Chapters It was a mighty peaceful day in Ponyville, as many days before. The sky was a magnificent cadmium blue, the clouds were ever so white, and the ground was a picture perfect green and brown. Everything seemed so alive and yet so calm and soothing. Everypony was placed to their customary duties. The Earth Ponies were either setting up shop or in their fields attending their plants. The Unicorns were practicing magic and placing a potion or two up for sale, and The Pegasus's were zooming through the sky, checking whether the weather is on schedule.
It was the end of the school day and all the fillies or colts rushed out after a long day in the classroom. But they weren't all ponies. One of them was a human. His name was Cory Agees, and though abnormal as he looked among the other residents, he was not looked upon as an outcast, but rather an intriguing specimen among ponyfolk. The reason being was that newly appointed princess and resident Twilight Sparkle had visited his world once, and ever since then, everypony had been dying to know about his species, where he came from and what humans are into.
But alas, his past was not the happy type. He was abandoned by his parents, lived an solitary existence in an orphanage, went to a harsh, disciplinary school, was bullied almost constantly, and had his friends taken away from him. One morning, as he decided to give this life one last chance, he was caught by the principal in bruises and rags. As he was dragged down the hallway, he tugged his arm free and ran out of the school. As he wandered aimlessly across town, he came towards a shack he and his five other friends used to hang out in. But when he stepped inside, he tripped and fell through a portal on the back wall. Before he knew it, he found himself in Equestria, where he became a stable colt at Sweet Apple Acres and a chauffeur to the owner of Carousel Boutique. In addition, he found a very unique talent of his, which included finding any discarded object or material, and turning it into a work of art. But he still hesitated in talking about his shady past to his new four legged brethren, for fear he would be looked down upon. But after a bit of encouragement from the Princess of the Night, he mustered up the courage and told about what he went through, the skills he lacked in, how he was picked on for it, and how he got here. Upon hearing this, his new 6 friends agreed to help guide him with what he needed help on.
Twilight would help him with Math, Science, Reading and Writing.
Rainbow Dash would be his new fitness trainer and self defense coach.
Applejack would give him a home, food and a place to sleep.
Rarity would give him clothing, a job and a more respectable position.
Pinkie Pie would cheer him up and keep him busy when he felt down.
And Fluttershy would hospitalize him the next time he was injured or sick.
Cory, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie got front row seats to a Wonderbolt Show the other day. Oh, how spectacular it was as he watched the three of them zoom across the sky, doing various tricks and turns only a Pegusi could dream of accomplishing. After the show, the Wonderbolts asked if they could meet Cory. Though he was a little uncomfortable with the three of them examining his body and looking at his hands all the time, he still managed to talk to them about such things as a T.V., a computer, a phone, and a copying machine.
Now it was monday. The subject in class dealt with equations, a topic Cory always struggled with. But what was he to worry about, he had an after school teacher to guide him through tough subjects. As he approached her castle, he noticed how it differentiated from the other architecture surrounding it. He couldn't quite figure out if whether he was looking at a surreal castle, or the most elaborate treehouse ever imagined. Regardless, it looked like quite a welcoming place. So Cory approached it, and after a deep sigh he knocked on the door. It was Twilight who answered it.
"Oh, hi Cory." She said. "You're right on time."
While escorting him to her upstairs studies, he noticed how the walls of the main entrance were surrounded by books of every genre and subject. The shelves of which they were placed on seemed to go on forever and forever, as if they were reaching towards the sky. He would need a ladder about 50 feet high to reach for one of them.
"Just find a place to sit and we'll get started." She said.
As he looked around he noticed how her room was almost as welcoming as the library downstairs. Bookshelves filled almost every nook and cranny of the walls. On the top left ledge was what was clearly her bed and window, and to his right was a neatly placed desk with a few blank papers, quills and ink jars carefully arranged by their size. On another desk were a few letters Twilight wrote. They were all addressed to Princess Celestia.
"You've been writing to the princess about me?" He asked as he looked at the letters.
"Almost every day." Said Twilight as she searched for notebook and pencil for him "She's really, really eager to meet you sometime."
On a few dressers and cupboards there were pictures of Twilight and her friends, a somewhat royal wedding, her coronation and other fun parties and events from her pre alicorn years. But the images that intrigued him the most were ones of what appeared to be the Mane 6 in human form that were placed on a shelf over the fireplace. He walked towards these photos and took a closer look. It looked like these human friends were attending a fall formal of sort and they somehow sprouted wings, a tail and pony like ears.
"Is that you?" asked Cory as he pointed to the pictures.
"EEyup!" Chuckled Twilight. "That's me as a human."
"Boy what a crazy adventure that was huh?." Asked spike as he approached approached the room and set down a few unwritten scrolls. "And luckily, no side affects. Although, I sometimes get an occasional crave for dog biscuits." He then promptly reached for a box of them and slammed a few down his mouth. Twilight chuckled at this as she searched for a few supplies.
Meanwhile, Cory's eyes were still fixed on a particular group photo of the human mane 6. To the right of the picture was a familiar face. At first he couldn't quite put his finger on who it was, but then he knew. It was the girl who picked up his pencil for him the day he saw Twilights Rainbow Cyclone.
"Cory, would you like a snack while we.." Said Twilight. But Cory's eyes were still fixed on the picture. "You alright?" she asked.
"Oh I'm fine." Said Cory as she gained his attention back. "I just thought I saw something here." Then he promptly put the picture back on the shelf. Twilight made a puzzled look, but in the end decided to brush it off.
"So, lets see what Miss Cheerilee assigned you today shall we?" She asked as she looked into his backpack and studied the homework assignment.
"Aha," she said "Mathematical formulas: just one of my many specialties."
Then she grabbed a nearby chalkboard from nearby while Spike scoched a desk from behind to which Cory promptly took a seak. Twilight cleared her throat and with the levitation of a piece of chalk and a blank piece of paper ready for Cory to write on, she began her first lecture:
"There are two parts to solving equations:" Said Twilight. "Undoing what has been done to our variable, and doing the same thing to both sides of the equation."
Cory raised his hand.
"Yes Cory?" Asked Twilight
"What's a variable again?" Asked Cory
"Good Question: A variable is a letter that represents a number in an equation that's either not fully specified or unknown, and by solving out equations we can figure out exactly what it is. Now, In a visual aspect, we can look at an equation as a see saw that is perfectly balanced. We want to keep it that way by making the equation the same on both sides. This means if I were to remove something from one side of the equation, I would have to do the same thing on the other. This process is the same for adding something on either side as well. Now lets take a look at 4 different examples I've drawn on the chalkboard:"
As Twilight continued on with her lecture, Cory noticed something he had never witnessed before. He found the subject matter engaging. He couldn't quite figure out why. Maybe it's because Twilight was using magic to make it more engaging, or maybe she was inflecting and emphasizing on what was important to know with exuberant energy. Perhaps it was both. But whatever the reason may have been, Cory was attentively writing in his notebook, listening to every word she was saying, though it was hard to comprehend with what she was talking about. Regardless, it was a very pleasant private class he was taking, and he couldn't have been more satisfied.
"So, you wanna learn some self defense huh?" Asked Rainbow Dash after demonstrating a few moves.
"Mmm Hmm." Cory responded.
"You've come to the right pony. After all, what better than to put some Tae Kwon Dash into your routine."
It was now later in the day. Cory had now found himself in a vast field in the middle of Ponyville. Rainbow Dash had sported herself a coaches hat and whistle while Cory donned a workout t-shirt and sweatpants to which Dash supplied him for his first day of training. Though a bit much, he was still eager to get into shape.
"So let's start off with a few cardio warm ups." Said Rainbow Dash. "I'm gonna start ya off easy with a track and field that involves climbing up a hill and I'll see how fast you can go. Got it?"
Cory nodded
And with the blow of her whistle Cory was on his feet running. But it wasn't long before he ran short of breath. He couldn't understand it. Last time he ran he was perfectly fine. Maybe it's because he was running from something. Like a threat. Only then did he run faster than ever before. Rainbow Dash flew over to him to see if he was OK.
"Uh...Maybe we should try something simpler." She said. Then she picked him up by his arms and flew him over to a flat track field.
"This seems much more easy." She said as she gently dropped him to the ground. " All ya gotta do is run 10 laps around this track and I'll time you. All right?"
Cory nodded. Rainbow blew her whistle and off he went. This was much more easy since he was on flat terrain. Though he had to walk to catch his breath a couple of times, he managed to get back on it and started running again. As he kept going, he saw Rainbow Dash flying by his side, yelling. But not as in "not good enough" or "faster" yelling, but in a more cheering, pep talk, "you can do it" yelling. He heard things like "Cmon you can do it" or "You're almost there" "You're doin great kid." He never had this kind of treatment from a coach before. This athletic Pegasus was encouraging him and even commending him rather than just criticizing like his old coach. For the first time ever, he was able to run a whole 10 laps without falling down exhausted. Mostly this was because of the optimistic environment he was placed in. As he finished his final lap and slowed down to catch his breath, he looked in pride at what he'd just done. Rainbow Dash came over and gave him a high hoof.
"So, ready to learn some self defense?" she asked
Cory nodded
"Great!" She blew her whistle "Derpy!!!" she shouted
Down from the sky came what looked like a grey cross eyed Pegasus with a yellow mane and bubbles for a cutie mark. She crash landed on the ground with a painful sounding thud, though she got up with a dopey smile on her face.
"Uh, nice..landing..." Said Rainbow Dash, then gained her attention back to Cory.
"This is my practice dumm..I mean, Assistant Derpy. She's going to help me demonstrate ways to defend yourself in combat. Let's pretend we're in scenario you described to me. Derpy, try to attack me."
Derpy clumsily ran towards her as if to attack her. But Rainbow Dash dodged her as she fell into a nearby pile of mud.
"See what I did back there?"asked Rainbow Dash.
Cory shrugged.
"Exactly! One of the key things to making your enemy look like a fool is to take their strength and use it against them." Exhibit A:"
She pointed to Derpy in the mud as Derpy made a sheepish grin.
"Now, when your enemy grabs you by the forearm," She winked at Derpy as she flew up to her and grabbed her foreleg. "all you do is wrap your arm around theirs, smack your palm into their face, and kick em in the stomach, cause that's a body part they're not focusing."
Derpy gulped as Rainbow Dash did just that.
"But when he or she grabs you from the back." To which Derpy promptly did.
"Use your arm nearest to theirs and elbow plant it in the chest." Derpy gulped
"From there, face plant them with your palm, trip them to the ground, and break their arm with your elbow." and Rainbow dash did all that to Derpy, except of course the arm breaking part.
"And when someone plows you to the wall or the floor with their legs, Just say two words: HEADS UP!!!" Rainbow Dash then headbutted Derpy causing her to spiral out of control towards the ground, making a small crater in the earth.
"Alright Derpy." She said as she flew towards her. "You're good for today." Derpy then gleefully flew away, as if to escape the agony.
"But remember, same time tomorrow." She shouted as Derpy zoomed off cautiously.
"So you ready to give these moves a try?"
Cory gulped as she asked that.
"Maybe a little practice will get you in the swing of things. Now lets see how many push ups you can do." Then with the blow of her whistle he started the exercise.
Though he tried with all his might to do at least one, it was no use as he collapsed from exhaustion. So he tried again, and again, and yet again. Finally, after several tries, he managed to do three full push ups. Then he fell down face first in the earth. He never felt so pathetic and doughy before in so long as wheezed for his breath . But strangely, Rainbow Dash wasn't mad at him. In fact, she was congratulating him for his small progress.
"Alright, good job today Cory." She said as she picked him up. "I think we got a lot covered. Why don't you go back and practice those moves and we'll pick this up same time tomorrow. Sound good?"
Cory thought for a moment and nodded.
"Great job today Cory!" She commented.
As she gave him a high hoof, he realized he had something he hadn't had in a long time: A supporting team. Though not the most conventional team, it was still supportive all the same. And for that, as we walked back to Sweet Apple Acres,he was truly grateful.
"Alright now that we've covered some basics of grammatical error, lets put your new skill to the test." Said Twilight. "I'm going to pretend to write a simple letter to the princess and intentionally make errors to my spelling and grammar, and all you need to do is find out what I did wrong. Sound simple enough?"
A week had now gone by since Cory began his studies with Twilight and his training with Rainbow Dash. But yet, none of his basic skills seemed to improve. He was still struggling to figure how to make out even the simplest problems. It was like trying to solve Quantum and Astrophysics at the same time. His writing skills were also poor, a disadvantage he felt ashamed about. It seemed impossible for him to write down a single sentence without making at least 3 or 4 mistakes. But nonetheless, Twilight and her friends cheered him on for his perseverance with words like: "Good Job," "Great Effort," "You can do it." As he stared at the unchecked scroll, Twilight walked over to him.
"Don't worry Cory." She said as she rubbed him on the back with her hoof. "It's only the first week. I struggled to achieve some my own personal spells for an average three months."
At that moment, a knock was heard downstairs.
"Keep working Cory." She said "I'm gonna see who it is. Oh, and if you're in doubt, remember this mantra: I before E, except after C."
Cory gulped and proceeded with his shaky editing as Twilight trotted down stairs.
She opened the door. It was Mayor Mare on her weekly outing. With her snout rimmed bifocal glasses and her frizzy styled mane, you could've sworn she auditioned as an extra in GREASE or HAIRSPRAY.
"Oh hi Mayor Mare, what brings you here?" Asked Twilight.
"Salutations, Princess Twilight." proclaimed Mayor Mare "I've heard you are a new teacher to somepony, or should I say somebody with a unique talent of yours and was wondering if you'd like to introduce me to him."
"Why certainly Mayor. We were just in the middle of studies and I needed a little break myself."
