You know how friends are supposed to be there for you, whenever you need them, to defend you or to make you feel better? If you answered yes then...

“It's really annoying when you look up things on the internet. I mean, seriously, don't you have anything better to do?”

...you're a lot more lucky then I am. My life has been full of disappointment and nothing magical like a lot of peoples' lives should be. My friends aren't people you normally would praise or even like. Every time I do something wrong, they point it out.

“Why don't you actually get a job?”

“My mother is sick, I need to-”

“So? You can still get a job and watch over your mother, right? I mean, I know I could.”

This was a normal conversation taking place in gym at high school. I know that high school kids are immature and all, but no one else likes me. The person pointing out my flaws has been with me since kindergarten. She says we're best friends, but I feel like it's one-sided. Now, I'm not flaking on getting a job, I'd love to get a job. But my mother has been sick and getting sicker since last summer. I always do everything for her, I don't complain about it one bit. It's actually nice to take care of someone, especially your mother or sibling or father. But it's a full time job, especially when someone is as sick as she is. I could remember when she had a full head of hair, when she actually had meat on her bones...My eyes watered as I remembered all the fun we had and the wonderful times we spent together.

“What? You're crying now? Grow up.”

“I would get a job and take care of my mom, what's wrong with you?”

I bit my lip to keep me from lashing out at them. They didn't understand how draining it all was to take care of someone and also have to deal with their remarks. The other people around me were acquaintances if not total strangers. Friends of a 'friend' I guess you could call them. All their jobs are is to make me feel even more terrible about my existence. I know that friends are supposed to be there for you and make you feel better. What were these people exactly?

The day ended without much else going on aside from more criticizing. Home was the only place I could go to to feel better. My brother understood what we were both going through and my mother was the sweetest person. Sure, getting up every 10 to 20 minutes was a little straining, but anything to make her feel better was the best feeling in the world.

Now, you're all probably wondering 'Where's the ponies? I came here for ponies!' Well, a story needs some background and leading up time. They'll come soon, promise. The next few weeks were spent coping with mostly the negativity as well as dealing with my mother's condition. I wish things could get better...I really do. I was daydreaming when I walked into school. If I could just be accepted and actually loved by people I could really call my friends, it would be wonderful. Everything would be wonderful and nothing would be sad. I wished on a star one night that everything would get better. I know it's silly to wish upon them, but it's nice to have a little fun once in a while. Part of me really hoped that wish worked. But I also knew it probably wouldn't come true.

The day was mostly silent, thankfully. I didn't hear criticizing or hateful comments from my 'friends' at all for the most part. Maybe that wish was coming true. I doubt it, but it was nice to believe. During my one computer class, I felt happy that there was no sign of the one girl that always talked about me like I was a pampered little miss-priss. The one that told me to grow up. I was free to look wherever I wanted on the internet and not get scolded for it. I'm not the type of person to actually go onto strange, 18+ sites. I just go onto a place called Equestria Daily for the most part. All the art, videos, and merchandise showcases were so cool to look at. It made me happy to see people letting their emotions through in fanart and fanfiction. I was never good with drawing ponies or any animal for that matter. But for some reason it made me happy to see other people's works of art.

I don't know how long I've been a fan of My Little Pony, all I know is that the community makes me happy and makes me feel accepted. It was never a problem and never seemed like a problem for me to be apart of them. I may not have contributed anything or really voiced myself, but I still felt that level of acceptance. I was feeling so happy before I realized that the friend had come in late and was finally next to me. “My Little Pony? You seriously like that?” I flinched and glanced at her. She looked disgusted or maybe it was just misunderstanding.

“I like it...It's really cool.” I nod as I tell her that before scrolling down a bit more to see more of the art.

“That show is for little girls. You're 18!”

