An Earthbound Honeymoon

Chapters

The Big Day
The Humans
On Their Own Two Feet
New Designs
A Race and A Picnic
The Last Day
The First Day
Shopping Day
A Day in the Park
A Day on the Town
A Good Day
A Night Out
A Royal Visit
A Rough Day
A Magical Night
A Slow Day
Enjoying the Company
A Day in Rememberance
A Long Time Comin'
Coming Home

The Big Day

Chapter 1

Everything was perfect. All the flowers matched the coats of the brides perfectly. Fluttershy’s birds had practiced non-stop to make sure their tones and timing were perfect. The Cutie Mark Crusaders had been chosen to be flower girls again and had also practiced to perfection. Spike was the ring bearer, since he did such a perfect job last time. Celestia ha d arranged for perfect spring weather and made sure the sun was perfectly aligned to make the colors from the stained glass gleam and dance. Even Rainbow Dash had managed to get the timing and control of her Sonic Rainboom down Perfectly.

Even though everything was set up perfectly, Celestia didn’t want to take any chances. Every last one of her guards, Luna’s guards and even Cadence’s guards had been posted throughout the palace and grounds. There were even force fields over the entire city, the palace grounds, the palace itself and the ceremonial hall. After all, one never can be too careful.

Rarity had above and beyond on the dresses, after all, one was hers. They flowed seamlessly with their movements. The colors accented the fur and eyes of each of the brides and the Bride’s Mares, Rainbow and Pinkie. She had even managed to convince Applejack that, while she could still wear her hat, it needed to at least be cleaned and have a veil attached.

Rarity even made the tux for Spike and Big Mac, again, making sure they highlighted the features of both. Rarity didn’t do Rick’s tux though, it being bad luck to see each other before the wedding and all. The toughest dress/outfit had to have been Princess Luna’s. Rick had asked her to be his Best Mare. He had explained that if Luna had been there for him when he needed her most, this day would never have come. From the first time Rick met her in the forest to the last day of his training with Shining Armor, Luna had helped to ease his troubled mind, answer major questions or just to share in his memories, she could always be relied upon. Further, she was honored just to be asked.

“How fair you, Rick?” Luna asked.

Rick looked at the reflection of her in the mirror while he fixed his tie, “I think I’m good, a little nervous, but still good.”

“Ohhh? Do you fear you are not making the right decision? Are you having second thoughts?” Luna approached, her navy blue dress blended with her fur and wings so well, one could almost believe Rarity had been forced at gunpoint to make it, well, fit for royalty.

“No, of course not. I love those girls and give both my right legs to have them in my life forever. Heh, wild horses couldn’t drag me away.” Luna looked at him quizzically, “an Earth expression, it means nothing can stop me.”

“Then why are you nervous? You should be happy, excited even. I simply do not understand.”

“Trust me, Luna, there is no reasoning behind it, it just happens.” Rick sat back on his haunches and smiled at the ceiling, “it was the same way when I married Hanna. She was the love of my life. I knew from the very first date that I would marry her and love her for the rest of my life, and I will. Her being gone and my being a different species doesn’t change that. And now, I have four new loves of my life. I am excited, but still nervous anyway.”

Luna smiled, “then perhaps you fear there is a chance they may change their minds?” Rick merely shrugged his impressive shoulders, “if that is the case, then allow me to put your mind at ease,” he looked into her big, blue eyes, “each of those four mares have been dreaming of this moment ever sense Hearth’s Warming.” Luna nuzzled his cheek, “you have absolutely no need to be nervous.”

Rick returned the nuzzling, “thank you. I can’t imagine a better choice for my Best Mare. My Best Man at my first wedding only tried to get me drunk and drag me to a stri… dance hall.”

“Rick, you know you can always rely on myself as well as my sister. We are always here for you as we are for all our subjects.” Luna stood up to her full height, “but today is for you and your brides. It is for you and them that I am here. If there is anything you need, do not hesitate to ask.”

“I do know that, and thank you, Luna.” Rick stood back up again. He looked back at his reflection in the mirror, the four lines streaking down one side of his face reminded him just what it cost to allow this day to happen. “I also know that today is very much in thanks to you. When I first found out they had feelings for me, I was so worried that I might hurt them, or even worse, lose them forever. If you hadn’t come along and straightened me out, I don’t know what would have happened.”

“I believe you would have found a way,” Luna’s words were reassuring to Rick and he knew them to be true. “Now, if you feel better, we should really be making our way to the hall, Celestia is waiting.”

They made their way to the main hall where Celestia was indeed waiting. She wasn’t wearing a dress like her sister, she simply had her normal tiara and other regalia. Spike and Big Macintosh were also waiting there. They both looked very smart in their tuxedos. Once again, Rarity went out of her way to make these outfits fit them perfectly just as the mares dresses did.

“I’m glad to see you’ve arrived,” Celestia addressed Rick as he approached the wedding altar. “It’s always a big concern that one or both parties might get too nervous and not show up.” The look on Rick’s face said volumes to the Sun Princess, “oh, I’m sorry. I’m sure the girls will be here. You have nothing to worry about.”

“I-I know that, but it still doesn’t mean I’m not nervous.”

Spike walked up to Rick, “yeah, you have nothing to be afraid of. Twilight hasn’t stopped talking about this for weeks now,” Spike informed him while placing some flowers in Rick’s lapel. Normally, at a wedding, the groom wears a flower that matches the flowers in the bride’s bouquet, but since Rick was marrying four mares with four different bouquets, he wound up with a bouquet of his own. “I bet the others have been the doing the same.”

“Eeyup,” a simple word from a quiet stallion that somehow carried a great deal of weight.

Celestia nodded in agreement with a giggle to go along with it, “that’s right, now if you’re ready, we’ll get the show started.”

“Yes, Princess, I’m ready.”

Celestia smiled and nodded again, then looked to the guards standing by the doors. As they opened, Fluttershy’s birds started their singing. Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom happily bounded in, spreading flower petals across the aisle. Spike, who had gotten in position shortly before the ceremony. The mares of honor, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash, entered. Then, the best part, the four brides entered. The next twenty minutes blurred by for Rick.

“…you may now kiss the brides,” were the next words to reach his consciousness. Rick happily did as ordered.

*****

“Mares and gentlecolts,” Celestia’s voice boomed over the din of the reception, “it is my honor and pleasure to introduce Rick Rhinestone and his beautiful brides, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Fluttershy and Rarity. May their days be filled with love and happiness from this point on.” She had to wait some time for the cheering to die down, The Apple’s tend to get pretty loud when they get together in a crowd like this. “Now, it’s time for the first dance.”

She had no sooner finished then a pair of large speakers and a mixing table that had been set up in the came to life thanks to a cream colored unicorn with two-tone blue mane and tail that seemed to be alive with electricity and black-rimmed, purple-lensed goggles. The music was upbeat, but not too fast, perfect for dancing.

Rick blissfully danced with his four wives. They had to take turns though, four brides and only one groom kind of forced the situation. All five of them were too enveloped in their happiness to think anything negative about it though, so there wasn’t any issues.

After the dance was finished, it came time for the meet-and-greet. Magnum and Sugar Belle rushed up to the front of the line. Then Fluttershy’s parents. Then came the Apple’s, which took quite some time. After the Apple’s came Twilight’s parents, Twilight Velvet and Nightlight.

“It was such a lovely ceremony, Sweetie,” Velvet cooed as she hugged Rick before moving on to Twilight then each of the others on at a time, “everything was perfect, oh and, Rarity, these dresses are simply gorgeous.”

“Yes, everything was splendid,” Nightlight affirmed while shaking Rick’s hoof.

“I’m glad you both enjoyed yourselves. Thank you for coming and I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say we’re glad you came.” Rick smiled as he reached out and wrapped a hoof around Twilight and hugged her close. She couldn’t help but giggle at him.

“Of course, we came,” Velvet spoke up again, “no force in Equestria could keep us away from our daughter’s wedding. If we didn’t come, she might not let us see our future grandfoals.”

This last comment made Twilight blush, Fluttershy squeak and hide behind her perfectly styled mane, while Rarity and Applejack turned toward each other and snickered. Rick, however, fielded the statement like a champ.

“You better believe it. If you hadn’t been here I would have made sure of it.”

Their laughter was interrupted shortly after. “Come on, come on, you’re holding up the line.” The newcomer rose to his full height from seemingly nowhere and treated the shocked gasps and shrieks of terror as though they were cheers from an adoring crowd. “Thank you, thank you, *chuckle* I’m so glad you are familiar with my work.”

“Discord, you haven’t been causing trouble again have you?” Fluttershy asked with a cute little scowl.

“Why, of course not, my dear Fluttershy. I wouldn’t a thing to upset your big day. That simply isn’t something a friend would do to another friend.” Discorde shrunk down and stepped out from Rick’s mane, Rick himself couldn’t help but snicker at Discord’s tiny antics. “In fact, I came here to offer my congratulations as well as offer my own wedding gift to the happy new family.”

“Really?” Fluttershy said as she walked over to Rick and looked closely at the tiny creature who slid down Rick’s neck and then started walking around on his back. “If that’s the truth, then I’m glad you could come,” Fluttershy smiled at Discord.

“I agree,” Rarity spoke as she came around the other side of Rick, “you are a real pain when you are up to no good. However, when you are behaving, you are actually quite a fun guest.” Twilight, AJ and Rick nodded in agreement.

“Why thank you so much. It really means a lot coming from you ladies.” Discorde vanished behind Rick’s neck and stepped from behind a potted plant nearby, a third his normal size. “Now, getting back to my gift to you, it will be arriving at your home by the morning. I just know you’ll love it.”

“Speaking of home,” Celestia walked up to the family of five, on her one side, Luna walked extremely regally. On her other side, Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor. “I believe your current home is a little too small, despite it being built for your former, larger self. I have commissioned a new home on the edge of Ponyville. It will be large enough for each of you to have your own space, plus, it will be close enough to Sweet Apple Acres and Fluttershy’s home that it will be only a short walk to those places as well as the library and the Carousel Boutique. Most importantly, it is a gift from myself and Luna.”

“Wow, Celestia, I don’t know how to thank you,” Rick told her as he bowed.

“I’ll tell you exactly how you can thank me,” Rick looked up at her with a curious look, “make sure these girls are happy.” Rick smiled and nodded. “Oh, and one more thing, bring your kids here to the castle as often as possible.”

Rick’s smile grew even more, “of course, Princess.”

The night progressed, there was dancing and dining and even games ala Pinkie Pie. Eventually, like all good parties, the time came to call it a night.

*****

The next morning, a very tired but very happy Rick Rhinestone awoke in the quiet, large suite in the palace Celestia allowed them to use after the reception. After gently shifting a few warm bodies out of his way, he stood and made his way to the restroom before going into the little kitchenette.

A large pink hand reached out and filled a glass with apple juice from the fridge. He sleepily drank his juice when a scream form the bedroom made him drop it and run.

“Girls! What’s wron…?!”

“Rick, what happened to us?” Rarity asked.

Before him, where his four pony brides should be, were instead four stunning human women. Their hair colors and styles matched what they were before, which made it easy to identify them. Their naked bodies allowed Rick to identify their fur color too, though only when naked apparently. He rushed in and wrapped Rarity in a hug to reassure her as she sat on the edge of the bed.

“I don’t know, Rarity, but I will do everything I can to make sure it’s fixed.” It was only now that Rick realized he too had become human. As he looked at the other girls, he couldn’t help but think about just how gorgeous they all really were.

Each of them were fairly well-endowed, averaging around a C-cup. They were also lacking in fat anywhere else… well, almost anywhere else, they had nice flanks still. Flanks that still had cutie marks, but only one on their right cheeks. AJ was tan and muscular, Rarity was snow white and toned, Twilight and Fluttershy were both an average tone but Fluttershy was a little more feminine than Twilight was. “Though this is nice too.”

“Like it?” a very confident and masculine voice asked from the doorway. “I’m glad. It wasn’t easy you know.”

“Discord?” Fluttershy asked. “Did you do this?”

“Guilty as charged. However, this is only the first part of my gift to you.”

The Humans

Chapter 2

“What exactly do you mean ‘first part’?” Rick growled.

“Why, just that, my boy. Celestia, Luna and I have discussed and arranged everything.” Five robes appeared out of thin air, literally at the snap of Discord’s fingers. Each of the robes matched the fur color of their respected owner as identified by the monograms on the left breast. “Now get dressed, everypony is waiting on you.”

After Discord vanished, Rick helped each of his brides to put on their robes as they were obviously not used to their new forms. Next came the big hurdle, how to get them all down to the dining hall. A short discussion about crutches and walkers was had and then quickly dismissed. Soon, a compromise was reached.

The doors to the hall opened, revealing two floating women and two more being easily carried in the arms of one man. Luckily, the girls weren’t very tall, basically the same height they would be if the stood upright in their pony forms. Nor were they heavy, Rarity always watched what she ate in order to keep her filly-ish figure, and Applejack worked hard all day, thus burning all the calories she could possibly ingest. Fluttershy and Twilight had maintained their flight. Rick’s strength had once again been transferred from on body to the other. In fact, he had tried to carry all four of the girls at first, but four bodies, sexy and light as they may be, was still a little too cumbersome. He also could have carried them in his magic, but Rarity and Applejack had insisted otherwise, Fluttershy opted to fly on her own and Twilight admitted she needed the practice.

As Rick gently placed each of his new wives in their seats around the table, he was aware of whispering coming from around the table. Those whispers didn’t bother him, everyone around the table was family and friends after all. The whispers that bothered him were the ones from the corners of the room, the servants.

What were they saying?

Was it about him and his wives? Almost certainly it was.

Was it positive, or did he need to say something? Or do something?

Rick could take anything these ponies could dish out, but Rarity and Fluttershy were a little more sensitive. Though, he doubted highly that Celestia would allow judgmental ponies to remain in her employ for very long. Instead of worrying about it, he decided his time was better spent focusing on enjoying breakfast and finding out exactly what the princesses and Discord have in mind for him and his beautiful brides.

Fluttershy, Applejack, Twilight and Rarity were doing their best to sit normally. The problem was, their normal was pony normal, not human normal. Their legs were straight out in front of them instead of curled in close and they were leaning forward almost to the point of falling into the table. Rick got back up from his chair and, one by one, showed them how to tuck their legs and sit up straight. After that, he helped them to hold utensils with their fists like you would a child. They may have been full grown, but they never had fingers before.

“I can hear you all whispering,” Rick started, “we’re all friends and family here, go ahead and ask your questions. I’ll answer what I can. Are you ladies alright with that?”

After the four nods came, the first of the questions came from the newest humans.

“Um, what’re these?” Applejack asked, “they feel like udders ‘r somethin’.”

“*Ahem* those are breasts, and as a comparison, yeah, you could call them human udders. Their primary function is for nursing,” Rick leaned in and whispered in AJ’s ear, “there are other uses that we can explore later.” This caused AJ to blush while his breath tickled her ear and made her giggle.

“How is it having fingers?” Rainbow, forgetting her manners, floated over the table and took Fluttershy’s hand in her hoof.

“It’s… a little overwhelming. Everything I touch is a wave of textures.”

“That’s not surprising. Hooves are similar to fingernails, no nerve endings and no flexibility. Human hands are about the polar opposite. The hands, feet, head and… we’ll just call it the halfway point, are the highest concentration of nerves in the body. The human hand can detect fluctuations in temperature and texture that even some measuring devices can’t pick up. You also have to be careful, hooves are a lot better at dealing with hot or sharp objects than hands and feet.”

“Ooh, that’s a good point!” Pinkie bounced in place with her usual excited look that failed to betray any extra or missing excitement, “are you colder without your fur?!”

Rarity chose to answer this one, “well, as it’s not too cold this morning, but I will admit that these robes, I might not be as comfortable.”

“As a human, you will find temperature changes will affect you far more than as a pony. For most, there is a very narrow range of comfort, usually between seventy-five and eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit. People with higher fat content, just like animals, will prefer cooler temperatures and do better in them than someone as thin as, say you girls.” This comment was almost directly into Rarity’s ear and was awarded with another giggle and blush.

“How does our flight and magic still work without wings and horns?” Twilight asked Princess Celestia.

“That is should be obvious, my faithful student.” Twilight looked a little lost and almost hurt. “Your appearances have changed, nothing more. You are still Princess Twilight Sparkle, just as they are still Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity and Rick Rhinestone.” Celestia seemed to think for a couple seconds, “though, I suppose, since you are a princess and Rick has married you, then that would make him a prince, much like your brother.” Celestia looked sideways at the five humans seated at her table.

“Wait,” Rarity seemed to barely be able to hold back her anticipation, “if Rick married Twilight and became a prince, and we married him… does that mean…?”

“May I be the first to welcome you to the royal family, Princess Rarity.”

Rick only just managed to catch her as she swooned, “if it’s all the same to you, Celestia, I’m quite happy with the title I already had.”

“Are you saying you wish to denounce your crown?”

“I’m too afraid of what Rarity would do to me if I did that. No, I just don’t want to be addressed as such is all. Where I lived, we fought tooth and nail to free ourselves from royalty and the unstoppable power that came with it. While you and Luna are far and away better than the oppressive kings and queens of old, there is still a bad taste that was left behind. I have no problem with my wives calling themselves princesses, I’ve always seem them as such anyway, but I am and will always be their Protector.”

“I understand, you shall continue to be known as the Royal Protector of the Elements of Harmony. However, you will retain your crown shall you ever wish to make it public knowledge.” Celestia then addressed the still conscious women, namely Fluttershy and Applejack, “do you ladies feel the same?”

“No offense, Princess, but Ah do. Ah’m happiest just seeing a field of freshly bucked apple trees. Ah don’t need some fancy title.” Celestia slowly nodded, then turned to Fluttershy.

“Oh, um, I’m sorry, but I don’t feel comfortable with all this attention. I just want to be helpful to everypo… everybody?” Fluttershy tried the word for the first time. It felt strange on her tongue. Rick couldn’t help but smile at her. As adorable as she was as a pony, now that he was seeing her with human eyes in a human body… sweet Celestia she was cute.

“As you wish, your titles will remain private unless you wish it otherwise. Now, if there are no further questions, we will proceed to the reason for your transformations.” All eyes, human and otherwise were on the sun princess, too bad it wasn’t her turn to speak.

“Rick, do you remember a dream, or to be more precise, a memory you shared with me not too long ago?” Luna asked the new prince, he nodded to show he did. “You told me that place held nothing but happy memories for you and that you wished you could show that place to the mares you love.”

Light was starting to dawn on him, “wait, are you saying…?”

“Correct, with the assistance of Discord, you and your lovely brides will be sent to your home world, Earth.” Excited gasps came from around the table.

“Are you saying, the four of us are going to be able to see just where Rick came from?” Twilight asked, only just managing to keep her excitement at a reasonable level. Unfortunately, the affirming nod from Celestia was enough to push her over the edge. “Oh my gosh!! I’ll have a whole new world to study! New sciences and places, Oh, and there’s no magic there, I’ll be able to learn about a whole other way to do things!! I can’t wait! When do we go!?”

Discord answered her after a short chuckle, “you will be leaving in one week, two weeks after, you will return to Equestria. Can’t have so many Elements of Harmony out of commission for too long. Who knows what kind of fun I might have otherwise.”

“Why’re we waitin’ uh week ‘fore we leave?” Applejack asked the question everypony and everybody was wanting to know the answer to.

“Do you really think it would be a good idea to travel to a whole new place and try to blend in with another species with only a few hours prep time?” Discord answered, “while I have every confidence in your ability to master your new form, you will still need some time to do so.”

“Oh, I’m not sure I want to go to another world. It sounds so… scary.” Fluttershy’s cuteness refused to be overpowered by her concern.

Rick stood up and scooped her out of her chair then proceeded to twirl around with her in his thick arms. “There’s nothing to worry about, Fluttershy. For one thing, I’ll be there and so will Twilight, Rarity and AJ. Do you think any of us would let you get hurt even the tiniest bit?” Fluttershy smiled as she nuzzled against Rick’s chest. “Second, there are tons of animals there that-” Rick didn’t get a chance to finish his sentence before Fluttershy’s outburst and sudden gravity allergy.

“Really!? Oh, oh, I can’t wait! I’m going to make new animal friends!”

Rick reached up and gently pulled Fluttershy back down so she was sitting on his shoulder. “I’m glad you’re excited about the animals, but remember, they are wild and different from Equestrian animals. They may not understand you because they aren’t as intelligent. But there are no animals that would pose a threat either,” Rick added the last bit quickly before she had a chance to get nervous again. “Even if there were, I would never let anything hurt you.”

Applejack was watching the show with a grin but not really adding anything to the conversation. “A little tidbit you might find interesting, AJ, apples are pretty much the main crop there.” She looked into his eyes as her smile broadened, “we’ll make sure to get a couple recipe books while we’re there. You could have a whole market of new apple products only found at Sweet Apple Acres.”

“Well, Ah doubt there’re too many apple recipes not known ta the Apple family, but Ah can’t wait ta find out.” Rick plucked her out of her seat and hefted AJ up onto his other shoulder. Both women started to giggle from their perch.

“There may even be new fashions too,” he didn’t even need to say this loudly.

“Really!?”

“Sounds like Rarity’s in,” it seemed even more obvious since she was hanging form his neck like a pendant, “what about you, Twilight?” His response was a gentle kiss from the hovering princess. “I guess that’s everybody, so what’s next?”

*****

The Rhinestone clan arrived at Ponyville mid-way through the afternoon along with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. Shining Armor and Cadence had returned to the Crystal Empire shortly after the Rhinestones left Canterlot. To say the ponies that met them upon their return were surprised to see that not only had Rick become a human again, but that there were four new humans would be putting it very mildly.

Just as that morning, Rick carried AJ and Rarity while Twilight and Fluttershy flew. It wasn’t difficult for Rarity and Applejack to comfort their young sisters and convince them that they were still themselves. Rick scooped up the three Crusaders soon after they had finished greeting their big sisters. He couldn’t help himself, they were even cuter when they seemed so much smaller than normal. There was one more thing he couldn’t resist.

“Hey, Rainbow!” As soon as she looked at him, he grinned and moved Sweetie and Apple Bloom to one arm, therefore leaving just Scootaloo in his dominate hand. “Think fast!” He launched her straight up into the air causing Scootaloo to scream until Rainbow Dash had snagged her out of thin the air and flew off with her laughing her purple-maned head off.

The rest marched off toward Rick’s home. Applejack had opted to ride on Big Mac, thus allowing her little sister to continue having her fun with her new sister and big brother. Although, Rarity had been a little more reluctant to give up her seat. This was only going to be temporary after all. They were all going to have to learn to walk on their own two hoo… feet.

On Their Own Two Feet

Chapter 3

“Remember what I told you, all your joints are backwards now, so you can’t use your legs the way you’re used to.” Rick warned as he held Fluttershy’s hands, keeping her upright while she slowly walked forward. “Basically, you are controlling a non-stop fall by catching yourself with on leg while propelling yourself with the trailing leg, that’s where the long flat feet come in handy.”

“Okay, I think I understand,” Fluttershy was paying close attention to her feet while Rarity, AJ and Twilight watched carefully. They had seen Rick walk around as a human and Twilight had even studied his movements briefly, but that was to learn how he walked, now she had to learn how she would walk. Rarity was watching Fluttershy’s movements so she could better design their outfits, true, she had made some for Rick when he was a human before, but outfits for stal… men were a lot easier than for women.
AJ, however, just couldn’t seem to take her eyes of her new husband. All that work on the farm plus the training Shining Armor put him through had certainly sculpted him rather nicely.

“Girls, it doesn’t sound like you’re working on your blocks,” Rick accused with a smirk. He didn’t even need to look their way.

He had set small, wooden blocks out for them to practice working their fingers. Their task was to stack them and lay them in a line with precision. It was proving to be more difficult than they thought. He had also already caught Rarity trying to cheat with her magic once. What really made the Crusaders, who had stuck around after they arrived back at Rick’s home for the entertainment, laugh was when Applejack had attempted to pick up a block in her mouth. The spluttering and spitting when she tried to get the taste off her tongue was pretty funny.

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were enjoying the show from their perches on their new brother in-law’s shoulders. Scootaloo was sitting with Rainbow Dash, Big Mac and Pinkie Pie, the latter of which was trying her best to mimic the two-legged movements of Fluttershy, with only humorous failure.

Rick couldn’t help but notice things were starting to stall. They needed some motivation. Plus, he was feeling a little… anxious, having four gorgeous, new brides will do that to a man. “It’s getting late. Pinkie, Rainbow, Mac, why don’t you take the girls home,” Rainbow grinned and winked back at him, knowing instantly what he had in mind. Once they were gone, he turned to his ladies who were all seated on the sofa. Rick smiled and magically moved all the furniture to the sides of the rooms and placed sofa at the far end. A handful of blocks levitated in front of each. With a confused expression, they looked into his eyes. “We’re going to have a little race. The first one who can stack their blocks and walk to me, gets a private massage and anything else she wants.” There was some excited murmuring and even a little blushing. “No magic, no wings and you have to walk on two legs. Ready? GO!”

All four women looked on in wide eyed surprise for a few seconds before frantically trying to stack their blocks. What had become a silly exercise now became a frantic, mad dash. Twilight and Rarity had both tried to be sneaky and use their magic, Rick had caught them out right away. There wasn’t any visible aura like there had been when they were ponies, but Rick could feel it.

Fluttershy and Applejack finished their stack at almost the same time. Carefully, they both got to their feet. The act of standing up was challenge enough as it was, now they had to this without his help and race each other. Shakily, both made their way to their husband. It was about halfway when Applejack started to, literally, inch ahead of Fluttershy. All the while, Rick was cheering them on, even encouraging Rarity and Twilight not to give up.

In the end, Applejack had won by less than a foot. Rick caught her and Fluttershy as they collapsed, losing their balance with their last steps. He squeezed them both in a hug as he picked them up. Rick walked over to the sofa where Twilight and Rarity where still sitting and sat Fluttershy down next to them.

“I am so proud of you four. Applejack may have won but,” with each word, he leaned in and kissed them each one at a time, “you. Never. Gave. Up. Now, it’s time for AJ’s prize. We’ll do this each night, so make sure you keep practicing in the meantime. After all, we have less than a week to get you used to these bodies before we go on our honeymoon. Keep at it and I’ll be back before too long.” Slinging a giggling Applejack over his shoulder, Rick marched up the stairs into the bedroom and closed the door behind himself.

*****

Applejack slid her robe off her shoulders and lay down across the bed, blushing and smiling in anticipation. Rick had stepped into the attached restroom to collect a few washcloths, a bowl of warm hot water and a medium sized towel. When he walked back into the bedroom, he froze. It had been almost two years since he last saw a naked woman, and yet, here he was. Sprawled across his bed was AJ in all her pink splendor. Her skin was beautifully suntanned, despite the fact she was covered in fur until this morning. Her perfectly toned muscles, smooth skin and perfectly proportioned breasts made the next thing he had to say the hardest thing to say in a long while.

“Could you roll over onto your stomach, please?”

“What’s tha matter, Sugarcube? Ain’t you enjoying tha view?”

“A little too much to concentrate on the massage.” He made sure to get a good eye-full before reiterating the point with a smile, “now roll over.”

Applejack did as asked and rolled over onto her stomach. “This view is pretty good too.” With just enough will power, Rick laid the medium sized towel across her firm buttocks and tucked the ends under her hips. He then rung out the washcloths that had been in the bowl of hot water and placed them on her back to loosen the muscles. While he waited for the heat to do its thing, he decided to start with her feet. She groaned in satisfied pleasure.

“Applejack?”

“Mmmhmm…?”