She escorted her upstairs to where Cory was still struggling as to what to do to fix Twilights letter
"Cory. Can you come here for a second?"
He placed his pencil and walked over to her.
"This is Mayor Mare, the mayor of Ponyville, she's..."
"I'm so sorry, I really didn't do anything wrong, please don't..." Said Cory panically
"Cory." Said Twilight sternly "You don't have to be all panicky anymore. You're among ponies you can trust."
"Sorry." Said Cory solemnly as he pulled himself together.
"Apologies Mayor Mare, he hasn't had the happiest of childhoods and I'm doing the best I can to give him a better life." Said Twilight.
"No problem." Said Mayor Mare. "I've come here to actually ask Cory for a favor."
"What's that?" Asked Cory.
"I have heard about your excellent craftsman skills and was wondering if you'd like to construct a mural for the interior of our town hall."
"It be a great opportunity for you to practice on those measuring techniques I taught you the other day." Said Twilight
"Ok." Said cory with a solemn sigh.
"Great, let me escort him to town hall." Said Mayor Mare.
And with that, the three of them were on their way.
Ponyville town hall was like a Gazebo on steroids. With it's grandiose size and valentines day color scheme, it was no surprise this building was part of the pride and glory of the town. The interior was no less complimentary. it almost had the Gothic style of a chapel. Every spire, flag mast and pole fit for a Sunday mass. Surrounding them were marble walls shrouded by white, blank tapestries as if ready to painted on. At the bottom of each section of floor were silk smocks laid out with dozens of paint and brushes awaiting to be used. Next to them were basic tools needed for measuring and graphing, a subject Cory was still learning the fundamentals of.
"Allright Cory," Said Mayor Mare "The task in which I've bestowed onto you is to paint a series of abstract murals that symbolize what Ponyville means to you. It can be happiness, loyalty, a landscape of the town, a historical moment or a simple scene dealing with friendship. I've set out a few art books for inspiration to get you started. I'll leave you to it."
As the mayor left the scene, Twilight gave him a smock and pointed towards the measuring items on the floor.
"So, do you remember what we covered?" asked Twilight.
"I think so." Said Cory worriedly as he picked up the ruler and protractor. "First, you convert everything to the same units of measure..."
"Right.." Said Twilight
"So If I want to get inspired by something in one of the books," He continued slowly, "I'll have to see how many Feet they are..."
"Good. And Remember." Continued Twilight "Their measurement is always laid out at the bottom of each picture.
Cory skimmed through the pages of one of the books and came across a few paintings that caught his eye. They looked like a combination between a Chagall and Gauguin artwork. This collection of pictures included a family of Pegasus's flying over a town, a landscape of early Ponyville, the first settlers, a group of friends playing together, etc. He looked at the bottom of each picture and saw their actual height measurement. Then, he took out a piece of paper from the ground and divided the inches by 12. This was incredibly hard for him, but not as hard as it used to be. Next he took the ruler and started measuring the tapestries, though they we're obviously too high for him to do such.
"Um, actually," Said Twilight. "Let me help you on this one."
Then she lifted him up with her hooves and slowly flew him to the top of each of the blank canvases as he carried out the measurements. He then wrote down the calculations in a notebook in his pocket as Twilight gently flew him to the floor .
"So, since all the blank canvases are basically the same size, all I have to do is try to make the actual size of the chosen painting equalize the size of the canvas."
"Now you're getting it!" Said Twilight.
Next Cory converted the inches of the painting's actual size into feet and compared it to the blank canvases, to which at that time, with Twilight's flying assistance, he drew with the protractor circles as to where the figures in the painting would be.
"And now, all that needs to be done", Said Cory cautiously, "is to make the paintings fit the measurement of the canvas."
Finally, he carefully calculated the square feet of the paintings, and added the feet needed to have them equalize that of his new masterpiece.
"Is that right?" he asked.
"Yes! well done." complimented Twilight as she gave him a high hoof. "See, you're not bad at math. You just needed guidance from a good friend."
Cory's cheeks blushed as she said this.
"So, do you know what theme you want to do."
Cory looked at his inspirations and nodded.
"Great." Replied Twilight "I'll just step aside and leave you to it. There's a ladder over at the edge of room and I'll be here to catch you in case you fall."
"Thanks." he replied.
And with that, Cory took out a box of charcoal and began to sketch onto the murals whatever came into his mind. At first, he painted a few abstract shapes and colors, almost resembling a Kandinsky artwork. Next applied a few shades and textures with the assistance of a paint sponge. Soon, as he progressed, the series of murals became more and more figurative. Eventually, he laid out the buckets of paint and started covering the space within the charcoal outlines based on their shadings. As his series of paintings began to take form, the rotunda within Ponyville hall grew from an empty ballroom into a work of art. As he was balancing on the ladder putting on the last finishing touches to the last canvas on the end, Cory slipped and fell. Luckily,Twilight flew in and caught him just in time.
"Easy Cory, I got you." She said as she landed him softly to the floor.
"My goodness!" Said Mayor Mare who entered the room. "Th..This is the most amazing series of paintings I have ever seen."
Indeed they were. Every wall was a multicolored tapestry visually chronicling the history of Ponyville and what it meant to be one of its residents. Among them was a Thomas Hart Benton styled mural of a young Granny Smith standing alongside the first settlers of Ponyville. It portrayed them gazing at a vast land of what would eventually become the town everypony became familiar with. Another was a Chagall-esque painting of a pony family playing in the park and doing various activities. What made them distinct was they were Earth ponies who fathered a Unicorn and a Pegasus, representing the rich diversity the town had to offer.
"Princess Twilight." Continued Mayor Mare. "Your human student truly captures the essence of what Ponyville means to its citizens. Would you mind if we gave him a medal of his various contributions to our town?"
"Well Mayor Mare." Chuckled Twilight. "I think that's for the artist to decide."
Cory was stunned to hear this. No one had ever given him an award before. In fact, he would be surprised if anyone congratulated him for something. But then again, he was in a world different from his own, and he had new friends that supported him every step of the way. So, without even thinking he nodded in approval. The Mayor gleefully rushed towards a nearby room and presented him with an open box. inside it was a golden, sparkling medal that read "HONORARY PONY" engulfed by circling figures of what appeared to be a Pegasus, Unicorn, and an Earth Pony. Cory took a moment to look at it and saw his reflection in the medals golden tint. For a fleeting moment, he could've sworn he saw a Pony instead of a human. Then, as he looked back up, he found himself surrounded by many other members of the mayor's working cabinet clapping with their hooves. In front of him was a podium with a microphone for him to speak on. Cory gulped at the sight of this, since he was terrible at giving speeches.
"Well don't just stand there." Said Twilight. "Go up and say something."
At first, he shuddered back. But then Twilight magically levitated him off the ground and onto the podium. There he was, surrounded by prominent members of Ponyville government. What was he to say? What was he to do? He was just standing there, with no clue as to how to introduce himself. Soon, he started to hear murmuring amongst the crowd, and saw a worried look from Twilight. Might as well get this over with he thought to himself.
He slowly approached the Mic with the medal clutched into his hand. He opened his mouth as leaned towards the audience and started to speak. But it was more like muttering and stuttering instead of words.
"I...I...I'm really.....touched" He stammered "...T...t...get th..get this...this...this...award..." But he was too stage frightened. And on top of that, he couldn't think of the right words to come out of his mouth.
Finally tears started to stream down his eyes. He knew in his mind that if he stayed up there any longer, everypony would laugh at him. So he left the podium and marched out of the door. He never felt so embarrassed in all his life.
Over the next 10 days, Cory struggled and struggled to improve on his writing and math skills. Though he hardly made any progress, the learning environment was an infinite times better than anywhere else. It's just that it seemed as though there was a wall in front of him. A barrier as to how he could get from a beginner into an expert. There was so much he wanted to say, but he just didn't know how to say it.
Another problem was his patience, which was running thin since he wasn't getting anywhere. He was even beginning to see a pinch of frustration in Twilight's eyes. He noticed her messaging her forehead with her hoof whenever he got a problem wrong after multiple tries, or stopping to get a water break every time she graded his paper. But strangely, when Cory asked her if something was wrong, she assured him it's nothing to worry about and that all teachers go through these ordeals. And yet, he just couldn't shake off the guilt of laying this burden on her. In some way, he loathed himself for doing that to her.
He even sensed a bit of tension in Rainbow Dash during his training sessions. Though he significantly improved in Track and Field as well as basic exercises, it was still the self defense moves that got him the most. Though he practiced his moves day and night on the fields of Sweet Apple Acres, he just couldn't seem to put them into use. It wasn't that he didn't know how, He just didn't know the proper time to use them. But regardless, she cheered him on, and like Twilight, said that every coach goes through these tough times. To help keep his spirits up, Applejack and her family continued to make his stable colt tasks feel like fun games, and always gave him long, decent breaks everytime he felt like he was about to tucker out. This was followed with a pat on the back and a complement or two.
On top of it, Cory was receiving countless requests from all over Equestria via mail. From small communities like Appleloosa and Dodge Junction, to Metropolitan cities like Manehattan and Las Pegasus, ponies from all over were demanding a piece of Cory's exquisite style. Usually he'd be exchanging these works of his during his chauffeuring of Rarity. These times where he'd be assisting this unicorn we're the best moment of his day for him to collect his thoughts, think of a new idea and at least try to memorize what Twilight taught him through his notes. But strangely, Rarity didn't seem to mind Cory talking to himself. In fact she seemed to enjoy her employment of the only human in Equestria as they traveled from town to town to pick up supplies and drop off commissioned artwork. Many times a few Ponyfolk would stop by just to look at his physical stature and ask if he could demonstrate his talent, which made him extremely uncomfortable.
To help keep his spirits up, Applejack and her family continued to make his jobs on the farm fun and engaging, and always gave him long, decent breaks every time he felt like he was about to tucker out, even providing him as well as each other 3 square, hearty meals, which were enough to fill even the emptiest of stomachs. Day by day, he started to fell more and more like part of the family, there were even multiple times where Applebloom would call Cory 'brother', much to his shock. Still, he couldn't seem to shake off the unneeded guilt he felt he was bestowing on Twilight and Rainbow Dash.
One day, while in the middle of Twilight's studies, he had finally a reached a breaking point of frustration and turmoil. It was the middle of the afternoon and Twilight had assigned him to write a small one and a half page essay that described his recent trip with Rarity at Dodge Junction. This was an especially agonizing day, since he had just got back from school after failing to solve a few mathematical equations. But he tried to leave it in the back of his head as he started to clumsily write down whatever memories from his travels popped into his head. He scribbled with this and he jotted with that, until he finally managed to fill the whole paper. He handed over the paper to Twilight for her to grade it while he slumped back into the corner of the room and looked blankly outside the window.
After a few minutes of intense examination, she gave the paper back to him. All over were red markings indicating spelling errors, grammatical miscalculations, glitches in punctuation, and inconsistency in sentence structure. Once again, Cory had failed to write a decent paper.
That was the last straw. Cory's patience within himself had come to an end. He tore the paper into bits and threw the pencils against the wall.
"WHY CAN'T I GET IT RIIIIIIGHT?!!!" He screamed as he banged his fists on the desk.
Then, to Twilights horror, he started violently slapping himself against his forehead and punching himself wherever he could reach.
"STUPID!! STUPID!!! STUPID!!!" he kept yelling to himself. He couldn't see why this was wrong. back in his old school, it was strongly encouraged to beat yourself up for getting a problem wrong.
Twilight immediately flew forward and unleashed a spell that made Cory stop moving, despite the fact he was still screaming. Then, she magically flew him towards her and firmly, but not harshly slapped him across the cheek. She grabbed him by the face with her hooves and gave him a disappointing look. If looks could kill for Twilight, this would have been the moment.
"Never...Do...That...Again." Twilight said firmly after a long pause. "Look At Me!.... Don't you ever hit yourself, slap yourself, kick, punch, smack, jab or bash yourself in the face ever again. Understand!?"
Cory nodded right away with a very surprised look.
"Alright." She breathed in a sigh of exhaustion as she let him go. "I need to lie down."
Then she flew over to her bedside.
"I'm sorry I did poorly on the paper." Said Cory solemnly from below after an hour of cooling down.
"I'm not upset at you because of that." Said Twilight "Your problem is how you handle mistakes. What you need is a way to tone down the stress level in your head."
"How do I do that?" asked Cory.
"I think I might know somepony...or zebra who can help."
Cory rode on Twilights back with his hands tightly clenched onto her mane as the two flew over the vast thickness of the Everfree Forest. On this particular day, the mysterious habitat seemed to convey more welcoming territory. With its lush vegetation and enigmatic variety of trees, the aerial view made it almost a duplicate to the amazon. The two searched until they found an opening of the forest floor where Twilight softly landed on.
"Now before we meet Zecora, are you able to remember where you were the first time you came into this world?" Asked Twilight as Cory hopped off her back.
"Why do you ask?" asked Cory
"I might need to know in case...well...it doesn't really matter, yet. Could you just tell me where it was?"
Cory thought really hard as to how he got here. It was hard to pinpoint the exact location where he first landed in Equestria, what with the dense forestry and almost un-transparent fog. But if there was one thing he was actually good at, it was photographic memory.
"There." he said as he pointed in the direction.
In front of them was a large, smooth stone slab covered in discolored moss and twisted vines. Twilight approached it and using her magic, removed the unnecessary greenery for closer examination. Then, she levitated a thick piece of wood off the ground and mended it to make it look like a boomerang. She flung it towards the slab, and to her surprise, it went right through the solid material, as if it were nothing. A few seconds later it flew back out and landed softly on the forest floor.
"Amazing." she told herself. Then she turned to her left and saw a flickering light through the vines.
"Oh, and what luck." She said. "It's right next to Zecora's hut."