That's the most common use of an insult among the people who don't really watch the show or just hate it and the community in general. I never understood how that's a bad thing. There are adults who watch Spongebob and other kids' shows. But My Little Pony was always the one to get bashed on the most. Now, this person has never watched the show fully or even wants to. So they're pretty much shooting blind. Instead of fighting back, I just kept doing my own thing, hearing her sigh heavily. One of the things I learned from the community is to always 'Love and Tolerate'. Even if the insults hurt, I don't want to fight back and make them realize just how much it hurts.

I continued the day normally, hoping to just get home without anything else happening. I knew she was going to just keep saying things about me and then my whole day would be ruined. So much for that wish. I sigh as I walk towards one of the stairwells, ready to get the last class out of the way for today. But as I reached the top, I noticed her with a few of her other friends.

“There you are. I was just telling him about your hobby.”

She put an arm around my shoulder. Never have I felt so strongly about pushing her away.

“Hobby?”

“You know. Watching the show that's for little girls.”

“You seriously watch My little pony?” They both laughed as I looked down.

“I like it, it's cool.” That's the only thing I could think of to say. They'd just laugh at me either way.

It was times like these that I wonder about...dark things. Just repeatedly stabbing them or myself. There was a draw back to my passive behavior. Instead of letting out all my anger, I kept it bottled. I didn't know how to get it out. I played video games, like Super Mario or other Nintendo classics, but they never really did the trick. I would always think of things I would do to them, but I would always cry myself to sleep in the end. I never acted on them. I know I could have looked at more of the Pony artwork or stories, but no matter what, things would always get to me. I'm not sure how to fix myself.

“Cool? It's pastel colored ponies! What could be cool about that?” The boy asked, laughing.

I gulp and look down. “T-There's a few parts that actually-”

“Nothing is cool about that, they probably have tea parties and all.” The girl giggled as she cut me off.

My hand gripped into a fist as I looked at the ground.

“Who's your favorite Pony? Is her name Rainbow Sparkles?” They teased.

“It's...Fluttershy...” I spoke more quietly now.

I could feel a lump in my throat and I could never talk through it until it went away. They continued to laugh at me before I finally decided to act. I pushed the girl off me and glared at her.

“What the hell was that for? I didn't say anything to deserve that!”

“What's wrong with you?” I couldn't believe what they were saying!

“You're making fun of me! You're making fun of something I like! What's wrong with you!?”

“Geez, calm down.” They brushed it off like nothing.
I gritted my teeth and attempted to push the other away. I never really liked to fight, throwing punches wasn't the most productive thing I could have done. “Hey, back off.” He pushed me back before I could get to him. He was a tall, strong dude, I probably wouldn't have been able to push him, anyway.

But the two of them didn't think he'd actually push me this hard. I felt like I flew back a little and when I tried to get my footing, I lost it immediately when my foot hit the corner of the first step. My eyes went wide when I realized I was falling down. I knew they were looking and watching me. But they didn't move to help. I don't remember hitting my head, though. After my ascent and close crash with the ground, everything went white then faded to black.

“Hm? Who are you? Did you bump your head?”

When I finally started to come to, I swear everything felt different. Who was that speaking to me? He didn't sound familiar.
“Oh! You're waking up! Funny, I still don't recognize you...”

He sounded so happy. Just who was this? My vision was blurry when I finally saw a blob of pink. I blinked a few times and tried to sit up. But...something was off. My vision was blurry. My glasses must have flown off when I hit the ground. But I could clearly make out two light brown tinted hooves. I flinched before looking at my backside. Yellow fur...light brown tinted hooves...Hooves. The pink pony in front of me didn't seem to be fazed too much when I pretty much screamed.

“What's going on!? Where am I?! Is this a dream!? What happened!?”

I would be lying if I say I didn't panic. Boy did I panic. The pink pony seemed to laugh before bouncing up and down.

“Wow, you're really silly! But so jumpy! I bet you're the life of the party wherever you're from.” He nodded and tried to help me onto my hooves.

I wasn't really ever one for parties, but hearing that phrase and seeing somewhat of the way this pony acted, I had no doubt of who it was.

“Pinkie Pie?”