“I’ve been wondering, just what about me caught your attention?”

Applejack looked over her shoulder at him, “are ya’ll serious?”

“Well, you, Twilight, Rarity and Fluttershy are fantastic girls, same with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. Me though, I’m just some yutz who was nothing more than a handyman on Earth and managed to wind up here. What did I do to deserve such perfect wives?”

AJ looked deep into his eyes, hers filled with compassion while she saw the earnest longing, longing for an answer. “Sweetheart, come over ‘ere ‘n’ turn ‘round.” Rick did as asked, kneeling and turning his back to her. Applejack reached out and traced the scars on his back with her fingers. “Ah remember tha first time Ah saw ya. Ya’ll were some strange creature nopony had ever seen before and ya were hurt sumthin’ awful. Do ya remember why ya were hurt so bad?”

“Yeah, Apple Bloom was about to by attacked by a timberwolf. I picked her up and ran.”

“Right, ya saved uh pony you never even saw before. Ya even said ya thought she was a pet. Now, turn back around. She touched another scar, this one on his chest, “this one ‘ere was frum when ya got hit by Shinin’ Armor. He thought ya were uh monster ‘n’ you lured ‘im away frum me ‘n’ meh family so we wouldn’t git hurt.”

Next, she touched the most obvious of all his scars, the ones on his face, and tracked them all the way down across his chest. “These ones ‘ere are probly thu best example. You, without hesitation, sacrificed yourself so Shinin’ could get Twilight help.” Applejack lowered her eyes, “we lost ya that day.”

“I know,” Rick kissed AJ’s forehead, “and I’m sorry. I just couldn’t let someone get hurt. Especially since Twilight and Shining were both out there because of me.”

“But ya’ll came back. Nopony knows how, but ya did.” Applejack placed her hand on his face and smiled while she looked into his eyes, “ever since tha first day ya arrived, ya’ve been uh perfect example of uh good friend.”

“So… you love me because I’m a good friend?”

“Nah, you bein’ jest about the sweetest, noblest and most selfless pony Ah ever met made me love ya. Plus, every time ya do somethin’ even more brave or selfless than before.”

Rick smiled and leaned in to kiss her, “thank you, Applejack. That makes me feel much better.”

“Good, now get ta work,” she laid her back down and pointed to her back, indicating exactly what she wanted.

“It would be my pleasure,” Rick got back up and began his massage.

He removed the washcloths from her back and, after warming them again, he laid them on her legs. The moaning was a sure sign that she was enjoying the deep kneading. There was a definite sound of disappointment when Rick skipped right past her buttocks and started to work on her legs. She sounded even more disappointed when he stopped at her upper thighs and went to work on her arms. He knew exactly what he was doing, both with the massage and with the avoidance of her more intimate areas. Besides, the look on her face when he asked her to roll over and then covered her breasts and womanhood was pretty good.

Finally, after he finished massaging her thighs and stomach, he gave her just what he knew she wanted. He started by running her sternum, right between her breasts. Rick’s actions were rewarded by more moaning and flushing. Especially when he cupped a breast in each hand and gently rubbed the flesh along where the breasts joined with the torso. She started to bite her lower lip at this point.

“Remember, the massage was only the first part.” He leaned in close and whispered into her ear, “the second part is lady’s choice.” He placed a hand on her abdomen slowly slid his hand down until he the small patch of fur that she still had, he was only slightly surprised to find it was just as soft as it was in her pony form, “so what do you choose?”

“Mmmm… Ah only know wut feels good in uh pony body,” her breath was getting heavy, “Ah think you would know better.”

Rick smiled, she really did trust him, and he wasn’t going to let her down. “Alright, but there’s something I have to do first.”

The blushing Applejack looked at Rick with a sultry smile, “oh really, and what’s that?”

“Rarity! Fluttershy! Twilight! If you’re done listening at the door, perhaps you could practice for tomorrow!” After the thumping and stumbling died away, Rick turned back to Applejack, “now, let’s get started.”

*****

A very satisfied Applejack lay sleeping on the bed, a slight glistening of sweat made her features shine in the light of the setting sun. A soft snoring was the only sound that broke the silence. It was a sight Rick hadn’t seen in a long time, not since before his first wife, Hanna, died with his daughter, Annie, in that fateful plane crash. Luckily, that wasn’t the thought that was at the forefront of his brain right now, instead, it was this gorgeous vision laying before him right now.

Rick brushed the hair from her face, getting a soft moan in response, then stood from the bed, slowly so as not to wake AJ. He wanted to check on the other girls. There was quite a bit of stumbling and one of them might have been hurt. Though, with one being an alicorn, another a pegasus and the third being a unicorn, it wasn’t likely any of them got hurt. Strangely enough, when he reached the bottom of the stairs, he only saw Rarity in the living room.

“Rarity, where are Twilight and Fluttershy?”

“Oh, well, Twilight went back to library to fetch Spike and Fluttershy flew back to her cottage to check on her animals. How is Applejack?”

The question made Rick hesitate only for a second as he sat down next to the seamstress and let out a tired sigh. “She’s sleeping right now.”

Rarity laid across the sofa, resting her head in Rick’s lap. “If the noise that found its way down here were anything to judge by, I’m not surprised Darling.”

Rick absentmindedly stroked her mane, he didn’t even think about how amazing it was that she would let him, or anyone for that matter, touch her hair for any other reason than styling. Instead, he just quietly enjoyed the time he was spending with her.

“You know, Dear, we all feel the same way as Applejack.”

“Huh, what’s that?”

Rarity sat up just enough to plant a kiss on Rick’s lips and settled back down. “You are indeed very brave, noble and sweet. When you stood up for me in Canterlot, that was so very sweet. But when you were imprisoned for it, you didn’t even argue. You accepted your fate, come what may, and that was very noble. Why, I’ve met royalty that didn’t have a shred of real nobility in them. A filly would have to be out of her little pony mind to not see how wonderful you are to us. That’s why we all love you so much.”

“Thanks, Rarity, that means a lot.” Rick leaned down and kissed her forehead. A thought came to him, “you know, we’re all gonna need new outfits. How do you feel about designing a few new sets for the girls.”

Rarity eyes gleamed, “ooh, new designs! For creatures never seen before! Oh, this is going to be so wonderful.” Suddenly, she stopped, “but I still don’t understand why humans need to wear clothing all the time.”

“Because, we no other way to hide our… parts. It would be the same as a pony always walking backwards without a tail.” There was a second or two of silence as Rarity processed this, then the sudden blush and gasp was given as a sure sign that she understood just what he meant.

“I, uh, see. I’ll get started first thing tomorrow.”

“Good,” Rick readjusted himself so he was lying across the sofa with Rarity on his chest, “but for now, it’s getting late and I need to rest.” As he drifted off, Rarity smiled and laid her head down and followed him into dreamland.

New Designs

Chapter 4

Rick was gently nuzzled awake, sadly, it wasn’t one of his beautiful wives doing it but rather his faithful canine companion, Paul, wanting to be let out. As gently as he could, Rick lifted Rarity off his chest and, after getting up off the sofa, laid her back down. Upon his return, he was surprised to find two entrancing, blue eyes watching his every move. Actually two sets, Fluttershy was watching him from the kitchen while Rarity still lay across the sofa.

“So, just how long have you been awake, Princess?” Rick asked with a smirk.

Rarity giggled a little at being called ‘Princess’, “only a few minutes. It was very kind of you to try not to wake me up.”

“Yes, I agree. Not many, um, stallions would go to such lengths for something they might consider unnecessary.”

“For one thing. Flutters, in this from, I’m a man and you are a woman, the plural is women. Second, there isn’t anything I would consider unnecessary if it made any of you even a little bit happier.”

It was a bit sappy, he knew, but it was also the honest truth. If one of his wives had asked him to rip his horn off all over again, he would. When he arrived in Equestria, they all, Rainbow and Pinkie included, accepted him, befriended him and sheltered him. He called them all his family and he meant it.

“By the way, Fluttershy,” Rick addressed her as he helped Rarity up off the couch, “you’re doing very well on your feet in there. Are you also managing to cook breakfast?”

“Not exactly, I’m just flying really low to the ground. But I am cooking breakfast.”

“Very clever, Dear,” Rarity complemented her friend.

“I agree completely. Just remember, we can’t eat any type of grass except wheat that’s been processed. Eggs, grains, dairy, fruits and vegetables are the only things we can eat. Especially since meat is totally out of the question.”

“Oh, alright, well I’ve made pancakes if that’s alright with everypo… everybody else.” Rick and Rarity both noticed Fluttershy’s attempt to adapt to her new, temporary human body by copying Rick’s unique words.

“Pancakes sound marvelous.”

“Absolutely, and nice work on your word usage. You’re taking to being a human very well.”

“Oh, thank you, but it isn’t a big deal.”

“Maybe not here in Equestria, Darling, but we don’t know what to expect on Earth. It’s best to prepare now where a slip would not cause any trouble.”

“That’s a very good point, Rarity,” Twilight’s voice could be heard from the top of the stairs. She was with Applejack and they were leaning on each other for support. Rick rushed up to them to offer his help. “Nop… No one from Equestria has ever been to Earth. We all need to work on our dialogue.”

“To be honest, I don’t think it will be a serious issue, just don’t call people ponies and we’ll be fine,” Rick smiled at Twilight, “but it is still a good idea. Besides, if Applejack can master talking like a human, she’ll blend in better than anyone.”

“An’ jest wut is that s’posed to mean?” Applejack asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I mean, your accent matches a lot of those in my home world. Once I was done running from you when we first met, it was a pleasant little surprise.”

“Really? Ah’m lookin’ forward to thu trip even more now.”

“Applejack, are you saying you weren’t looking forward to it before?” Twilight asked with a hint of sarcasm.

Applejack’s reply came at the same time as they reached the table and sat down, “now that ain’t wut Ah said ‘n’ you know it.”

“Oh, I’m sure she’s just teasing. Now, Rarity, Fluttershy, why don’t you take a seat while Spike and I bring breakfast over,” Rick said as he did just that.

*****

After Breakfast, Rick walked to Rarity’s boutique with the unicorn in question, plus one earth pony and a small dragon. Fluttershy had gone back to her cottage, taking Paul along with her, and Twilight had gone to library. Both had promised to practice using their hands, walking on two legs and avoid pony references in their speech.

There were a few stares as they walked through town. The majority were simply out of curiosity, Rick had lived here as a human before, so humans weren’t exactly anything new, though some were from the occasional stallion. Most of those stares were cut short when they happened upon Rick’s scowl, size and build. Rick had loaned each of them one of his shirts to wear, they couldn’t walk around in robes forever. Besides, Rick didn’t think there was a man alive who didn’t love the sight of a beautiful woman wearing nothing but one of his shirts. It’s not like he could fit in them anymore anyway, Shining Armor and his training made sure of that.

“So what kind of outfits are you gonna design, Rarity?” Spike asked as he easily kept up with the slow walking trio.

“Why, I’m not quite sure right now, Spike. I suppose I will just have to see what inspires me.”

“Ah’m sure Rick could help ya with that,” AJ suggested while she hung on his arm and rested her head on his shoulder, “ain’t that right, Sugar?”

“There are a lot of outfits that I would love to see you all in, but first thing’s first, daily casual ware. Once Rarity gets the measurements she needs, I’ll offer any advice she asks for.”

Spike looked up at the three and was a little curious as just what Rick had been talking about. “Um, I know what casual ware is, but what are those other outfits you were talking about?”

“The types of outfits a young’un like yourself shouldn’t learn about just yet,” Rick answered with a quiet chuckle.

“Now, Ah’m curious,” Applejack looked into Rick’s eyes with a look of incredulity, “wut type uh ‘outfits’ would ya like ta see us in but Spike shouldn’t learn ‘bout?”

“Ahem, I believe he is referring to, um, clothing of a more intimate nature,” Rarity offered with a little blush and the tiniest of sly smiles.

AJ looked at Rarity with in confusion for a second or two, then her eyes shot open with realization, “ohh… hehehe. Maybe later, lover boy.”

“I still don’t get it. What do you mean by ‘intimate nature’?” Spike asked.

Rick used his magic to pick Spike up and rest him on his shoulders, “like I said, something you’re still too young for. I think Twilight would kill me and bury me in the yard to help the flowers if I explained that without her presence and/or permission.”

“*Humph* whatever,” Spike crossed his arms and huffed in frustration to the amusement of the three humans.

A short time later, they reached the Carousel Boutique. Once inside, Rick led Applejack to one of Rarity’s many fainting couches she kept around her shop in case of drama. After she was settled, he took Rarity to her work table where she could easily reach anything she may need for designing and sewing. Spike had been given the job of ‘gofer’ as he already knew where everything in the shop was and he was plenty capable of moving around with his clawed hands and two legs already. Rick had retrieved the old human mannequins from their storage.

“I don’t know if these will work out. You ladies don’t exactly share my physique.”

“True,” Rarity considered, “but the shape is right and I’m sure if the need arises, I can make new ones. Until then, as the resident expert on human fashion, I would like some suggestions on designs and maybe even some patterns.”

“Yeah, saddles may be all well ‘n’ good fer ponies but Ah doubt they’d do fer humans.”

“You’re right there, AJ, humans don’t use saddles except for riding horses, so we’ll just-”

“WHAT?!” The unified shout shook Rick for a second or two.

“What?”

“Ya’ll ride horses?” Applejack stared at him.

“Yeah, have for millennia. Why?”

“That’s just so, so cruel,” Rarity seemed almost horrified at the revelation.

“I suppose it can seem like that, but the horses on Earth are very, very strong. An Earth horse can easily run at twenty-five miles per hour with a full grown human on their back, they stronger horses can run even faster with more weight.” Rick walked over and stroked Rarity’s hair for assurance and looked over at Applejack, “I promise, most horses are very well taken care of, it’s legally mandated, and horses tend to like humans too. You’ll see when we get there.”

“If ya say so,” Applejack sounded less than convinced, but being the Element of Honesty allowed her tell pretty quickly when someone was telling the truth or just trying to pull the wool over her eyes. Like always, Rick was being completely honest with her.

“Very well, let’s just move past this and continue with the goal at hand.” Rarity took a few sheets a paper and a couple pencils and placed them onto her work table. “Rick dear, if you could draw up some basic designs, I’ll work out the fine details later. I will get your new measurements and start putting something together, I’ve already gotten the other’s measurements and can start work immediately.” Rick nodded in agreement and set to work.

*****

“…and why do Ah have ta wear these if no one but us are gonna see ‘em?” Applejack asked as she tested the straps on her new bra before she looked down at her new panties.

“Partially hygiene, partially comfort and sometimes simply ‘cause they’re damn sexy,” he grinned as he wrapped his arms around her. “How does the material feel?”

“It’s a little unusual, but Ah’m sure Ah’ll eep!”

“Feels pretty good to me,” Rick leaned down and kissed the giggling farmpony.

“Now stop that, I just made those and I don’t want them dirtied so soon.”

“You can always just join in on the fun,” Rick offered without removing his hand from the freshly tailored underwear. He paused for a second, completely ignorant of the death glare Rarity was giving him from over her sewing machine, “that actually brings up a very good point, you are all married to me, and I’m married to all of you… does that mean you are all married to each other?”

Rarity and Applejack looked at each other and shared a look of uncertainty before Rarity answered as best she could, “I’m… not entirely sure.”

“Ah guess we are, but Twi would know better, we’ll jest have ta ask her.”

“Puhahahlease, let me in,” Spike’s whine came from the other side of the door.

“Sorry, Spike, but we’re a not decent in here,” Rick told him.

“Indecent? We don’t normally wear clothes, Dear,” Rarity defended.

“We also aren’t normally humans either, Rare,” AJ replied.

“Once we get some shirts and pants for you two, then we’ll be set. Though some skirts would probably be easier and more comfortable for you,” Rick offered.

“Hmm… I do have some very lovely designs that I could use,” the seamstress started to get lost in the euphoria of creation.

“Just remember that we have no tails anymore and the hemline will need to be changed. Also, your breasts will require more room to prevent tightness, although…”

“Rick, Ah don’t think she’s listenin’ anymore.” Both looked at Rarity and realized that AJ’s suspicion was correct. They shared a chuckle before AJ turned back to Rick, “besides, the kind of outfits Ah know yer thinkin’ ‘bout kin wait.”

Rick looked into her gorgeous, green eyes and smiled. Then, he looked down and drank in her firm, lean body hidden only by a matching set of white underwear with lace trim. He just couldn’t take his eyes off the scene before him.

“If ya like, I can get these outta the way,” Applejack offered as she playfully tugged at one of her shoulder straps.

“No, no, believe it or not, leaving a little for the imagination is pretty damn nice too. Besides, we’re not exactly alone and Rarity needs to concentrate.”

“That so? Hmm… Ah guess I could see that. Sorta like… the wrapping paper on uh Hearth’s Warming present. Ya can’t be exactly sure what’s underneath, but ya know it’s gonna be pretty darn good.”

“Exactly. One more benefit to skirts, they only barely hide the ‘presents’ and the ‘wrapping paper’ looks about ready to come undone on its own.”

“Do you two mind?!” Rarity shouted. “It is hard enough to concentrate without you two distracting me.” Both Rick and AJ nervously smiled as an apology. “Besides, you had your turn last night, Applejack.”

“Alright, fair’s fair,” AJ consented, “how ‘bout Ah head home ‘n’ ya’ll just keep workin’.”

“Now, there’s no need for that. I won’t be working for much longer and then we can all go home together.” A shirt and skirt floated over to Applejack and another shirt drifted to Rick. “For now, try these on.”

The skirt was a blue denim and the shirt was a simple tank top, orange in color with three red apples on the left breast. Rick’s shirt also matched his fur color but lacked the bandaged crystal heart that was his cutie mark. They fit perfectly, Rick’s loose enough to allow him freedom of movement without hanging loosely. Applejacks skirt come down about half-way to the knee while her tank top showed her figure off splendidly.

“These’re perfect, Rarity,” Applejack complimented.

“I agree completely,” Rick concurred, “now hurry up so we can get you home. You look like you could use a massage after all the work you did today.”
This earned an excited gasp, some cooing and a giggle. “Ooh, I won’t be but a minute.”

A Race and A Picnic

Chapter 5

Rick had finished Rarity’s massage just in time for dinner. All five seated around the table were wearing their new outfits. Rarity was quite proud of her new ensemble, a white blouse with a purple skirt, her three diamond cutie mark stitched on. Unfortunately, or fortunately, Twilight and Fluttershy had to settle for their new set of underwear. Rick had told them they could wear their robes or even his old shirts, but they were content with what they had on, though they may have been more content with the fact that Rick kept sneaking glances that they both ‘didn’t’ notice.

Bedtime was interesting. For one thing, there was only one bed in the house. For another, it was meant for one human, not five. Luckily, it was oversized, per Celestia’s orders, to provide maximum comfort since she was so grateful for his efforts in protecting all his friends. To prevent any hassle, Rick had decided to simply sleep on the sofa and let the girls figure out the details. Sadly this meant he would be without his loving wives, but it also meant he got some sleep.

The next day, all of clan Rhinestone went to the Carousel Boutique While Spike took Paul to Fluttershy’s house to make sure the animals were fed. Fluttershy and Twilight needed their own outfits and Rarity wanted their input. Also, everyone needed more than one set of underwear. Also, some shoes would be nice too.

It didn’t take as long as the day before. Rarity had gotten a little more used to designing human clothing and the others were able to help more now that they had gotten used to using their new arms, hands and legs. Rick was able to offer more suggestions and design tips for human fashion. Some concepts were a little harder to grasp than others, such as why any woman would want to wear anything that was designed to ride up in the back. After Rick explained the allure of the illusion of nudity, the discussion was cut short as a flurry of ideas passed through Rarity’s mind.

It was a little difficult for him to focus on his work when the girls were constantly whispering, loudly. He kept hearing things he wished he had and hadn’t heard. Things about ‘size’ and ‘smaller than before’ were never fun for any man. On the other hand, topics about ‘experience’, ‘flexibility’ of the human form, and anything to do with ‘hands’ and ‘feelin’ pretty darn good’ were always a definite ego boost.

By the end of the day, two new outfits had been made, several sets of underwear and simple, yet fashionable, sandals. Fluttershy had a butter colored sundress with lace trim and pink butterflies along the hem. Twilight was given a purple pleated skirt, a white button shirt and a pale violet sweater vest with her cutie mark on each side. Rarity and Applejack had simply washed theirs.

It took all day, but Rick didn’t mind. He was surrounded by the women he loved. Not to mention, it was nearly impossible to take his eyes off them while they fretted around, their occasional stumbling made him worry, but they managed to catch themselves each time. Fluttershy, AJ and Twilight would help each stay upright in between fittings, while Rarity seldom left her sewing machine. She seemed to be doing well on her two feet, and those red, horn-rimmed glasses she wore were just so cute. Also, Rainbow and Pinkie had shown up to see what their good friends had been up to since they saw them last.

“I still don’t understand, why do you all have to wear clothes all the time?” Rainbow asked from her perch on Rick’s shoulders. Having a pony stand on your shoulders should hurt, but with her low body weight, that wasn’t the case. Being an avid athlete and flier helped a lot.

“I had asked the same thing,” Rarity answered, “it’s not a pleasant image.”

“Huh?”

Rick carefully reached up and tapped Dash on the shoulder and indicated to her to come closer. She craned her neck so her head was in front of his. He whispered the same thing he told Rarity before into her ear. Rainbow looked confused for a second, then her entire face turned red and her tail tucked between her hind legs so fast, she actually whipped Rick’s head with it.

The reaction caused a wave of giggling to pass through the room. The loudest of which came from a certain pink pony. Pinkie had sat laid herself across Fluttershy’s lap, belly up. Fluttershy couldn’t seem to help herself, her love of animals had caused her to scratch Pinkie’s tummy without even thinking, not that Pinkie was complaining.

“Careful, Dashie, if you get any more red, you’ll turn the same color as Twilight.” This got another round of giggles.

As the giggles slowed, Rarity called out, “and that. Is. The. Last. Stitch! There, all done, and they are gorgeous, if I may say so myself.” She held up the sweater vest that was for Twilight that was the last part of her outfit. “Now, tell me honestly, what do you think?”

Twilight slipped the vest on, with a little help from Rick, Dash never losing her balance on her perch. “It’s perfect, Rarity. It fits perfectly and really seems to suit me.” “If only she knew how well.”

“Oh, I really like the colors,” Fluttershy complimented, “and mine flows so nicely.”

“They all look great!” Pinkie shouted while wiggling her legs around in the air.

Applejack nodded and added, “Ah, agree. These clothes makes meh feel so…”

“Human?” Rick finished to sound of a few giggles. “I’ll certainly say you all look the part. Fluttershy even has a new pet pony, just like every human girl wants,” more giggles. “And now that everything’s done, how about another race?”

*****

Rick waited a little impatiently for his brides, anxious to see who would win their foot race. He idly mused about how this was only the second foot race ever seen in this world. If he had more time to think about it, he might have considered it an honor simply to be involved, whether it was a big roll or simply being the line judge as he was. Pinkie and Dash had stayed with to act as both referees and emergency fall aides. The winner got whatever they wanted, be it a dinner for two, or an outing with the whole family, or even something more intimate if they so desired. Of course, with the cramped sleeping arrangements, they might be just as likely to request a bed for themselves.

Just a few seconds before Rick started to get worried over the possibilities that could have befallen his loving and hugely beloved brides, he started to hear the sounds of chatting ponies getting louder. He didn’t even need to clearly hear what the topic was, he had gotten a good feel for this little town and the way the townsponies liked to discuss new things around them, seeing as there weren’t many. He could tell they were getting close and were all fine.

Finally, they rounded the corner. They weren’t able to run or even jog yet, but they were managing to stay upright unassisted. There was the occasional wobble, but Rarity’s new outfits weren’t any danger of getting dirty. Not surprisingly, they were very close to even. What was surprising was Fluttershy was out in front. Even more surprising, she showed no signs of letting up.

He stepped down off the little porch and waited, arms spread wide, and awaited the winner. When he was spotted, each of the four women sped up to the best of their abilities. It was a close race to be sure, but the decisive winner was Fluttershy. She lunged into his arms at the end of the race followed a few seconds later by the others. They all laughed as they were wrapped up in his arms. They laughed even harder when he simply straitened his back and easily picked them all up and headed for the door.

Once they were all inside, Rick stood in front of the sofa and opened his arms and dropped the laughing mass onto it. “Well done everyone,” Rick complimented while Pinkie and Rainbow trotted in happily behind the big family. “I’m very impressed with the skill you all are showing, it’s almost like you’ve had two legs your whole lives. I have no doubt you will all fit in fine when we get to Earth.”

After the chorus of ‘oohs’, ‘aahs’ and agreements died down, it was Rainbow Dash who brought up a very interesting point. “What are you guys gonna do for bits? Do they use them on Earth?”

Rick looked at her with a look that showed he was considering the question, then he turned to Twilight, “no we have a different currency altogether. Twilight, bits look like they are made of gold, is that correct?”

“Oh, yes, they are. Why?”

“Then we’ll be just fine. A single ounce of gold on Earth is worth over a thousand dollars, the currency used where we’re going. A handful of bits will buy a very comfortable vacation indeed. Nothing to worry about.” A collective sigh of relief was released from the sofa followed by talk of souvenirs and gifts. “For now, there is something a little more pressing to deal with, Fluttershy’s prize. So, what’ll it be, Darlin’?”

“Oh, I don’t want to be a bother to anyone,” Rick couldn’t help but find her even more adorable as she hid behind her bangs.

“Nonsense, Dear, you won the race fair and square so it is only right to claim your prize the same as any of us would,” Rarity defended.

After a series of head nodding and ‘mmhmm’ing came from around the room, Fluttershy finally gave in, “well, alright. I would really just like a nice picnic and watch the sunset.”

“With everyone?” Twilight asked.

Fluttershy squeaked, blushed, hid and very slightly, shook her head no. “So do you want it to be just the two of us?” A tiny nod was his answer. “Nothing to be worried about. No one here is going to be angry at you because of that. Now stop hiding, smile and get a blanket from the closet. I’ll pack a few things and we can then be on our way. Okay?” This time she practically beamed up at him and nodded eagerly, “that’s my girl.”

*****

It took a little while to reach the small hill Fluttershy wanted to sit on, but it was worth it. From their viewpoint, they could see the town off to one side, the Whitetail Wood to the other side, the mountains in the distance with the sun sinking lower over them, and right in front of them, a small lake. The light from the sun and the stillness of the lake turned it into a natural mirror, reflecting the last rays of Celestia’s sun so the couple sitting under their tree were bathed in its warm glow. To put it simply, absolutely perfect.

“I gotta say, Flutters, this spot is great.”

“I’m so happy you like it. To be honest, I was a little worried.”

“You know there is no reason to be worried when you’re dealing with me, and there never will be. I love you too much to ever be upset with you.”

Fluttershy blushed a little but smiled widely, “I love you too, Rick.”

Rick smiled and turned his back to her and laid down, placing his head in her lap. Fluttershy was surprised at first but soon, she softened and started to run her fingers through Rick’s short hair. It was a feeling of comfort and affection he hadn’t experienced in years, and he was eating it up.

“You know, Flutters, I gotta say, you seem to be a lot more sure of yourself lately.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“For what? I’m happy. You are an amazing woman who goes way above and beyond for everyone else. Plus, you saved Equestria how many times? You’re a lot stronger than you know, it’s a different kind of strength from AJ or Twilight but no less important. You are finally getting some confidence in yourself and it shows. That’s a good thing.”

“Really, oh, thank you. I guess I just feel safe when I’m around you and the others. It almost feels like nothing could hurt me. I think I’ve felt this way ever since you stood up to that bully for me in Canterlot.”