Twilight opened the vines like theater curtains to reveal what looked like an African equivalent of Twilights home. The design and decor made it look like Yoda's house and Rafiki's canopy if the two decided to live together. With it's curved trunk and twisted branches, it seemed like a perfect fit for the African savannah. Surrounding it were tribal masks and medicinal bottles hanging by rope, indicating the resident was possibly a witch doctor of some sort. The two slowly approached the door as Twilight gave it a knock. The door opened to reveal a rather attractive zebra with a mohawk for a mane. She sported a set of two large golden earrings as well as a row of rings wrapped around her neck and right foreleg. This accessory seemed to compliment her stripe pattern which looked like black, tribal paint rather than natural skin pigment.
"Ah, Twilight Sparkle." She said with a soothing chant. "What a pleasant surprise, and what is this creature before my eyes?"
"Hi Zecora." Responded Twilight. "This is Cory, he's a creature from a world I visited once. He's my private student, and..."
"A Human? My my. After all these years. The creature who walks on two legs reappears." Replied Zecora as she approached him for further examination.
"Wait! What do you mean by after all these years?" Asked Twilight.
"I'll tell you later. Now come in my hut, and perhaps I can help with what puts him in a rut."
The interior looked no less complimentary than the exterior. Surrounding the air was an intoxicating incense of various spices and herbs. It's sources obviously coming from the various racks that filled the walls, which contained an infinite assortment of bottles, jars, cups, cans, and other items containing medicinal elements. It gave him the feeling he was entering a shop in New Orleans. Though faint, he swore he could hear the music of The Lion King. But then again, it was probably his imagination.
Zecora fixed the two of them with cups of her special herbal tea. As he took a few gulps, he wondered how it was even tea. The flavor was more along the lines of silky hot chocolate mixed with fresh raspberry and apricot. Every sip filled him with a zen like energy as if he were becoming one with himself.
"Now tell us what bothers our bipedal friend, and perhaps there is something I can recommend." Said Zecora.
"Well," began Twilight as he scooted her to the corner of the room. "From what Cory tells us, he hasn't really had the happiest of childhoods."
So Twilight started telling her about his sad upbringing, how his parents abandoned him, how he was sexually harassed, how his friends were taken away from him, and how he struggled with his basic math, writing and athletic skills. A tear was seen falling down Zecora's cheek when Twilight finished, to which she promptly wiped it away with her hoof.
"His tale of woe upsets me so. It is so undeniably unfair, for a child to go through all that despair. " Said Zecora.
"And that's the reason why we came here." Said Twilight. "We were wondering if you could help Cory with his concentration skills so he can be better at his general studies."
Zecora thought for a moment. "Cory, may we see the marks on your back?"
Cory hesitated for a moment, then turned around and lifted his shirt.
"My, my. That is one nasty attack." she commented as she lightly touched the whip marks.
"I know the just the trick, that can get rid of those lashes quite quick."
She swiftly ran over to her brewing cauldron and mixed and few herbs and spices that filled the room with a sweet aroma. Then she mixed it together with her ladle until everything blended as one. Then she carefully poured the brew into a wooden tray and gently rubbed the mixture on her hooves.
"Please bend over so I can see closer." Zecora requested as she went over and touched her hooves on Cory's back.
He lied down on his stomach as she began to rub her remedy all over his lash marks.
"There is an old prose in my homeland which goes:Ujasiri si kupatikana kwa nini unaweza kufanya Pekee ambaye yeye anafanya hivyo kwa ajili hawezi kuvumilia dhoruba " She recited as she continued rubbing his back
"Huh?" asked Twilight and Cory with confused looks.
"It means, Courage is not achieved by what you can perform
The two were still puzzled as to what it meant. Then she lifted her hooves from his back and Cory walked over to a nearby mirror. To his surprise, the marks on his back were gone, as if it hardly been touched.
"Are you some kind of angel?" Asked Cory as he put his shirt back on.
Zecora chuckled. "I wish I had a bit for every time I'd find, a compliment like that from your humankind."
"Speaking of which," Twilight intervened, "What did you mean by seeing a human after all these years?"
Zecora walked over to her cauldron and dashed a few clay fragments into the bubbling brew. Then, before their eyes, a few shadowy figures appeared on the hut's ceiling.
"In my homeland, in days of yore." Zecora said "A creature roamed the grasslands on two legs, not four. Though forbidden it was to talk or employ, it was I, a young filly, who befriended their girls and boys."
As she continued with her story, the smoke figures moved along to her words, almost like a virtual storybook.
"As time went on, I became a secret teacher, educating each day this homo sapient creature. I taught them my ways and traded them my herbs, and, most importantly told them how to calm thier nerves. But just as fast as a hummingbird steers, all the humans one day, unexpectedly disappeared. Since then, I had become a nomadic vagabond, to ask myself where the humans had gone. Then I finally lost the will and settled in Ponyville. Then one morning, not long ago, as I was returning with my stash, I could have sworn I heard from nearby a muddy splash. I went over to see what it could be. It was an imprint of the back of a human body."
Then she clicked her heel and the smoke vanished into the cauldron.
"So, can you help him?" Asked Twilight.
Zecora nodded "I can teach your student how to ease his stress. For a steady mind and soul is the key to success."
A smile grew on Cory's face as Zecora led him to the back of her hut.
Meditation
Cory found himself in a more peaceful part of the Everfree Forest. He had taken off his shirt, had his body painted with tribal like symbols and sat in a meditative position in front of her. Surrounding the two of them were trees that seemed to reach to the sky, giving it a cathedral like feel. The smell in the air was clean and refreshing, as if god had breathed a bunch of mint flavored orbit gum. The forest floor was soft and cushiony since it was covered completely by thick moss. There were flowers and leaves that were almost as big as him, with colors almost impossible to describe. An incense filled the air akin to roman scented candles and newborn saplings There were the occasional falls of petals from one of the trees as they gently landed beside the two of them. It was the perfect place to meditate and calm ones thoughts.
"Now, it is important to know that no sound, din or fuss must interfere with your focus." Said Zecora to which Cory nodded back.
"Rid of doubt and clear your mind, and the answers you seek may not be far behind. First, Close your eyes, and breath deep, but try not to fall completely asleep."
So Cory closed his eyes and took a deep breath. At first, he didn't feel any different.
"Take deep breaths in, take deep breaths out, think only of the air that channels from your snout."
Eventually, he started to have an indescribable feeling, as if something was beginning to transform within his soul. Before long, Zecora began to sing perhaps the most beautiful chant he had ever heard:
As he breathed in, an imaginary presence tightened against his body easing him of any tension and shielding him against any incoming negative chakra. And as he breathed out, these unseen, unwanted forces oozed out of his flesh, cleansing him of the past. He had never felt so one with himself in all his life.
"Now that you're calm, let us proceed. Stand upright and follow my lead." Said Zecora after an hour or so.
Cory stood up fully energized as he prepared himself to mimic Zecora.
"So what are we doing now Zecora?" asked Cory with a confused look.
"It's a simple dance from your human elite, a age old rhythm called tai chi. See?"
Then, miraculously, Zecora stood upright on two legs, much to Cory's surprise. She placed herself in a lunge position and thrust her forelegs forward. Then she gave him the nod for Cory to copy the position, to which he promptly did. As he continued to mimic her movements, he felt a feeling of the removal of pressure against an unseen force, as if all his doubts and worries we're beginning to melt away. In addition he noticed how he and Zecora were commanding with their hands and hooves a group of petals that seemed to magically levitate off the ground and form a wave of color and light.
It was a spectacular moment not just visually, but spiritually. With the afternoon dew trickling against his flesh, the clean, unpolluted air flowing through his veins, and the soft earth pressing through his feet, he seemed fused with all the natural elements of the world. Every step of his feet, every curve of his hands, every stance of his limbs was almost in perfect balance with the forces of nature surrounding him.
"Fear not mistakes, welcome them as gifts, for they may be a beneficial shift." Said Zecora as she and Cory continued Tai Chi together.
"It is not how we deal with mistakes from past, but how we live now that makes our impressions last. I was not always the skilled one myself, For trial and error, did I understand oneself. We try, we fail, we fly and we fall, but through these mistakes, only then we stand tall.
Then she picked up her nearby staff, jumped in the air and did a hoof stand on the handle. Cory's eyes widened and his jaw dropped at this sight. Other than Pinkie Pie, he had never seen a creature so flexible and defiant of the laws of physics. As Zecora gently landed on all four hooves, she gave Cory a nod, to which Cory implied as a signal to demonstrate a martial arts like movement. He didn't know how, but for some reason, as he started to execute whatever random pose popped into his head, he felt a presence surging throughout his body. It was like an ancient being locked inside him was finally released ready to follow his command. Though he stumbled over a few times, he couldn't seem to stop. With every flick of his arms, every pivot of his legs. It felt calming, powerful, and surprising at the same time. He never thought he could do these moves before. He wasn't even thinking of doing it. It just happened automatically, like some instinctive power had kicked in thanks to this new found land he discovered.
"Now that you're calm, and your doubt is at rest, lets put a basic skill to the test." Said Zecora
Twilight came over and levitated a piece of paper and pen towards him. It was a math problem he always got stuck on. He remembered how Twilight taught him tricks as to how to remember these problems. Now, since all negative thoughts were in the back of his head and he could focus on the task at hand, he saw a clear image as to how it could be done. He laid his pencil on the paper and got started. First, he solved what was underneath the square root to figure out what it was. Then, he could solve the variable below the dash line by dividing and adding the numbers together. From there, all he had to do was divide the number on top by the number below. Finally, he finished the answer and encircled it around a bold oval.
Now came the moment of truth. As he handed over the paper to Twilight for her to grave, a sense of tension began to creep into his soul. Then after a few moments of examination, Twilight calmly put the paper down and stared at him.
"Did I do it?" he asked.
"Yes! Well done!" Twilight replied as she gave him a high hoof.
"I did it!! I Actually Did it!!" Cried Cory.
He jumped for joy and Hugged Twilight. He didn't care it was a small victory. He had never solved a complex math problem and got it right before. Now that he had, it all seemed so surreal.
"You see my human friend, a bit of confidence makes it worthwhile in the end." Commented Zecora.
Cory blushed as she said this.
"Lets go home Cory." Said Twilight as he hopped on her back. "I think there's a few writing games you will really enjoy."
"Thanks for everything Zecora. I'll meet you same time next week?" Asked Cory as he put his shirt back on.
Zecora nodded with approval. And with that, Cory and Twilight flew up into the sky and back to Ponyville. Cory took a sigh of relief and hugged Twilight by the neck.
"Thanks Mom...I mean Twilight." He said as he caught himself and let go of her. "I couldn't have done it without you."
Mom Twilight thought as a motherly smile grew across her face.
It was dusk over at Sweet Apple Acres. The Apple Family were making their last round of checking on the daily produce. But Cory seemed to be most active today. He was caught between practicing his new found math skills through organizing the zap apple jam jars by quantity size, and brainstorming as to what to write for an upcoming essay to which Miss Cherilee assigned in class. Now when it came to math, things started to go by more smoothly for him. He remembered his breathing and Tai Chi skills Zecora told him the other day as he calmed his thoughts and thought of nothing but the task at hand. Now that the day was ending, He rewarded himself by messaging his feet, drinking a cup of apple cider and admiring the view of the orchard from the barn house.
"Boy howdy, I never seen you work so hard in all your days on the farm." Commented Applejack.
"Um, thanks." Replied Cory as he hauled the last bit of cargo onto Big Macs wagon.
"Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen you so organized before."
"Well I'm just doing my job here on the farm."
"Hey Cory, Big Mac, Granny Smith and I are headin over to Dodge Junction to sell some produce and drop off one o yer creations. We'll only be gone till tomorrow but mind if ya hold the fort for the night and babysit Applebloom and her pals?" Asked Applejack.
Cory turned around to notice the CMC front and center.
"We can help ya with yer essay if ya want." commented Applebloom
"Besides, most of the time we can take care of ourselves." added Sweetie Belle
"Or if not, we'll make sure we wont distract you one bit." added Scootaloo "It'll be as if we weren't even here."
"Well I haven't really babysat anyone before, but I'll give it a shot." Said Cory.
As the sun made it's last red haze into sky before turning in for the night, Granny Smith, Big Mac and Applejack packed their things and carted off to the train station. Meanwhile the CMC were up in Applebloom's room planning one of their nightly crusader adventures. Cory was up in his sleeping quarters trying to come up with a subject for his essay. He paced around the room, fondled with a few art supplies, and practiced some of his self defense moves to get the jitter out of him. But he just couldn't seem to figure out what to write.
Might as well check on the girls Cory thought to himself after an hour or two of brainstorming.
He walked downstairs, peered into Appleblooms room and saw the CMC playing a little made up game of theirs. As he against the side of the door and watched them reenacting some imaginary adventure, a dreamy look befell across his face. He reminisced on the day those three fillies found him at the junkyard. It was the first time in so long anyone said hello to him. The first time in so long anyone gave him a warm welcome. The first time in so long that anyone accepted him as one of their own.
"Hi Cory." Squeaked Sweetie Belle upon noticing him "Wanna play with us?"
"That depends. What are you girls playing?" he asked as he entered the scene.
"Were playing creature catching." Replied Applebloom. "Sweetie Belle and I are playing the dashing knights and Scootaloo's the dangerous creature."
"But were kind of missing on a third hero. Sort of looks better that way." added Sweetie Belle. "Wanna join in?"
"Sure, why not?" Said Cory with a deep sigh.
As he sat in their little play circle, the CMC dressed him up in a heap of tinfoil armor, a silver coated plastic sword and a cardboard shield with the cutie mark crusader emblem. Then they placed him as well as themselves in a fighting position as if ready to take on a dangerous creature.