I wobbled a bit as I tried to get my footing, but it wasn't as hard as it looked to actually balance myself. “Pinkie Pie? I never heard of that pony. But I would probably call myself that if I were a filly!” He chuckled and grinned.

“I'm Bubble Berry! You can call me Berry.”

He introduced himself so happily. Bubble Berry? Well...as far as my memory serves...that was the name of the gender bend Pinkie Pie. So did that mean...this was an alternate Ponyville? Or maybe...Maybe I am just dreaming. I probably got knocked on the head way too hard when I fell. But this was very vivid...was this real or just a dream?

“What's your name? I never seen you around these parts.”

I blinked and tried to think of a normal name for this place. My human name would probably be very strange to him. I'm sure I was over thinking this, I mean, I didn't know if this was a dream or not! Well, as they say...when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

“F...Fireswoon.”

That was the name of my OC I created. She was an Earth Pony that created fireworks. But as I glanced at my flank, I noticed there was no cutie mark. How could there be? I don't even know what I really want to do in my life.

“Fireswoon?”

He tilted his head and thought a little before chuckling.

“Nope! I really don't know you.”

He seemed so happy about that. I couldn't help but smile at his cheerful behavior. Even if this was a dream, I couldn't help but feel so happy with this colt around. I knew Pinkie Pie was good with other ponies, but dang...I didn't think her behavior would get me to smile this quickly. Well, she was a he now...but either way, they got to smile so quickly.

“Come on, you look like you can't even see a balloon right in front of your eyes.” He laughed.

I must have been squinting, I normally don't look like I have terrible eyes. “Oh...thank you, Berry.” I smiled at him and stuck close to his side so I didn't veer off somewhere else and get in trouble.

The next few minutes were spent at an eye doctor. I forgot the colts name, but it was easy to get a pair of glasses. It seemed in this world, my vision wasn't so bad! My left eye is usually so much more worse than my right, but in this world, they were on equal terms. The glasses weren't thick, either...not that my human ones were in the first place. I tried to not let Berry pay, but I had absolutely no Bits on me, so he ended up paying. The glasses fit like a glove, though! I could finally see clearly now! I looked around Ponyville once we went back outside. It was so pleasant and quiet, just like the show portrayed! Oh, my brother would have loved to see this place. Oh gosh...my brother! I know it's horrible, but for the first hour, I completely forgot about my family. How was I supposed to get back? I had to take care of my mother, oh gosh this was all so troublesome.

“I gotta show you to my friend, Dusk Shine! Seeing as your a unicorn, I bet you two would get along swell!” Berry smiled at me, not noticing how much I was panicking.

Which was good, I felt more than afraid to tell him about how I got here. Wait...did he say Unicorn?

“Unicorn?” I asked.

“Yeah. You never noticed your horn before?”

In the eye doctor's office, I never noticed it, even when I look in the mirror! I was so concentrated on the glasses I probably didn't even notice! “Haha, Fireswoon, you are silly!” He laughed and lead me to Dusk Shine's library tree house. It was just as cool as it looked in the show.

“Dusk Shine~ I found someone new!” Berry chimed as he knocked on the door.

I looked around, wondering if they were all turned to colts...well, now that I thought of it, they probably were with the fewer being fillies and mares. It would only be logical if that were the case.

“Berry, you know I'm-”

The colt version of Twilight opened the door and seemed to have been interrupted from something. But when he looked at me, seeming a little confused and surprised, I couldn't help but smile a little nervously.

“Who's this?” He asked as he fully walked out of the door and stepped in front of me.

“That's Fireswoon! I found her unconscious a little ways away from Everfree Forest.” He explained, seeming excited still.

He really was a ball of energy, huh? Dusk Shine looked around me, seeming a little confused. I knew I wasn't a regular here...heck, technically I was an intruder...maybe. I still haven't met the Princesses...or Princes as they should be here.

“It's nice to meet you, Fireswoon. I'm Dusk Shine.” He introduced himself with a smile.

I glanced at his back, not seeing any wings. So this is before he gets his wings...or maybe stallions really don't become Alicorns. I'm still very confused about that concept!