“Well good, you should feel safe in a family.”

To add to the statement, Rick reached a hand up to her face. Fluttershy placed her own hand on top of it and smiled again. She then leaned down and the shared a sweet, gentle kiss. After they separated, they resumed their previous positions, Fluttershy leaning against the tree, playing with Rick’s hair as he rested in her lap. They rested there, watching the sunset and nibbling on their snacks.

Shortly after the sun went down, Rick gently stood up. He gathered their things quietly, picked up the sleeping Fluttershy and started on his way. But before he left, he had one more thing to do. He formed a transparent, magic hand around the tiny cloud that had been hovering over their tree since they got there, and brought it down so the cloud and its trapped occupant were directly in front of his face.

“Funny bumping into you here, Honey.”

Twilight blushed and nervously smiled, “heh heh, yeah, well, you know, I just wanted to get some fresh air and Rainbow had always made these clouds look just so comfortable to sleep on…”

“Uh-huh, so you weren’t eavesdropping or spying on me and Fluttershy then?”

“What? No, of course n… yes,” she lowered her head, knowing full well she had done something wrong, “I’m sorry.”

“I know, and I forgive you as long as you promise not to do it again,” he received a nod in return. “Good, now you just have to apologize to Fluttershy.”

“Okay, but she’s asleep right now.”

“Nah, she’s just pretending. Annie used to do it all the time. People forget that your breathing slows when you’re sleeping.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to try to trick anyone, I was just so happy I didn’t want it to end,” Fluttershy defended.

“It’s alright, Fluttershy, no harm done. Now, do you forgive Twilight?”

“Oh, yes, I do. After all, I did the same thing to Applejack, I can’t really be made at someone for doing the same thing I did.”

“Well said, Fluttershy. Twilight?”

“Thank you, Fluttershy.”

“Good, now that that’s settled,” Rick floated Twilight onto his left shoulder and handed her the picnic basket while he carried Fluttershy in his left arm, “let’s go home.”

Author's Note

I gotta say, I'm not feeling the love and tolerance. I even had one guy tell me I was a pervert because Rick had four wives and that this was the worst plot ever. I disagree, but to each their own. I don't think this is a bad story, and I don't think it deserves to have more negative votes than positive. Please, love and tolerate me.

The Last Day

Chapter 6

Rick woke up the next day with Fluttershy still sleeping on his chest. She had removed her dress so as not to wrinkle it, but she was still wearing her underwear so all the important thing were still covered so that when Spike came down from the bedroom where his basket had been placed, he wouldn’t see anything he shouldn’t. Paul’s basket was in the living room, but he was a dog saw no one cared what he saw.

The smell of pancakes and eggs were the cause of Rick’s waking. Just as he had with Rarity, he magically lifted Fluttershy off his chest, slid off the couch and lowered her back down onto it. “Wow, Spike, that smells great. Are the girls awake?” Rick asked as he let Paul outside.

“Nah, they were up late last night. They were acting like it was a sleepover or something.”

“Aw, did they keep you up?”

“Kinda, they kept waking me up, but I did get some sleep.”

“Well tell you what, after breakfast, I’ll take care of the dishes and you can go back to sleep. How’s that sound?”

“Really?! That’s great! Thanks, Rick!”

Rick chuckled to himself before he turned to wake up the other household occupants. We stopped and his smile broadened when he saw Fluttershy peaking over the back of the sofa at him. When he had spotted her, she slowly raised up, revealing the smile she was wearing. “You really are very nice to everyp- everyone aren’t you.”

“The little guy works hard to make sure no one has to, he deserves a rest from time to time.”

Fluttershy nodded to Rick as he went by then up the stairs to the bedroom. When he entered, he was greeted by a very sweet, and very slightly erotic, sight. Twilight, Rarity and Applejack were wrapped up in each other’s limbs. That alone would have been cute, if it weren’t for the fact that one or four of their hands had somehow managed to slip into the underwear of the other girls. As tempting as it was to wake them and witness the mayhem, he was certain that would end well. Instead, he very carefully used his magic to remove their hands from their resting places before he woke them.

“Come on, girls, it’s time to get up. Spike made breakfast and if you don’t get up now, Fluttershy and I are gonna eat all of it.” They all stirred, stretched and slowly roused themselves from their zone of comfy in the bed. “Now wash your faces… and hands, and come down stairs for breakfast.”

It wasn’t long before three women groggily came down the stairs to join one man, one dragon and one more woman. The sweet smell of warm maple and hot apples in sauce dragged them into the land of the living very quickly. Their enjoyment was postponed by a knock at the door. Rick went to answer while the girls took their seats and Spike began to bring the pancakes over to them.

“Hey, girls, make some room, we’ve got company.”

“Please don’t go out of your way for my sake,” Celestia said to her hosts.

“No, please come in and join us. Spike made plenty and it’s delicious. Make yourself at home,” Twilight offered.

“Indeed. What kind of po… people? Yes, what kind of people would we be if we were to turn away such wonderful company?” Rarity added.

“Thank you, it does smell wonderful, Spike,” Celestia complimented as she sat down next to Twilight and Applejack.

“I don’t mean to sound rude, but um, what brings you here, Princess?” Fluttershy nervously asked.

“I simply wished to visit the newest royal family. At least that will be the official statement if asked. The real reason is I simply wanted to see my friends before they left this world completely.”

“That’s great, Celestia. We are always happy to see you and you are always welcome in our home. After all, you provided it for us,” Rick smirked.

After a round of giggles around the table, Celestia nodded and added, “you earned this home yourself. You were thrown into a world you didn’t know and did nothing but help my little ponies from the very beginning. Besides, everypony needs a place they can call home.”

“Still, I want to make sure you know just how much I appreciate it.” Rick served pancakes to the females and the drake before himself. “Hey, I got an idea. I was going to take the girls to the spa today while Spike took a nap here. Would you like to join us, Princess?”

*****

It was amusing enough to walk through the village as humans, it was even more entertaining to watch the reactions they got while traveling with the sun princess. A pony nearly six feet tall with white coat and ethereal, multi-colored mane and tail would be enough attention all on its own without the guard in matching gold armor. Luckily, the citizens of Ponyville aren’t prone to gawking and/or staring, so all they got was some surprised gasping and whispered conversations before the crowds dispersed.

When they had arrived, the twins, Aloe and Lotus Blossom, had gone out of their way to make the spa the most welcoming place in all of Ponyville. They even brought in their seldom seen sister, Vera, to make sure there was no lull in their service. Of course, when they offered their customers robes, the only one who could partake was Celestia. The rest had to bring their own robes, tempting as it was to let them try, he knew the pony robes just wouldn’t cover enough.

They went through the usual services, the mud baths, the hooficures, which were tricky, and the mud masks all went smoothly and were enjoyed by everyone even more with the company. The only time there was even the slightest hint of an argument was when it came time for the massages. All four women wanted Rick to do the work. Luckily, one cool head spoke up.

“Now, girls, if you can’t decide how to share,” Celestia smirked, “I shall simply have to take your toy away. Rick, I shall be your customer while the others will be massaged by the staff. This shall solve the argument. Plus, I’ve heard great things from my niece and have been wanting to see for myself.”

“Aww, but Celestia…” Twilight whined.

“Now, now, we’ll have none of that. I shall return him to you when he is finished and then you can have all the massages you want.” She said this with a raised eyebrow and another smirk.

“It’ll be fine, Twilight. I promise I give you a massage after you finish packing tonight. Now relax and enjoy Vera’s hard work,” Rick confirmed.

“Okay…”

Celestia led Rick around a portable curtain, she may be here with friends, but she was still a princess of the land and could not be caught in a compromising position. The other girls climbed onto their tables and disrobed minus a towel to cover certain things. Aloe, Vera, Lotus Blossom and Quake, the spa’s male masseuse, had a little trouble figuring out how to work on a human, but once it was explained that humans where very similar to a pony in their skeleton, they got to work.

Rick had learned a little about pony anatomy from his time in Equestria and managed to give quite pleasing massages. Especially when he focused his magic around his hands to penetrate deeper into the muscle tissue. Celestia didn’t make any noise, it wouldn’t be very regal if she had, but her face betrayed her enjoyment of his work.

“I must say, Rick, those girls are very lucky mares indeed.”

“Oh? And here I always thought I was the lucky one.”

“Oh, no, Rick. We all feel happy just to have met you and been friends, but now we get to spend the rest of our lives with you,” Fluttershy’s voice came from the other side of the curtain.

“That’s right,” was the reply from the remaining three women.

“Yes, it is very clear they all love you and your love for them is extremely apparent. These scars on your body are evidence of what you’re willing to sacrifice for them.” Celestia looked up at him out of one eye and smirked. “Besides, if you give massages this well in public, I can only how good they must be in the bedroom.”

There was a chorus of gasps and one distinctive ‘eep’ followed by silence. Said silence was unbroken until there was a loud ‘FWOOMPH’ from behind the curtain.

“What was that? Are you two alright in there?” Twilight asked, concern very evident.

“Oh, we’re fine, just some readjusting,” Rick replied.

“You should know better than to touch a winged pony there, Rick,” Celestia scolded in a whisper.

“And you should know better than to tease others about sensitive topics, your highness.” Rick whispered back.

Celestia shuffled her wings back into place by her sides, “perhaps you’re right. I just wanted to have a little fun.”

“I understand that, but maybe it would be better to keep that kind of fun to when there isn’t four ponies who work in a business where the patrons enjoy gossiping.”

“Of course, you’re right, that would be best for everypony. Like I said, those girls are very lucky to have you.”

“Thank you, Princess,” Rick continued his massage, “for everything.”

*****

“I had a lot of fun today, everypony, and I thank you for including me in your family activities.”

“No problem, Princess, we were jest glad ya’ll could join us,” Applejack offered happily.

“Absolutely. I believe I speak for everyone here when I say that you and your sister are always welcome to visit,” Rarity added.

“Oh, but, Rarity, it’s Rick’s house, you shouldn’t just invite someone over without asking him first,” Fluttershy gave about the most adorable scolding he’d ever seen.

“But, Fluttershy, it’s not just my house anymore,” he wrapped an arm around the pink haired girl and pulled her tight against his body, “it’s our home.” There was a wave of ‘aww’s and a group hug to seal the deal. “But you’re right, Rarity, all princesses are welcome in our home.”

“Well, thank you all, I’ll be sure to pass that along to Luna and Cadence,” Celestia bowed, the gesture was reciprocated by the humans. “Sadly, now I must take my leave and return to more mundane tasks, such as running a nation. Again, I enjoyed my time here with you all and will return tomorrow to see you off.”

“We look forward to it, Princess,” Twilight informed as Celestia climbed onto her chariot, preparing to leave for Canterlot. Celestia looked down to them and nodded as they all bowed to the Sun Princess.

After they finished waving to the rapidly vanishing speck that was Celestia, they returned to their home. They were going to be leaving tomorrow, so that meant they needed to pack.

Rick quickly threw together the clothes that Rarity had made him and packed them into his suitcase. Once that was finished he decided it might be good to make his rounds and check on the girls but before he even got the chance to venture out to Fluttershy’s cabin or Sweet Apple Acres, both women were already walking back up the road, bags in hand. He couldn’t hear what they were saying, but the way Applejack had her arm draped around Fluttershy, he had a feeling it had to do with her worry about her pets.

That poor girl was always overflowing with worry and concern. It was a trait that both made him love her more each time it came up, and was a little taxing at times. Of course, she had nothing to worry about. Celestia had arranged for not one, but three royal animal sitters arranged to tend to them for her two week absence, and even a veterinarian on call. Still, the adorable animal lover will probably by worried about her critter friends the whole time.

After the pair had dropped of their things at home, he left to help Twilight and Rarity if he could. Knowing them, Rarity would have about twenty bags too many and Twilight would want to bring half the books in her collection. He was not looking forward to having to tell them they were going to have to leave so much behind. Best to simply bite the bullet and get it over with.

He was shocked yet again to find Rarity walking toward him. She was hopping like Pinkie Pie and magically carrying only five medium-sized bags. Rick smiled at the site of his favorite seamstress and picked up his pace to meet her even sooner. He took her bags and placed them into a force field bowl. Once they were settled, he scooped her up in his arms and they bounced down the road toward the Golden Oaks Library to collect the remaining member of their family.

Rick set Rarity down outside the door, opened it for her and ducked through after. The door to the basement was open and the sound of clinking glassware came from the laboratory within. Rick and Rarity looked at each other with a slight look of panic. “She’s going to blow up the Earth isn’t she?”

Braving certain disfigurement, transformation and even death, Rick peeked his head through the door. Surprisingly, there were no volatile chemicals or glowing, radioactive rods or even a single chimera. She was simply, carefully, loading a few magnifying lenses and a microscope into a bag similar to the type one would imagine a doctor using on a house call.

“Twilight? Are you almost done packing? Everyone else is ready and waiting.”

“Hmm? Oh yeah, I was just grabbing a few things so I could learn as much as possible while we’re there. Besides, you’re exaggerating, there’s no way I was taking longer than Rarity.”

“I heard that, Darling!” Came a sing-song voice from upstairs.

“Oh, Sorry, Rarity!”

“Think nothing of it, I understand completely!”

“SPI--IKE!! Could you please bring my bags to Rarity?!”

The cheerful reply from the loft could be heard all the way down in the basement. Twilight and Rick couldn’t hold back their snickers, especially when they could hear him running down the stairs so fast it almost sounded like he rolled down them. After the sparse bags belonging to Twilight were loaded, they all left for home together.

Author's Note

Thank you all for the support. This story finally has more positive votes than negative, at least there were. Soon, the Rhinestone family will be coming to Earth. There will have to be details overlooked for the story to work, such as a man missing for a year suddenly turning up out of the blue. I will try to not use the names of any real places for different reasons, one is so you can create your place in your mind, another would be copyright infringement avoidance. Though it'll probably become apparent to anyone familiar with the area I basing their destination on.

I hope you continue to enjoy the story, and if you don't, I got nothing for you anymore.

The First Day

Chapter 7

Rick rose with the sun. However, it wasn’t the gentle rays of the rising celestial orb that roused him, but rather the excited chattering of nine females and one male. Groggily, Rick stood up off the couch and let the dog out. He was so sleepy, he almost didn’t notice to three alicorns, one unicorn and the only draconequus in Equestria, hopefully.

“Mmhm? Oh, royalty. Please, come in and join us for breakfast.” Any other creature in Equestria would have gotten a stern chewing-out from Shining Armor and a few suspicious looks from the rest, but this was family, a special day and waaay too early for anyone to be expected to be at their best. Therefore, Rick’s life would be spared for another day.

The four women, two mares, one stallion and three fillies were already sitting around the table while the little dragon was serving them eggs and toast with fruit salad on the side. The little guy worked a lot harder than anyone gave him credit for. With three more princesses and another prince, it was starting to get crowded. Luckily, Discord had decided it would be more fun for him to shrink down and ride on Rick’s head.

“Good morning everypony.”

“Good morning, Princess Celestia,” was chorused in reply.

“I trust you all slept well?” There was a general consensus that they were all too excited to have slept last night. She giggled a little at that “I understand. In fact, I almost wish I could go with you and see this new world for myself. Of course I expect plenty of pictures and souvenirs.”

“I think we can handle that,” Rick conceded. “Though, it will be tricky with my truck being in two pieces thanks to Chrysalis.”

“I believe I can help with that,” Discord offered with his tiny body on one set of Rick’s shoulders while his full-sized head peaked around the other side of Rick’s head.

“Really? That would be great!” Rick was legitimately excited. His beloved pick-up truck was one of the few things that came with him to Equestria from Earth. Sadly, it hadn’t run since Pinkie was bit by a snake and he ripped out the fuel line getting her to the hospital. That was before it had been torn in half during his fight with Chrysalis. Oddly, she was a little mad when he smashed her with it.

Discords normal sized head and tiny body both collapsed towards Rick’s head, disappearing from view, only to appear, still tiny, stepping out from behind the salt shaker, “but of course, my dear boy. Putting your precious vehicle back into one piece would be snap *snap*.” The snap of his fingers may have simply been a reiteration of his point, but the way things go in Equestria, Rick doubted it.

On a whim, he stepped outside the front door. Sure enough, Rick’s trusty Chevy had been rebuilt. If that had been the end of it, it would have been perfect, but this was Discord after all. Rick wasn’t sure what possible purpose a propeller could serve, but that was far less strange than the sight of a dragon wing on the back end and sports car front. The back end was still that of a pick-up, the problem was each panel was a different size.

“Discord, far be it from me to stifle a man’s creativity, but this simply won’t work.”

“Why, whatever do you mean?” Discord asked as he stepped out from behind the oddity.

“I mean,” Rick approached the ‘truck’ and placed his hand on the snorkel, “this literally won’t work.”

“Oh, give it a try, you may in fact enjoy the ride.”

“Okay, the wonderful colors and patterns that might just put Rarity into a coma aside, I cannot drive this because the middle is an accordion. How am I supposed to drive a truck with a constant risk of being crushed?”

“Fine, take away all the fun,” Discord grumbled and snapped his fingers again. The truck flashed and was reformed in its original shape and color. There were only two changes. The familiar bowtie logo was replaced with an image of Discords head and there was a Discorde bobble head on the dash.

Rick let out a long breath, “thank you, Discord, I appreciate this.”

With a flourish and a dismissive wave of his hand, “think nothing of it my boy. Just make sure you keep my friend happy, and there’ll be no problems between us.”

Rick held out his hand, Discord looked at it for a second, like he expected it to change shape or maybe catch on fire. After careful observation, he came to the conclusion that it was in fact just a hand and placed his own hand within. A brief, firm handshake followed, “that sounds like a deal.”

Shortly after, the other humans walked out of the house with their luggage. Another snap of Discord’s fingers and four smaller Discord clones appeared in bellhop uniforms. Each bowed and tipped their hats, then they each took the bags from the women, a couple sprouted extra arms in order to gather the extra baggage. Said baggage was loaded into the bed of the truck and tied down with some ropes.

“Alright, everything’s secure. Is everybody ready?” Rick asked as he double checked the ropes and made sure nothing was loose.

“Yes.”

“Yup.”

“Yeah.”

“Mmm… yes.”

“Alright. Everyone say their farewells and we will be on our way.”

They all gathered and mingled. The CMC hopped and cheered while Rick lifted them and even tossed them about a little. Big Mac and AJ had a quiet conversation between themselves, though Rick was surprised when Cheerilee joined them. It could have just been his imagination, but he thought she was standing quite a bit closer to Big Mac than normal. The four princesses were enjoying their chat, while Discord and Fluttershy did the same. Rarity, Pinkie, Rainbow and Spike were discussing Opalescence’s care regimen.

Rick and Shining Armor were talking by themselves. Rick was sitting on the ground to be closer and Paul was lying next to him enjoying the gentle scratch behind the ears. “Shining, you seem worried about something.”

“You don’t miss a thing. Yeah, I’m a little bit nervous. I remember the things you told me about your world and how dangerous it is. I know you can handle yourself and would protect each and every pony with your life if the need arose. Plus, the four girls are each a barer of an Element of Harmony. I just can’t seem to get rid of this worry.”

“I understand. Believe me, if there is anyone in Equestria that does understand that concern, it’s me.” Rick reached out and placed a hand on Shining’s withers, “I can’t take away your worry, all I can do is promise that I will do everything in my power to not only protect your sister, but also ensure she enjoys her time on Earth.”

“Thank you, Rick, I know you will.” Shining leaned against Rick who hugged him with one arm.

They stood up and rejoined the others. The humans climbed into the truck’s cab and buckled up, with some help from Rick. The engine was cranked up on the first attempt and sounded like new. Rick rolled down the windows for everyone. He stuck his head out the window, “I probably should have asked this before, but, how are we getting there and back?”

“Oh, I thought I explained that,” Discord spoke up, “I will be sending you there. In two weeks’ time, you will be brought back. All you have to do is think of the place you wish to arrive and make sure you aren’t seen when it comes time to return. Of course, if you run into trouble, simply write a short message on this scroll and burn it and I will bring you right back.”

“Ah, nice and simple. Alrighty then. Here we go.”

Rick ran through his memories. He remembered the times he spent with his family on vacation. The joyous moments in the park and museums. The fun little shops the old village square. All these places meant so much to him, but they all shared one common problem; they were always swarmed with people. It took some thinking, but he finally thought of the perfect spot to transport five beings into another universe. A sudden memory came to the forefront of his mind.

“Okay, I think I’ve got it.”

“Excellent,” Discord clapped his hands together, “everypony buckle-up!”

*****

After the ringing in his ears stopped, Rick slowly opened his eyes. At first, he wasn’t certain they had left at all, that was before Fluttershy ‘eep’ed from the backseat. A mid-sized box truck had driven by and startled her. Rick looked around while Rarity comforted her. They were at a small picnic area near a river than ran through a small town near a national park in the mountains of Tennessee. He knew that all for a fact because he had come to this particular spot many times with Annie and Hanna. It being so small and between two small towns made it perfect for a quiet picnic with the family.

Rick unbuckled himself and stepped out of the truck. He took a deep breath and let it out with a huge smile. He climbed atop a concrete picnic table and turned to his truck and beautiful creatures within. “Girls, Welcome to Earth!”

Slowly, Twilight and the others climbed out of the truck. Rick couldn’t help but think they looked similar to a cat coming out of its crate for the first time. Their heads swiveled around constantly, trying to take in every detail they could.

“C’mon, ladies, there’s nothing to worry about here. There’s not even any predators that are a danger to humans in this part of the world.” They were still hesitant, it being a new world full of unknowns and all, who could blame them? “What’s the matter, you trust me don’t you?”

That got them moving. They walked over to Rick and looked up at the steep mountains. He led them down to the swift but shallow river that was always very cold, even in the summer. He even showed them how to skip rocks. He couldn’t help but notice they all kept looking up at the clouds with looks of curiosity bordering on concern. He found it to be adorable.

Afterward, they loaded back up in the truck. Shortly after, they stopped at a place that paid cash for gold. Turns out, a single bit was worth over one thousand dollars. Therefore, the bag of bits Rick brought with him was in no danger of running empty and still allowing them to enjoy everything they could possibly want to do.

Now, they had their funds, so next they needed shelter. Hotels around this area were usually nice, but didn’t provide the privacy that they would probably prefer. It was their honeymoon after all. A cabin in the mountains would be the best thing for their needs. Normally, a cabin for two weeks would be too expensive for him, but that was a problem that would not arise this time.

Fortunately, they were able to procure one a cabin that was isolated and still not so far into the woods that getting to town was a hassle. When they got there, Rick couldn’t believe the cabin hadn’t been booked by someone else. It was two stories tall, the bedroom was huge and on the second floor with a small fireplace, porch and adjoining bathroom, complete with hot tub. The first floor had another fireplace, a large kitchen, second full bathroom, entertainment center and an attached porch with a Jacuzzi. Both the porches were on the back of the building and offered an unparalleled view of a small valley with a little field and a creek. Someone had put out a bird bath, a bird feeder and a salt lick to attract wildlife. The best part of all of this was that one could neither see nor hear any road or traffic on it. The whole thing was perfect.

“Alright, ladies, you get settled in while I run into town to get us something to eat.”

There was a chorus along the lines of ‘okay’ in response. Rick smiled and went off to do exactly what he said he would. He wasn’t quite sure what to get for their first meals on Earth, but figured a couple pizzas with all the veggies would be as good place to start as any.

On his drive, he saw a certain pair of golden arches that seemed to be calling to a more primal, meat-loving side of him. He was about to pull in to the drive-thru lane when an image played across his mind’s eye. A very enjoyable conversation he had with one Daisy Jo, a cow, not two weeks ago. Suddenly, all urges for a cheeseburger with bacon flew to the furthest reaches of his psyche never to be seen again. Instead, he went straight to a local pizza restaurant and picked up his query.

Normally, Rick wasn’t a huge fan of veggie pizza, but thanks to his new pony diet, the smell was driving him crazy the whole way back up the mountain to their cabin. More importantly, the lack of his wives’ presence was digging into him. He really did love them, each and every one of them. Luckily, that was a pang that would be sated very soon.

“Girls, I’m back!” He called out as he walked through the door. There was no reply. He set the pizzas on the counter and set to find the four objects of his affection. The sound of laughter from the back porch cut his search short.

“What are you all doing out… here?” It was at this point that Rick remembered that none of them owned a swimsuit. When they saw him and all rushed out of the Jacuzzi to greet and hug him, He was suddenly happy about that. He wrapped his big arms around them and picked them all up in a bear hug of his own. “I’m glad to see you all relaxing and acclimating so well to human technology. Now, towel off, get dres… on second thought, don’t, and come get some pizza before it gets cold.” They all giggled as he set them down and went about drying themselves off. “How did I get so lucky?”

Author's Note

Sorry it took so long to get this update. I've been busy, you understand.

Shopping Day

Chapter 8

“Rise and shine, my beautiful brides, we have a big day ahead of us!” Rick called out as he squirmed under the pile of flesh and love. If it weren’t for the huge attachment he felt for each of them, he might have felt trapped under that many bodies, but he couldn’t possibly feel trapped with them.

“Unnh,” the seamstress of the group grumbled, “and just what do you have planned that needs us to wake up so early?”

“Shopping.”

He had barely finished saying the word and Rarity was already in the bathroom getting ready. He looked back at the two who were still sitting on the bed giggling. He suddenly realized that one was missing.

“Where’s AJ?”

“Oh, she’s used to waking up early,” Fluttershy answered, “she’s only been waking up late the last few days because she was staying up so late.”

“Why was she staying up so late?” Rick asked before he remembered exactly why they had all been staying up late. “Oh, right. Well, how about you girls use the bathroom on the first floor and I’ll look for AJ.”

Fluttershy and Twilight nodded in agreement and set to their normal daily tasks. Rick went out onto the porch attached to the bedroom and did indeed find Applejack. She was leaning on the railing wearing one of Rick’s old shirts and if there was anything under it, he couldn’t see it. Her hair was down instead of tied back into her usual ponytail. She seemed to be simply watching the sunrise as her golden hair swayed in a gentle breeze. That image was one that was nearly impossible to take his eyes off of.

Rick quietly closed the door behind himself and walked over the AJ to join her rail leaning and sun watching. “Good morning, beautiful.”

Applejack leaned her head against Rick’s shoulder and took let out a deep sigh, “thank you.”

Rick wrapped his arm around her and held her close, “for what?”

“For callin’ meh ‘beautiful’. Ah’m not normally one fer compliments, but Ah’ll take one from ya anytime.” She turned slightly, wrapped her arms around him and nuzzled into his chest as she squeezed him.

“I meant every word. I’ve always thought you looked good, always. Add to the mix a perfect sunrise, you with your hair down and in my shirt, it’s almost too much for me.” He looked down into her emerald eyes and smiled.

She, on the other hand, wanted to play a little, “almmoost…?” she drew the word out as she tugged at the neck line of the shirt. The action combined with his angle came him a view that any teenage boy would kill for.

His smile broadened as he spun the both of them so they faced each other full on. He then picked her up, with one hand on her back, the other was placed on her thigh and slid it up under her shirt onto her butt, verifying that that was indeed the only thing she was wearing. He then lifted her up so her chest was at face level. He buried his face into it and squeezed one of his hands as she laughed and blushed a little. He set her back down and stared into her eyes again and kept his hands were they were. Then he raised the higher one to the back of her head and drew her in to a kiss. She placed her hands on his head and held him in place, reluctant to let the happiness and warmth of the moment fade. Sadly, air became a necessity for the both of them. They separated, breathing deeply and retracting their tongues back into their own mouths. Rick couldn’t help but note the smell of apples coming off his wife.