"RAWR, I am a dangerous creature from the Everfree forest, RAWR." Proclaimed Scootaloo as she put on a mask and cloak.
"Halt dangerous creature from the Everfree forest." Proclaimed Sweetie Belle "I am Sir Sweetie Belle the Dashing."
"I am sir Applebloom the pure." Proclaimed Applebloom.
The three then looked at Cory, waiting for him to say his line.
"Oh, and I am Sir Cory the.." Cory thought for a moment. "What's my name again?"
"Yer Sir Cory the Brave." Whispered Applebloom.
"...Sir Cory The Brave." He said out loud.
"And together we're...." Said Sweetie Belle.
"The Cutie Mark Crusader Creature Catchers." The three of them said together.
"And we're here to catch you." Said Sweetie Belle
"You can never get me." Said Scootaloo "I am far too powerful and dangerous."
"You cannot run from us." Said Applebloom.
"RAWR." Shouted Scootaloo.
Soon she chased the three of them out of the Bedroom and around the house. They ran up the stairs, through the hallways, into the kitchen and even outside on the front lawn. The game had changed into a simple yet exciting combination of hide n seek and tag as Cory could hear the sounds of giggling and clopping all around the barn. He hadn't had this amount of exhilaration in so long. What's more, he was surprised the CMC would give him a name like "Sir Cory The Brave."
Then, suddenly, he realized something. After a few minutes of being lost in imaginary land, he couldn't find the girls. Though he could hear sounds of laughter, he couldn't find a filly anywhere.
"Girls!?" Shouted Cory "Girls!! where are you?!
Cory frantically searched the entire barn, cellar included, but couldn't find a trace of them. What am I gonna do He thought to himself. Applejack and the others are gonna be back in the morning. How am I supposed to explain this to them? Alright. Get a hold of yourself. Just do your meditation and breathing, and you'll find them.
Then he sat down in meditative position and closed his eyes. He took a deep breath in and a deep breath out, to which he repeated according to Zecora's wishes. He thought of nothing but his breathing, and the occasional gust of wind blowing into the house. After a few minutes, he calmed himself down and continued his search. So if they're not in the barn he thought They must be somewhere in the orchard
So he promptly dashed outside and into the endless orchard of Apple Trees, each one thick and strong in their own design. Suddenly, he heard a few murmurs and giggles from a few yards away. He got closer and closer as the noise got louder. With his pretend sword in one hand and cardboard shield in the other, Cory crept in the greatest of ease. Soon he could see a large, bulky figure amongst the clutter of the vegetation. With one fell swoop, he pretended to stab the ominous object. Then, as he took a deep breath, he leaned over for a closer look. It was merely the makeshift creature costume Scootaloo was wearing.
"Aaaaa!! You found us!!" shouted a gleeful voice from up above.
The CMC landed on top of Cory from a nearby tree branch, hugging him and laughing at the same time. He let out a sigh of relief as he hugged back.
"Dont you ever to that to me again kids." Said Cory. "What are you even doing out here in the middle of the night?"
"We were wondering if you were strong enough to save us." Squeaked Sweeite Belle.
"Ya defeated the dangerous creature." Said Applebloom.
"I knew we were right to call you Sir Cory the brave." Said Scootaloo.
The CMC then thought for a moment and huddled up into a circle. After a few murmurs and mumbles they nodded in unison and turned their heads back to Cory.
"Cory. Would you like to be our first Cutie Mark scout master?" asked Applebloom.
"Scout master?" asked Cory with a look of shock on his face.
The CMC nodded in unison.
This was a really big responsibility being offered to Cory. Though he always wanted to be part of a team, he never really viewed himself as a leader. Now he was being asked to be some sort of a role model to three little fillies. Then he remembered how they were the first to welcome him to Ponyville, and how much life had in store for them. He also rememberd a quote Rainbow Dash told him a few days ago: Don't be afraid to try a new thing. Though it may not be your thing in the end, that thing'll make you learn a new and better thing about yourself. From remembering that quote, Cory nodded to Applebloom.
"Alright." Said Scootaloo. "Sweetie Belle? Care to do the honors?"
"With pleasure Scootaloo." Responded Sweetie Belle.
Before he knew it, Cory was escorted to a quaint little treehouse at the edge of Sweet Apple Acres. To his right was what looked like a roll call sheet, and too his left was what appeared to be a lunch table. Among the items found were a few wooden crates, paper, crayons, a lantern, windows with pink curtains and other items fit for a CMC clubhouse. As he sat down on the wooden floor, he saw in front of him Sweetie Belle in front of a podium with Applebloom and Scootaloo to her left and right. All three were wearing magenta scarves with an emblem of a yellow pony in the center of them. Sweetie Belle cleared her throat and picked up a piece of paper.
"We, the Cutie Mark Crusaders elect Cory Agees to join us as a counselor, friend, compadre, amigo, chum of chums, compedant, ally, leader, role model, bosom buddy...
"Uh, maybe you should get to the reason why we're here." Applebloom interrupted.
Sweetie Belle blushed, skipped a few pages and continued reading.
"For your bravery in defeating the dangerous creature from the Everfree Forest, by the power vested in us, we have voted you as our first Cutie Mark Scout Master."
Then, all three of them ran towards him and fashioned him with a golden coated scarf. On it was an emblem of a pony with a sword in one hoof and a shield in another. Then they all ran up to him and gave him a big group hug.
"Congratulations." Said Scootaloo
"Welcome to the club." Said Applebloom.
At that moment, Cory had an idea. He sprinted out of the clubhouse through the orchard, back into the barn and up to his bedroom. Then he sat down in his studying chair, took out a paper and pencil, put everything on his writing table and started to write. He jotted down how the CMC had so much youth and innocence in them, how they were always brave enough to try something new, how the call of adventure always helped them get up in the morning and start the day new and fresh. It was the perfect material needed for an essay. He kept writing and writing until his fingers were numb. Soon he orchestrated 3 pages worth of written material. At that moment he remembered from Twilight how important it was to proofread and edit your work. So he went back and, with the help of "The Art Of Essay Writing" book Twilight loaned to him, checked for any spelling and grammar errors, plus any improvement when it came to sentence structure. After 3-4 hours spellchecking, editing, and proofreading, Cory rested his head on the writing desk drifted off into a deep slumber of exhaustion.
It was at that moment the CMC quietly creeped up to his room. With the greatest of ease, the three of them carried him over to his bed and gently put the written essay in his backpack.
"Pleasant dreams scout master." whispered Sweetie Belle
"See ya in the morning hero." whispered Scootaloo
"Gnight bro...I mean, Cory." whispered Applebloom.
Mountain Trek/Assignment Results
"Wow Cory! I must say. You've really improved in your writing skills these past few weeks." Commented Twilight as she examined Cory's essay. "In fact, I don't see any grammar or spelling errors to fix. How did you do it?"
"Well I suppose it was thanks to two friends of mine: Inspiration and Editing." Replied Cory
It was the day before Cory was to turn in his essay. He stopped over at Twilight's place to see if there were any last minute errors to fix. Suddenly, in came Rainbow Dash with her customary enthusiasm.
"Hey Cory." Said Rainbow Dash "Ready for today's awesome fitness lesson?"
"We sure are Rainbow Dash." Replied Twilight
"Wait, what do you mean we?" Asked Cory.
"Today," Said Rainbow Dash as she swooped up to him and threw him on her back. "You are goin on a special hike up a nearby mountain to test some of your new athletic skills."
"And we're here to be your cheerleaders." Said Twilight.
Pinkie Pie then dashed in without warning like a speeding bullet. She sported what looked like a cheerleader uniform complete with rainbow ponytails and a giant red megaphone.
"GIVE ME A C FOR CORY!!!" She shouted "CEEEEEEEE...CORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Cory covered his ears as the noise of Pinkie's megaphone vibrated across the library. Then in came Rarity, Fluttershy and Applejack who tossed a hiking backpack over to Cory.
"Howdy Cory. Hope ya don't mind but I packed ya some sandwiches and a container full o water in case ya get hungry." Said Applejack.
"And I brought my first aid kit if you get into a bad accident." Said Fluttershy
"So ya ready for your little expedition?" Asked Rainbow Dash.
Cory Thought for a moment. "Yes, I'm ready for the challenge." He answered with confidence.
"C IS FOR CHALLENGE!" Shouted Pinkie Pie as she waved her pom poms in the air.
Soon, Cory found himself flying on Dash's back over the rooftops of Ponyville. Twilight and Fluttershy was flying by her side making sure he wouldn't fall off. He could see off in the distance a nearby, narrow mountain. As it got closer and closer, he noticed a steep rocky trail spiraling around its mighty natural structure. On the snowy peak, he could make out a small green dot painted in the middle.
"Now Zecora has agreed to meet up with us so you can take your necessary meditative breaks whenever you feel spiritually doubtful. Is that alright?" asked Twilight.
Cory nodded. He didn't see why he needed so much support. He felt so confident already. Ready to take on a challenge as big as this was opportunity knocking. Eventually, the mane six met at the foot of the mountain as Dash took him off her back and gently flew him onto the ground. Just as expected Zecora was waiting for all seven of them donning an obi wan like cloak. On her back, she carried a walking staff and a bag full of seeds. She approached Cory and began to speak:
"Now that you've learned a skill, trick and trade, it is time to show that you are not afraid."
"Huh?" asked Cory.
"Up this mountain you are too climb, and reach the top at a reasonable time. But be warned my fellow student. It is not all that translucent."
"What do you mean?" asked Cory
"Well." Said Rarity bashfully, "We sort of wanted this to be a bit challenge. sooo..."
"We kinda set up the mountain with about 3 or 4 mini obstacles within the obstacle itself....." Added Rainbow Dash
Cory gulped as she said this
"But don't you fret sugarcube." Said Applejack "Most of them are pretty easy, like doin pushups, liftin weights, solvin a math problem, fixin a grammatical error.."
"But we think you're pretty capable of doing it." Said Fluttershy.
"C IS FOR CAPABLE!!" Shouted Pinkie Pie over her megaphone. "You are gonna be so good climbing to top of that mountain. But for the record, I don't think anypony's ever been able to make it to the top. And since you just got started, you'll need all the help you can get and...."
Everypony covered her mouth and gave her a stern look as she solemnly scooted off a few feet.
"Do not fear my protege." Said Zecora. "I shall help you stay calm, so you won't go astray."
Cory stared at the magnitude of the mountain as Applejack placed the backpack on him. He knew he made a lot of progress since the day he arrived. But was he really up for a test as huge as this? Then he took a deep breath as walked towards the base of the track. He placed the tips of his fingers on the hard surface of the trail like a runner at the starting position. His muscles tightened and the beat of heard pounded against his flesh. He took one more glance at the mane 6 as Zecora stood by his side.
"We're right behind you." Reassured Pinkie Pie.
He turned towards his obstacle and took another humongous breath.
"Alright." He said "Lets climb!!"
And off he went.
"C IS FOR CLIMB!!" shouted Pinkie off in the distance.
The sounds of cheers grew fainter and fainter as Cory began his ascent with Zecora. At first it seemed pretty easy. Just a simple afternoon jog while enjoying the scenery of an uphill habitat. A few natural images seemed to catch his eye. Among them being an eagle flying to it's nest and feeding it's young, a pair of bighorn sheep sparring each other, and the occasional abnormal sized moth fluttering by. But after while, as he climbed higher and higher, and the air grew thinner and thinner, he started to feel a little faint. Then he remembered the jug of water Applejack had supplied him. He grabbed it out of his backpack and slugged it down like a water buffalo on a hot day. Suddenly Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Twilight appeared at the edge of the mountain.
"Yeah! that's it Cory!!" Shouted Twilight
Cory nodded with a look of confidence and continued with his run. In spite of his exhaustion, he was ready for whatever challenge lied ahead of him. It was then that he stopped at his first mini obstacle. It was a simple series of sit ups and pushups whilst solving a math problem. But first, Zecora led him with a little Tai Chi and meditation warm up. After that, it was smooth sailing as he did the push ups and sit ups and finished the problem with ease. Thus, he was able to continue his upward job. Up above him, he could see two Pegasus cheerleaders.
"Give us some courage! Give us some speed! and what do you get? CORY!!!" cheered the two pony cheerleaders.
Out of nowhere, Pinkie Pie appeared on top of them, forming a mini pyramid.
"C IS FOR COURAGE!!!!" cheered Pinkie Pie
His next stop was a ready made ladder. Here, he was to climb it while at the same time, fix grammatical errors engraved into the stone. After meditation and Tai Chi, he started his steep ascent. Surprisingly, these purposeful errors felt pretty easy to solve. Suddenly, as he was halfway up, his foot slipped on a wet handle and he started to fall. Luckily, Rainbow Dash caught him by the arm with her foreleg just in time and gently placed it back on the handle.
"So, how is our star pupil holding up?" Asked Rarity who was standing on a nearby ledge to which Cory replied with a thumbs up.
"Hey Rainbow Dash?" he asked. "What were those two cheerleaders back there?"
"Those are some old friends from Cloudsdale who agreed to be part of the pep team." She answered "C'mon Cory!! You're doin great!"
Soon, he was able to climb up the entire ladder and solve each grammatical error with the greatest of ease. By now, the sun was setting into the west mountains. As he reached the top of the ladder and stood back on the trail, he could the marvelous array of natural hues that filled the sky.
"Come my human friend." Said Zecora "There will time for all of that in the end."
Cory nodded and continued his trek
"You're halfway there Cory!!" Cheered Twilight who was flying in front of him. "I know you can make it."
"Goooooo Cory!!" Shouted Pinkie and the cheerleaders in the back.
Before he knew it, he heard his stomach growling. Remembering the Sandwiches Applejack packed for him, he took one of them out and snarfed down it's juicy essence like a vacuum cleaner. Then, he washed it down with his jug of water and poured some of it onto his sweaty forehead as he continued jogging.