“It's...a pleasure to meet you.” I nearly lifted my hoof for a handshake.

Now that I thought of it, walking was easy to get used to. It's literally just putting one hoof in front of the other in a pattern. I'm sure I'll trip up when it comes to running. Hopefully that never comes.

“So where do you come from?” He asked me again, this time, really stumping me.

What would be the horse form of my home?

“Uh...New Jockey...” I winced a little, giving it a shot.

The two blinked, making me think I screwed up horribly.

“New Jockey? I heard that place has great corn! Is it true?” Berry asked me curiously.

Neither of them knows how relieved I am that there's a place named that.

“Oh yeah. It's really delicious. I think I had some but I lost my bags.”

I hate lying. But I had to so they didn't get suspicious. Berry seemed disappointed, but he soon smiled again.

“We'll just have to take a trip there and get some!” He nodded.

I wasn't so sure about going to a place like that...but this was Equestria. That place could be really nice.

“That sounds great.” I smiled at him before looking at Dusk Shine.

“A pony from New Jockey? I thought they were all Earth Ponies.” He chuckled.

He must have been confused. We are the Garden State...and we grow a lot of produce. Maybe that's why he thought differently on the type of pony I am. Then again, I was just as confused as he was. I swear I was going to be an Earth Pony, what magical attributes could I possibly have? Then again, that was just my low self-esteem talking.

“Oh oh! Dusk, can we throw a welcoming party for Fireswoon in your house? It's big enough for one! And she really needs to get welcomed to Ponyville!” Berry seemed so excited.

Now, I wouldn't mind a party. But I didn't know how long I would be here. I didn't want them to waste all that time on me. “It's okay, you don't-”

“A party would be great! I bet even Prince Solaris would like to meet you, too.” He nodded, but I just kept freaking out.

Prince Solaris was the gender bend of Princess Celestia! Oh gosh, what if he found out I'm not a normal pony and just a human? Would he banish me? Would he kill me? But thinking about it more made me realize that it couldn't be that bad. Princess Celestia was a kind and understanding ruler. Maybe things would be good? I really hoped so.

“A party...sounds great.” I nodded, trying to put on my best smile.

I wasn't sure how good this would go. Just thinking about it got my social anxiety to go crazy. Thanks high school, you made my social skills terrible.

“Great! I'll go get the party cannon!” Berry chimed and zipped off to get the cannon.

Dusk, meanwhile, let me inside his home.

“You're new, right? I'll let you stay here for a while.” He nodded as I followed him inside.

It smelled like old books and just a hint of dust.

“Barb, we have a guest!” He called out, making me wonder who 'Barb' was.

I then realize that Barb is the girl version of Spike! Oh gosh...I wonder how he looked.

“What...? Who?”

I heard a sleepy voice and a yawn after.

“Her name's Fireswoon. She's staying with us for a while.” Dusk explained as the female dragon walked downstairs to meet me.

I smiled at her, hoping she would like me.

“Fireswoon, huh?” She looked me up and down before smiling.

“Nice to meet you, I'm Barb!”

“Hoo.” I heard the familiar call from Owlowiscious.

I looked over and smiled at him.

“Me! I'm Barb!”

“Hoo.”

“Me!” The dragoness growled, but all I could do was giggle at it.

It was so cute to watch on tv, but watching it right before my eyes made me laugh. Dusk laughed, too, but soon went to work on setting the home up for the party. After so long, I never thought I would actually get to meet such nice people. Er...Ponies. Either way, I felt happy. I just wonder how the party will go.

Author's Note

(Author Note: This will be my first MLP:FiM fanfiction. If I screw up, it's probably expected. But I want to have fun with this and writing the first chapter really was fun! Next chapter will have the party and a little talk between Fireswoon and Prince Solaris. Hope you guys enjoyed! Also, after this chapter, it'll be in 3rd Person view. Since this is a pilot chapter, I felt it to be cool to put it in 1st Person.)