“Mmmh, no better way to start the day,” Rick planted another quick peck on AJ’s lips, “now you better get ready. We’ve got a busy day ahead of us.”

“Sure thing, but first ya gotta take yur hand off my flank,” she giggled as he gave it another squeeze.

“Ahh, do I have to?”

*****

“Now pay attention, ladies,” Rick addressed the passengers in his truck as he pulled into a spot in the parking garage. “There are going to be a lot of other humans and cars. It can be overwhelming and even a bit scary. You all just stick close to me and you’ll be fine. Oh, and don’t forget your human names.”

It had been decided that, since names like Twilight and Fluttershy were extremely uncommon on Earth, they would all use a human pseudo name, except for Applejack since AJ was common, though they decided it would be Amanda-Jo if anyone asked. Twilight would be Tina, Rarity is now Rachel and Fluttershy became Florence after the famous nurse, Florence Nightingale.

They walked out of the garage and down the street. Fluttershy, Flo, was clinging to Rick and the other girls were keeping close as well, though not out of nervousness like Fluttershy was. They were in awe over the huge aquarium they passed. They stopped to admire the river the town was built next to. Luckily, the traffic was light enough that only two of the four lanes were being used for moving vehicles while the outer lanes were being used as parking. Had this not been the off-season, all four lanes would be flowing and Rick was sure he would have four panicked brides that he would have to drag back to Ponyville before they dared to walk on their own again. The town they were in had only one main road, though there were other roads through said town, but that one road was lined heavily with shops, video arcades and a few attractions that were similar to something one might find inside a theme park. In short, it was the definition of a tourist trap.

“Are we doing our shopping here?” Rarity, Rachel, asked while looking around in both amazement and mild disappointment.

“Nah, we’re here for breakfast. While this town is full of stores and bazaars, they are mostly full of souvenir and bobbles. We’ll come back here some other time, but today is a different type of shopping.” They all looked at him in curiosity. “Today is for clothes shopping. While, I’ll love the outfits Rar-Rachel made, one or two outfits won’t do for two weeks. Especially if we want to go to one of the water parks here. Again, I love the ‘suits’ you all wore in the Jacuzzi last night, but you’ll need proper bathing suits.”

The girls shared a look of confusion before Twilight, Tina, asked, “what are you talking about? We weren’t wearing anything in the Jacuzzi.”

Rick leaned down and kissed her, short and passionate, “I know.”

It wasn’t long before they reached their destination, a pancake house that had been a staple of the town for many years. As was the candy shop next-door. The restaurant had a great view into the kitchen of the candy shop, both having huge windows. Thus they enjoyed their breakfast of fruit covered pancakes and the sight if the taffy puller machine and the wrapping machine, both of which looked like they came from the industrial revolution.

Before long, it was time to get back on the road. Rick had to promise that they would return to town again soon in order to stop the complaints. He also promised them a little treat by going the long way through the park to get to the shops in the next town. This would allow them to see the beauty of these area. The thick forest, the rivers and streams, and the many scenic viewpoints throughout.

*****

It took a few hours to get to the stores. There had been several stops along the way. Even though Rarity had asked for a few stops herself, she was now starting to get impatient. So much so, in fact, that Rick had threatened to make her ride in the very back. However, she now had nothing to complain about, they had reach the mall.

Rick had planned the spots to get progressively better. He was happy to spend days on end with his ladies, but he was still a guy. His idea of shopping was to go to the local super store and buy t-shirts by the half-dozen and the first pair of jeans that matched his size. Thus the progressive shopping.

The first stop was the shoe store. Rick steeled himself for the tedium that was shoe shopping. For the next hour or so, he was in auto-pilot, coming out of it long enough to offer an honest opinion or tip before lapsing back into his semi-conscious state that is every man’s natural defense against such things.

Luckily, the next stop was day wear. Blue jeans and skirts, tank tops and baby tees, and everything in between. Of course, the best part of it wall was having four jaw-droppingly beautiful women parading themselves in front of him seeking his approval. It was certainly far from unpleasant.

After that, evening wear. Rick wasn’t one hundred percent sure they would need it, but it’s always best to cover one’s bases. Though it was mostly slow, it did get better. After they each picked out a dress that was very attractive and formal, they went back for another that was a little more attractive and a little less formal. Off-the-shoulder seemed to be order of the day, as was hip-high slits and plunging necklines.

Next up was what Rick had been looking forward to all day. It was time for swimsuits and lingerie. It was a little humorous to hear them all trying to figure out just exactly what this mysterious woman’s secret was and why they named the store after it. They also couldn’t figure out why Rick was in such a hurry to get them inside. They did figure it out quickly when they saw the mannequins in the window, though Fluttershy did need a little explanation.

Rick was only a little surprised that Rarity seemed to know exactly what she was doing in this department, she was a mare of the world after all as well as a designer. She helped the other girls pick just the right body stockings and garters while Rick offered his opinion on the thong versus T-back versus boy shorts. By the time Rarity and Twilight had picked out their selections, Rick had to take a break for some fresh air and to get the blood flowing to the rest of his body. When he came back in, it was time for Fluttershy to show her choices. By the time AJ showed hers, Rick was glad for the simple, green cotton she picked. Purple camisoles, pink body stockings and white, lace teddies were great when it was one woman, but these four might just kill a man. By comparison, their bikinis and one-pieces and even Fluttershy’s swimdress were pretty mundane. Though, if one were to see the four of them in their swimsuits without having just seen them and seriously sexy, lacy, tight-fitting underthings, they wouldn’t feel that way.

Even though Rick had enjoyed the last hour immensely, it was time to get back to the cabin. Besides, a man can only withstand so much. Along the way, they stopped at an organic market for some groceries, Rick never bought into that gimmick, but he didn’t want to risk anything with his women who had never had anything but their whole lives. He also named every type of store the girls pointed out to him. For some reason, AJ had refused to give up the front seat the whole day, even if that meant sitting in between him and another one of the girls.

“…that’s a pharmacy. You can tell by the Rx on the sign or sometimes it’s a mortar and pestle.”

“And what about that one? The one that says ‘As Seen on TV’ all over it?” Twilight pointed out.

“Oh, they sell all kinds of things that are normally only found on television advertisements.”

“Wut’s a ‘tel-uh-vishun’?” Applejack asked.

“There’s actually one back at the cabin. It’s a device that… hmm… think of it as a box that shows thousands of plays at any given time. You’ll see when we get back.”

“What kind of store is that and just why is it marked with three ‘X’s?” Rarity asked.

Rick looked up at the pink sign, “oh-ho, this is happening.” “I’ll show you.”

After he found a spot, they all walked up to the front door. Just outside, Rick stopped Fluttershy, “why don’t you girls go on ahead, Fluttershy, I don’t think you should go in there.”

“Oh, really? Why not?” She looked up at him with her big, turquoise eyes and he knew he made the right decision to not let her go in. Especially when AJ came back outside a few seconds later with a completely red face.

“Ask her. I’m going in to make sure Twi and Rare are okay.”

In his lifetime, Rick had only been inside an adult store a couple times. He had nothing against them, he just didn’t have much need for anything they offered. Right now, however, this one contained half his family.

“Find anything you like yet?” Rick asked as he leaned over Twilight’s shoulder causing her to jump and nearly drop the DVD she was holding.

“Oh, you startled me. Um, not quite, no.” She then held up the DVD, the box art of which would not be permissible in even the most R-rated films. “Do… do humans actually mate like this?” she whispered.

Rick took the offending box from her hand, “not all of us. Just the most, um, adventurous or experimental amongst us. There’s not many women who would allow this to be done to them.”

“Have you ever…?”

“NO, nooo, *hehe* no. Never really wanted to do… that.” He placed the box back on the shelf. “Now, where’s Rar-Rachel?”

“Right here, Darling.” She waved a couple black bags to show what had delayed her.

“And just what did we buy?” Rick asked as he reached out to her bags and leaned over to see better.

“You will just have to wait and see,” Rarity told him as she swatted his hand.

“Well then, let us get back to the cabin then, shall we.” “Oh boy oh boy oh boy.”

After that, Rick got them all back to the cabin just as quick as his Chevy could take them.

A Day in the Park

Chapter 9

The following day, Rick woke up later and more sore than usual. He lazily rolled out of the large bed and limped into the shower. He was not surprised to find Rarity still in the bathroom fixing her hair and make-up.

“Oh, good morning, Dear, and how are you doing?” She looked away from the mirror to look at him, “oh my, you look awful. You should talk to Twilight about those muscle aches.”

“Says one of the ones most responsible for them,” He smirked at her and smacked her bottom before he climbed into the shower, ready for the warm water to loosen his body up again. It worked, though he did have to actively shoo Applejack away a couple times. Any other day, he would have happily shared a shower with her, but today, it was too much to handle.

After his shower, Rick came down to the kitchen. Fluttershy was cooking eggs and toast for him. She had remembered to wear an apron, thought she forgot to wear anything under it. Twilight was watching TV with Rarity, Rick had restricted their viewing options to only cartoons, family and educational shows, he thought they didn’t need to watch anything too violent or asinine. In other words, no shows about pregnant teenagers, cops who don’t play by the rules or women parading their kids around in pageants. Applejack, however, was sticking closely to him. It was starting to get alarming.

“Um, Twilight, you guys are past your spring heat, right?”

“Yes, why do you ask?”

Rick gently shift AJ off his arm so he could enjoy his breakfast, “just making sure.”

“What? Can’t Ah just enjoy meh time with ya?” Applejack nuzzled him and surprised him by gently nibbling his neck a little bit.

“Of course you can, Sweetie, it’s just that this is who you normally act during estrus.

“Um, Rick?” Fluttershy was so quiet that it was almost like she was trying to get his attention without disturbing him.

“Yes?”

“I think I need some help.”

Rick got up from the table and approached his timid wife, “is everything alright?”

“I… I don’t know.” Now he was getting nervous. “I think I might be injured, but I can’t find any wound.”

“Are you bleeding?” she nodded yes, “does it hurt?” she shook her head no. “You’d better let me see.” She froze and looked deeply into his eyes as her face slowly turned crimson. It took only a moment for Rick to figure it out. “It’s from your, um, mare parts isn’t it?” She grimaced and squeezed her eyes shut and nodded slowly. Rick wrapped her up in a hug, “everything will be fine, but we will need to get the pharmacy. You appear to be at the end of your menstrual cycle.”

“What?” Twilight asked from the couch.

“Well, human menstrual cycles run for about twenty-eight days, which is one reason there are so many of us. At the end of those twenty-eight days, a woman will bleed for a few days. But not to worry, there is medication and… other things to help.” Rick thought for a moment while about this revelation. “This might also explain Applejack’s eagerness. Her body is telling her it’s ready, which a human normally wouldn’t be able to feel, but her pony instincts can and are instructing her to act.”

“So, what you’re saying is… Applejack is…” Rarity was trying to find the words.

“Ready to be impregnated? Yes. It should pass in a couple days. Until then, we’ll just have to be careful. Again, we have things to help with that too. Like I said, we just need to get to the pharmacy. After that, we’ll go out and see the sights. We’ll keep it light though, I’m still a little sore and Fluttershy doesn’t need any strenuous activities right now.”

“So, I’m going to be alright?” Fluttershy asked nervously.

“I believe so, Honey,” he rubbed the top of her head and left his hand on her face, she nuzzled into it as she held it in place. “Remember, we were all changed into humans, so it would only make sense that that would include our insides as well as our outward appearance.”

“Wait, are we all going to go through this?” Twilight asked with a little concern poorly hidden in her voice.

Rick turned to look back at her as he placed his hand on the door handle, “to be perfectly honest, there’s a strong possibility.” He opened the door, “just remember that I’ll be here for each of you if and when the time comes.”

*****

It didn’t take too long for Rick to reach the pharmacy and return with everything he needed. Feminine and masculine products as well as several hygiene items and a digital camera for each of them. He also managed to get a few cases of that sweet nectar of the gods, beer.

After an embarrassing instructional session with Fluttershy and a quick-ish one-on-one with Applejack to get her calmed and level, it was time to head out. If Rick’s limp was any indication, there was going to be very, VERY little walking done today.

The first stop was the museum near the small town they went to for breakfast the day before. The museum displayed taxidermied animals that were native to the park as well as a short film about the park and its origin. It took quite bit of soothing and fibbing to convince Fluttershy that the animals were simply nothing more than full sized teddy bears. It also took quite a bit of convincing to prevent Twilight from buying all the nature and history books and field guide in the building. She was forced to settle for only five books. Fluttershy had gotten one on the animals and treated it like a treasure, Applejack got a recipe book filled with old fashioned Appalachian dessert dishes, Rarity got nothing and Rick purchased a nice, sturdy hiking stick that he could lean on.

After that, they headed for the Cove. An eleven mile loop road in a small valley that at one time housed dozens of families, farms, churches and a water powered mill. The Cove was now home only to dozens of different species of wild animals, old homesteads and empty fields.

On the way, they made a few stops. First of which was a waterfall, not a particularly tall or even that wide. It was, however, beautiful. The roaring, white water cascading over the huge granite boulders had always been a favorite spot for Rick and Annie. He always thought it showed both the beauty and destructive power of nature. He also thought this would be a good opportunity for the girls to learn to use their cameras, and they did too. They had cameras in Equestria, so the only thing they had to really learn was the controls and buttons.

After a few hundred photos of the waterfall, they only stopped at a few times at different overlooks. All the while, Applejack kept trying to lean against him. It got to be so distracting that she had to be restricted to the back seat to prevent Rick from driving off the side of a mountain. It would be kind of a bad thing of four out of six of the Elements of Harmony died in a fiery car crash.

When they finally reached the Cove, it was a little later in the afternoon. There was still plenty daylight left though, so they would be able to take their time and enjoy it.

Rick stopped at the mouth of the Cove, there was a parking lot there and from its elevated position, it gave a fantastic view.

“So all this was farmland?” Applejack asked.

“Not only was it all farmland, but there was a whole bustling community of over a hundred families here.” He indicated the mountains that encompassed the valley, “my understanding is that all this is new growth because it had been clear cut for the timber and grazing land. The mountains weren’t any good for farming, so they had to use it for something.”

“Still, to cut down such beautiful forest seems to be a crime against nature and beauty,” Rarity commented with a very noticeable level of disgust.

“Well, I would have to agree with you there, but it was necessary.” Rick defended.

“How so?” Twilight asked.

“Around the time this place was clear-cut, the country was expanding, fast. You see, there was a huge war that literally divided the country. The nation needed to be rebuilt and the trees here grew straight, tall and strong. Perfect for what was needed.” Rick turned to start walking back to the truck, “now enough about how it appeared in the past, let’s enjoy how it looks in the now.” And that’s what they did.

As luck would have it, at that very moment, it seems it was time to let the horses out after their long day of walking through the woods with fat tourists on their backs. While Hanna and Annie always loved it when the horses were let out. The girls didn’t seem to be nearly as impressed or amused. Even when one or two of them started to roll around on their backs in the grass, relieved to be rid of their saddles and heavy humans. At least he got a chuckle out of it.

It was amusing to see all animals watching as they drove by. For some reason, they seemed to be watching their truck more than any of the other vehicles on the road. Rick couldn’t tell if it was simply the smell of the lunch they had brought along or if the wildlife somehow knew what they really were.

There was a bit of a hiccup with their enjoyment of the beauty of nature, the Cove is peppered with cemeteries. That alone wouldn’t have been too bad, if it weren’t for the fact that life in the mountains in the early twentieth century and prior was a lot tougher than life in Ponyville.

“I understand, it’s… it’s just so sad,” Rarity said as she knelt by a child’s gravestone. The poor thing didn’t even make it to its first birthday.

“It is, I know, it’s a tragedy,” Rick held Fluttershy tighter to his chest, felling every single hitch in her breathing, “believe me, I know.” The last part was whispered under his breath.

“Why are there lambs curled up on top of all the children’s graves?” asked the ever studious student.

“I always thought they were supposed to represent the child’s innocence.” He stopped to think a little, “of course, they could be a religious thing. I mean, this is a churchyard.”

The girls looked up at the white steeple towering over them. Rick had told them earlier that the building was a place of worship and that religion was far too big a subject to broach. Instead, he felt it was best to associate the whole thing to something, or somepony, they were familiar with. In this case, he chose Celestia. Made perfect sense to him.

After the churchyard, they moved on to the mill area. Among the displays, the bookstore and the blacksmith shop, this was the only place in the Cove that had bathrooms. It was also a spot that always brought peace to Rick’s mind. Besides, they needed to walk about and stretch their legs. Once again, they seemed to be unimpressed. They were even less impressed when Rick tried to convince them that a ‘smokehouse’ was an early version of a spa’s sauna. To Rick, this was all history, to the girls, this was all stuff they had at home and saw every day.

Rick decided that sense they were enjoying the scenery more than the structures, it was probably a good time for the picnic anyway. It was almost time for sundown and one of the best sights in fifty miles.

“C’mon ladies, I’m getting hungry. Let’s go find a nice field and enjoy our picnic.”

They managed to find a nice, semi-secluded hillside that wasn’t too steep and had an excellent view of the sunset. They set out the blanket, then the plates, the food and the small cooler. Then, they all sat down to enjoy the show.

“I still can’t believe it,” Twilight said.

“What?” Rick asked with his head laid in Rarity’s lap.

“That the sun isn’t controlled by anyone.”

“Hmm, now you know how weird it was when I found out about Celestia.” He smirked to himself as he adjusted his head while Rarity ran her fingers threw his hair. The whole scene reminded him of his first honeymoon and the fact that he was here again, in this place, surrounded by so much love and warmth, it was heaven on Earth.

At least, it was… until… the booming.

“What in tarnation is that awful racket?” AJ asked while looking for the source of the offending sound while all the deer and birds that had been gathering around Fluttershy ran for cover.

“A car stereo,” Rick sneered as he looked over at the road as a little supped up, metallic blue, hatch-back drove by. He had never been so tempted to lash out at any thing so much before, especially since it was possible for him to rip the car in half with a thought. “Some assholes like to make peacocks of themselves.”

“Peacocks, Darling?”

Rick looked up into Rarity’s face and smiled as he closed his eyes and got comfortable again. “Yep, they need to draw as much attention to themselves as possible. That’s why they have the loud music and noisy engine.”

“That’s why they had those tacky flames painted on their vehicle?” Rarity was rewarded with a nod from her husband. “I almost pity those, what did you call them, assholes?”

Rick chuckled and nodded again, “that’s right, assholes.”

They sat in peace while the sun finally disappeared and the sky started to fade from orange to pink and ending in purple. Sadly, the Cove closed at dark and they had to go.

*****

Rick sat in the Jacuzzi nursing his sore muscles and aching bones. Applejack had virtually attacked him as soon as they got back and, if it weren’t for the beer he was nursing, number three by the way, he’d be in far worse shape than he was now. Twilight and Rarity were inside, watching Television and going through their pictures.

For now, he was enjoying the view and the quiet of the night. Thanks to a gentle breeze, there were no insects to bother him. He leaned his head back and rested it on the side of the Jacuzzi. He pretended not to hear the door open, or the feel the water rise, he even managed to pretend to not notice the feel of smooth flesh as someone slid into his lap. He did enjoy the yelp that gave away Fluttershy when he snagged her in his arms while she was leaning over to look at his face.

“And just what was so important that you had to disrupt my peace and quiet and beer?” he asked with a sly, knowing smile. It’s kind of hard not to know what a woman wants when she climbs into a man’s lap while naked.

She simply smiled and held up a square, plastic item. Said item had a raised circular impression in the center.

“Oh, alright.”

A Day on the Town

Chapter 10

The next morning was a bit of a lazy one. They had all woken well after sunrise, even Applejack who was starting to feel more like herself, though she was still a little… anxious. They were simply enjoying a light breakfast and watching cartoons. Thanks to Twilight’s healing magic, which was nowhere near as good as Cadence’s but still pretty effective, Rick was feeling much more limber and able to move without pain again. Today would probably be a good day for the small town from the first morning. He hoped it would go better than the yesterday in the park. Maybe they would be more impressed with the huge aquarium or all the great candy shops. He was at least certain Rarity would love the mirror maze and Twilight would enjoy the museum of oddities that you can choose to believe, or not.

Rick had just about had his fill of cartoons anyway, so they might as well head out. He looked back to the television and aimed the remote at it.

“Once upon a time, in the magical land of *click*.” The sudden cutting out of the TV got the attention of the girls.

“Alright my lovely ladies, what say we go enjoy the day?”

A chorus of agreements later and they all loaded into the truck.

*****

“So, you’re saying this whole building is an aquarium?” Fluttershy asked as she looked up at the monstrous structure.

“That’s right. There are a bunch of smaller tanks and one huge one that, last time I was here contained large sharks, huge fish and even a sea turtle,” Rick answered as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

“But, ain’t it dangerous to be around all them sharks?” AJ asked while the others shared looks of concern.

“Oh, nothing to worry about there. We’ll be separated from the critters by some very thick glass. Everything will be fine.” A thought occurred, “that reminds me. The flash on your cameras, don’t use them.”

“Why’s that, Dear?”

Rick turned to Rarity, “because if you do, all you’ll get in the picture is the flash. It would be like if you tried to take a picture of the sun.” They accepted this with little thought that this might be an exaggeration or not true.

The next couple hours were long ones. At least, they would have been if everyone wasn’t having so much fun. Fluttershy had to be practically pried away from each tank with force, and they hadn’t even get to the big one yet.

When they reached the educational section, Rick didn’t know what to expect. The displays that showed all the harm being done by humans made Fluttershy furious. The cut-away shark with garbage in its belly, the videos of oil spills and the climate change sections nearly made them all hate humans outright. Luckily, they were able to overlook these and appreciate the hands-on exhibits that taught about tides and the moon’s effect on them. Twilight found the weather display especially informative and made sure to take lots of photos for further study. Besides, Rainbow Dash would find it fascinating. Rick wasn’t so sure about that last bit.

After that, it was on to the main attraction, the big tank. The tank was definitely a sight to see. Poor Fluttershy nearly bashed her face on the deceptively close glass several times. Luckily, Rick had been able to protect her with his magic. It would be hard to find fault with her doing so, the creatures were fantastic and, in some cases, otherworldly. A slow moving sidewalk allowed visitors to enjoy the tank fully without the distraction of walking. They were even thoughtful enough to allow a space for someone to step back off the moving sidewalk onto a more stable one, allowing a person to stay in one place without causing issues for anyone else.

Inside the tank, nurse sharks swam beside other standards, i.e. grouper and triggerfish. There was even a couple saw nose sharks and a loggerhead turtle. All of them swam freely around fake coral and a small sunken ship complete with treasure chests. All of this left the girls with wide eyes and dropped jaws. Rick felt a little guilty about all the fresh finger prints left on the glass.

The rest of the aquarium was still very entertaining. They were just in time for the feeding in the sting ray tank. The scuba diver held their attention for a while. They got overly excited, like a child would, when the diver returned their wave. Though, that was nothing when compared to the hands-on tank where one could feed the sharks and rays inside. Especially when they met the mermaid, an employee in a costume obviously, but where’s the fun in bursting their bubble. Of course, the flurry of giggles at the penguin exhibit shouldn’t be downplayed either.

They had seen everything the aquarium had to offer, so it was time to go. They made sure to stop in the gift shop. There, they purchased a picture covered in seashells and the picture of them taken at the entrance. They actually purchased several copies and frames as souvenirs.

After that, they went to the mirror maze. Rick, Twilight, AJ and Fluttershy managed to reach the end of the maze fairly fast, with Twilight being the winner. Rick claimed that her superior, analytical mind gave her an unfair advantage. Rick had to go back in after thirty minutes to fetch Rarity. That many mirrors were as bad as any trap for her.

From there, it was a short stint in the indoor mall. Due to the economy, most of stores had been closed down. There were still a few staples that refused to die off. These included the dog lovers shop, the olde time photo place and the leather store. The last one might be a problem.

“What is that smell?” Rarity asked as she and the others sniffed at the air.

“Yeah, what is that?” Twilight sniffed, “it’s nice.”

“Mmm, yes, I agree,” Fluttershy added as she filled her lungs with the scent coming from the store in front of them.

Rick knew the smell, it was the leather shop. He had always liked that scent. At least he had before he became friends with a few cows. “It’s that store there, but believe me when I say you don’t want anything from there.”

“Ah don’t understand. Why don’t we want anythin’ frum there?” Applejack looked at the rows of hats and boots in the window. The other girls shared her confusion as they too looked at the store’s products.

Rick spread his arms and herded them away from the leather shop and out of the mall. “You’ll just have to trust me on this, girls.”

They left the mall and continued on their way along the main road. They marveled at the store filled with hand-blown glass sculptures, especially all the little horses, unicorns and pegasi. They held their hands over their ears as they passed the arcades. They also allowed themselves to be pushed past the town’s many fast food shops, wondering why they couldn’t stop in and partake of the food whose scent was ‘absolutely out of this world’.

They did stop in for a game of indoor mini-golf. The girls quite liked the game. Rarity enjoyed the details put into the scenery around the course. Fluttershy has always been a big fan of anything miniature. Twilight excelled at it, using her impressive math skills to put the rest of them to shame. Applejack, more than once, had to be told to hold back on her swing. Rick didn’t think they would be lucky enough to avoid hitting other patrons a third time, especially since the first two were so narrow.

Next was one of the other big attractions of the little mountain town, the museum of oddities from around the world. Rick knew that some of the artifacts would cause his ladies some distress, but he also knew they would be able to handle it. That is, so long as he was there to protect them.

“Are we going in there?” Twilight asked as she pointed at the museum across the street from them.

“Yeah, why? Do you not want to?” he replied with his arm around her shoulders.

“It jes looks… broken,” AJ explained.

She was right, the building did look broken. It had always looked broken, even the original that once stood here and had burned down, taking hundreds of irreplaceable relics with it. That was one of the neat things about it, it looked like it was only still standing because someone had wished hard enough.

“Don’t worry, my lovely ladies,” “wow, really, did I just say that?” “I promise, that building is safe, it’s only designed to look like it’s crumbling.”

“I suppose it has a… charm all its own,” Rarity admitted. “I say we see how it looks on the inside. The other girls nodded their agreements.

Before they stepped off the curb to cross the street, there was a distance thumping. The thumping that had just the day before disturbed their picnic. The thumping that now indicated the approach of Rick’s new arch nemesis. The little blue hatchback drove past without incident, save for Rick reiterating the fact that the driver was an asshole. He also made sure that anyone within a hundred yards would also be made aware of this fact.

“Ah really don’t like that asshole.”

Rick chuckled at AJ’s statement and hugged her tight, “That’s my girl.” After he released her, they searched for oncoming traffic, then crossed the street to the museum.

Just the items in the lobby had the girls completely captivated. They spent a good five minutes spinning the five ton sphere that floated on water. The robot made from junk metal that ate large ball bearings scared Fluttershy a little and fascinated Twilight. Rarity found it beautiful in its complete lack of uniformity. Applejack though it was a waste of perfectly good parts. The tire from an earth mover and an automaton that climbed a rope on its own were a little less impressive, but still pretty interesting.

Inside, they saw the chunk of the Berlin Wall. Rick explained the difference between a dragon and a dinosaur when they came to the tyrannosaurus rex skull. It was interesting for him to explain a chastity belt and why it needed spikes. They even laughed at the funny tombstone captions. Of course, Rick thought it would be best to simply cover their eyes at the collection of cannibal artifacts, some parts of human history weren’t the best things for newcomers to learn so early on. He did have to help them back to their feet more than once when they passed through the rolling tunnel, a tube that appeared to be made of rock that one would traverse via walkway while it rolled around the victim, completely messing up their equilibrium.

