magic for several years, albeit unknowingly at the time apparently. And I can tell you that just from myself being in the room that you are absorbing magic at an alarming rate.”
‘This just seemed to confuse Derick further.’ “Uhh princess I don’t know very much about what you are talking about when it comes to magic could you perhaps explain it a bit? I apologize for my ignorance and boldness asking but I like to understand things around me.”
Smiling at his question the princess answered. “Of course, I would be happy to answer, it’s funny for a moment there you sounded a little bit like my student with you want of knowledge. But never mind that for now, as for the magic it appears from our tests that you have used magic in several situations over the past few years. And if you are claiming that there was no such thing as magic from your world I’m assuming that it is in a place with little to no raw magic. But you on the other hand have a very large and powerful natural magical gift. And to further strengthen that claim I am what is known as an Alicorn. As I’m sure you have noticed I poses both the horn of a unicorn and wings of a Pegasus.
There are currently only three Alicorn in our world. Alicorn are considered royalty simply because of the power that we contain. I myself am in charge of raising and lowering the sun everyday with my magic.”
At that statement Derick’s jaw hit the floor. “Yo-you c-can move the s-sun? With just your magic!?!?”
Smiling at his outburst she answered “yes and it is almost as easy and natural as breathing for me. Now as a creature with such powerful and huge amounts of magic I naturally radiate an immense amount of natural raw magic. But ever since entering this room you have been naturally absorbing every bit of it.”
Hearing her words he suddenly got slightly worried, ‘shit I don’t need to sound like I’m stealing a princess, with the power of a gods magic.’
“Oh my gosh I am so sorry princess I did not mean to please forgive me.”
The princess looked at him slightly confused. “Whatever for? I have seen no need to ask for forgiveness.”
“I am practically stealing magic from you and don’t even know it. That has to be some sort of problem.”
“Ahh I can see why you would be worried about that now. Fear not I am not in the least angered by how you put it stealing my magic. In fact I find it rather interesting. While it is only a small fraction of what I contain it is a rather large amount compared to a normal unicorn. The amount of magic a being can contain is set at a limit. And from the amount you have absorbed in just this conversation would cause a lesser unicorn with low capacity to explode in magic overload.”
Worry shot across derricks face. “You mean if I absorb too much I could explode?”
Letting out another one of her graceful laughs the princess answered. “No my dear, when a creature contains the amount of magic it can contain it stops absorbing, every magical creature naturally absorbs magic over time to replenish what they use. And I’m guessing that is why you were able to rarely use magic where you’re from. Even without hardly any natural magic there you have an immense magical affinity. You would naturally build a natural charge over time if there was even a microscopic amount of magic on your home world.”
“Huh makes sense, that’s kind of a relief at least I won’t explode.”
But now a slightly grim look appeared across the princess’s face giving Derick some worry. “But there is more to this whole situation. Believe it or not I have met humans before, and they cannot naturally contain large amounts of magic. The few I have met upon absorbing a decent quantity started to change into a magical being. From what I have learned and speculate from those experiences. It seemed like they were born with a natural connection to a type of magical creature that there soul had a strong connection to. I have seen this happen three times before.
This is also one of the more important reasons I chose to visit you this evening. I do not want to alarm you but I expect within the next two to three months you will change into a magical creature.”
Derick could not believe what he was hearing. “You mean ill change into a unicorn or some such creature?”
Nodding back to him the princess spoke again. “That is correct to an extent. Every time a human with a magical affinity came into contact with large quantities of magic change. It happens when they absorb an amount that there body cannot contain. All of the humans absorbed magic at a surprisingly quick rate but all changed into different creatures. Of different magical levels. I’m trying to think of a good way to describe this to scale with how much magic different creatures contain. Because all three humans changed differently, one became a phoenix, one became a unicorn, and one simply became a dragon.”
“Wow a dragon, that’s amazing but no offense I hope I don’t become one, Sounds like a lot of trouble. And if you don’t mind princess where I’m from there is a simple method to scale things like that. They use a 1 to 10 scale 1 being the least and 10 being the most. So you could tell me what the most powerful would be at a 10 and the rest from there. Oh and princess, thank you very much for explaining all this to me. I love learning and this is extremely fascinating despite the news I’m probably going to become some random creature.”
Smiling at his answer she replied “That is an excellent method if I do say so myself, we have used it here as well I just did not think of it. Ok if 10 were the most magical creatures in the universe that would be an Alicorn like myself. Phoenix’s while being almost entirely magical creatures especially with their rebirth cycle do not contain huge amounts of magic and would probably be somewhere around a 5. Dragons have natural magic like when they breathe fire but depend more on their size and strength to live life and would be roughly a 3. Unicorns are harder to classify they can range anywhere from a 1 if you are a low level unicorn to around a 9 for the extremely magically gifted. The human I met was somewhere around a 2 unfortunately.”