He and Zecora had now reached the third mini obstacle. It was more challenging than the others, but more or less, fun to do. Here, he was to practice his self defense moves while reciting some historical facts about the founding of Equestria. After a bit of Tai Chi and meditation, he was ready to go. Rainbow Dash flew onto the podium a gave a pose as if ready to pounce on him. Cory took his position and made a self defense pose.
"Don't worry." Said Rainbow Dash "I'm not really gonna hurt ya."
She trotted forward and slowly swung her right hoof in the air, as if about to throw one in her face. Luckily, Cory dodged it in the nick of time. Then she attempted a fake blow to his stomach with her back legs, to which he blocked with his arms almost immediately. At that moment, Twilight flew to his right.
"The three original tribes of Equestria were stricken by a blizzard made by what creature?" She asked.
Cory bend back, avoiding another blow to the head.
"The Wendigo!" He said.
"Correct. Who were the leaders of the three original tribes?"
Rainbow Dash started to sneak up behind Cory and touch him on the shoulder. He responded by locking her foreleg with his arm, twisting behind her back and and throwing her to the ground until she tapped out.
"Chancellor Puddinghead, Princess Platinum, and Commander Hurricane." He said as he committed this action.
"Right. What was it that caused the Blizzard to end?"
Rainbow Dash pulled Cory into a headlock.
"It was the fire of friendship." He said "Heads...Up!!" Then he headbutted Rainbow Dash and chest palmed her a few feet back.
"Excellent!" Twilight responded. "Who was the mentor of Princess Platinum's advisor?"
Cory thought for a moment as Rainbow Dash dug her hoof in the dirt and started to charge at him. He jolted to his right at the last minute as She lost her balance and crashed against the side of the mountain.
"Starswirl the Bearded." Replied Cory.
"Yes! Well Done!" Replied Twilight.
After a few more questions and karate kicks, Cory continued on his trek. He was nearing the end of the day long journey, and could barely go through another mile run. But his friends were still cheering him on in the back.
"C'mon Cory, you can do it!" Shouted Applejack.
"Yeah, that's my boy!" Shouted Rainbow Dash.
"We have faith in you!" Shouted Twilight.
"I know you can do it!" Shouted Rarity.
"You rock. Woo-Hoo." Whispered Fluttershy
"GOOO CORY!!" Shouted Pinkie Pie and her cheerleader friends.
With those sounds of support, Cory wiped away his sweat, drank the last bit of water from his container, snarfed the last sandwich he had in his mouth, and took the final steps to the mountains peak. With every foot touching the ground, and every breath from his lips, he felt a surge of confidence he never heard before. Every doubt he ever had in his life was now behind him.
Cory had reached the top.
He was about to collapse in triumph when his four legged friends all caught him just in time and gave him a big group hug. At that moment, all the negative energy those bullies and teachers gave him had finally melted away. It was as if a large boulder had been released from his back and he wipe all the sweat away. This was the most relieving feeling he ever had.
"Yee Haw!! You did it Cory!!" Cried Applejack.
"I knew you could do it!!" Cried Pinkie.
"My hero!!" Cried Rarity
"We saw the whole thing." Said Fluttershy.
"You are one awesome kid Cory!!" Said Rainbow Dash as she gave him a noogie.
"See? All you needed was a great big bunch of support." Said Twilight.
"Thanks for showing me the way Twilight." Said Cory as he wiped away his sweat.
At that moment he realized day had turned into night. All 10 of them sat down and took a moment to admire the view of Ponyville. The sky was filled with stars that twinkled like sequins on a well suited gown. It was beautiful. So beautiful he felt his heart would burst.
"Your other friends would've been very proud of you today." Whispered Twilight into Cory's ear. And with that, he smiled and drifted to sleep on her lap.
Cory woke up the next morning back in his room at Sweet Apple Acres. He looked up on the wall to check the time and saw that class started in 20 minutes. Noticing he was already dressed and his backpack was full, He sprung out of bed. Then he rushed downstairs, got a quick bite of eggs on toast and ran outside with Applebloom close to him.
He could see the school bell ringing as he sprinted closer to the entrance. Though his first experience there wasn't the happiest one, he was still pretty excited with what today had in store. Upon arrival, he could see all the young fillies and colts all scattering inside, taking their seats and ready to turn in their essays. Miss Cherilee stood up from her writing desk and did roll call. At that moment, Cory sprinted inside, sat at his desk and took out his paper. He was very confident he would ace this assignment.
"Allright class." Said Miss Cherilee with a gleeful voice. "Time for you all to turn in those papers I assigned you. I can't wait to see what you've written."
As she started collecting them with her mouth, an unexpected chill ran up Cory's spine. it was the first time he was actually given an assignment this big since he arrived in Equestria. But after that little adventure yesterday, he wasn't as nervous as he used to be.
Finally, Miss Cherilee approached him and picked up his essay. She walked over to her desk and started to grade the papers.
"What's up with them?" Asked Cory as he leaned over to the CME.
"Oh, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon got suspended for two weeks for the way they treated you a few days back." Answered Applebloom.
"Now they have to spend the next few months sitting in the back of the class and cleaning up the room." Said Sweetie Belle
"If you ask me, they got what they deserved." Chuckled Scootaloo.
The three of them gave each other a high hoof upon stating this. But Cory couldn't help but feel sorry for the two. Though he felt it was a fair punishment, he wished they could somehow amend their ways and turn a new leaf. In the end, he decided to cut his losses and brush it off his shoulder.
At that moment, Miss Cherilee began to hoof out the graded papers. Cory took a big gulp as she walked closer to his desk. But what was he to worried about? After all, he did just climb to the top of the mountain yesterday.
Finally, it was his turn. His paper had been placed on his desk, checked and graded. The moment of truth had come. Cory hesitated to see the results. He took a deep breath and slowly began to turn the paper right side up. His heart beat, his muscles tightened, his brow began to sweat....
"Why you so nervous Cory? You got an A!" Said Applebloom.
And she was right. Cory looked straight at his essay and saw a large, sparkling "A" with a star sticker next to it. Cory tried to say something, but he couldn't think of the words. They were too feeble to describe the joyous feeling bursting inside him. He never got an A in class before. He was lucky enough to even get a passing grade. It all seemed so surreal for him. He walked outside the schoolhouse looking at his almost perfect grade when he noticed the Mane 6 and Spike waiting outside for him, including Pinkie, who was still wearing her cheerleader garb.
"Congratulations!!" They all said together.
"How did you all know about my grade?" Asked Cory.
"Sweetie Belle and her friends told us all about what happened." Rarity answered.
"Plus ya dozed off the other night before we could give ya an adequate congrats." Added Applejack.
"We're all very excited for you Cory." Said Fluttershy.
"Well, I can't believe it myself." Said Cory "I feel like I'm already in the same boat as everybody...I mean...everypony else.
"Hold on there sport." Rainbow Dash intervened. "Ya still got a ways to go if you wanna keep up with the rest of us."
"But don't you worry." Said Twilight. "We're gonna make your learning both fun and education."
"C IS FOR CUE...AS IN CUE THE TRAINING MONTAGE!!" shouted Pinkie Pie.
Author's Note
Sorry the ending of this chapter looks confusing. Just thought the song would fit perfectly with a training montage.
"Thank you ever so much for helping me prepare these newborn bunnies for the annual census." Said Fluttershy.
"Well I'm happy help." Replied Cory as he bottle fed a baby bunny. "After all it is a good calming mechanism for a day like today."
The progress of Cory's basic skills, both intellectual and physical had increased rapidly in the coming weeks. His friends could see that, as well as himself. He was now getting good grades on his assignments, didn't choke on math problems, and was never hesitant to talk it out whenever he was in a situation.
He was also becoming somewhat of a celebrity around Equestria. His artwork was being commissioned by cities and towns all over. Ponyville itself was decorated with sculptures, paintings and playgrounds that really stood out above the rest, leaving anypony to wonder how one individual could finish something so detailed in such a short amount of time.
But today was a special one for him. It was today he would travel to the Appleoosa state fair where they would erect a special statue made by him to mark the anniversary of the truce between the buffalo and earth ponies. In addition, he was to give his first public speech in front of a crowd of spectators since the incident at town hall. However, he and his friends had found a way to help him conquer his anxiety. After going through and editing his speech, he would divide it into different sections, stating each to a different friend. Then he would combine two of them and speak to two friends. Then, after combining four of them, he would speak to four friends. This process would go on until he eventually found himself talking to sixteen residents, a zebra and a dragon. He was now becoming much less insecure with lecturing to a group of ponies.
Cory had now decided to calm his nerves before he caught the train by tending to newborn baby bunnies with Fluttershy behind her cottage. As he stared at these little balls of fluff, and cradled them in his arms, he knew each one had their whole life ahead of them, pure enough to take on all the necessary challenges that lay ahead. Then as he let each one run over to it's parents, and watched the two embrace in a big hug, he couldn't help but wish he had that kind of security and love when he was young. At that moment, the father rabbit tugged Cory by his pants and gave him a carrot.
"Aww. His dad's trying to say thank you." Said Fluttershy.
Cory promptly took the carrot and stuffed it in his pocket as a tear went down his eye.
"Howdy Cory!" Said Applejack as she and Big Mac entered the scene. "We packed a few necessities for you and yer big day."
Just as she stated, Big Mac was seen carrying a cart of suitcases from the farm.
"Thanks." Said Cory. He was always fascinated with how Big Mac was able to pull three times his body size without breaking a sweat.
"So you ready to hop aboard the train with us?"
Cory nodded, and off they went, with Cory on Applejacks back.
The Ponyville train station was all hustling and bustling with it's daily commutes. One would arrive from Fillydelphia, another to Los Pegasus. Applejack and Cory had just made it on time to meet up with Granny Smith, Applebloom and Twilight, who were waiting to board. To his left he could see his newly made statue being carefully loaded in the back by two husky stallions. It was a large sculpture of a bison in Cherokee attire shaking hands with an earth pony in western garb. To make the two distinct, he made the earth pony out of scrap metal, twisted iron pipes and spray paint, and the bison out of fallen branches, animal bones and rock powder.
"Thanks for helping me pack some stuff for the trip." Said Cory as he hopped off Applejack's back.
"Aint nothin to it." Replied Granny Smith. "We the Apple Family have been takin part of the Appleoosa State Fair ever since that town sprung up over night."
"Plus I'm sure we're gonna win 1st prize in the fair's bakin exhibition." Added Applebloom.
"Now don't get your hopes up sis." Warned Applejack "We're neck and neck with some pretty stiff competition this year."
"Eeyup." Replied Big Mac.
"Also, thanks Twilight for coming over to support me with some last minute rehearsing." Said Cory
"Always glad to help my student right before his big day." Said Twilight.
"ALLLLLL ABOARD!!" cried the conductor.
Everyone promptly hopped on board as the train spewed out its steam. With the click of the wheels and the release of the breaks, they were off. It was then that Cory found himself in first class, where the caterers had set up a special sleeping quarters for him and Twilight. With it's lush color scheme of magenta and purple and every finely crafted piece of furniture neatly put together, it was hard for him to tell he was even on a train. He found Twilight quietly staring out the window on a softly cushioned chair, highlighting a few key points of his speech. Cory cleared his throat as this caught her attention. The two sat down as they reviewed all the parts he needed work on, which included a few vocal exercises, a stretching of the old leg and the usage of small cardboard cutouts of ponies for practice. After an 2-3 hours of preparation, Cory decided it was time for a break.
"Twilight, mind if I check on The Apple Family?" He asked.
"I don't see why not." Replied Twilight.
Cory smiled as he left the room and searched through the passenger seats. It was there he found The Apple Family in a special compartment of the train thus checking the heat temperature on their finely crafted baking produce. Though Big Mac tried to be obedient, he couldn't help but try to taste test a few sample, to which Applejack snapped him out of it.
"So how's the speech comin along Cory?" Asked Applebloom upon noticing him.
"Well, after one more proofread I think I'll be good." He replied.
"That's great news." Said Applejack while trying to restrain Big Mac. "Besides, we need all the support we can get as well. Least there's no issues, like the last entry."
"What do you mean?" Asked Cory.
"Well, couple months before you arrived, there was this uhh...bat problem we had. They were causin a bit of a ruckus gobblin up our orchard and goin after our prized apple. The real trouble was getting Fluttershy to round em up. You know how sensitive she is with animals. Eventually we got her to do the stare, but it backfired and made her into a vampire pony. Finally I decided to sacrifice that big apple to save my friend and decided to follow her proposal of building a bat sanctuary at the edge of the farm. But that's all in the past now and what's more, they've helping us with bigger, faster growing trees, which is where we got most of this pastry produce from."
Cory took a moment to look at their entry. The dozens of edible items, which included apple fritters, apple cobblers, appie pies, and anything else in the apple department, looked and smelled so mouth watering. It's no wonder Big Mac had trouble steering away from it. Everything was so finely crafted, as if it popped out of a baking magazine.
"This is also my first Appleoosa state fair." Added Applebloom. "But it's gonna be much more fun with you tagging along."
She then hugged him by the leg, almost as if he were a big brother.
"Now I think y'all better get some shut eye." Said Granny Smith. "We got a big day ahead of us."
Everyone nodded as they walked to their sleeping quarters. Night blanketed the sky as the train hissed and chugged its way across the tracks. Cory took a moment to look out and see for any signs of coyotes and tumbleweeds. But all he could see were the stars and silhouettes of any passing rock formations.
"Cory." Said Twilight as she tapped him on the back. "It's time for bed."
He nodded as he lay down on the cushioned passenger seats.
"What are you sleeping there for?" Chuckled Twilight. "They already made a room for us."
"For us?" Cory asked as he got up with a puzzled look. "But It'll be kind of weird to have me sleeping with my teacher."