In all, it was unanimously agreed that the museum was a great way to spend a few hours. They even had to switch out the memory cards on their cameras, the museum and the aquarium saw to it that they filled up the four gigabytes on each of them.

After they left the museum, they stopped for lunch. Rick was just glad there was a vegetarian restaurant in town. From there, they went into a rock shop. That’s right, a store that specialized in rocks. Of course, crystals are rocks, meteorites are rocks, and even marble is a rock, so there was no shortage of beautiful and interesting specimens to be seen.

“These stones are amazing,” Twilight said as she held up a cut geode.

“Oh, I agree. These are all fantastic,” Rarity added while holding a lamp made from a hollowed up quartz crystal. “I’d imagine little Spike would just love to have some of these.”

“Yes, but he would probably just eat them,” Fluttershy pointed out as she and the rest chuckled. Rick saw Twilight leafing through an astronomy book with a confused look.

“What’s wrong, Tina?” there weren’t any people near, but better safe than sorry.

“Huh? Oh, nothing, just a little confused as to why a geology store would have astronomy books and telescopes. It doesn’t make any sense.”

“Tina, you have a preferred customer discount at a store called ‘Quills and Sofas’,” she couldn’t help but giggle. “There is a reason though. Earth wasn’t formed by magic. It took billions of years for dust in space to collect, condense and cool to from it, so in a very real way, astronomy and geology are linked.” Twilight considered this. She then picked up a few books and laid a hand on a telescope, she then looked up at Rick with pleading eyes, as if he would have said no anyway. “I take it you want them,” she nodded, he leaned in and kissed her forehead, “you can have anything you want.” Her smile alone made him want to buy out the stock to make sure it stayed there longer.

They all left the rock store and decided they had had enough shopping for today. Twilight had not only her books and telescope, but she had also bought a couple globes, both Earth and moon, as souvenirs and gifts. Rarity had purchased a box of ‘Break your own Geodes’ for Spike, Rick couldn’t help but be reminded of a box of chocolates. Fluttershy got an actual box of chocolates to go along with her many stuffed animals from the aquarium. Applejack had purchased a hand-blown, glass apple and a few caramel apples. Rick, on the other hand, purchased several jars of flavored moonshine, which had recently been legalized in Tennessee under certain conditions. He had turned to alcohol to ease the pain of his loss, a few years ago, but these were simply for enjoyment in a world that didn’t know alcohol. Magic was used very discretely to carry the plentiful and heavy bags back to the truck.

*****

The porch at the cabin had become the happening place. They all sat out there just enjoying each other’s company. Twilight was trying out her new telescope and seeming quite pleased with it. Rick was on the swing, beer in hand, with Fluttershy curled against him on one side and rarity leaning against the other. Applejack was looking intently at the picture from the aquarium inside its shell coated frame. She smiled at it, full of satisfaction.

“What are you so giddy about?” Rick asked her with a smile spreading across his own lips.

“Hmm? Oh, jest thinkin’ ‘bout us. All uh us Ah mean.” She looked back down at the picture of them, “Ah’m jest so… happy. We all started as strangers, then we were friends, then we became the Elements of Harmony.” She looked lovingly at her husband who matched her gaze along with the other three women, “then you came along. You made us uh family.”

“That’s a good thing… right?” Rick smirked a little.

“It’s jest about the best thing.” She set the photo down and walked over to him. She leaned in and planted a kiss on his lips, “the best thing.”

A Good Day

Chapter 11

Rick rolled out of bed a couple hours after sunrise. He was a little sore this morning, Rarity was a bit more eager than normal. It was probably her cycle affecting her the way it had Applejack. Oh well, it was time for breakfast, therefore, he was hungry and, since they were being careful, he had other concerns right now. Besides, a child wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

He came into the kitchen and found his beautiful brides already enjoying their breakfast. Once again, Fluttershy had forgotten to wear anything under her apron, but at least she remembered to put on her underwear this time. Still, that was an incredibly sexy thing to get to wake up to and therefore, it meant his day was already pretty great.

“You know, ladies,” they all looked at him as he addressed them, “I’ve been getting the feeling that I have not been giving you a good time on our honeymoon thus far.”

“Ah know Ah had a lot uh fun uh few nights ago,” AJ smirked as Rarity and Twilight giggled. Fluttershy merely turned a brilliant shade of red.

“While I appreciate that and would add that I did as well, it’s not what I was referring to.”

Rarity stood from the table and wrapped her arms around Rick, it was pretty evident that she was indeed being influenced by her hormones at this time. He wrapped one arm around her waist and continued explaining. “what I mean is, you all seemed fairly unimpressed with the park, seeing as it’s the kind of thing you see all the time, and, even though the museum was cool, I feel that it wasn’t really your thing.”

“I enjoyed it,” Twilight defended.

“Yeah, I figured you would, but I don’t know about everybody else. Some of those displays were more disgusting than they were intriguing.” Twilight’s expression showed she, reluctantly, agreed. “So I think today will be purely just for fun.” The girls shared a look of confusion and a little excitement, “so get your swimsuits on, we’re goin’ tubin’.”

*****

They all climbed out of the truck at the River Rat shop. There they sold and rented tubes and rafts, sunscreen and towels, even folding chairs and t-shirts. Rick procured the ‘tour’, which was nothing more than a short school bus that drove one upstream and dropped them off to float back down to the shop, it was a business model that was almost pure profit.

Rick purchased some towels as well as a tube of sunscreen and thought about how much fun he would have applying it to his brides’ perfect, smooth skin. As he walked over to the truck, where they were waiting for him, he couldn’t help but admire them. They were all wearing variations of denim shorts and t-shirts. Under that, they each had a different type of suit, ranging from a string bikini to a high-hipped one-piece. Each one suited the figure and personality of the one wearing it perfectly.

He also noticed someone else admiring their forms. Three young men standing around a blue hatch-back. Each of them were blatantly staring at his wives, not even caring that they could be seen. Rick forced himself to walk calmly to the truck and pulled his own shirt off. This served three purposes. One was that allowed sunscreen to be applied to his torso. Two was that it allowed the staring youth, who were now known to be the assholes that have been plaguing them all week, to see what awaited them should they even think of trying something. Namely, muscles that were capable of dropping every apple on a tree with a single kick and, if need be, drag that same tree from one side of the farm to the other. Third, he really did like showing off for his girls. The assholes got the message and left in their car. On the plus side, he now had a few faces to go with that little car.

“Alright, time for the sunscreen. I know fur blocks the sun’s rays, but humans don’t have fur, so we humans use this stuff.” He held up the bottle as exhibit A. “Now, off with the clothes,” he grinned as a thought crossed his less mature mind, “but just the jeans and t-shirts. Leave the swimsuits on.”

“Why is it, that a woman removing clothes with a swimsuit underneath is always sexier than when she has regular underwear on?” Rick couldn’t help but think as he happily watched the show before him. Then, one at a time, they laid down across the tailgate and allowed him to apply the liquid to their bodies. He was enjoying himself to no end and it seemed the girls were to, even if it was only their backs he was applying it to, being careful not to touch the middle of Fluttershy’s or Twilight’s backs. He had even caught himself admiring their cutie marks, which in their human form looked like tattoos commonly referred to as ‘tramp stamps’. Though he would very happily rub the lotion into their chests, they were in public, so that would have to wait… unfortunately.

“Here, Rick, let meh get’cher back.”

“Oh, thanks, AJ.” Rick sat down on the tailgate while Applejack climbed into the bed where Rarity and Fluttershy were already sitting. Twilight was leaning on the side of the truck. They were all watching the little show with interest, especially Rarity.

As she rubbed the sunscreen into his back, AJ couldn’t help but run her fingers along the scars on his back. To her, they were a reminder of just what this man willing to give in order to protect others before he even knew them.

“Does it bother you, Applejack? My scars I mean. I can put my shirt back on if you want.”

AJ threw her arms around him and held on tight, “don’t’chu dare. These scars’re frum you protectin’ meh family.” Without moving, she brushed a hand across his chest, over the burn scar from when Shining Armor thought he was some kind of monster. “There’s no way Ah would want ya ta hide ‘em.”

Rick placed his own hand on top of hers, “alright, I won’t hide them then. Besides, they’re my family too now, remember?” She laid her head on his shoulder and nuzzled him. “In fact, I’m actually kind of proud of all these little lines, because I earned them to make sure none of you did.” He got a good hold on AJ’s arms and effortlessly stood up with her hanging on his back and giggling, “now, I believe it’s time we got on the bus.”

*****

After about an hour on the shallow river, which was cold enough to be made evident by the girls’ new human features and swift enough to be mildly thrilling, they reached the store and climbed back out. It was also interesting to see the fish schooling around Fluttershy so much.

Since there was so much daylight left, Rick thought it would be fun to bring them to one of the arcades in town. Not for the games mind you, seeing as most games in arcades are loud and/or violent, though there was always ski ball. No, his thoughts were more on the other attractions of the arcades in this tourist trap. Such attractions as go-karts, bumper boats and miniature golf.

Go-karts turned out to be a big success. The four ladies had been curious about what it would be like to drive his truck since he first arrived in Equestria.

The bumper boats were equally successful. After all, who doesn’t enjoy boating, splashing and safe hitting? Besides, it meant their t-shirts got wet again and, being a human male, meant Rick was okay with that.

The highlight of the arcade was the mini golf. Fluttershy loved it because of all the animal statues around the course. Twilight loved it because, believe it or not, there was a lot of math involved. Rarity enjoyed the design of the course and the flowers surrounding it. And AJ just wanted a competition and had to replace a ball sent into the river six times. The real river too, the big one the town was built around, not the little ones on the course meant for aesthetics. She just couldn’t seem to grasp a little game meant little swings. Twilight won by five strokes, she was the best with math after all.

As they left for their final planned destination of the day, Rick couldn’t help but think back to all the stares they were getting. He figured a lot of them were due to his scars, claw marks on one’s face caused by a bear do tend to attract attention. Many of them would also be likely drawn by the beauty of his four companions. The one little girl who rushed up to and hugged as much of Twilight as possible was a little odd, especially when her mother asked for a picture with them. He was a little hurt by the look on the mother’s face when she looked at his, but he had expected it so it wasn’t that bad.

Soon, they arrived at the gem shop. True, they had been at a similar store just the day before, but this one was different. For one thing, this was one of those side of the road places that have been there for years but always looks like it’s either closed or falling apart or both. Another nice thing was, the prices weren’t set in stone. One could haggle over some of the beautiful gems and crystals on the shelves and potentially get one for an excellent price.

“What are we doing here? We already went to a geology shop,” Twilight pointed out.

“We did, but there is a reason.”

Rick walked over to trough with running water pouring through it. Behind the trough, was a set of shelves filled with buckets of what appeared to be just sand. Shortly after, a man came out of the store to greet them.

“Afternoon! How can I help ya folks?”

“Hey, how you doing?” Rick shook the man’s hand while Fluttershy hid behind him. “We were hoping to mine five of your buckets here.”

“Sure thing, just come inside with me and we’ll get ya squared away.” The man turned and walked back inside but held the door open or Rick.

“Alright, I gotta go inside for a sec, you girls wait out here. Oh, Twilight, Rarity, no using your gem finding spell to figure out which buckets are best,” he whispered before he followed the clerk.

Rick paid for five large buckets, but before he left, the clerk asked him one more question. “Are all those girls with you?”

Rick looked out the dirty window at his beautiful wives, “why do you ask?”

“No reason, no reason. Just, four gorgeous girls for one guy. You must be hung like a horse.”

Rick smirked, “horse, nah. Pony maybe.” They both had a good laugh, even if the man didn’t know why Rick thought it was so funny. When he went back outside, he addressed the others, “alright, ladies, each of these buckets is filled with not only sand, but also with gems and unusual stones. So here’s what we’re going to do, we… are going to have a little contest. Whoever finds the most and whoever finds the best will win a prize of their choosing. Alright, let’s start.”

It was an intense thirty minutes. They were all taking their time sifting through their buckets. The squeal of delight that came from each of them every time they found stone in their sand was distractingly cute. In the end, they each had a bag of gems that would make Spike drool, but Applejack had the most and Fluttershy had the most beautiful stones, therefore making them the winners. They decided their prize would be a night on the town. Dinner certainly, maybe some dancing, but most importantly, spending time close to each other.

*****

When they finally got back to the cabin, Rarity had rushed out of the truck telling Rick to find her in ten minutes. She had obviously been holding out with all her might, as was evident by her blush and the fact that she couldn’t keep her eyes off him all day. At least she was able to keep her hands to herself instead nearly driving them off the road like AJ had.

Rick waited the requested time and grabbed a couple preventatives and some bottled water before he went in. Now, the whole French maid thing never really did anything for him, but this was different. Rarity made anything look good. A burlap sack would look sexy on her curves. And that was before one saw the purple, lace thong under the too short skirt.

By the time she let him go, the water bottles were empty and Rick was unable to go for more. He decided the best course of action instead was to simply lay there with Rarity and drift off to sleep with her.

A Night Out

Chapter 12

The sun seemed to shine directly on Rick’s face somehow despite the drapes he thought were closed. Of all the ways he’s woken up recently, this was probably the least pleasant. At least it was until he sat up, turned and saw that same sun haloing Rarity’s, for once, messy, purple hair. The soft glow caused by the sun hitting her stray hairs just right made Rick forget about being woken so rudely by a giant ball of gas millions of miles away.

Very gently, he brushed a few lose strands out of her face and leaned down, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. She hummed happily without waking. Smiling, he carefully stood up from the bed and went in to shower up before starting the day. He was only interrupted once, therefore making it a little more peaceful, if not enjoyable. Of course, that doesn’t mean Rarity wasn’t awake and waiting for him in the bedroom.

Thirty minutes later, the two of them came down the stairs to see the others waiting for them.

Applejack tossed an apple to Rick, then one to Rarity, “Ya know, we can’t wait ‘round all day fer ya two.”

“Oh please, we had to wait for you just a few days ago to get the same treatment, and when it Twilight or Fluttershy’s time, we will afford the same courtesy to her,” Rarity defended. “So, what is on the itinerary for the day?”

“You know, I’m not too sure,” Rick answered. “I mean, Fluttershy, Applejack and I have our date tonight, but until then… actually, I think I have an idea.” Rick took a bite from his apple then grabbed his keys, “C’mon, I think you’ll all like it.”

*****

They admired the paintings in the little gallery while the artist himself told them about each one. The many different scenes depicted in the frames showed turbid waterfalls and calm streams. There were foggy valleys and sunny fields. Then there was Fluttershy’s favorites, the ones that showed animals in their natural habitats. Especially ones that displayed whole family groups.

Rick gave them each one hundred dollars and told to buy anything they liked. For his part, he went outside and sat on a bench near the stream hat ran through the property nestled in its own tiny valley. As rick sat with his eyes closed, the smile on his face seemed to be permanently affixed while he listened to water and the clucking chickens that roamed around. The pleasant breeze made him wish he had land like this of his own. Equestria was near heaven when compared to Earth and Ponyville was the best part of it he had seen thus far, but this place was pretty near perfect.

He felt someone else sit down on the bench. The smell of flowers coming from the mysterious guest was all he needed to know exactly who it was. He didn’t acknowledge them. Instead, he slowly lifted one of his arms that were spread on the back and… snatched her up in a tight snuggle. Fluttershy’s impossibly cute ‘eep’ confirmed his earlier suspicion. He simply held her there, she nuzzled his chest as she wrapped her arms around him.

Rick leaned his head down and kissed the top of her head. “Did you get some nice paintings, honey?” he asked her.

“Oh, yes I did,” she lifted the three prints from the bag. Unsurprisingly, they all showed animal scenes. One had deer in a field, the second had a mama bear and two cubs, and the last one displayed a couple baby birds in a nest. “They cost more than I had, but Twilight was nice enough to help me pay for the third one.”

“Hmm,” Rick said as he leaned his back and closed his eyes again, “I guess Celestia made the right choice in making her a princess, huh.” Fluttershy simply nodded in agreement. “And I made a good choice when I married all of you.” Fluttershy froze when he said that, “something wrong, Fluttershy?”

She shook her head, “no. I was just thinking.”

“Oh, about what?”

“It’s nothing.”

“Well, just so long as remember to come back to us here in reality.” He squeezed her again.

Their little moment was interrupted by the others’ approach. Each had a bag in their hands that obviously contained a painting. Rick and Fluttershy stood to greet the giggling bunch before they all loaded back up in the truck.

From there, they went to enjoy a picnic. Nearby to the gallery was beach… of sorts. It was grass, sand not being terribly large amount of sand in land-locked Tennessee. A river that ran through a small town between the park and the valley where the cabin was located had a bend that was wide and relatively free of large boulders. The locals often treated it as a beach and so a beach it became.

They all sat on their blanket and enjoyed the sunshine and sandwiches. Once again, the sound of the babbling stream provided a great background sound while the tall, steep and heavily wooded mountains surrounding the river and the beach made for a heaven-on-Earth style backdrop, at least in Rick’s opinion. The girls were so at ease that Applejack absentmindedly plucked a clover and munched on it. Very quickly, she realized her mistake.

Rick held her close, after she finished hacking and coughing of course, and rubbed her shoulder, “humans can’t eat grass, baby doll.” He chuckled, “here, rinse the taste out with some water.”

After she rinsed, spit and wiped some water off her chin, AJ smiled up at him sheepishly, “Ah’ll try ta remember that.” The other girls giggled after seeing their friend was alright even though Rarity was a little put off by her spitting.

“Okay, I think it’s time to head back,” Rick stood up and helped each of the others up one at a time, “AJ and Fluttershy do have a big night tonight after all.”

Upon hearing this, Applejack and Fluttershy exchanged an excited look and practically ran to truck. Rick laughed out loud while Rarity and Twilight carried the basket and blanket. He may have been the last one up the hill, but he couldn’t complain about the view.

*****

So far, the date had gone better than he had expected. First of all, both his dates looked fantastic. Applejack hadn’t gotten as dressed up as Rarity practically commanded she should, but as always, her beauty was natural and, with a little help, she brought her ‘A’ game. The snug blue jeans, which make women’s’ legs and backsides look better anyway, complimented her red, button-up shirt, that was also snug, and turned her body into an eye magnet. Her golden hair being put in curls made her flat out angelic.

Fluttershy was not to be outdone. She wore a simple, butter colored dress that, while not revealing anything, hinted at a perfect body underneath. She let her hair fall naturally, which, as always, was an unbelievably cute style for her, especially since it hid half her face.

They had already gone to dinner, a very enjoyable vegetarian restaurant in the little valley town, and had followed that up with a walk along the river. The river of course was too far down a steep slope to be safe and so the city had set up railings all the way along it, thus keeping stupid people from falling into it and hurting themselves, but one could still enjoy the view, sound and smell of said river.

The topic of conversation often went to comparisons between Earth and Equestria. They all seemed to agree, that even though this planet was certainly beautiful, they still preferred their home in Equestria. After all, in Equestria, the weather was controlled instead of being unpredictable. Plus, poverty was rare as was hunger, violence and crime. In short, Earth was nice, but Equestria was paradise.

Their quiet walk led them to a honky-tonk. Rick was never a huge fan of bars, but he did enjoy the occasional dance with a beautiful woman, let alone two. Therefore, in they went.

The country genre dance music was pleasing to the ears. It lacked the eardrum bursting bass that he hated so much. Instead, the air was filled with upbeat guitars and the occasional banjo. The music was easy to dance to without being overpowering.

They found an unoccupied booth in the corner and occupied it. Soon after, they were greeted by a waitress. Rick got a beer, though only one since he was going to have to drive later on. Fluttershy and Applejack both got an iced tea. The drinks were brought out with a bowl of pretzels.

Rick stood up and reached his hand out. In fact, he reached out with both his hands, he was never one to play favorites. “Ladies, care to dance?”

They both smiled and took a hand. He pulled them both up and held them close while they giggled in their happiness. He held them both against his chest as they swayed to the beat. To Rick Rhinestone, it was a little slice of heaven.

The night continued along this path for a while. They spent what seemed like hours dancing while taking small breaks between to enjoy a drink, a snack and a breather. This night had been spectacular for all envovled.

Applejack stood up from the booth, “ya’ll’ll have ta excuse meh. Ah need ta find thu lil fillies room.”

“Alright, but hurry back,” Rick waved to her as she left.

They watched her walk away before Fluttershy scooted across the booth to get closer to Rick, though there wasn’t much space between them already. She leaned in against him and rested her head on his chest. She just sat there, listening to his heartbeat.

“Rick, I… I think I’ve been bad.”

He stroked her hair gently and looked at her with curiosity. Of all the people and ponies he’s met, this cute, sweet and caring girl was the last one he thought would ever do something wrong.

“What did you do, Honey?”

“Oh, I didn’t do anything,” “I figured,” she looked into his eyes and he saw her look of desperation, “I… I’ve been selfish. I just… I don’t want to share you.”

She started to cry, which was his trigger. He wanted to stop the threat to her happiness, but how? She was upset with herself and one can’t punch an internal problem. He would have to handle this delicately.

He spoke softly. “Hey, hey now. Listen, you’re not bad at all.” He stroked her hair again. “It’s natural to want more, especially when you like that something. You do like me don’t you?” She giggled and nuzzled his chest, “okay, just checking. You are not being bad, only human, remember that Flutters. Also, remember that I love you and so do all our friends. No matter what, none of us could ever not love you. So just relax and…”

“GETCHER GREASY MITTS OFFA MEH!!” Applejack’s voice pierced the music in the bar and reached Rick’s ears, which is the last thing anyone wronging his friends let alone his much beloved wives.

Within three seconds, Rick had crossed the floor and reached the man pestering Applejack. Of course, one placing their hand on a woman’s buttocks and squeezing as much of it as possible qualifies as a little more than pestering a woman.

“Apologize,” Rick whispered into the man’s ear.

It was one word, but it was the way it was said it. A sane and sober man would have done just that and hoped for the best. However, a typical man who likes to think he’s a cowboy doesn’t stay sober in a honky-tonk for long.

Therefore, the man simply said, “buzz off you sombitch, I’ve got this lil filly right where I-”

The man was abruptly cut off by the fact that he was being lifted onto his toes by his hair. Getting a full hand full of a man’s hair is quite the feat, especially when that man is wearing a hat.

“Apologize,” the single word was growled.

“Let go of me!”

After Rick picked the man’s head back up off the bar, he whispered in his ear, “apologize.”

As soon as both the man’s eyes were able to focus, he humbled himself and said, “I’m so sorry, please forgive me.”

“Well, since meh husband has yur head in his hand, Ah s’pose Ah can let ya off tha hook. Jest don’t let meh see ya again.”

Rick released the hair, but not before removing a few… clumps. The ‘cowboy’ exited the bar, very quickly.

“Always on guard, huh?” Applejack said as she wrapped Rick in a big hug.

“Well, it is my job.”

*****

The truck pulled up in front of the cabin and they all walked up the steps and entered. They hadn’t even made it inside the door when they were all tackled by Twilight and Rarity. Rick managed to keep them from hitting the deck thanks to his magic and reflexes. He used that same magic to pick up the giggling mass of female and carried them inside.

A Royal Visit

Chapter 13

Fluttershy woke Rick up when she got up out of bed. She had tried not to disturb anyone else since it was still a bit before sunrise. Sadly, with five people on a king sized bed, it’s nearly impossible not to bump someone. Rick silently watched as she slowly walked out onto the balcony before he followed her. Twilight stirred as he got up, but she rolled over and cuddled up with Rarity and started to snore quietly and extremely adorably. He didn’t happen notice Applejack had been watching out of one half-closed eye.

She was leaning on the handrail when he came out onto the patio. She seemed to be watching the stars slowly fade and the sky turn from purple to a deep rich red. The light from the sun painted an absolutely incredible picturesque silhouette of the surrounding mountains. If it weren’t for the fact that Fluttershy was so distraught about something, Rick might have been able to enjoy the scenery.

He walked up next to her and leaned on the rail too. He didn’t say anything, he simply wrapped one arm around her shoulders and gently held her close. She stayed silent and just continued watching the sky.

“You still think you’re being selfish don’t you?” he quietly asked her. She simply nodded. “I thought I told you, you’re not a bad person… or pony for simply wanting.” She turned her head away from him but made no move to step away. He decided to take another tact, “well, I know you don’t dislike Twilight, Applejack or Rarity, are you angry at them because they married me too?”

Fluttershy was shocked, of course she wasn’t angry at the others. How could she be? They had all been there for her, even when she was so scared of a dragon that they had to practically drag her up a mountain to confront it, once or twice literally. They were some of her best friends, so there’s no way she could be angry with them.

“Oh no! I love them. They’re far too precious to me to be angry at them.”

“Ah, so you’re confused then. You don’t want to share, but you want them to be happy. And for them to be happy, you have to share. I can see how that would be troubling. Hmm, I don’t really know what to say. Humans rarely share spouses and having more than one partner is often viewed as a betrayal.” He gave it some thought, “did you feel like this in Equestria?” She shook her head, “hmm, well, maybe when we go back home, you’ll stop feeling this way.” Rick turned his back to the handrail and leaned on his elbows. “Maybe it would help if you talked to the others.”

Fluttershy looked up at him and followed his gaze. Applejack was standing just outside the door listening to their conversation. When they locked eyes, Fluttershy’s grew to the size of saucers, especially when Applejack rushed forward and wrapped her arms around her friend.

“Is that wut’s been botherin’ you?” AJ asked as she pulled back and looked into Shy’s eyes. Fluttershy nodded again and looked down. “Sugarcube, we all feel like that sometimes. We all want more uh wut makes us happy, that’s only natural ‘n’ nothin’ to be ashamed uv.”

“I couldn’t have said it better myself. You’ve done nothing wrong and are most certainly not a bad filly.” Fluttershy looked into his eyes while still being held by Applejack. “Now, let’s go make breakfast.”

*****

They were in the middle of cleaning up after breakfast, when suddenly, Rick, Rarity and Twilight froze. They stared at each other.

“D-do you guys f-feel that?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, it feels like… magic,” Rick answered.

“Yes, only a massive amount of it. I-I haven’t felt magic this strong since-” Rarity was cut off by a knock on the front door.

All five looked at each other with the obvious question hanging in the air, ‘should we open it?’ Rick raised his armor and slowly walked to the door. As he did, Fluttershy hid behind Twilight and Rarity, who were both charging up their own magic. Applejack seemed torn. She appeared to want to protect her friends and family, but at the same, she seemed unable to do so.

Carefully, he turned the knob. Slowly, he opened the door. Cautiously, he peeked around the edge of the door. Standing there were two women. Both were tall and very beautiful. The taller of the two had pink hair while the other had a pale blue. They both hold long, flowing dresses, both of which were a pure white and hugged their figures in a way that was both flattering and fairly sexy. That feeling of extremely powerful magic was definitely coming from these two women that he didn’t recognize.

“Um… can I help you?” he asked.

The taller one giggled and looked at her companion, “well, the thing is,” she asked in a familiar voice, “my sister and I, well, we’re new to this area and were hoping you could show us around.”

Rick looked at the four ladies inside the house who were still huddled together, then turned back to the two women at the door, “uh, I’m sorry, but I’m not native to this area. I could maybe point you in the direction of a visitor’s center if that would help.”

Both women giggled at some unknown inside joke. “Oh, that simply won’t do. Two princesses should not be sent to roam a strange world on their own.”

Realization dawned on the five ‘humans’ already in the house. A unified ‘squee’ rose up from the girls that nearly made Rick’s eardrums burst. Even though they rushed up to the visitors, all but Twilight stopped short. Twilight however, hugged both princesses.