“Huh bummer looks like humans just can’t hold a lot of magic. Especially if you said they all absorbed it quickly for two to three months but all became lesser magical creatures.”
Hearing his reply the princess grinned slightly. “It is very surprising to continue to hear such wisdom in your answers. Brand new to the world of magic and your logic on the situation is excellent. But there is something different here. While I said they gathered it quickly that is an overstatement in this situation. They gathered it quickly to normal standards, and from my research the reason it took so long is the transformation requires an immense amount of raw magic to transform someone into even a lesser magical creature.
Let’s say they absorbed magic roughly 2 to ten times faster than a mid-level unicorn. Witch would indeed be rated as quickly. You are gather magic roughly twenty times faster than the quickest of those three.”
Derick simply sat there for a moment absorbing it all. “Wait you mean I am gathering magic 200 times faster than a unicorn?” he nearly screamed at the sheer amazement of the statement.”
“That is correct young one, I am honestly truly curious to see what happens to you if you do transform. But that is an if. I can here today with all this knowledge already but with two options to give you. The first would be to naturally let you gather magic and live in Equestria, you would transform into a random creature who may not even be able to communicate with the rest of civilization. And that is a risk only you can choose for yourself. The other option is I could cut off your magic and send you back to the world you came from. The choice is yours young one.”
Her words echoed his mind, his choice? He could go home. He might even be considered a hero after the incident that sent him here. But there would be questions, lots and lots of questions. And besides there wasn’t a single person for him to go back to they all ended up dead. Staying here was a risk, but it could possibly be a shot at a new life.
“Well I think I have a decision on that question already. I have nothing but trouble waiting to go back home, considering I should be dead, and I have nobody left to go back to. I know it’s a risk but I possibly have a new life waiting for me here. And I’m hoping to become something that can fit in here like a unicorn. It would be pretty awesome to use magic if I do say so myself hahaha.”
“Very well then. Since you have made your decision it is time to get you set up for a new life. Until you transform and we know what kind of creature you are and what to do with you I have arranged for you to stay in this town with my personal student. And to be cared for by her and her friends, she has already agreed since I met her before coming here. And is excited to meet you since she has a thirst for knowledge and never met a human before.”
“well it’s a relief to know I have somewhere to stay at least but uhh, Its kind of embarrassing to ask but I would rather not go meet them naked or in a hospital gown if you know what I mean.”
Chuckling to herself the princess nodded in agreement. “Yes you are quite right, do you have the energy to stand?”
“Oh yeah I’m just used to being in hospitals and staying down. Nurses tend to get huffy when you move to much hahaha.” Hopping down from the bed he had been sitting in he stood before the princess slightly embarrassed by his attire.”
Seeing the blush in his cheeks the princess giggled to herself before stepping forward.
“Perhaps it is time for you to witness a small amount of magic I am about to cast a spell that will create clothes from your mind just envision an outfit and I will create it.”
“Wow you can do that? Well ill just stick to something comfortable and widely usable for now. Don’t know how long I’ll be stuck with it.”
The princess just laughed to herself ‘oh if only he knew what he is going to get into meeting rarity.’
“Alright here we go picture it exactly like you want it.” As she spoke a bright light engulfed Derick.
When it faded the princess was breathing heavily almost dropping to the ground.
“Oh my god princess are you ok? He said rushing forward to help her if she needed it.”
Getting a breather she stood back up. “I am fine, but that was interesting. It took me roughly 1000 times more magic to perform that spell than normal. Your body kept absorbing it faster than I could cast it, I will be ok in a few hours of rest. And do not even think of apologizing it was not your fault just a simple miscalculation, but if you would be so kind please let any pony you meet not to use magic directly on you unless they want to be extremely tired afterwords. Around you should be fine since it is not raw magic and not focused on you.”
Nodding at her words he looked down at his new attire. It was pretty simple. Comfortable pair of jeans and a fitted black t-shirt with the words ‘DO REAL WORK’ on the back. “Hahaha” he chuckled to himself turning his head back around from stretching to see the back. “Had to keep a little piece of home with me.”
Speaking up Celestia turned around as if to exit the room “you appear to be in great condition unless you want to stay another night in the hospital let me guide you to where you’ll be staying.” She quickly looked away from him before leaving the room.
Derick stood there for a moment wondering what he just saw. ‘Where her cheeks? Did she just blush?’ looking down at his appearance once again he realized why. From years of hard work and training, and in the military he had a body to be proud of. And he always wore slightly tighter shirts. ‘HAHAHAHA I STILL GOT IT AND FROM A PRINCESS NO LESS!!’ he laughed and shouted in his mind before running to catch up to the disappearing princess.