"Oh Cory." Chucked Twilight. "Don't you worry. We might be in the same room, but they made two separate beds for us."
She escorted him to the back end of the car and opened a set of silk robes to reveal a small yet welcoming bedroom with two large beds serving as the centerpiece. Though it seemed strange to sleep next to another pony, it was also reassuring that he was sleeping next to somepony he could trust.
"Remember Cory." said Twilight. "If tomorrow you get stressed in the middle of your speech, just pause for three seconds and imagine you were talking to your friends."
Then she blew out the lantern on the night stand and the two of them turned in for the night.
The train came to a complete stop the next morning. It had arrived at its destination at 10:00 A.M. sharp. The passengers awoke to the hiss of the steam that came out of the engine. Cory awoke to a purple wing that was tickling his face. Noticing it was Twilight, he tugged it to wake her up. She sprung out of bed as she rustled out a few loose feathers.
"Morning Cory." Yawned Twilight as she put her wings back into place. "Sorry about that. These wings sometimes have a mind of their own."
After the two of them and Apple Family family checked if everything was accounted for, they hopped onto the Appleoosa train station, with Big Mac and the other two stallions carrying their entry as well as Cory's sculpture onto the platform. The style of the town was almost like someone watched every John Wayne movie a dozen times and copy the settings based on what they remembered. Here it had all the fine comforts one would wish to expect in a western town. With horse drawn carriages, a watering hole, the sheriff's office, wild and mild west dancing, and the stores that sold the daily trades and goods, it was hard to believe the place was once a battleground between the earth ponies and the buffalo.
As he and the others stepped off the station and melded in with the crowd, Cory noticed a few bulls eating a few pies and sharing a laugh or two with other stallions. Calves could be seen playing hoops and sticks with a other fillies and colts. And cows and mares were seen trading their quilts and bonnets in exchange for any necessary goods. How warm it was to know that two species who were once enemies were now living together as friends.
"Now Cory. I'm pretty sure by now you don't need a tour of the town. Is that right?" Asked Twilight.
"Yeah. Me and Rarity stopped by here a couple of times for supplies." He replied.
"Then I suppose you know where the INN is."
Cory looked around for a moment pointed to his right a three story wooden building with saddle shaped sign that read THE SILVER SADDLE.
"Great." Said Applejack. "Big Mac's gonna help you two unpack everything while Granny Smith and I check on the competition. Applebloom. Why don't you go check on Braeburn since he's hosting the event."
"Sure thing sis." Replied Applebloom as she galloped to her destination.
Cory, Twilight and Big Mac walked in the INN and found themselves in a special suite made for any visiting royalties. A big sign in the center stood on top of a coffee table that read: WELCOME PRINCESS TWILIGHT AND CORY, complete with a gift basket of carefully assorted snacks. As Big Mac trotted to bedroom to unpack, Cory took a moment to observe the living space. The decor and design looked like what would happen if Celestia decided to own a ranch. Engraved on the doorways and window frames were finely carved images of apples and leaves. On the floor, next to the furniture were carefully placed rugs and carpets with quilted images of buffalo in the middle of their daily stampede. On the ceiling was a small chandelier that looked could belong to an aristocratic, victorian household.
As the three explored beyond the living room, they saw before them a private library complete with a fireplace and lounge chair for reading. Twilight squealed with glee as she rushed to shelves to find a book. Cory, leaving Twilight with new found hard cover pals, came across an art studio next to the bedroom. From the look of the dried up paint and cobwebs that filled the rafters, it looked like it hadn't been used in years. But it was nothing a little TLC couldn't fix. Cory found a smock and a few cleaning materials nearby as he quickly refurbished the place and got to work on another project. Since there was no canvas to go by, he thought it would be neat to start painting the entire room. After carefully covering the floor with sheets and newspapers, he picked up a brush, de-hardened it in a cup of water, dipped it in a palette of paint, and started stroking the walls. Within an hour flat, he had covered them with a base paint of abstract shapes and forms that resembled either Miro or Kandinsky. Next he took a darker shade of paint and started on the shades and values to make them pop out more. When he was finished with that, he took a ladder from out of the hallway and moved onto the ceiling, illustrating a golden sunset with purple clouds and a few passing Pegusi. Finally, after 4-5 hours of painstaking work, he walked over to the corner of the room and placed his signature at the edge as he always did with his artwork.
It was at that moment he heard a joyous sound. He looked out window to see what it was and noticed a few pony families playing outside. Each one had a glowing smile on their faces as they were partaking in various activities. Some were playing catch, some were playing tag, others were participating in what looked like a seven legged race. There was one family where the father giving his daughter a noogie after finding her, while a mare was helping her son put a band aid on his right hoof and kissing it. But one scene that really intrigued him was a young colt crying over something. A Stallion, which was clearly his dad, rushed over to him.
"What's wrong sport?" He asked.
"Well." sniffled his son. "I didn't win that track and field race, and I worked so hard on it."
"Well, you did your best didn't you?"
"Yeah, and I also finished the race."
"Then that's really all that matters."
He promptly wiped away his sons tears and smiled at him.
"You're a winner in my book son, any day of the week." He said.
"Thanks dad."
"Now let's go home. I hear mom's making your favorite."
"Oh boy! Spaghetti and Hayballs?"
"Eeyup."
"Yay!!"
Then the father placed his son on his back and rode him home. It was then that a large tore inside Cory's heart. He fell to the floor and started bursting into tears. It's not that he didn't enjoy that moment. He just wished his parents would've treated him that way. If only they could've served as good role model as what he observed outside. If only could've understood his pain and made him feel like a winner. If only they could've encouraged him to do his best, even if he failed. This was the one thing he truly wanted: a real family. It was at that moment that Twilight entered the scene.
"Cory, you ready for..." She paused to take look at the newly painted studio. "Wow, you never cease to impress me."
"Thanks." He replied as he got up and wiped away his tears.
"Why were you crying?" She asked.
Cory sighed. "I just wish my parents were more like them."
He pointed his thumb out the window as he left the scene, much to Twilights concern. After knowing who he was referring to, Twilight walked down the hallway and found him in their room as he was rehearsing his speech. But this time, he was a little rusty on his presentation. Remembering what he learned from Zecora, he took a few deep breaths in and out while commencing in his Tai Chi.
"You know," Twilight said as she entered the room. "as a filly, whenever I got stressed the day before a big event, my mom would let me brush her tail. Would you like to brush mine?"
"I wish I had a bit for every time I saw little girls do that to their pony dolls." he responded
"Huh?"
"Nothing, it's...it's just a thing from my world. And yeah, sure. I'm up for that."
Twilight led him to her bedroom, which was almost duplicate to his. She sat down on her bed, levitated her comb into his hand and gave him the nod to begin brushing. He didn't why, but with every stroke on its soft silky texture, he started to calm down just a little bit more. It was then Twilight noticed how nonchalant he looked.
"Sorry I got you into doing this. It's kind of hard for me to reach my tail, even with magic." Said Twilight. "But, you know, princesses got to look their best."
"It's not that." Replied Cory as he continued with her tail. "I mean the pleasure's all mine. It's just...I...never had someone treat me like a real student before. That's something I never really got back home, except of course with my friends. These past few days, you really seemed to care about me in way no one has ever done in so long. You have strived to make me a better person, and make me feel proud for who I am. And for that I'm forever thankful. What's more, I can keep on living now."
"Wha...what are you trying to say Cory?" asked Twilight.
"I suppose what I'm trying to say is..." He continued as he started to yawn and rub his eyes "..Is that I like you Twilight. No. Let me rephrase that. I like like you. In fact, I can go further than that. I think..I..I...love you, and not just as a friend and teacher, but, almost like...like you were my mom. You and your five amazing friends are the closest I ever had to a family. It's so surreal and yet so good. Words cant even describe how much I love you. For the first time ever, I actually feel like...like I'm home. I never really thought, that a group who really cared for me, would be a bunch of ponies."
Then he plopped his body onto the bed beside Twilight and closed his eyes in exhaustion as he fell into a deep slumber
"I love you Twilight." He said through his breath.
Twilight made a motherly face as he said this. She always strived to be a good role model, but never expected to be like a parental figure. Not that she was against it. In fact, it was the best compliment she'd ever gotten. Twilight magically turned off the lights in the room, used her wing as a blanket and the side of her belly as a pillow and kissed him gently on the cheek.
"Well I...I love you too Cory." She replied.
The Appleoosa state fair was now in full swing. The town's citizens were attending to their produce, selling their goods, or presenting any award worthy edible items. Everypony seemed to be enjoying themselves with the rides, snacks and sideshows, including Cory. He was with walking down the dusty streets of tents and venues with Applebloom, sporting a suit and tie, enjoying all the sights and sounds the fair had to offer, while doing a last minute speech rehearsal in his head. In his hand he was munching on an apple cobbler while washing it down with a cider sample Applejack gave to him. Yes, nothing was to break his concentration. Today would be far too important for that. The only distraction being a Ferris Wheel ride with Applebloom he had earlier.
"Ready for your big debut?" Said Twilight as he approached him.
"I sure am." He replied as he took one more chomp.
"I know you're gonna do great." Said Applebloom.
Twilight escorted him to a nearby, decorated podium facing an open field, with an old time microphone front and center. At this time Everypony and bison had now gathered to await his speech. To the right of the podium was clearly Cory's masterpiece shrouded in cloth, waiting to be presented. Cory took one last swig of cider as he shook out any jitters as Applebloom ran to her family in the crowd.
"Now remember Cory." Said Twilight as she magically fixed his tie. "If you feel hesitant, what do you do?"
"Stop, breathe, in head, count to three." He replied.
"That-a-boy." she said.
"ALLLRIGHT YOU COLTS AND MARES!!" cried Braeburn as he took the stand. "HOW WE ALL FEELING TODAY?"
Everybody cheered and yee hawd with their hooves in the air.
"OK! LET US WELCOME OUR MOST HUMBLE SHERIFF OF APPLEOOSA, SHERIFF SILVERSTAR!!!!"
Up the steps approached a pony with a thick mustache and sheriff's emblem on his chest. Everyone cheered even louder with his entrance. He approached the mic as a smile grew on him.
"Thank you, thank you. My friends and citizens, it is with great pride and deepest pleasure to mark this Appleoosa fair, as the anniversary of peace between pony and bison. Once we were enemies in a senseless war, now we are friends and colleagues with an unbroken bond. So, in the spirit of this momentous occasion, we are honored to erect this statue, created by Ponyville's own human resident, Cory Agees."
The cloth pulled back to reveal Cory's creation in all its glory. The crowd filled with "ooh" and "awe's" as they gazed in wonder at the statue.
"This monument is a commemorative reminder of the bonding trade between two contrasting communities. For it is friendship that triumphs over all adversity. And now, please welcome the artisan who made this sculpture possible. Mr. Cory Agees!!"
Cory took one last deep breath as everypony and bison cheered him on.
"Just talk to them the same way you talked to me." whispered Twilight as she gave him the gesture for him to go on.
Cory slowly walked up the steps and onto the wooden platform. It was the biggest crowd he'd ever seen. Ponies of all kind: winged, horned and plain stared at him with anticipation. He took his handkerchief out and wiped the sweat from his brow as he approached the mic. This was the moment, a moment he prepared for days on end. He had rehearsed all the lines, practiced his pacing, and rehearsed in front of several ponies for this hour of glory. As he cleared his throat, he fumbled through his pocket and took out the neatly unfolded the speech in his hands. One stare at the audience, and he began:
Oh great plains of this promised land. The soil is as rich as the thick clouds that roll by. Brought forth by pioneers, strung together by a community, these plains were ideal plantation for an adequate village. As I heard of your toils, and whispers of your struggles, it fills this spectator with awe and wonder.
In a month and week of plan and action, your small yet sprawling Appleoosa, led by your humble Sheriff Silver Star, was born. With it's horse drawn carriages, finely constructed buildings, lusciously colored crafts and optimistic ponyfolk, the town seemed untouched by any incoming force. But above all, your prized possession was the sacred garden you so wished and accomplished in planting. Every apple thick in hue and taste, every root healthy and strong, and every grain of mulch in its rightful place. All of this effort not merely your talent, but your livelihood, a generation upon generation of farmers and agriculturalists sowing the seeds of an unbroken legacy.
Alas, the land of which they chose was already inhabited by another advanced species. The bison of the great plains was eager to move the orchard away from this promised Eden, destroying the diligence and effort of which made it all possible. But what good is a story if not told from two points of view.
For you see, as long as time has churned its cogs, your land you see here was home to the bison tribe, headed by the noble leader Chief Thunderhooves. And as sacred as the sky above, it was their destiny to stampede across the trails of the flat plains. Fathers and fathers before blessed the soil with stomping of their hooves and the remains of their precious ones. This cycle of tradition was interrupted by the orchard plantation, which upset them so, as it was without their consent. Thus what began as an argument, erupted into a rivalry and evolved into a semi war.How would this bickering and intrepid fighting solve anything? How would this transform into a happy end? Only the arrival of 6 ponies and dragon would ease this tension between the two.
It was a simple task: transport a prized sapling of vegetation to the orchard so it may spread its roots. This was delayed by an ambush of the bison, whom, although for good intentions, surrounded this tree and attempted to halt its mission. Incidentally a few of these friends were captured.
What good is a piece of land if you have nopony to share it with? Alas, after a brief commentary from both sides, and a few attempts to split each others land, your tribe and your city decided upon war as a final option. But as stated before, has a war truly solved anything? Has it ever ended with what was meant to be accomplished?
So with the strike of the horn and the toss of the apple, a battle ensued. Hoof against hoof, snout against snout, brawn against brawn, thrashing against each other in a vision hell. Then, when the dust settled, everyone stood in disarray in a heap of squashed apples and spoiled pie crust. And there, in the center of all the carnage, laid the chief of the bison tribe itself, barely alive from another senseless fight.