“Well then, I suppose I best not leave the rulers of Equestria standing out on here on the porch. Please, come in,” Rick waved them inside.

They sat for about an hour in the living room, simply discussing all the amazing things they had done since they came to Earth and interesting events that happened back in Equestria, the latter was a short list. The princesses seemed to be very interested in the television. It was also amusing to see them blush when the nature show they were watching showed a pair of zebras in the process of making more zebras.

Rick turned of the television and stood from the couch, “pictures only show so much, how about we go and see some of it first hand?”

*****

The heritage village they went to visit was a fairly standard one by Earth standards, but not something one would easily find in Equestria. There were the usual attractions, the blacksmith, the log cabin, the barn and even an animals. Though getting all seven there took some re-arranging of the seating, luckily, Applejack was never one to fuss over her hair and it was easy for her to fix it back the way it was. They moved from one exhibit to another, looking, watching and learning.

“Look, Flut-Florence. They have a petting zoo over there.” Rick pointed out across the field between structures, “oh, and they tiny ewes too.” He had barely gotten the words out and she was gone.

“My, my, she certainly does love animals, doesn’t she?”

“Seems she does, Tia,” Rick answered. Tia was the pseudo name they gave Celestia, Luna’s was Lucy. “Well, while she’s occupied, what say we see what they have in the blacksmith’s shop?”

The blacksmith had many things that one would expect. There was the anvil of course and the forge, plus a plethora of tool and hammers. What was out of the ordinary, was the fact that the smith himself was not only giving demonstrations, but he was also selling his wares. Such wares included horseshoes, nails, ladles, fireplace implements and even a fine assortment of coat hooks. On the wall, there were even a few swords and yard tools.

After they talked with the smith about his craft for a while, they purchased a couple souvenirs. Twilight had purchased a sword for Shining Armor. The sword was short and simplistic, but it was very elegant and beautiful. Celestia, who had borrowed some cash from Rick, had bought a pair of horseshoes for herself. They were fused together at the ends and bent in the curve to form a heart and linked together. One of them was polished steel and the other was carbon steel, giving the former a shine while the latter stayed dark. Celestia felt it made for a good representation of herself and her sister.

After that, they went to an American-Indians display. Again, there were standard displays, spears, pots and bowls. The visiting pony humans were very interested in the model village. When most humans think about an Indian village, they think teepees and horses running everywhere, but that’s almost exclusively the plains tribes. The tribes in this part of the country didn’t need to chase their food source, and therefore built permanent structures instead.

Again, there was souvenirs to be purchased. Rick had advised against the leather products, though he still refused to say why. Though there was something that got his attention and seemed to be a perfect gift for her. He pulled the ring down from its hook and brought it to the counter to purchase it.

“What is this?” Luna asked as he presented it to her. “Is it some sort of net?”

“In a way,” Rick held it up so it could be seen clearly be everyone present. The ring had twine, leather just wouldn’t be right, strung together to from a net that looked completely inefficient. Hanging from it were three more strings that held dark blue beads and raven feathers. In the center was a painting, it showed a raven black mustang galloping across the plains that were being lit by a full moon hidden by only a few small clouds. “This is called a dream catcher. It’s believed that these, when hung above one’s bed, catch all the bad dreams and allow only the pleasant ones to flow through to the sleeper.” He leaned in closer to Luna and whispered, “not unlike a certain someone I know.” This comment made her giggle a little, then she covered her mouth and blushed because of it.

“Thank you very much, Rick. I shall treasure this always.” Luna held the dream catcher up and admired it again.

“I’m glad you like it. Now, how about we collect Florence and head onto the best place around here to see the world from.”

They found Fluttershy sitting on the ground in the petting zoo. She was completely surrounded by critters. She even had a ewe in her lap. She was humming to herself and it was hard for Rick to interrupt her. But then again, the Shetland ponies were bothering him. He was probably the only human to ever get jealous of such a small equine, but it was happening just the same.

*****

The mountain was the second tallest in the Appalachians and offered a view unmatched for hundreds of miles. The downside was, the peak and observation tower was half a mile from the parking lot and the walk was at about twenty degrees. In short, it was not an easy walk.

Applejack, of course, had no problems, seeing as she was used to working her tail off for hours on end. Twilight struggled a little bit, but managed. Both Luna and Celestia cheated and simply flew low enough to the ground that no one could tell they weren’t walking. Fluttershy had given it her best, but in the end, she joined Rarity and sat on Rick’s shoulder, one on each side. Rick, for his part, was enjoying the walk. There are far worse places to have your head than between the thighs of two beautiful women. Judging by the looks he was getting from the few men on the trail, seemed to indicate they agreed.

Seeing as it was fairly late in the day and the tourist off-season, the other people on the trail were few and far between, and almost all of them were heading down the mountain. That should mean they would have the tower mostly, if not entirely, to themselves. That was comforting to him, the girls still brought some attention to themselves and Rick was sure it was due to something other than them just being gorgeous. If it were, then there would be less attention from kids, but they seemed to be doing the most staring.

From the tower at the peak, they stared out at the rolling hills and steep mountains in speechless awe. It wasn’t something that happened often for the two ageless princesses.

“Rick, I must say, your world contains some unrivaled splendor,” Celestia said, finally breaking the silence.

“No argument here, Princess, but there are many places on this planet nowhere near as nice as this.” She merely hummed her acceptance at this. “Hey, how about a picture to remember this?”

There was a chorus of agreement from the others. Rick stepped up onto one of the benches on the tower, careful of the edge. First was a photo of the sisters. Next, the Elements. Then the whole Rhinestone family. Finally, a group photo with everyone together. Luckily, no one was around to see the camera taking the last photo all by itself.

“Today was fantastic, thank you all for putting up with my sister and I.” Celestia turned from the view and hugged as much if the Elements as she could, “I know it was incredibly rude of us to barge in, especially on your honeymoon.”

“That’s alright, Celestia. We were glad to see you. Besides,” Rick smiled at her, “I would imagine, running someplace as large as Equestria, as well as controlling the sun and moon, don’t allow for much in the way of vacation time.”

“No, no it does not.” Celestia seemed forlorn. Suddenly, she looked up as if a thought suddenly struck her. “You know what, I must return to Equestria in order to lower the sun, but, Luna, why don’t you stay here for the night? Enjoy a little time off with friends.”

“But, Sister, we must raise the moon,” the look on Luna’s face was a mixture of confusion and hopefulness.

“Dear Luna, I believe I can handle the moon for one night.” Celestia’s face was starting to light up.

“Um, Celestia,” Rick whispered to the solar princess, “no offense, but we are on our honeymoon.”

Celestia looked over her shoulder at Luna and the others, Rick looked past her as well. When he saw the joy on her face, he knew what had to be done. “Just think of it as revenge for the spa,” she smiled slyly.

*****

They had said their goodbyes to Celestia at the observation tower before the headed back to the cabin. When they arrived, it was largely agreed that they needed some time in the hot tub. Luna stood and decreed from within the tub, that Canterlot needed to have one installed immediately. When she did, Rick found himself being torn between wishing they had a larger spare swimsuit and being glad they didn’t.

After, they simply laid on the roof of the cabin, with three that could fly and four that could levitate things, getting on the roof was easy, and enjoyed looking at the stars. Luna had designed all the constellations in Equestria’s night sky thousands of years ago and, needless to say, the stars held no mystery for her anymore. She stared up at the Milky Way, which, this far from any city of any real size and surrounded by mountains, was very easily seen.

“Truly spectacular,” Luna said from where she lay.

“It is, it’s one of the few things I miss about this world.”

“I can certainly see why.” Luna reached down and picked something up, “Rick, I found something peculiar in the bathroom.”

Rick’s color drained as he watched the princess of the night hold up a small, square, plastic wrapper with a raised ring in the middle.

A Rough Day

Chapter 14

The four Elements hungrily ate their breakfast, totally ignorant of the tension between the other two sitting at the table.

“I apologize again, Rick. I did not know what a contraceptive was. Ponies don’t use such things. Though they may be a good idea.”

“I understand that much, I fine with that. It was embarrassing to explain it to you, but that’s not the problem either.”

“Then, prey tell, what is the problem?”

“You didn’t need to comment on the size difference.”

“I do not think what I said was-”

“You said, ‘I did not think something so small would fit onto a phallus’.” Applejack nearly choked due to her own laughter. “Human males put a lot of stock into their size. It’s stupid and pointless in a modern society, but we still do. I know you didn’t mean to, but what you said implied that I was… inadequate. Humans are smaller than equines simply because our anatomy allows us to get closer during that particular activity and that much length and girth would be unnecessary.”

Rarity walked over to Rick and wrapped her arms around him, “I can assure you, Dear, you are far from inadequate.”

Luna blushed heavily a few seconds later when she fully understood what Rarity’s comment had meant. “I-uh… I see.” Luna ran her hand through her blue hair. “Rick, please know that I have nothing but the utmost respect for you and wish only to continue being your friend.”

“Luna,” Rick sighed, “you shall be my friend for as long as I live. I’m just being a stupid human man. Please, forget about it and enjoy your breakfast. We’ll go to the bookstore after and you can learn more about this world before you return to Equestria if you like.”

Luna replied over Twilight’s squeals, “yes, I think I would enjoy that very much.”

“Good, now finish your breakfast, young lady.”

This got a bit of a laugh from the woman who was older than most countries on Earth. They all did as Rick said and finished their meal.

*****

“They have quite an impressive amount of books to choose from here,” Luna observed as she looked around the book store.

“They certainly do. Tina, five books only!”

“Aww… but, I want to learn as much as possible,” Twilight was carrying a stack of ten books with magic, but making sure to keep her hands under them for the appearance.

“Yes, and if I let you buy all the books you want, we’ll need to enlarge the library.” Twilight knew exactly what to do, she stuck her bottom lip out and let it quiver furiously. “Hey, that’s not fair.” His defenses collapsed very rapidly. “Fine,” Twilight squealed and clapped her hands before darting off, “but just ten, okay?”

“She certainly knows how to get what she wants from you,” Luna teased.

“Hmph, I guess that’s true, but then, I can’t really say no to any of them.” The two of them chuckled before Luna opened a book she was holding. Rick couldn’t see what it was about, but he could see she was blushing. He leaned over and saw the book was about horses and she had it open to a double page picture of a race horse being washed in his stable. “*Ahem* you can get it if you want. I promise I won’t tell anyone.”

Luna started and cleared her throat while she very quickly shoved the book back onto the shelf. “What? We do not know of what thou speak.” Luna spun on her heels so as to put the shelf and the offending book to her back. She was so startled that she didn’t even notice that she had slipped back into her old way of speaking.

Rick reached around her picked the book back up. “Luna, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. If you really want the book, then we’ll just say it’s for me and no one will be the wiser.” Luna looked around, upon seeing there was nobody nearby, she nodded almost imperceptibly. “Okay. What’s that other book you got there?”

“It is about the American government,” she giggled to herself, “I thought my sister would find it amusing. I myself have only skimmed it and I find it difficult to stop myself from laughing out loud.”

He chuckled, “yeah, the real thing is even sillier. At least this book never wronged anybody or made them lose their jobs or homes.” Luna nodded her understanding.

Shortly after, the others came up to Rick and Luna with their selections. Applejack had chosen a book on the history of American agriculture. Rarity chose one on common dress throughout history. Fluttershy had picked out a few more animal books, one of which was on African animals she picked out for Zecora. Twilight had a stack of ten ranging from space to natural history.

While Rick stood at the register, waiting for everything to be tallied up, something pink and four-legged caught his eye. He reached down and picked up what appeared to be… a pony. It had a poofy mane and tail that were a shade darker than its fur, big, blue eyes and strangest of all, three balloons on each flank, two blue and one yellow.

“Pinkie Pie?”

The girl behind the counter perked up when she heard the name. When she saw the five girls and their hair, her eyes widened.

“Oh. My. Gawd! Those are the best dye jobs I’ve ever seen! You all look just the real thing.”

Rick looked up at her, “what ‘real thing’?”

“Oh come on.” She extended an arm and pointed to each girl one by one, “Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, a person favorite, Twilight Sparkle and young Princess Luna.” The girls looked at one another in a confused, mild terror while Rick was carefully placid. The girl untied and lifted her apron, revealing a t-shirt that was black and depicted Luna’s face, or at least half of it. The Luna half looked furious beyond reason and was crying and screaming. The other half was darker, had reptilian eye, sharp teeth and was drooling. “Look, I love the show too. I’m a pegasister.”

Rick smiled a reassuring smile like one a person would use a one they didn’t want to scare. Behind him, Luna was staring in horror at the shirt the girl was wearing. “Yeah, we love it too.” Rick spotted a kids activity book depicting Rainbow Dash on the cover and tossed it onto the counter too. He did so simply because it had the show’s title on it so he could investigate later. He paid the cashier, smiled again and hurried the girls back into the truck, hoping to get back to the cabin as soon as possible. The whole way back, no one spoke, Luna simply rubbed her arms as if to get warm. The image on the cashier’s shirt had really disturbed her.

“I’ll, uh, I’ll make some tea,” Rarity said as they entered the cabin.

She didn’t seem to be really paying attention to anything. None of them did. They all sat in the living room, Fluttershy was trying her best to comfort Luna. She had been hit hardest of all.

“That woman… she took pleasure in my… she knew of us…” she was unable to form a complete thought.

“She knew of all of us,” Twilight finished for her. “How could she know about us? And this children’s book, it shows all of us and our homes.” Twilight turned to Rick with a look that screamed pain and betrayal, “did you know about this?” Twilight stood and approached Rick until she was directly in front of him, “did you know about this?!”

Rick looked down at her and tried to place his hands on her shoulders, she pulled away. “I swear to you, I didn’t know anything about this… ‘My Little Pony’ thing.” I memory popped into his head, “Annie, Annie told me it was her idea to send me to Equestria. I asked her why, but I never got to hear her answer.”

Twilight took in this answer and thought for a second. “How did she know about Equestria then?” Her question was curt and cut Rick to his soul.

“She must have seen the show. I don’t know. I never saw it.”

Twilight flopped down onto one of the chairs. She looked at him, then over at the others. They were taking it as well as could be expected. As could be expected of someone who just found out their lives were being put on display for others enjoyment.

“They made light of the worst thing that ever happened to Equestria. That woman was proud of displaying my fall into Nightmare Moon! How could your people know of that?!” Luna nearly screamed.

“I. Don’t. Know.” Rick had been very careful not to raise his voice in frustration. He rubbed the back of his head and took the tea Rarity offered him. There was a few moments of heavy silence, Rick broke it, “have you ever heard of the parallel universe theory? I don’t know much, theoretical physics were never really needed to swing a hammer, but what little I do know is that there is a universe for every possibility there is, was ever will be or ever could be. According to this theory, there is even a universe were flowers are the dominant species and eat meat.”

“What are you getting at?” Twilight asked. “Even if that theory is correct, then how do they know about us?”

“I’m not sure, but maybe what the writers think is their imagination, is in fact them seeing glimpses into other universes.” The others considered Rick’s idea, there was logic behind it.

“Maybe we shud see it fer ourselves,” Applejack spoke up for the first time since they reached the cabin. Everyone turned to look at her. “Ah jest mean, it’s based on our lives, we have uh right ta know.”

After a few moments, they all reluctantly agreed. Rick had pulled up a program on the television that had movies and television shows ready on demand, found and started the show.

The pilot episodes were nearly unbearable for Luna, it was the second time in one day that she had been reminded of the thing she hated most in the past few thousand years. It had nearly made her sick and filled her with rage at her own mistakes being shoved in her face. Even more so when it was all meant to entertain children.

By the time the third episode ended, they had to stop it. Besides, it was a little too bubbly.

“Is this how it all happened?” Rick asked no one in particular.

“It is close, very close, but, um, a lot of the words are wrong.” Fluttershy answered.

“Yes, it’s almost as if they could see our actions, but not hear our voices,” Rarity supplied.

“Kind of makes sense,” Rick said, “If you think about it, we dream with our right brain and since logical and analytical thought come from the left. That is why you have difficulty reading anything in a dream and nothing seems right. That would also explain why we can’t read anything on the show.”

“I… suppose… that makes… sense,” Twilight agreed hesitantly. “They are probably seeing into our universe while sleeping, then they think they came up with it all on their own later.”

“So then, they aren’t really tryin’ ta spy on us, it jest sorta… happened,” AJ offered. “Also, if that gurl at thu book store wus anythin’ to go by, then, they mus’ like watchin’ us.”

“Yeah, what did that girl call herself again?” Rick wondered, “I think it was… ‘pegasister’? Probably meant to sound similar to pegasus. It makes you wonder what a male fan would be called. Probably something equally ridiculous like man-ticores or bro-nies, or some other equally odd thing.”

“Um, I think it’s okay,” Fluttershy reflected.

“But, Darling, you have the worst case of stage fright I’ve ever seen. How is it that you are okay with this?” Rarity asked.

“Well, we can’t see anyone watching us, and they don’t seem to see everything we do.” She started to hide behind her hair, which was her default defense. “Besides, Applejack’s right, People seem to really enjoy watching the show. I think… I think I’m okay with it.”

“Yeah, Well I for one, am not so sure,” Twilight huffed. “This is an invasion of our privacy!”

“Dear Twilight, please, calm yourself,” Luna placed a hand on her shoulder. “I too am starting to agree with Applejack. While we have been watched and put on display, it does not seem to have been done with malicious intent and the show does seem to be quite well liked.”

“But, Princess, they are watching our lives.” Her voice was nearly a whine at this point.

“This is true, but you have also seen that the events are not depicted exactly as they occurred. Therefore, it is logical to assume they are not watching our lives on purpose. Also, I do not believe there is anything that can be done to stop it, so being angry will not solve anything. You can trust me on that.”

Twilight looked into Luna’s eyes and finally gave in. “I guess you’re right. We can’t stop them and they aren’t hurting us. Plus, it is a kid’s show, so we know there isn’t going to be any images of our more private times.”

“True, I too believe there is nothing to be too upset about,” Rarity agreed.

“Good, now that that’s settled, what does everyone want to do with the rest of the day?” Risk asked but received no definitive answer. “Okay, then how about some shopping?”

Once the squeals of joy died down, they all loaded into the truck and headed into town. Luna enjoyed her first experience clothes shopping, being a princess, everything was brought to her instead of the other way around. She knew the clothes would do her no good once she returned home but she could have them altered or used as templates for a dress to fit a pony.

After the clothes, came the toys. Normally, full grown adults would have no use for toys, well maybe Pinkie Pie, but normal full grown adults don’t have toys that looks like them either. They purchased several copies of each pony figurine on the shelf along with several more books based on the show.

When they returned to the cabin, Luna decided she had used up enough of their time and decided she should head home to Canterlot. She collected her dresses, a globe of Earth’s moon, her figurines, a bottle of moonshine that Rick said she had to share with her sister because she would love the apple pie flavor, and, of course, her books, said her goodbyes and vanished from this world to return to her own.

“Well, I am sad to see her leave, but that means we have the cabin all to ourselves again. So, what so girls want to do?”

Rarity grabbed hold of Rick’s arm and started to pull him toward the stairs that led up to the bedroom. “I do believe I have an idea.”

A Magical Night

Chapter 15

Rick was woken up by the unexpected sound of roaring. Then the sound of someone crying and then someone else nearly repeating one of Rick’s favorite mantras, “…no one treats Fluttershy like that. No. One.” It took a moment, but it finally registered, they were watching the show again. He got up, got dressed and went downstairs.

He managed to catch sight of the television just in time to see a griffon snatch a purple tail from Rarity with a very snide attitude before being blindfolded and spun around by Pinkie. Apparently, this griffon, identified as Gilda, didn’t trust Pinkie because she immediately turned around and went in the wrong direction.

“I thought you all were still on the fence about this,” Rick said.

“We are, that’s why we decided to give it a chance,” Twilight answered.

“That’s right, Darling. You should have seen the last one.” Rarity stifled a giggle, “it was all about Dear Applejack trying to harvest her entire crop alone while still trying to help everypony in town.” Her giggles were no longer stifled.

Rick ignored her slip with ‘everypony’, “but that sounds noble to me, what could possibly be so funny about that?”

“That ain’t wut she’s laughin’ at.” Rick turned to AJ, “they exaggerated my clumsiness. Ah, admit it’s funny ‘n’ all, but it was over thu top.”

Rick looked back to the television in time to see Rainbow Dash berating the griffon. Then when Rainbow and Twilight apologized to Pinkie, it was made obvious that this was the standard wrap-up that so many kid’s cartoons have. “Yeah, I can see that.” He picked Fluttershy up out of her seat on the couch, turned and sat down, placing Fluttershy on his lap. She giggled a little bit as a light blush formed on her cheeks. “How close are the storylines to the real thing anyway? I think it would be pretty neat to see how you girls got to be such good friends.”

“Oh, it wasn’t easy,” Fluttershy offered, “we were already pretty good friends after the thing with Nightmare Moon, but, um, we did become really good friends after some scary things happened.”

The next episode had started playing. Spike was shown cheering Twilight on about something. As soon as Twilight, the real Twilight, saw a mustache appear on Spike’s face, she groaned. Rick figured she must know what was coming up next. Now he was really curious.

“What’s wrong, Twi?”

“I know what, or should I say ‘who’ is coming up.” She turned to him with a look of disgust on her face. He could only hope it wasn’t for him. “Trixie, the great and powerful,” she spat the words.

“That little…” Applejack started but didn’t quite know how to finish, Equestria never did get the art of swearing. “She humiliated meh, Rainbow ‘n’ Rarity.”

“Yes, and if it weren’t for Twilight, Ponyville would have been destroyed by an Ursa Minor.” Rarity added while placing a reassuring hand on Twilight’s arm. Rick decided not to point out that that was just a constellation here.

“That sounds impressive,” Rick tried.

“Oh indeed it was,” Rarity defended. “As powerful as Twilight is, the strain still caused her nose to bleed.”

“Wow, seriously? Well, I’m glad I met her after she was reformed.” Rick shook his head in disbelief.

They watched as Trixie strutted around on stage, performing feats of magic that even Rick could outdo, all the while Spike, Rainbow, Rarity and Applejack scoffed. Twilight was visibly upset by this. She had apparently thought that since her friends were so disgusted by this magic user and she was far more powerful than Trixie, then her friends might hate her for using magic too.

Rick couldn’t help himself anymore, “is this really how it went down?”

“Not exactly,” Applejack growled.

“Yes, this is a very lax retelling,” Rarity agreed, “and I did not run off crying.”

“Yeah, bawling is more like it,” Twilight teased.

“Says the one that hid in her library,” Rarity hissed.

“Ladies,” Rick interrupted in a fatherly tone, “if you act like children, then you can’t participate in any grown-up activities.” The response was a general, “NO, NO, WE’LL BE GOOD!” shouted in a minor panic. “Alright then. Now, let’s watch Twilight kick Trixie’s backside and head out onto town.”

*****

“…if I’d known there was a bowling alley back home, I never would have challenged you girls,” Rick sulked a little as they walked to the truck.

Rick had brought them to a bowling alley thinking they could have some fun and he could show off a little. It hadn’t worked out that way. Rick had held his own at first, but only due to his advantage of experience with a human body. By frame four, it had become obvious that he was in way over his head.

“Well too bad,” Rarity snarked, “now, the victors wish to be entertained.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Rick scooped a giggling Applejack up in his arms and sped up a little.

“Hey, I meant me,” Rarity whined.

“But you said victors, AJ won,” he called back.

“He’s right ya know,” Applejack called over his shoulder.

“Bu-but, what about the rest of us?”

“Rar-Rachel, he’s joking,” Twilight reassured.

Rarity blushed a little as Fluttershy wrapped her arm around her and they walked to the truck. They all climbed in and headed off to do something else. Applejack had suggested miniature golf and everyone agreed that would be a good idea.

*****

They were now enjoying a game of miniature golf at a course built to look like a cartoonish hillbilly farm. That’s not to imply the course was cheaply decorated, quite the contrary. Dotted throughout the course was fiberglass pigs, ducks and cows, some were even dressed in the standard overalls. Speakers were hidden all over in fake stones and real bushes playing music, voices and sound effects. There was even an outhouse that would play noises resembling a toilet flushing, grumbling and mumbling, and even flatulence while shooting water out of a chimney, high into the air, and into a pond whenever a ball was hit under it.

Even Rarity, who is normally fully against such scenery, was enjoying herself to no end. It was even more enjoyable for everyone when Twilight’s geometric expertize was made pointless by the little secrets that would know a ball off its path or tubes that would spit the ball out further down the green. This made the game a level playing field for everyone and therefore more fun.

Heck, even when Asshole and his chuckling friends came by. They simply had them play through. The only negative was that Fluttershy hid behind Rick while the others scowled at Asshole. In the end, Applejack won. The other girls teased her that she was simply in her natural element and had the upper hoof.

“Did you girls enjoy yourselves?”

“Oh, absolutely,” Fluttershy said.

“Marvelous, Darling,” Rarity agreed, “even if those hooligans did show their faces again.”

“Yeah, Ah’m almost hopin’ ya’ll’ll knock their block off one uh these days, Rick.”

“Now, AJ, we don’t want any unnecessary violence,” Twilight said with a not very well disguised smirk.

“Well, one never knows what the future holds, AJ. I would of course much prefer we simply never see them again. And in five more days, that will become a certainty.” Rick opened the door on the truck for Twilight who slid over and let Rarity and Fluttershy take their seats behind her. “Well, ladies, there’s plenty of light left in the day, what say I show you some human magic?” Judging by their collective squeals, he guessed it was a good idea.

*****

“…you said human’s couldn’t do magic and it didn’t exist in this world,” Twilight pointed out as they took their seats in the theater.

Twilight and Fluttershy sat on either side of Rick and Applejack and Rarity sat beside them. The theater itself was not very large and it was pretty much what one would expect. The seats were only marginally comfortable and were red. The walls had red curtains, same as the stage, and there were gold painted columns in in each corner, along the walls and on either side of the stage.

“True, I did say that, but I’m not AJ, I can lie.”

“But, d-did you,” Fluttershy asked.

“Tell you what,” Rick leaned in and kissed Fluttershy’s forehead, “pay close attention to the show and you’ll figure it out.” He leaned back in his seat smiling, and spread his arms out across the backs of the others. Due to the size of his arms, he was able to not only surround Twilight and Fluttershy, but also place his hands on the shoulders of AJ and Rarity too.

Before he could explain, the curtains parted and a man in a tuxedo, complete with cane and top hat, stepped out on stage. He spread his arms and two doves flew out of his sleeves. He bowed deeply as the crowd applauded. After he straightened up, he indicated to one side of the stage and a women in a sequined leotard, cuffs, bow-tie, high heels and fish nets joined him on stage and was introduced as his assistant.

Rick had been to a few magic shows in his time and knew about the plants in the audience and even a few of the tricks behind the tricks. They did the sawing-a-woman-in-half tick. Simple, a deeper bottom inside the box thanks to a rigged table and false feet stuck out the bottom. In short, the woman was all on one end. Fluttershy’s burying her face in Rick’s chest while the others gasped told him they didn’t figure it out.

The levitating-assistant trick, another easy one. A small board attached to an ‘S’ shaped arm no a lift hidden behind the curtain. The assistant would lean into the board that reached from the shoulders to the hips, and then laid back as the board rotated to a flat position. The magician would then take the metal ring and run it down the body and swing it in a practiced path over the arm that appeared to prove the complete absence of strings and/or lifting arms.

There were other standards, the linking rings, the self-minding rope, and of course, card tricks. These, Rick never really figured out. It seemed as though the others couldn’t figure them out either. They could tell Equestrian magic wasn’t being used, but that was as far as they could tell.

“That was amazing!” Rarity cheered along with the rest of the crowd giving a standing ovation.

“It really was like magic,” Twilight admitted.

“Yeah, it was amazing wasn’t it?” Rick agreed. “Too bad it was all an illusion.”

“What? Really?” Twilight almost seemed disappointed.

“Yep, I told before, there was no magic here,” Rick said, being brutally honest. “Luckily,” Rick’s soft drink floated up from its cup holder on its own, “we know a place where there is some.” Rick spotted a little girl out of the corner of his eye, she was staring at him and the floating cup. He winked at her and plucked the cup out of the air, but not before putting a single finger to his lips. “Come on ladies, it’s getting late and I’m missing the cabin.”

*****

“We told you then, dear Fluttershy, we did not blame you for anything and we still value you as a friend.

They all sat on the sofa, this time it was Applejack sitting on Rick’s lap, and they were watching an episode of their own lives. This one was about them trying to roust a sleeping dragon to prevent its smoking snores from blocking out the sun. Apparently, Fluttershy had been too scared to traverse the mountain and face down the dragon without her friends prodding her the whole time.

“By the way, where’s Twilight?” Rick asked.

“Oh, she went upstairs to change,” Rarity replied.

“Hey, ya’ll think maybe it’s her turn ta go hog wild?” AJ asked, snickering to herself.

It was at that moment that Twilight popped into the room, literally. The only thing that preceded her arrival was a brief, blinding light. Once Rick could see again, he was very glad he could.

Twilight was wearing a bunny suit, complete with fluffy tail and ears. She even had the tie, cuffs and fish nets, just like the magicians assistant. She was also wearing a coat with tails, a vest and an oxford shirt. She bowed and a wand poofed into her hand.

“Oh-ho-ho, it seems as though someone likes wut he sees,” AJ quipped from Rick’s lap.

“I-uh-um, well… look at her. What’s not to like? Heck, I wouldn’t be surprised if I wasn’t the only one.”

Twilight interrupted the giggles coming from the couch by clearing her throat loudly. “Introducing, the Amazing Sparklini!” She bowed at the clapping coming from her audience. Another flash of light and her wand turned into a bouquet of flowers, real ones too. She handed the bouquet to Rarity who sniffed the fragrance deeply.

“Thank you, thank you. Now, for my next trick, I will need a volunteer from the audience.” Applejack was lifted into the air before Rick was teleported to Sparklini’s side. AJ was then allowed to fall from thin air onto the couch.

“Uhh… I guess I volunteer,” Rick snickered to hide to worry slowly building in the pit of his stomach.

“Nothing up my sleeve,” Twilight lifted her arms one at a time and demonstrated that there was indeed nothing up them, “and nothing up my assistant’s sleeves.” To prove this, Rick’s shirt suddenly disappeared.

There was another round of applause, “wut ‘bout his pants? Check thar too?” Applejack teased.

“Silence, please,” Twilight commanded. She raised her hands into the air. Rick’s body became completely rigid and started to float a few feet off the ground. More applauding and bowing.

Rick was set back down onto his feet. “Thank you,” it was a simple spell, but they were having fun. “Now keep your eyes on my assistant.” Twilight waved her hands around in exaggerated movements. Another flash of light and Rick was gone, leaving behind only his pants and boxers. This time, there was actual cheering coming from the couch. “Thank you all so much. And now, I must bid you farewell.”

After their vision came back, Fluttershy, Rarity and Applejack looked around and found no trace of Rick or Twilight.

“Oh, I hope their okay,” Fluttershy said with worry in her voice.

They looked up at the ceiling as the sound of giggles seeping through the floors.

“Darling, I’m sure they are just fine,” Rarity reassured as she turned the volume up on the television.

A Slow Day

Chapter 16

Rick limped down the stairs the next morning. He found three women still sleeping on the couch. They were using each other’s shoulders and heads as pillows. They had been too afraid of all the noise coming from the bedroom to try going inside. Rick couldn’t blame them.

Rick sat at the end of the couch and carefully leaned Rarity against his chest when she stirred. She either didn’t wake or she was really good at pretending to be asleep. Whichever the case may be, they were both enjoying it. Of course, she may have been enjoying it for the closeness, but he was enjoying it because he now had a shield if Twilight woke up… hungry.

Very carefully, he turned the television on and muted it. He then turned on the closed captioning and started the next episode of his wives’ lives. He loved them all very much and wanted to know more about them, his home and his friends. Sure, he talked to them and enjoyed listening to their stories, but this was more entertaining. Besides, Applejack in a frou-frou dress was hilarious and Rarity, drenched from the rain and shivering in shock about her hair, was far too precious and he squeezed the real thing ever so gently.

As the episode ended, Rick was startled when Rarity spoke, “I always feel a little ashamed of how I bickered with Applejack over such petty things back then.”

Then it AJ’s turn to startle them both, “meh too. Ah’m jest glad we were able ta move past all that.”

“Me too,” Fluttershy added, half awake.

The sound of footsteps on the stairs alerted them to Twilight’s arrival. She was wearing a huge smile and not much more.

“Morning, Honey,” Rick called to her. “Did you sleep well?” she nodded. “Did you repair the room?” she nodded again while ignoring the looks of horror on the faces of the other three girls. “Good, why don’t you get a shower and I’ll get one after, okay?”

Twilight nodded again, “care to join me?” The sly smile on her face told everyone exactly what she meant by that, not that it was a difficult code to figure out.

“I don’t think so, Twi.”

“Aww, why not?”

“Because you’re in heat, we’re out of preventatives and I can barely stand,” he had to smile a little. “For now, I just want to sit here, heal up and maybe get some food in me somehow.”

Fluttershy jumped off the couch and started toward the kitchen, “oh, I can make something.”

“Please, don’t go out of your way. I feel like a jerk now,” Rick half-joked.

“I don’t mind. I like cooking for you.” Fluttershy’s sweetness was overwhelmingly… sweet.

“You know something, every day, every single day, you four prove to me that I made the absolute right choice two weeks ago when I said ‘I do’.” Rick had meant it too, he loved these four women more than life itself, the rib crushing, five-way hug was just a bonus. “Plus, I get to be honest when I say that my wife, er, wives are my best friends.”

“So, what do you have planned for today, Darling?” Rarity asked.

“We’re doing it,” all eyes were on him. “What? I’m tired and we’ve been running all over for a week straight. We can go out later, but for right now, I just want to rest.”

There was an agreement from the others, but Twilight was a little resistant, “but we need more of those… things,” she whined.

“I understand your predicament, Twilight, I was a teenage boy once, but I just can’t right now.” He looked at her face and saw the disappointment therein. A solution presented itself to his mind and he concentrated on shaping a forcefield. “Here, use this,” he told her as he raised a seemingly empty fist.

Twilight looked confused but approached. She could feel his magic, so could Rarity, but no one could see it on Earth. She gingerly reached out and took the item from him, it was smooth and cylindrical and very familiar in its shape. Her eyes widened as quickly as her smile when she realized just what she was holding. She rushed over to Rick and pressed her lips firmly against his, “thank you, thank you, thank you, than-*POOF*” She vanished mid ‘thank’ leaving her underwear dropping to the floor. The only clue to her whereabouts was the sound of running water.

“Well, that ought to keep her busy for a while.”

Rick and the others relaxed on the couch and returned to the show. The next episode was well underway. At first, Rick thought it had to have been greatly exaggerated. After all, who in Equestria could be afraid of Zecora?

*****

The afternoon air was warm and the gentle breeze kept it from building too much heat. That coupled with the elevation and low humidity meant the day was practically perfect. Especially for a man sitting in a hot tub with four gorgeous women, just enjoying the view, the company and a beer. True, it was a little early for alcohol under normal circumstances, but he was in heaven/ on his honeymoon.

He was feeling much better now. Twilight had used her healing magic on him… again, it had taken several doses to allow him to walk without limping. After her shower, Twilight had calmed down a lot and was able to focus enough to make this last one count. Although, she did insist on sitting on his lap during their soak and since she was both a princess and the most powerful being on this planet, no one tried to stop it.

After the last of his beer was gone and pain was completely gone, Rick stood. It was a little tricky with Twilight clinging to him and practically demanded he carry her, but he managed. He was once again grateful that their cabin was so secluded, as none had bothered to dress before getting into the tub. After all four were women, and the other was their husband, why bother covering up at all.

“Are we going somewhere?” Fluttershy asked as she and the others toweled off.

“Yeah, I think I know of a place that you girls will all like. Plus, it involves shopping.” Through the excited gasps, Rick heard Twilight whisper into his ear. “Of course, we will need to stop at the pharmacy first.”

While they were dressing, Rarity’s curiosity got the better of her, “Darling, where are we going?”

“Well, Princess, I was thinking that we would go to a place where our version of Hearth’s Warming happens everyday. So, once everybody’s all dolled up, we’re on our way to see Santa.”

*****

The Santa’s village was probably one of the most impressive ones on this side of the country. Though, that was just Rick’s opinion, hadn’t been to a whole lot of Santa’s villages for comparison purposes. Whatever the case may be, this one was excellent.

There was a separate building for each little shop that made up the ‘village’. They had a bakery that made cookies, obviously, and handmade candies. There was a café that sold different types of cocoa as well as sandwiches and other lunchtime standards. One building sold outdoor decorations. There was a model train outside that had a garden all around it. There was a building filled with nothing but artificial trees and tree toppers. The largest of all the buildings sold nothing but ornaments, which included decorations for inside the house.

“This place is amazin’,” Applejack said as she looked around the village.

“I agree, it is quite beautiful and very comforting,” Rarity agreed.

“It kind of reminds me of Ponyville,” Twilight observed.

They all looked up at the buildings. The peaks of the roofs were high and the buildings resembled old fashion Germanic homes. It didn’t take long for them all to see it for themselves. The biggest difference was these roofs were shingled instead of thatched.

“You know, it’s probably a good thing Pinkie isn’t here. She would lose were cotton candied mind and I don’t think this place would survive.” The girls all giggled at Rick’s little joke.

“Yeah, you’re probably right,” Fluttershy added between giggles.

“I must say that this music is quite cheerful too,” Rarity commented on the Christmas music being pumped through the speakers.

“Yeah, Christmas music is meant to be uplifting to make people happy and carefree even though Christmas is the time of year when people get the most stressed about money and loneliness. But I think if I had to listen to it all year, I would kill myself… again.”

The girls didn’t like it when Rick talked like that, especially Twilight who still blamed herself for the bear that killed him the second time. Applejack expressed her disdain with a firm punch in the shoulder, which, as strong as she was, didn’t even rock him.

They went inside the biggest building and started their shopping. Rick explained as much of the lore and legends of Christmas as he could. He told them the tale of Rudolph and Frosty. He even let them sit and watch a few short cartoon specials that were always running in the store. Just like human children, their eyes were filled with wonder and hope when the Grinch was racing down the mountain in his sleigh with all the gifts to be returned.

After the song was over, Rick got his wives out of their seats, “c’mon girls, we can’t do any shopping while sitting on our flanks. So how about this? Each of you pick out an ornament for yourselves that we can put on our tree next Hearth’s Warming. Maybe even a few for our friends and the princesses too.”

They each gave him a peck on the cheek and disappeared into the store, except Fluttershy who clung to him like a toddler, to pick out their prize. There were plenty to choose from too. There were the standard bulbs, stars, icicles and snowmen. They also had more specialized ones, I.E. Boy Scout uniforms, military insignias and ‘new home’.

As Rick walked with Fluttershy, he saw these but was unimpressed. He had seen plenty of ornaments in his lifetime. Fluttershy, however, had not, and she made Rick stop at every display and decked tree in the place. He didn’t mind though, Fluttershy was unbearably cute under normal circumstances, but when she was like this, there was nothing he could do but let himself be happily manipulated.

Fluttershy led him to the animal ornaments, obviously. She looked at the deer, the dogs, the bears that Tennessee is famous for, and all the others. The pitiful look on her face when she was struggling to decide which one she wanted most made Rick’s heart melt to the point where he was about to buy the lot. Luckily for him, Fluttershy gasped and ran to one particular ornament. It was Angel, her little bunny. True, he hated that rodent, but it made her happy, and that made him happy. When she plucked the ornament off the shelf and held close to her breast, he knew she had made her choice.

The other girls had found him and Fluttershy. Twilight showed her selection, a clear globe with a solar powered LED light that changes colors and reflects off what looked like a collection of quartz spires. In a word, it was stunning. Rarity’s choice was a chain of crystal bells. They didn’t sound particularly great, but they were pretty. Applejack, for some reason, was unwilling to share her pick. This made everyone more curious, but they decided they didn’t want to push it and potentially ruin a good day.

“What about you, Rick? Which did you choose?” Twilight asked.

Rick smiled and held out a picture frame. The frame was made to show the six Element Bearers, three on each side, and they were all smiling and either looking at the viewer or the picture itself. He had contemplated getting one of each of the pony ornaments, but decided that may raise too many questions for anyone who may see them. With only one, he could say he made it and it would be plausible. The group hug and smooches told him he made a good choice.

Once the bill was paid and the plethora of Christmas cookies and candies purchased, they all loaded back up in the truck and headed back for the cabin.

*****

After dinner, they all sat on the couch and watched more of their show. This time, it was a two-parter. Rick had been proud of Rarity standing up for herself against Prince Blueblood in the previous episode and laughed at the other’s hijinks. Now he was watching them face Discorde, and each other. Applejack lying to everyone about everything was a lot to handle. On that note, so was bully Fluttershy. Rarity and Tom the boulder was hilarious, especially when she was so upset about it.

All the while they were watching, Twilight was sitting in Rick’s lap. She was kissing his neck and nibbling his ear while she twirled what little hair he had. It was obvious what she wanted, but the delayed gratification was just the right amount of torment for her to enjoy it, especially since he wasn’t exactly sitting idle. She was wearing a skirt and one of his hands could not be seen.

By the time the next episode started, one where Twilight was frantically trying to find a problem to be solved, she had had about all she could take. Once more, with a flash of light, Rick and Twilight were gone.

“Daggum, that girl is an eager one ain’t she?” Applejack mused.

“Yes, she’s being hit by it so hard,” Rarity agreed as she picked up the new box of preventatives, “that she forgot to take… these.”

The pause was caused by the sudden disappearance of the box from her hand. They all giggled to themselves, turned up the volume, and went back to the show.

Enjoying the Company

Chapter 17

Rick wasn’t as sore as he was the day before, but he was still limping a bit. The delayed gratification technique he used on her while they were watching television had driven her near enough the edge that he only had to nudge her over it. She was sleeping soundly with a huge, satisfied smile on her face. Rick leaned over her and gently kissed her forehead, then he pulled the covers over her bare chest, up to her neck. Twilight grabbed the covers, pulled them tight, and moaned happily in her sleep while she fidgeted a little bit.

After a quick shower, he put on his boxers and went downstairs. Applejack and Rarity were still sleeping on the couch, Applejack with her head in Rarity’s lap. Both of them were only wearing their underwear. Fluttershy was in the kitchen cooking breakfast, she was also in her underwear, but she did have on an apron. “How in the worlds did I get so damn lucky?”

He snuck up behind Fluttershy and slid his hands under the apron and around her waist. She jumped and squeaked before she realized just who it was. He kissed her neck and then tucked his chin in against it.

“Mmm… good morning, Babydoll.”

“Good morning to you too. Are you hungry?” Fluttershy asked while she nuzzled the side of his head.

“Ravenous.” Rick lifted his chin just enough to see what was on the stove, “what’re you cooking?”

“Hash browns and eggs with biscuits.”

Rick took a long sniff of the cooked potatoes, “smells good.” He then buried his nose into her neck again and smelled even deeper, “you smell better though.” She did too. The sweet scent of flowers that always seemed to waft off her body was as enticing as it always was.

She blushed and smiled at the compliment. She didn’t know why he was being so… playful today, but she wasn’t complaining. Even when he drew his arms back out from under her apron and squeezed her toosh. She did however squeak again and then giggle. She was enjoying herself and didn’t really want the attention to stop.

“I’m gonna go wake the others and let ‘em know breakfast is almost ready.”

“Okay, but hurry back, oh, um, if you want that is.” The old bashful Fluttershy was shining through.

“Alright, Flutters, I will.” He leaned around her and kissed her cheek. Fluttershy hummed, tilted her head and pressed her face into his kiss. She wanted more.

He walked over to the couch where Applejack and Rarity were sleeping. He smiled to himself, leaned over AJ and kissed Rarity. She started to stir and hum but didn’t resist. In fact, she placed a hand on the back of his head and pulled him in closer.

“Mmm… good morning to you too, Darling.”

“Oh, so you do still love me. I almost thought I had been replaced.” If it weren’t for the small smirk on his face, she would have been concerned.

“Why, what ever are you talking about?” Rick’s only response was to point down at her lap. When Rarity saw Applejack sleeping in her lap, both of them in only their underwear, she blushed heavily, “oh my.”

“Aw, don’t worry about it. Everybody gets lonely every now and then. Better you seek comfort in family than some stranger.”

“That’s NOT what happened and you know it!” Rarity’s face was full red now. Rick, on the other hand, was laughing with a little extra mirthful bass in his tone.

“Unhn, whazzat?” Applejack opened her eyes only to have them filled with pale tummy and dark purple lace. She sat up straight and fast and began turning a few shades of red herself.

Rick seized on the moment and stole another kiss, this time from Applejack. “It’s nothing. I was just telling Rarity that if you two wanted to… spend time together, than it was fine with me.” Applejack stuttered for a few seconds, trying to figure out how to respond to that. Rick eased her suffering with another kiss, “oh, and breakfast is ready.”

His throaty laughter could be heard throughout the cabin as he headed up the stairs to get Twilight. She was still in bed when he got there, though the covers had shifted a little. Rick walked over to her, all the while, enjoying the view. Too bad she had to be woken.

As much as he wanted to simply touch and caress her, he settled for whispering into her ear, “come on, Honey, breakfast is ready.” Twilight didn’t even stir. Rick gently shook her, which caused certain bits to become more entertaining.

Her eyes opened and locked onto his. Twilight smiled and stretched her arms above her head, again, improving an already great view. “Mmm… good morning.”

“And getting better all the time.” Rick smiled as Twilight reached up and hugged him, “now come on, put something on and come downstairs, breakfast is ready.”

“Okay, I’ll be right down.”

“Alright, see there.” Rick patted the spot on the covers that was directly over her hips before he stood from the bed and went down to the kitchen.

After breakfast, Rick washed the dishes while their show played on the television before he sat down and put Twilight on his lap. It made him very glad that Luna had learned to control the volume of her voice. If she hadn’t, his friendship with her would have been a lot less fun. Plus, it was just fun to watch her zap Rainbow Dash with lightning.

“What do you have planned for today?” Twilight asked from his lap, leaning against his chest.

Normally, when he had one of them sitting on his lap, he was off to one end of the couch, but this morning he sat in the middle with his arms wrapped around Applejack and Rarity, Fluttershy was in the shower at the time. Rick seemed to ponder this for a second before he answered.

“I was thinking we could go into the park again. Maybe have another picnic and walk some trails. What do you all think?”

“Ah’m all fer it,” Applejack agreed.

“Me too,” Twilight added.

“Well, I can’t say I’m too excited about the trails, but the picnic sounds lovely,” Rarity semi-concurred.

“Oh, are we going to see the animals again?” Fluttershy asked from the stairs as she came down wearing just her towel.

“Since you’ll be there, I’m sure there’ll be plenty of animals around,” Rick teased playfully. “So, let’s pack a lunch in the cooler and be on our way.”

*****

They had done a couple shorter trails by the time they reached the cove. The cove wasn’t a huge hit when they were there the first time, but there were few places that came close in terms of great picnic spots. The trails they had walked were all paved and easy, Rick didn’t want to make them stress their bodies, get tired or twist an ankle or anything similar.

They went around like they had before. They stopped to see deer frolicking and squirrels running around looking for nuts. There was even a momma bear with two cubs, which, to the horror of the other visitors, Fluttershy managed to approach and pick up a cub. Any normal person attempting this would have to be brought home in a bag or two. She, however, got nothing more than a bit of a snuggle from the cub and even got to pet the momma. The only people not surprised, were the rest of Clan Rhinestone.

Near the end of the loop, there was a road that cut across to the beginning. It was one of two and they were the only roads in the loop that were two-way. The one they were on crossed a river that was about half way up to the axel of the truck and swift. The cold river was beautiful to watch and peaceful to listen to. At one time, it may have been used by dozens of families for cooking, cleaning, and survival, but now it was just another part of the scenery.

They pulled over and found a nice spot downstream, away from the other visitors. The blanket was set, a parasol was put up and drinks were handed out. Rick assumed his position, resting his head on Applejack’s lap and enjoying the warmth of the mid-day sun. While they rested and ate their salads and apples. More deer, rabbits and birds had all shown up to enjoy their company.

Fluttershy chatted with her animal friends while Rarity and Twilight pointed out their favorite peaks of the surrounding mountains. Applejack and Rick discussed farming techniques in this area, past and present. Periodically, Rick would take Applejack’s hand, which was playing with his hair, and kissed it. “I swear, if those assholes show up, I’ll rip them into tiny, bite-sized chunks and feed them to these birds.”

Luckily, the assholes didn’t come by and they were able to enjoy their picnic in peace. After an hour of sitting in bliss with each other, they decided it was time to move on. They packed their stuff up and drove off.

Rick decided it would be fun to take the back road over the mountains. It was a one-way road that was little more than a modernized coach road that wound around the mountain’s slopes and into the watersheds. It was a trip that would scare even some locals.

There was no fear in the truck. Rick had driven this road enough to not be afraid. The girls on the other hand, trusted him enough to have no fear when he was around. They knew he would never do anything to hurt them and he had proven, more than once, that he would give his life to protect them.

At the other end of the road, was a small town, the same town they first arrived in. Along the drive back to the cabin, they stopped at a large store built to look like a barn. This stop was more for Applejack’s sake than anyone else’s, they specialized in apple based products after all. Though they also sold home-made fudge and ‘olde’ fashioned candies. After buying a few pounds of fudge in varying flavors, a jar of candy sticks and another desert cookbook along with a few apple souvenirs for the family back home, they were back on the road.

After a few hours of episodes, six in total, and dinner, they went onto the roof to watch the sunset. The not at all magical orb painted the sky in ways that would make anyone, even if only for a moment, believe in magic. A visible spectrum of light that stretched all the way across sky. And there, like every night, was the first star of the evening.

“Wow, look at that star,” Twilight pointed at it. She was resting her head on Rick’s chest, as was Fluttershy, while Rarity laid between his legs so her head rested on his stomach. Applejack was sitting on a pillow while Rick had his head in her lap. “It’s so bright, it can be seen in the sunlight.”

Rick smiled as they all focused on the star. “That’s my favorite one. Did you know there are more stars in the sky than all the grains of sand on all the beaches in the world? Yet, that one is my favorite.”

Applejack looked down at him, “Why is that one yer favorite, and… how cen ya even tell it apart from thu others?”

“Simple, it’s always the first one out. And it’s my favorite because it’s not really a star.” The girls all looked up at him, except for Applejack who looked down, wanting an explanation. “It’s a planet.”

They all looked up at the planet, “amazing. What’s it called?” Twilight asked.

“Venus. It’s named after the ancient Roman goddess of beauty, sex, love, fertility and prosperity.”

“Sounds positively delightful,” Rarity said.

Rick chuckled a little, causing her head to bounce and him to laugh more. “The atmosphere is almost entirely carbon dioxide and the surface is four times boiling point. Not a place one would want to own a summer home on.” The girls giggled a little at his comment, which made Rick rub the heads of both Twilight and Fluttershy playfully. Then he let his hands fall, purely by chance, onto their breasts. Of course, when he figured this out, he gave them a little squeeze, just to be certain.

“You know,” Twilight looked up at him, while Fluttershy just blushed and smiled, “I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”

“Yes, my love?” Rick looked down into her amethyst eyes.

“Not that any of us are complaining,”

“And from the feel of it, neither is he,” Rarity interrupted.

“Buuut…,” Twilight was a little annoyed by the interruption, “you have been quite a bit more playful than normal today. Is there any particular reason?”

Rick lifted his hands and steeped them together under his nose. Twilight and Fluttershy both were disappointed by the sudden chill on their breasts. He thought for a moment on just how he should phrase his thoughts. “I think it’s because, deep down, I’m scared.” They all looked at him again.

“Scared of what?” Fluttershy asked.

“Scared… that I… might lose another family, I guess.”

“Sugar, we ain’t goin’ anywhere,” AJ reassured. “Ah cen promise ya, not uh one of us wants ta leave.”

After the mass agreement, Rick finished his thought. “I know that, I do, honest. But, Hanna and Annie didn’t want to leave either, but two years ago tomorrow, they did.”

Applejack grabbed him by the armpits and pulled Rick up to her chest, thus causing the other three to slide down. She wrapped her strong, farmer’s arms around his chest and crushed his ribcage in a tight hug. “Ah know what yer goin’ through. Ah know it ain’t easy,” a single tear fell on Rick’s forehead, he didn’t wipe it off “jest remember, we’re here for ya. No matter wut yer goin’ through, we are here for you.”

“She’s absolutely right, Darling. We have all experienced loss, Dear Applejack even more so, but we will be there for you whenever you need us. All you need do is ask.” Rarity had rolled onto her stomach and wrapped her own arms around his stomach.

Twilight and Fluttershy had done the same thing. They both found themselves wishing they still had wings to wrap around everyone so they could shield them from the cruel world around them. Instead, they had to settle for their thin human arms.

“To-tomorrow, we’re, um, we’re going to say goodbye. I may never get the chance again.” Rick let the few tears in his eyes roll down his cheeks.

“Are you sure? It’s going to be hard on you, you know that.” Fluttershy gently wiped the tears away.

“I, uh, I think I have to. It’s the only way I’ll be able to move on.”

“Alright, if you’re sure, then we will go with you,” Twilight told him. “So, where are we going then?”

“…home.”

A Day in Rememberance

Chapter 18

It was still dark out when Rick roused himself from bed. They were going to need to head out early if they were going to make the five hour drive to Ohio, reach their destination and return without burning the entire day in the truck. Normally, he would be happy to let his brides sleep in, but they needed to be awake too. He woke them and told them to take care of their morning rituals quickly, eat and go one more time before they left.

He had suggested they all try to stay up late so that they would simply sleep through the trip, but they all wanted to see as much of this word as they could since they only had this and one more day left before they returned home. At least, that’s what they told him. In reality, they were concerned about him and didn’t want to leave him alone in his time of need.

With tummies full and… other things empty, they climbed into the truck and prepared for the long trek ahead of them. Each of the girls remembered to bring their cameras and Twilight brought a few books. Applejack and Fluttershy both had an activity book featuring themselves. True, they were meant for children, but they saw no reason why they couldn’t enjoy them too. Rarity brought a small stack of fashion magazines. Rick, brought four beautiful women.

The hours were passed pleasantly and swiftly. Rick would point out any points of interest they came across. Admittedly, between Tennessee and Ohio, there’s not a whole lot to be seen. He did manage to get Twilight to put the books down long enough to play the alphabet game with everyone else. She won.

After five and a half hours of driving, they finally arrived in Rick’s home town. Now, the girls couldn’t pay enough attention.

“What’s that over there!?” Twilight called out.

“That, is a playground, Twilight. Swings, see-saws, swings and a spiral slide. What, did you want to stop and play a while?” Rick teased.

The girls all giggled at that. “No, thank you. I was trying to ask if it was someplace special to you.”