But by chance, one could only hope for a miracle, and a miracle there was. For as he lay trampled in a dust pool of defeat, a slice of apple pie trickled down his husky skull and landed on his outstretched tongue. The taste was beyond anything he could comprehend. From out of that luscious flavor, came an idea.
From that idea, to this day, a trade is made between you Appaloosians, and you Bison. In exchange for a cart or two of your sumptuous pastries, a trail was etched, allowing once again for you to continue the tradition as old as the rocks that form the land. At long last peace was restored to the land and the two warring sides could lower their weapons and continue with their lives and new found friendships
Now as I gaze upon this crowd of bison and pony, it is of great relief to know how even the thickest of rivalries are able to subside their nonsensical bickering and learn to live as one amongst the land. I am grateful to receive such an honor from a crowd that has gone through strife and turmoil to achieve the status of where they are now. Thank you from the core of my soul.
And just like that he was done. Everybody cheered as he ended his speech. Some were clapping their hooves. Others were wiping a tear from their eye. The applause lasted for about 2-3 minutes. It took awhile for them to settle down. It was a moving speech, and one never to forget. At that moment, Sheriff Silver Stock approached the stage once more with a golden ribbon on his hoof.
"Cory Agees." he said "For your incredible contribution to our town, we hereby award you an honorary citizen of Appleoosa."
Then he pinned the pinned the ribbon on his suit and shook his hand
"You are welcome in our town anytime you please. Our ranch is your ranch."
Everyone in the audience cheered as he gave a sheepish grin and waved back. Then the sheriff shook his hand again as a camerapony stood by to take their picture. It was at that moment the Apple Family came over with a few ribbons of their own.
"You did it Cory!" Said Applebloom as he hugged him by the leg
"See? That wasn't so bad." Said Applejack.
"Congratulations!!" Cried Granny Smith.
"Well, congratulations to you too." He replied.
"Yep, I knew we'd win first prize." gloated Applejack "I could see the competitors legs shakin when the judges came."
"I have very much pride in you Cory." commented Twilight. "And you should have pride in yourself."
"For the first time in awhile," Cory replied "I do."
And he felt that same glowing pride as he packed his things, hopped on the train and headed back to Ponyville.
"Thanks so much for coming along with me Cory." Said Twilight. "My family is very eager to meet you."
"Well, the pleasure's all mine." Said Cory as he looked out the train window. "Besides, this is the first real Christmas-like holiday I'm celebrating. I assume you know by now what Christmas is."
"From what you've told me," Said Twilight "That sounds like a very fun holiday in your world, and I'm sure you'll like our holiday just as much."
It was the holiday season in Equestria and the choice weather had come right on time. Snow had covered much of the land giving each cottage and building a crystal gleam. The citizens were already decorating their houses with the customary apparel needed to celebrate the annual occasion.
On this day, Cory could be found on the train to Canterlot with Twilight. It would be the first time he would meet her family, and he was very nervous as to what they would make of him. Given the occasion, he was dressed in what looked like his sunday best, complete with a tie and polished shoes. As he looked out the train window calming himself to a nice cup of hot chocolate, he reminisced as to how his old friends celebrated Christmas with him. Though they weren't the fanciest of parties, and the gifts weren't all that good, the memories of those times still held a warm place in his heart.
For those four magical years they were together, each Christmas took place in their secret shack. It was here they played games, ate cake, sung songs, shared a joke or two and decorated their makeshift Christmas tree out of tinfoil and metal. The next morning they would exchange each others gifts, eager to find out what was inside of it (though it would usually turn out to be something from the junkyard). Then they would each execute one good deed somewhere in the town, whether it was entertaining kids in the hospital, or helping build a home for a new couple. Finally, they'd end the day with a glorious meal at one of his friend's houses, decided upon with a game of twister.
"Now Cory, I almost forgot." Said Twilight as they hopped onto the Canterlot station. "My BBBFF..."
Cory's face looked puzzled.
"Big Brother Best Friend Forever Shining Armor is married to a princess."
"Who?" Asked Cory
"I'm pretty sure you're aware by now of Princess Cadence, the leader of the Crystal Empire."
"He's married to her?"
Twilight nodded with pride. "Plus she used to be my foal sitter when I was a filly. So we are very close."
"Well I hope our encounter will be interesting, in a good sort of way."
"I know it will be." And off they went into the crowd of Canterlot with their small luggage behind them.
It was the first time Cory visited the capital since his first outing with Rarity and Pinkie Pie. The City was bustling with holiday cheer. With the exception of the name, almost everything reminded Cory of Christmas time back home. From a pony couple kissing underneath a mistletoe, to young ponies building a snow pony in the front yard, to the frequent holiday tree covered with all the necessary ornaments. Songs and carols could be heard chiming from street to street, echoing voices young and old. The displays behind the windows of shops were as elaborate as a stage production, with groups of ponies taking a moment to just look and admire the craftsmanship. A few mares and stallions were seen at a nearby ice rink practicing their figure eights. Cory was still wondering as to how these four legged creatures were able to easily balance themselves on a sheet of frozen water.
It was at that moment the two of them stopped at the middle of one of the city squares. They were face to face with a large sculpture of a young Pegasus with milky white eyes. In her mouth was a quill plucked out from her wings and to her side was a large snowflake delicately crafted to the finest detail.
"Why are we stopping here?" asked Cory
"I just wanted to let you know there are ponies here Equestria whom like you fought the courage to showcase their talent. Snowdrop here was one of them. She was a young blind Pegasus from Cloudsdale whom 1000 years ago created the first modern snowflake. But she wasn't always the craftsmare pony we know of today. Before that, she was just a simple student who struggled to make it through the day without ridicule of her blindness. One morning, as spring was drawing nearer, her teacher assigned the class to bring gifts to Celestia and Luna for upcoming Spring Sunrise.
"At first, Snowdrop was hesitant, putting herself down and calling herself useless. But that night, she remembered how she was able to clearly hear the twinkle of stars as well as many things most ponies couldn't notice. After a moment of thinking, she took a frozen tear from her eye and delicately sculpted it into a crudely crafted snowflake. Now what made this discovery monumental was before then, all snowflakes were just formless masses with no pattern or design."
"Two days later, as every filly and colt in Cloudsdale presented their creations to the princesses, Snowflake was ready to give hers. Though she heard a few chuckles in the background, she remembered that if stars can make wishes, so can ice crystals. After a moments hesitation, she presented her creation. Though it wasn't much, she went on to defend to work stating that she loves her passion as much as herself and that winter should receive just enough recognition as any other holiday. Touched by her speech, Celestia and Luna asked if she could make more snowflakes. So she did, making each one more intricate and detailed in design, and the following year, snowfall became one of Equestria's most celebrated events.
"So, to this day, generation after generation of Pegusi have copied Snowdrop's revolutionary technique of turning Snowflakes into a work of art, and all she had to do was muster up the courage to let her talent shine, just like you Cory."
As Twilight said this, she went over to Cory and wrapped her foreleg around her.
"Well, I'm glad I remind you of someone special." Replied Cory
"You are special Cory." She whispered into his ear. "Don't you ever forget that."
Finally the two of them arrived at Twilight's childhood home. It was a quaint house, typical for a Canterlot neighborhood. With it's medieval architectural theme and Italian renaissance texture, the residence looked typically welcoming for anypony who wished to stay for the night. The outside was decorated with the customary Hearths Warming Eve ornaments, seamlessly melding it with the other neighboring houses.
The two of them approached the door, which was decorated with bells tied to a large, red ribbon. Twilight knocked on it and after a few moments, it was magically opened by a unicorn couple.
"TWILIGHT!" Gleefully shouted the male unicorn.
"Hi daddy." Said Twilight as he brought her in for a hug.
"It's so great to have you here." Said the female unicorn.
"Well, the pleasure's all mine mom." She replied.
"And who is this young gentleman behind you?" Her dad asked.
"Oh, where are my manners. Mom, Dad, I'd like you to meet my friend and student, Cory Agees."
Cory sheepishly walked up to two them and wearily shook hoof and hand.
"Aren't you that human who's really skilled in painting and sculpting masterpieces?" Asked Twilights mom.
"Well, you might say that." Cory replied.
"I think I may have bought something you made at a recent traders exchange."
She walked over to a nearby dresser and pulled out two large multicolored earrings.
"Oh. I remember making that." Cory replied "It was a mail order I made a month ago for somepony in Canterlot."
"Lets head over to the living room Twilight." Her dad said. "I think two ponies are waiting in there for you."
A childlike smile grew across her face as she sped down the hallway with Cory behind her. There, sitting on the couch was a very tall couple who looked like they popped out of a fairy tale. The Stallion was a very brawn looking unicorn with a bright white coat and a luscious navy blue mane and tail. His body structure looked like he had been working out at the gym on a daily basis, and would look like the the perfect steed for a noble prince. The Mare was a gorgeous looking Alicorn with a velvet mane and tail scheme that perfectly matched her pink coat. On her head was a crystal crown and on her hooves were golden horseshoes that looked like slippers. She bore on her chest a rather attractive pendant that seemed seemed to have been made from the highest of authority, even though it's material was that of smoothed glass and copper wire. Everything about her: eyes, mane, body structure, everything, was enchanting to Cory. With the exception of Princess Luna, he had never beheld such beauty.
"TWILY!" Gleefully shouted the young stallion as he galloped forward and embraced Twilight.
"Hi BBBFF." Replied a tearful Twilight. "I'm still amazed how you and Cadence were able to get the holidays off."
"The Crystal Empire does wondrous things when it comes to functioning in our absence."
"Gasp Cadence!!" Shouted Twilight.
"Twilight!!" Shouted Cadence.
The two galloped forward until they were nose to nose with each other. Then, they engaged in a small childlike dance:
"SUNSHINE SUNSHINE
"I wish I had a family like this." Cory murmured.
"Oh, I almost forgot," Said Twilight. "I'd like you two to meet Cory Agees."
Cory waved his hand shyly and the couple waved back.
"Cory, this is my brother Shining Armor, and his wife, Princess Cadence."
"Hey Champ." Said Shining Armor " So you're one of those humans my sister met huh? Not too shabby. Twily's been telling me a lot of stuff about ya. I hear she's helping you with some of your basic skills."
"She sure is." Cory replied "You're very lucky to have a sister like Twilight."
"Well she isn't my LSBFF for nothin." Said Shining Armor.
Cory was confused.
"That means Little Sister Best Friend Forever." Twilight replied.
"Hello Cory." Said Cadence "I've heard many things about you."
Cory was awestruck as she approached him. He didn't know what to do as this was the leader of an entire kingdom that stood before his eyes. So he thought of the first thing that popped into his head and went into a kneeling position.
"Cory. Remember what we talked about." Said Twilight
"Oh yeah." Cory chuckled "Sorry."
Then he went back on his feet and shook hands with Cadence's hoof.
"Twilight tells me you are very skilled in sculpting and painting." Said Cadence "In fact, I believe this pendant I'm wearing was made by you."
Cory went up for a closer examination.
"Yeah. I actually do remember making that." he said "How did you get that?"
"I kind of mailed it to Cadence after you fell asleep from a long days work." Replied Twilight.
"Well lets not just stand here counting dust." Said Twilights mom "I've got a big meal waiting for us."
"It's about time." Said Shining Armor "I am starving."
Before he knew it, Cory found himself in the middle of a large dining room fit for a king. Above the six of them was a chandelier decorated to look like an upside down christmas ornament. Below them was a tiled floor with an abstract pattern akin to Miro. The table itself was just as complimentary. All six, cushioned seats were placed in front of cleanly scrubbed plates and finely washed cups with folded napkins placed on top of a dainty embroidery of tablecloth. In the center of it all was a set of candles floating above it all as if they were dancing. Strangely, the only thing missing was the utensils.
The meal of tonight was a neat assortment of large oat and haysteaks (which were really mushed soy beans and tofu cooked to look like hay), topped with glazed teriyaki sauce and crushed herbs. A second entree was a hearty lemon grass soup mixed with mushrooms, grass, tomatoes, peppers and a few flower petal swimming in a thick garlic spice. The wide assortment of side dishes included roasted red potatoes, sauteed deviled eggs, cooked carrot pieces, hash browns, fruit salad, chips n dip and about a dozen types of crushed spices and sauces for a nice topping.
As everyone got their choice of food, Cory just stared in puzzlement as Twilight and members of her family either magically levitated a piece of food into their mouth or mostly just dug their face into the plate. For a civilized species, they clearly needed some catching up with their table manners. But then again, he was in a world different of his own, which meant the laws of etiquette were slightly differential as well. So he decided to pick up the food with his napkin and eat it that way. That was when everypony looked at him funny.
"I'm sorry." He said "It's just in my world, we have certain tools for picking up food and..."
"It's alright." Twilight's mom chuckled "Shining Armor. Could you give our guest a fork, spoon and knife?"
Shining armor nodded and took a few utensils from a nearby drawer, placing them near Cory's plate.
"Almost everypony in Equestria has utensils for those with small snouts." Twilight assured.
"Thanks." Cory replied as he started cutting up his oatburger.
"So, we heard you made an amazing speech over at Appleoosa a few months ago." Said Shining Armor.
"Mmm-Hmm," Cory replied with his mouth full.
"Twilight showed us an excerpt from it via mail." Said Cadence "It's a very impressive piece of work. How long did it take you to perfect it?"
Cory counted his fingers.
"About 2-3 weeks." He answered.
"I remember that was a very intense time for us." Said Twilgiht. "Luckilly we we're able to help him calm his nerves with the aid of our zebra friend Zecora."
As she said this, Cory took one of the table's paper doilies and started to rip it apart.