“Not particularly. I mean, I went to playgrounds as a kid and even took Annie to a few, but-”

“I think, Darling, what Twilight is trying to say, is that we now very little about your life before you came to Ponyville and we would like to fix that,” Rarity explained.

“Aww, Sweetie, you only had to ask.” Rick patted Twi’s knee. “If you all want to see the places I frequented when I lived here, I guess we have enough time.”

They drove along the main road of the little town to see where Rick had spent his days before Ponyville. Besides, their destination was on the other end of town anyway.

“That’s the school I went to right there.” They were driving by the local high school. It had only one floor but a very well kept football field. “I faced down a few bullies in my time in that parking lot.”

“Ya’ll were picked on? Ah woulda thought ya’ll’d wipe the floor with enyone that tried ta come after ya.”

“Believe it or not, Applejack, I was not always the perfect specimen of man you see before you. And no, they didn’t come after me, they went after the smaller guys in class, but you know me, I couldn’t let that stand.”

He could feel Fluttershy try her best to wrap her arms around him from the back seat. She had been bullied as a filly and the fact that he stood up for those who were, like Rainbow had for her, struck a chord with her and made her love her husband just a little more. Though she didn’t say it, she didn’t need to.

“Over here is the park that was my favorite build,” when the cameras started going off, Rick started to feel like a guide on some safari.

“Why was this one your favorite?” Rarity asked.

Rick looked straight forward out the windshield, “because it was Annie’s favorite.”

“Oh, that’s a beautiful house,” Fluttershy pointed out, desperate to change the subject.

Rick pulled over and put the truck in park. “It had better be, I put a lot of work keeping it that way.”

All the girls looked at Rick as he stared at the house before they followed his lead. “Was this your house?” Twilight asked. Rick simply nodded.

It was a two-story house with a detached double-car garage, a wrap-around porch, a beautiful garden, a jungle gym and, of course, a tire swing in the tree out front. The girls were drinking in every detail they could.

“Can we go inside?” Fluttershy asked.

“No, we can’t.”

“But, why not?” Applejack practically whined.

“Because it’s not my house anymore.” He pointed to the top window. A shadow could be seen passing by the window. Then a little girl came running out of the house and leapt onto the tire swing, laughing the whole time. Shortly behind her, was a man they had to assume was her father, who started to push her on it.

Rick didn’t say anything. He simply put the truck in gear and pulled back onto the road. The girls didn’t say anything either. They knew the scene they just witnessed must have been like looking into the life he lost. They also knew, this was just the beginning for him.

After a few moments in silence, they reached their destination, the cemetery. Cemeteries are not a normal destination for a honeymoon, but this was a necessity. Rick had to say goodbye to his family for the last time before he left Earth forever.

The graves were well kept and clean. The grass neatly mowed and the flowers freshly watered. It had been made extremely apparent that those who would spend the rest of eternity within the walls of this cemetery, would not see the tiniest lack of respect any time soon.

First, they stopped at the site of his grandparents. A pair of headstones, side-by-side, that read Rhinestone. Rick had made peace with his grandparents before they died, so this was merely a visit and an introduction.

Next, was his mother’s grave. He was young, very young, when she was taken. Again, he had made peace with her loss. There wasn’t much to say to her, other than he was sorry he didn’t get to know her better. Though he did tell her he was happy with his new family and how much she would have loved them.

Those were easy in comparison to his last stop. Three tombstones, two connected, a smaller one close by. The small one read:

ANNIE RHINESTONE

BELOVED DAUGHTER

TAKEN TOO SOON

The larger stones were a special couple set. One was Rick’s and had only his name and birthday on it. The other stated:

HANNA RHINESTONE

DEVOTED WIFE

AND

CARING MOTHER

Rick approached Annie and Hanna’s stones and kneeled down. He placed a bouquet on Hanna’s and a bag of gummy worms, Annie’s favorite, on the other. He placed a hand on both stones at the same time and spoke quietly.

“Hey there, girls, I’m back. I miss you both so very much. I wish I could just hold you both, one more time.” Tears were flowing and his throat was hurting. With his chest heaving and his breath hitching, he struggled through it. “I did what you asked though, I found happiness thanks to you. The world you sent me to is one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. I’ve made friends and even found love again.” He gestured to the four women standing behind him. “I know, I know, four wives is a bit much, but I love them all and I’m pretty sure they love me.”

He couldn’t hold it back anymore. He broke down and folded up. Tears were pouring down his face now, along with other less savory fluids. Even though he wasn’t he felt very alone. More so than he had in a year. Luckily, that feeling was quickly banished by a cute woman with long pink hair and an adorable book nerd who both wrapped their arms around him. He turned to Fluttershy, as he often did in these situations, and buried his face into her bosom and just let it all flow out. It wasn’t manly, but it was good for him, it would help to give him closure.

Applejack and Rarity wanted to rush in and comfort the man that meant so much to them and had done so much for them, but there was nothing more they could offer. Instead, they stood next to each other and, with nothing else they could do, wished that there was. Suddenly, they found themselves with company.

A woman all in white with a broad hat and a little girl, also in white, with her red hair tied back in a single ponytail. They didn’t make a sound as they approached, not even on the gravel walkway. The two of them stood silently next to the girls from Ponyville.

“I’m so sorry to intrude, but are you girls a friend of Rick’s?” the mysterious woman asked.

“Yes, we are,” Rarity said as cheerfully as she could, “in fact, we’re family.”

“Really? That’s good,” The woman said with a smile on her face. “You know, Rick always said that family had nothing to do with blood.”

“Do ya know him?” Applejack asked.

“Oh yes, he and I were very close. He practically raised my little girl here.”

“Did you wish to speak to him? I’m sure he wouldn’t mind…” Rarity started.

“No, no. In fact, we really must be going. Please, take good care of him, he deserves it you know.”

“Don’ca’ll worry ‘bout uh thing. We’ll make sure he’s happy ‘n’ cared fer.”

The little girl turned and looked up at AJ, “thanks, Applejack. Goodbye Rarity.”

Both mares in disguise smiled at them. They turned back to see Rick finally gather the strength to stand and return to them.

“Are you alright, Darling?” Rarity asked.

“I-I think so. I really think I needed this.”

“Okay. Say, there’s someone here… sez they…” Applejack couldn’t seem to finish her thought as she looked around the graveyard, Rarity joining in the search. “Where’d they go?”

“You know, I don’t know. They were just here.” Rarity gave up the search after a short look around. “I didn’t even hear them go.”

“Well, *sniff* I guess they were just in a hurry. C’mon, let’s get going. If we hurry, we can make it back before it gets dark.” Rick spread his arms around them both and drew them in for a hug.

It was at that moment that both Applejack and Rarity had the same thought, “how did they know our names?”

*****

They did indeed manage to make it back to the cabin before dark. After the day they had, Rick decided they were all in the need for something uplifting. So they decided to watch their show.

Rick had just about finished his sixth beer when an episode about the Crusaders working on a newspaper came on. It turned out to be just what he needed. He laughed hard enough to annoy the other viewers.

“Aww, c’mon, it’s funny.”

“There’s nothing funny about them saying I turned my nose up at Ponyville. I love that town,” Twilight angrily argued.

“Maybe not, but Spike belching in surprise and burning his paper is.” Rick chuckled again. “Almost as funny as the one where Rainbow and Pinkie gave him the hiccups and he kept accidently sending scrolls to Celestia.”

“Ya’ll only find it funny ‘cause ya’ll weren’t there.” Applejack crossed her arms in a huff. Though it was a little difficult to appear upset with someone after you had demanded it was your turn to sit on their lap again.

“True. It is always more entertaining to watch from the outside, but you can’t argue that there is some humor in it.”

“Yea, Ah guess, but you didn’t have ta laugh so hard,” AJ pouted.

Rick chuckled and kissed her pouty lips. “I’m sorry for laughing at your strife. Will you forgive me?”

Now she was just enjoying the game, “maybe if ya take meh upstairs and ask meh real nice like.”

“I think I can do that.”

“Hey, what about the rest of us?” Twilight demanded. She was still riding out the end of her heat.

Rick looked at Applejack who was in his arms with an unspoken question. She shrugged. Rick twitched his head toward the stairs then turned and started heading up. Twilight fidgeted a little, looked at Fluttershy and Rarity for confirmation, after receiving nothing more than a shrug from both, ran up the stairs after them.

A Long Time Comin'

Author's Note

Warning: This chapter contains violence, adult language and name calling. Viewer discretion is advised.

A Long Time Comin'

Chapter 19

Rick came to a conclusion when he woke up, one at a time from now on. Most guys would kill to have the opportunity to have multiple partners multiple times, and Rick would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy himself, but he couldn’t help feel guilty at times during.

He felt guilty because he couldn’t help but think he was paying too much attention to one while the other was being left out. Just like two men can’t drive the same car, two women can’t… drive the same… man.

Besides, his jaw really hurt.

After his shower and attempted visitation, he went downstairs for breakfast. It had been determined, that since today was the last full day, they would use as much of the food and the cash as they could. They were going to have a big breakfast and stay in while it settled. Once they could move again, they were going to go into town and buy a lot of souvenirs. After that, they would have a very nice dinner, where Rick would get his brides drunk and take advantage of them. The general consensus was they should get as much use out of their human bodies as they could before they went back to four legs and a tail.

After a very filling breakfast, they had all waddled over to the couch. They decided to leave the dishes for later. Once they were all settled and cozy, Rick started the next episode. Go figure, Pinkie Pie would make a terrible detective.

“Really, both you girls took a bite?” Rick asked Fluttershy and Rarity.

“Yes, well, It was just too good to pass up,” Rarity blushed a bit as she answered.

“Tsk, tsk,” Rick teased, “good thing Applejack was too honest to sneak a bite and Twilight… why didn’t you try any, Twilight?”

“Oh, I’m just not as much of a sweets pony as the rest of them I guess,” Twilight answered.

“Hmm, fair enough. Alright now, hush, the next episode is coming on.”

The next episode was a two-parter. One that caused a swing of emotions among the girls that went from unequaled joy to unparalleled rage. It was the wedding between Shining Armor and Princess Cadence.

The shots that showed Shining always made Twilight smile. As did the flashbacks with young Cadence. Rick had to admit, Cadence looked really cute with her hair tied back like that. However, anytime Cadence showed up as an adult mare, Twilight practically growled. Every time Television Twilight tried to convince her friends that something was wrong and they ignored her, the other three seemed to virtually cower in shame.

The second episode showed why. Now it was Rick’s turn to growl. When it was revealed that Cadence had been replaced with Chrysalis, Rick began to actually shake with rage. Oh, how he hated her. He swore right then and there, the next time he saw her, he would shove that crooked horn of hers right up her ass. That’s right, he was too mad for colorful euphemisms.

After they calmed down a little, it was time for season three. The two-part opener was about the return of the Crystal Empire. It was really cool to watch the rebirth of such a beautiful land. The other side of that coin, was watching his girls struggle to defeat some unicorn calling himself King Sombra while his good friend Cadence struggled to keep her energy up. Still, Spike as a hero was something else. Rick would have to buy him a huge fire ruby when they got back.

“It was a little after this that you first showed up,” Fluttershy told him.

“Then I should already know all this stuff.” Rick stood up from the couch, “how about we go blow some cash?”

*****

For the most part, the day went as planned. They spent unreasonable amounts of money on souvenirs for all their friends. They had a nice picnic next to a waterfall. Went one more time through the park. Then, they had an early dinner in the little town that they liked so much. After that, they went for a slow, staggered, walk back to the truck.

The night air was cool and very slightly damp due to the nearby river. The five of them were taking the walkway along the river in order to avoid the crowd. Normally, they wouldn’t care, but four drunk women tend to cause a scene.

The river wasn’t let, but with the moon being full, it didn’t need to be. The Churning, babbling, frigid waters provided a very pleasant contrast to the trash bins and dumpsters behind the shops and restaurants. The conversation was limited due to the fact that, with the exception of Rick and Fluttershy, they were all fairly intoxicated. Instead, they simply huddled close together for support, and wandered back to the parking garage.

As they were waddling along, Fluttershy separated from them, stooped next to a dumpster and paid quite a bit of attention to something behind it. Rick and the three wobbling beauties walked over to see just what she was up to. When they could see, they were far from surprised.

“You will just find animals anywhere won’t you?” Rick joked.

Fluttershy had found a stray dog and was petting it. For the dog’s part she was wagging her tail like it was going to save the world and leaning into Fluttershy’s hand. Flutters was smiling a sad smile. She looked up at Rick.

“Can, can we keep her?”

Those big eyes and pouty lips were not playing fair. “Look, Babydoll, we can’t just take her from whatever home she has here and bring her to another dimension. She may have family here.” If he weren’t talking to someone who could in fact talk to animals, that might have worked.

“Oh, she doesn’t have any.” Fluttershy was filled with a mix of glee and sorrow, she knew he was gonna cave. Of course, she wasn't certain.

Rick gently pulled Fluttershy up, set down his leftovers for the dog to eat, and they crossed the street to talk quietly out of earshot of the dog, which in itself was weird to Rick. Before he could reason with her though, his two week long enemy came walking up the sidewalk. Rick didn’t see Asshole and his friends, Butthead, Buttface and Buttbrain, until after they spoke.

“Hey, Babe, how ‘bout you come on over here! I guarantee I’ll make that pussy cum and drool for more!”

Instantly, Rick wanted to knock this guy through the brick wall they were passing by. Rick opened his mouth to tell this guy to shove it where the sun shineth not, but before he could, Asshole kicked the dog that was hiding by the dumpster.

All the girls gasped at the boorish action. Rick, out of the corner of his eye, saw the single tear fall from Fluttershy’s eye while its friends lined up to follow suite.

Now, most people know about pressure points, its fairly common knowledge after all. Collar bone, lower thigh, and the flesh between thumb and forefinger are the most famous and well-used. Most people don’t know about the one under the jaw though. If a finger is dug in on the inside of the mandible under the molars, the torturer can bind the victim to their whim very easily. Rick, however, was lifting Asshole off the ground by this pressure point on both sides of the skull. At this point, Rick owned Asshole’s soul.

“You and your cronies have been doing our best to ruin our vacation for the last two weeks. I could deal with your stares and your language and even your car stereo ruining our picnic,” the Butts were scared and confused by this madman’s rhetoric, ‘what’s he going on about and how is he doing that with only one arm?’, “but you finally went too far. You made Fluttershy cry.”

Rick hauled Asshole back to the side of the road nearest the river. The only thing separating the road from the river was a narrow sidewalk and a thin guardrail. Rick lifted Asshole up as high as his arm would allow him to.

“It’s not so easy picking on a creature that can fight back is it?” A pained grunt was the only response Rick got. Rick growled, “how about I throw you into river down there and see how you like it? You know the one, it’s full of big rocks and not enough icy water to break your fall. How’s that sound?” This time, the pained grunt was accompanied by a look of sheer terror.

Suddenly, Rick had a monkey on his back. Buttbrain had wrapped an arm around Rick’s throat and was squeezing good and hard. Unfortunately for Buttbrain, Rick had raised a shield around his neck and his efforts were all rendered useless. Rick simply lifted his right foot and ground it down the length of Buttbrain’s shin. He released his grip with a sizeable yelp and dropped to shield his shin with his hands.

“It seems your little buddy doesn’t want that to happen. Too bad all he did was manage to get himself hurt.” Rick was almost enjoying himself.

Suddenly, Rick sidestepped an unseen charge. Buttface had attempted to tackle him from behind, and now found himself facing the wrong way. Now, most people don’t know about a spot on the skull commonly know as ‘the well behind the ear’. Just behind both ears, close to the bottom, is a pressure point that requires very little effort to render the victim nearly blinded with pain. Buttface now found himself in a vice-like grip with one thumb pressed so hard into the ‘well’, it was nearly tearing the skin.

Luckily for Buttface, Rick was uninterested in him and was released. Of course, he was rebased by the simple expedient of being hurled halfway back across the street. Rick was about to say something, when he heard a squeak and another gasp. Butthead had pulled a knife and was holding onto Twilight.

“Let him go, motherfucker!” Butthead jerked Twilight closer to himself and waved the knife around in an effort to intimidate them. “Let him go or I stick the bitch!”

Rick slowly lowered Asshole back to the ground. Both the offenders who were still standing smiled. At last, they had the upper hand. Their smiles quickly vanished though, Rick was grinning from ear to ear.

“You, ya damn moron, just made the worst mistake in your life.” Rick nodded to his girls, “ladies, show them why.”

The knife was suddenly gone, vanished to who knows where. While the poor excuse for bad asses were looking for the blade, Butthead’s pants suddenly dropped around his ankles, effectively locking his legs together. Then, his pelvis was rocketed down the street, courtesy of Kick’s McGee, and the rest of him had no choice but to follow. For her part, Fluttershy was with the dog, making sure she was safe and sound.

Rick pulled Asshole to within a few inches of his own face, “he’s lucky. If anything had happened to them, they would be picking up pieces of from every mountaintop in the Appalachians.” The scars on Ricks face were lit by the moon. Asshole knew he meant it. Rick shifted his hand so that he was now holding his charge by the collar. “Now, what do you have to say for yourself?”

“Just let me go, man!” he wheezed out between coughs.

“Oh, that’s not it. C’mon, you can do better.” Now Rick was enjoying himself.

“Look, I’m sorry! We’re all sorry!” He was desperate for his apology to be heard.

“That’s better.” Rick lifted Asshole off his feet again.

“Hey, what the hell are you doing?! I said I was sorry!”

“I know. I heard you.” Rick held Asshole over the handrail, and let go. The young pain in the ass tumbled down the steep hillside and into the river. He grunted and yelped the whole way down. “That’s why I didn’t throw you.” Rick turned from the sputtering, soggy dirt bag and started to walk back to his wives. He stopped after a couple steps and knelt down next to Buttbrain, “don’t worry, we’ll be gone tomorrow and you’ll never see us again. But, if I do see you again, it may be the last mistake you ever make. Ya got me?” A very vigorous nod, “good. Now, enjoy your evening.”

Rick stood back up and finished his walk over to his wives and their new dog. Strange how the first pet adopted as a family, would come from another world. From there, they finished the trip to the truck with their newest family member, and then they left for the cabin.

*****

Upon arriving at the cabin, Fluttershy immediately took the new dog into the bathroom to clean her up. Applejack went with her, she loved dogs too after all. Rarity and Twilight started packing up all their gear for their departure tomorrow. Who better to do so than the two magic users who also happen to be the most obsessive compulsive mares in Ponyville. Rick rested out in the hot tub, the fight wasn’t hard or long, but he earned it.

He was just about to call the girls out to watch the sunset with him, when he suddenly didn’t have to. Four very beautiful, and also very naked, women got into the tub with him. He spread his arms wide and they all slid into his embrace. They dog, whom they decided to name Terra, curled up on the deck next to the tub. They sat in blissful silence as they watched the sun set.

After the last rays disappeared over the hilltops, Rick broke the peace. “Alright, so who’s first?”

Coming Home

Chapter 20

First thing Rick did when he woke up, was to throw out the empty box of preventatives. He had saved a couple for home. They wouldn’t fit, but maybe somepony like Filthy Rich could do something with them, it might just make the next heat a lot easier for mares, and their stallion victims. Plus, it might mean more cash flow. They didn’t need it, but that money could be used for helping animals in Fluttershy’s care, seniors at the center and even Ponyville’s emergency fund that Twilight kept depleting.

He descended the stairs to the kitchen and found his five girls enjoying their breakfasts. The ponies in disguise were enjoying some cereal that shared a name with one of them yet didn’t taste like apples. Fluttershy had made Rick stop on the way back last night so Terra could have something to eat too. After they cleaned up, it was time to load up.

They all stood in front of the cabin and said goodbye to what was their home for two weeks. Inside, they left a stack of cash as a tip for the house cleaner. After all, what would they do with five hundred American dollars in Equestria?

“Twilight, did you triple check to make sure nothing got left behind?” Rick asked, knowing the answer in advance.

“Quadruple checked, thank you very much,” she said as if he had insulted her intelligence.

“Just wanted to be sure.” He smiled, hugged her and kissed her forehead. “Well, girls, is there anything else before we go home?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Nah.”

“Oh, um, no.”

“No, Darling.”

“Bark.”

“Terra says no.”

“Alright then. That just leaves me.” Rick walked up to Applejack, wrapped his arms around her and lifted her up by her cheeks before he planted a deep kiss on her lips. Gradually, one of his hands traveled up and around to grab hold of something softer. She didn’t seem to mind at all, seeing as her hands were already fairly well south of the border too. “Whoo, can’t do that with hooves!”

While Applejack was busy catching her breath, Rick couldn’t help but notice just how red the faces were on the other three women. The fidgeting knees were another common hint. They seemed to all want a turn. He happily obliged. Even Terra was allowed to give him a kiss.

“Man, I’m gonna miss being able to do that.” He flexed his hands once more, savoring the memory of the textures. “Okay, everyone load up, and I’ll send the message that we’re ready to come home.”

*****

After their vision returned, the five humans looked around and saw that they were indeed home, Ponyville. As soon as their hearing came back, they heard the party in full swing already. Through the windows, they saw all their friends, including but not limited to, Big Mac and Cheerilee, who seemed to be very close, Rainbow Dash, Shining Armor, Princess Cadence, Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna.

“Come on girls, we don’t want to keep them all waiting.”

As soon as they climbed out of the cab, they were bombarded by animals. Paul to Rick, Angle to Fluttershy, and so on. After the wave of fur, they were surrounded by ponies. Rick had gotten used to waist-high friends, but they girls only had a week to get used to it before they left for Earth, and now they were a little uneasy. Applejack wasn’t used to looking down on Big Mac.

“RICK!” The call of the Crusaders caught his attention over the rest of the crowd. He also heard something else, but he couldn’t place it. It sounded like someone calling a long sustained ‘eeeeee…’. He turned and saw the Crusaders galloping up to him. He leaned down and scooped up all three of the tiny fillies.

“Girls! I’m so happy to see you again.” He placed Sweetie on his head and, with one in each hand, raised the other two high above his head. He brought them back to his chest, though Sweetie kept her place of honor. “You girls didn’t get into any trouble while we were gone did you?” The shameful silence was the only response he needed. The ‘eee..’ noise was louder, but now Rick recognized it.

He smiled widely, “Rainbow, catch!” He threw Scootaloo straight up were she was deftly caught by Rainbow Dash, giggling the whole time. Then he tossed his sister in-laws to their respective blood sisters, also giggling. Then he spun on one heel, spread his arms, and braced himself for the cannonball heading right for him. “PINKIE!” He wrapped his arms around her as soon as she slammed into him.

He opened his arms again, but she remained clamped around his chest. It was far too sweet and touching to complain about. She was laughing with that infectious laugh of hers as he walked around the party. It was great to be back.

The party had been going on for a few hours now, when the humans were approached by a certain white alicorn. “Well, things have started to calm down here. How about we continue this little festival at your new home?” Celestia asked to the gathered Rhinestone family. “Besides, I must speak with you of a private subject.”

It was agreed to be a good idea. Besides, most of the townsponies who weren’t close to the family had already gone about their daily business. Some of the treats and snacks were loaded into the truck’s back seat. Rick drove while Celestia and Luna led the way with the four human women walking alongside talking about their trip.

When they rounded the corner, Rick was awestruck. It was a miniature mansion. There was a beautiful garden that bordered the red brick walkway and wrapped around the house itself. Several chimneys dotted the roof indicating multiple fireplaces. There was a wrap-around porch complete with magical hot tub. There was even a two-car garage, which he pulled into.

He walked inside, and there it was, his man chair. He was about to flop into it when it was unceremoniously taken by the sun princess. Rick opened his mouth to complain, but caught himself. This mare not only ran the country, but also the daytime sky and she was the one who had this house built. Though, she did seem to be enjoying the act of taking his seat from him.

He settled the sofa. The upside was that he now got to be surrounded by his wives. He handed out the souvenirs to their intended recipients. Pinkie finally let go Rick’s ribcage when he handed her the boxes of taffy, rock candy and brittle. Her place was taken by Applejack. Then came the photos. Much to his surprise, there were more than one picture of Rick’s bare backside.

“Celestia, I can’t thank you enough for this new home. It’s gorgeous.” He was desperate to draw attention away from the butt pictures.

“Oh, think nothing of it. With all that you and the elements have done for everypony here, it’s the least I could do. There is plenty of space for everypony to have their privacy, a very large bed, oh, and nursery.” The family all looked at each other, except Applejack, she was staring at Celestia with very wide eyes. “Oh, you know, for down the road.”

“Wow, thank you so much, Princess.”

“Don’t mention it,” she smiled almost evilly, “though you will have to have a house guest for a time.”

“Pardon me, Princess, but whom and why?” Rarity asked nervously

“Luna, she will be your guest.” The Rhinestones looked to Luna who was mouthing ‘I am sorry’. “You see, thanks to your little ‘gift’ to her that you suggested she share with me, my bed chambers are being rebuilt at the moment.” Rick looked out the window that looked upon Canterlot Castle. Sure enough, one of the towers was missing. “Turns out, moonshine is a little too much for ponies. Even an old mare such as myself was no match for the fermented beverage.”

“Well, if you want, I have more,” Rick sneered.

“No, thank you. Besides, I must be returning to Canterlot now. I am happy to see you all again and I hope to see you again in the near future.” She stood and started for the door. She stopped and looked over her shoulder, “oh, and leave the moonshine behind.”

After the light of the teleportation spell died down, Luna spoke up, “I apologize for this intrusion. It was not my choice, but Sister said this would be the safest place in Equestria for me to stay while she is ‘borrowing’ my chambers.”

“Please, Luna, you are one of my dearest friends and, as such, you are always welcome in our home,” Rick comforted the dream princess.

“Of course,” Twilight agreed, along with everyone else in the room, “as far as we’re concerned, you and Celestia are family.”

“Thank you all, so very much,” Luna was near tears at the sentiment. Ponyville had accepted her as a friend to ponykind and paid homage to her as a princess of the land. But not everywhere was Ponyville.

“Hey now, no tears.” Rick walked over and hugged her tight. “Now, you’ve got a moon to raise, and we’ve got a bed to make up for you. We’ll sleep down here in the living room. That way, you can have your privacy and we can be where when Pinkie and Dash wake up.

Pinkie had lapsed into a sugar coma and Rainbow had fallen asleep while reading a book on stunt flying teams. It did kind of surprise them that Dash didn’t go straight for the Indiana Jones novels.

“Alright, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m ready for bed. Traversing dimensions really takes it out of you.”

*****

Eighteen months later, it was time to trim the tree for Hearth’s Warming. The last year and a half had been amazing. There had been puppies and a vet visit for Paul. Rarity’s Earth based clothing line had been a huge success. The preventatives had made enough money, thanks to Filthy Rich, had made enough money to support Fluttershy’s animal shelter solely for years to come and had enough left over for a new playground for the school. Twilight published several books on Earth, complete with photos and personal accounts. And Applejack had a big day herself just a few weeks before their anniversary.

They were hanging up the ornaments and talking about all the fun they had when they had been on Earth and purchased them. They were all unique in Equestria. For example, nopony else had a picture frame that was surrounded by the Elements of Harmony. Also, Applejack had the only ornament in the world that read ‘BABY’S FIRST CHRISTMAS’.

The birth of young Toffee Apple was celebrated throughout Equestria, Even all the way out in Appleloosa. It wasn’t long before the little filly had a couple siblings. It’s not often a family can actually say they lived happily ever after, but they did.

That doesn’t mean there weren’t hard times. Even after the Elements themselves returned to their place of origin, the Tree of Harmony, they were still called upon to save Equestria. Thanks to Rick, they rarely saw harm. Rick saw to it that the family knew happiness. And they did, for as long as they lived.

The End