"And how exactly did she help calm his nerves?" Twilights mom asked.
"Through the handy methods of meditation and Tai Chi." replied Twilight
"What's Tai-Chi?" Asked Her dad.
"I've heard from a few scholarly accounts it's an ancient technique from days of yore in which practitioners moved their body against wind and air in order to ease stress." Said Cadence.
As the conversation went on, Cory carefully placed the pieces of the doily on the table, and started to make a mosaic out of it.
"So where's he been living?" Twilights mom asked.
"I've heard he takes residence over at... Sweet Apple Acres?" Asked Twilights Dad.
"That is correct." Said Twilight "In fact, Applejack's sister Applebloom and her friends found him when he arrived here. He has been working as their stable boy ever since. Plus he has a side job as Rarity's chauffeur."
By now, Cory had finished his little rippy bit masterpiece and proceeded to chowing down on his food.
"Sounds like one busy kid ya got there." Said Shining Armor "Isn't he learning some self defense moves with Rainbow Dash?"
"She's his personal coach." Said Twilght. "He has really improved on his self defense skills thanks to her. In fact, my five friends, Zecora and I did a little mountain trekking with him. I can still remember how he tirelessly was able to reach to top of that mountain. I'd never seen him that happy in all my life."
"I don't know about you." Said Shining Armor "But if the time comes, I might like to teach him the ways of the Royal Guards."
"I think that might be a little too advanced for him BBBFF." Chuckled Twilight
"Hey, anything is Possible." Said Cadence "By the way, didn't he also plan a Nighmare Night festival recently?"
"That was a show to remember wasn't it Cory?" Asked Twilight, to which Cory nodded with a full mouth.
"Well, I think his parents would've been very proud of him." Said Twilight's dad.
At that moment, Cory dropped his fork, pushed his seat back and messaged his forehead.
"Oh, I'm sorry, did we offend you?" Asked Twilight's mom.
"No, no. It's..it's my fault." Said Cory as he tried to hold back tears. "you didn't know, you didn't know."
Then he got out of his seat and ran upstairs, much to everypony's bewilderment.
"What's the matter?" Asked Shining Armor.
"Ummm..." Twilight hesitated for a moment "I forgot to tell you all that he really hasn't had a happy childhood. If you don't want Hearths Warming Eve to be spoiled for you all..."
"No, no. We want to hear." Said Cadence. "If somethings bothering him, maybe we can help him sometime in the future."
Twilight took a deep breath and proceeded to tell the very sad story of Cory. She talked about how his parents left him, How he was abused at the orphanage and his school, how his friends were taken away from him and how he struggled each day to figure out what he was good at. After she finished on he got to Equestria, everyone in the room was in state of shock and disbelief.
"What kind of monsters would just dump a talented colt like that?" Asked Shining Armor.
"I mean, I know there were times when you two made me want to pull my mane out, but weren't we all to our parents sometimes?" Commented Twilight's mom.
"I don't know about you all but that Principal should be locked up for life for treating him so poorly." Said Twilights dad.
"Sorry I kind of ruined this evening for you all." Said Twilight shamefully.
"Don't be ashamed Twilight." Said Cadence. "You did the right thing to tell us. Because now we'll know to help him when the time is right."
"Hey, mom? dad?" Said Shining Armor. "How bout you two finish dinner while the three of us go up and talk to him."
The two nodded as they went back to eating while Cadence, Shining Armor and Twilight proceeded upstairs.
The trio walked up to the guest bedroom where they found Cory unpacking his suitcase and gently folding his clothes in the drawer. It was amazing how he could execute this task so neatly, while trying to hold back his tears. Shining Armor gently knocked on the opened door to catch his attention.
"Hey Cory." Said Shining Armor. "Sorry about that mess down there. We should've just..."
"No, no, no." Replied Cory as he continued unpacking. "It's not your fault. I should've told you earlier."
Cadence and Shining Armor looked at each other with concerned looks.
"Cory, you want to sit down and talk it over?" Asked Cadence as she approached him.
"No, I already told you. I'm fine. I'm just fine." He replied as if trying to hold his emotions in. "In fact, I never felt more better in all my life. I live with loving, hard working, earth ponies, I'm the student of a Princess, I get to go places, show my talent.."
"Cory.." Said Twilight
"And the best part is, I'm not afraid." He continued "I'm not afraid to express my self."
"Cory." Said Shining Armor "It's alright to be angry at your parents. You have the right to be."
Cory stopped unpacking as a long dead silent pause fell across the room.
"Wh..Why should I be angry? I already told you I'm fine. I'm happy. In fact I'm the one who should be sorry for ruining Hearths Warming Eve."
"You didn't ruin anything Cory." Said Twilight.
"Well in that case. Great!"
By now a change of tone was noticeable in Cory's voice. It sounded a little sarcastic as if he was trying desperately to hold in his temper.
"I mean, after all the hell I've been through, it could've been worse. I could've been diagnosed with a life threatening disease, I could've been sold into slavery, I could've ended up in juvenile hall, I could've killed myself which I PLANNED ON DOING, BEFORE I MET MY FRIENDS!!!"
Then out of a fit of anger, he threw one of his shirts against the wall.
"But you know what, I'm glad I didn't, because I wouldn't have been able to see who I truly was. I sured showed my parents a thing or two, didn't I? They'd look pretty silly if they saw me now. I just wish I didn't waste my time making this."
Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper and slammed at a nearby table. It looked like it hadn't been opened in years. Cadence, Shining Armor and Twilight walked over to it and magically unfolded it to reveal a finely detailed picture of a male a female figure hugging their child. The letter read "I love you mom and dad." Tears started to fall down their cheeks, to which they promptly wiped them away.
"I was going to give it to them on Parents Day." Cory continued "It was on the same day they left me at the airport. Ironic huh? I've kept it with me for almost 6 years, waiting to give it whoever was going to adopt me and make me their own. But since that's not gonna happen, I don't know what to do with it."
Cadence cleared her throat. "Cory, we're really sorry." She said "Truly we are. And If it helps, we can leave you alone to compose yourself."
"NO, I want you to hear." Cory insisted. "I want you to hear that I'm fine. I want you to realize that I'm in awe at how great of a family you all are part of. In fact, I want you to know that I'm envious of how supportive you've all been to each other, how you would fight together till the end, how you all had the one thing in my childhood I begged and prayed every night to have: A Family. But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that families only accept those who are perfect and free of mistakes. I mean look at you. You all have a great life, a great house, a lot of great friends. Hell, you've all even given the royal promotion!! Two Princesses and a royal guard. It's no wonder I couldn't get a family, cause everyone thought I was too imperfect."
"Applejack doesn't think that about Applebloom." Said Twilight.
"What?" Asked Cory.
"Yeah. She, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are the only ones in their class without a cutie mark. But they have the best kind of support anypony could ask. Plus Scootaloo's unable to fly, yet most don't seem to mind."
"I suppose what Twily's trying to say Cory," Said Shining Armor " ..is no matter what insecurities and imperfections they have right now, their loved ones will be on their side to the very end. Everypony deserves that kind of support, even the most imperfect."
"But they had a great family." Said Cory "Plus they had a great environment of friends and relatives. They were lucky. What did I have? Nothing. My parents left me, all my other relatives are dead, there's no one I share DNA with, I'm basically the last of my kind. But you know? What am I to worry about? I turned out okay. I learned to walk without my dad, I learned to tie my shoes without my mom, I learned to socialize without my folks, I learned to speak, recite the alphabet, get a good grade in history, music and arts without them, I even learned how to live on my own! I had 4 amazing birthdays with some of the best friends anyone could wish for, and my mom didn't even have the balls to come back and apologize to me!! FUCK THAT BITCH!!
"Cory!" Said a shocked Twilight "Watch your language!"
"I don't need them now and I don't need them ever. As long as I got the greatest friends in any world, I'm as happy as can be."
Then he continued with his unpacking. By now the three of them could see he was in extreme pain. His face was red with anger and his cheeks were streaming with tears. Cadence and Shining Armor walked up to him and started rubbing his back.
"It's okay to cry Cory." Whispered Cadence.
"Don't feel sympathy for me guys." Said Cory as he shoved them away. "You should all be downstairs celebrating a joyous occasion, and not worrying about me. What's more, you don't have to worry about me, 'cause I am gonna make it. I'm gonna be a success. When I grow up, I'm going to get a job, save up my money, go to college and earn a degree, and this time, I won't CHOKE under the pressure of test taking like I did last time, and..."
"Wait! What do you mean last time?" asked Twilight
"Every year, in my world, our school district is required to take this Basic Skills Test, covering reading, writing, and math. If I got at least 60 problems right, I would pass the test and be eligible to go to another school. But the downside was, there was a time limit of no more than 3-4 hours. Regardless if you finished the test or not, when the time was up, you had to put your pencils down and turn the paper in. So on the day of the test, I went as fast as I could on the paper, getting each problem done with the greatest of ease, until I reached the 60th problem. It was a goddamn long complicated math problem that just bumped me. I couldn't seem to figure out or solve it, and by the time I think I had the answer, the test was over.
"Once again I had failed to get out of that forsaken school. And with no one to get comfort from, where was I to go? But now it's gonna be different, 'cause I have the best teacher anyone could ask for. She has helped me get through questions faster, helped find self-esteem within myself, and best of all, helped me strive to become a better human being than my parents ever were, because there isn't a damn thing they could teach me that would convince me that my life is worth something!!!"
Cory couldn't hold it in anymore as tears streamed down his eyes. He walked over to the guest bed and sat down as his fists clutched against his pants. He couldn't believe what he just said. It was as if another person was talking to these three ponies. Then, he started crying, not because he was in pain, but because he felt ashamed of himself. But it didn't seem to matter, as Cadence walked up to him and lifted his head up with her hoof. A compassionate smile grew across her face.
"Why did they hate me Cadence?" he said under his tears. "Why did they hate me?"
Then he wrapped his arms around her neck as she brought him in for a big squeeze. Twilight and Shining Armor followed soon after and formed a large group hug as Cory continued to cry.
"Shhhh, just let it out Cory." Whispered Cadence as she rubbed his back. "Just let it out."
After what seemed like the longest time, the three ponies helped him finish with his unpacking and escorted him back downstairs.
"You shouldn't be ashamed for expressing what you felt." Said Shining Armor.
"Really?" Cory asked
"Yeah just because you're not perfect doesn't mean you wont get a family. I mean, I struggled too when I was filly. It took me about 6 tries to get into the royal guards. Besides, nopony's perfect."
"Not even Cadence?" Cory asked.
"Even I make mistakes Cory." Said Cadence. "But from them I learn to be a better leader. If we never made mistakes, we never would've gotten anywhere."
"Starswirl the Bearded had his blunders too." Said Twilight "But we probably wouldn't have had the greatest spells in Equestria had it not been for those accidents."
"I hope I didn't spoil the holidays for you all." Said Cory
"We've already told you Champ, you didn't do any such thing." Said Shining Armor. "Besides, Hearth's Warming Eve is a time of togetherness."
"A time when everypony comforts everypony else," Cadence added.
"Especially when a certain somepony feels down." Twilight added.
"From what you've told us," Said Shining Armor as he gave Cory a noogie "You're a pretty brave kid."
Cory's cheeks blushed as he made a sheepish grin.
"Now lets head back to the kitchen and finish dinner." Said Twilight "I for one cannot wait for desert."
As they got back to their seats and finished the main course, Cory was truly reassured of himself and felt part of Twilight's family. Now it was Dessert time. This was an exceptional array of apple cobblers, apple strudel, carrot cake, ice cream sundaes, Rainbow coated cupcakes and a dazzling assortment of different ice cream flavors. When the meal ended, Twilight's family, Cory included, headed back to the living room and played a few Equestran versions of Twister, Checkers, Monopoly and 5-6 other unheard board games. They shared a laugh here, and told a joke there until everyone was tuckered out.
Cory headed up to his room and got ready for bed. Somehow, everything in the guest room seemed lighter and cheerful to him. The drapes were more bright in color, the wallpaper was warmer in hue and texture, and the bed looked exceptionally comfy. As he brushed his teeth and rinsed out his mouth, he wondered what Twilight's room looked like. So, he crept out of his room, tiptoed down the hallway and gently knocked on her door.
"Come in." Said a voice.
The room was almost fit for a castle. With a domed ceiling, tiled floor and bed with matching curtains, it's no wonder Twilight was destined to be a princess. To his left was a small dresser with a mirror about the size of a young filly. on the desk was a few knick knacks and items from her childhood past such as letters, a music box, and a case of pencils and quills. On her bed was small stuffed teddy bear was placed on a plain pillow below above a swirled textured blanket. To his right was what intrigued him the most. It was a yellow toy chest with a violet outline that looked like it hadn't been touched in ages. As he opened it for a closer look, he stared in awe at a vast array of childhood toys and games. It was as if he was looking into a history of somepony's life.
"I see you've become aware of my toy chest." Said a voice
"Oh, I'm sorry." Said Cory as he quickly closed the toy chest. "I didn't mean to look through your personal belongings."
"No need to apologize." Chuckled Twilight. "You're welcome to look at my childhood toys if you want."
Cory nodded in response as he straightened himself up and headed for the door.
"Um...Cory?" asked Twilight to which Cory turned around to listen.
"When you said that thing earlier..."
"What thing?"
"About me being the greatest teacher ever, did you mean that?"
"Well, I may have over emphasized on a few things but yes, I did mean it. Twilight. You and your friends saved my life. I don't know where I'd be if hadn't been for you. I probably would've ended up in some juvenile hall with a noose around my neck. You showed how I still had some living left to do, and what's more, you gave me more of a reason to live through the power of friendship. That's the best gift anyone has given me."
Tears started to fill Twilights eyes.
"Of all the compliments I've gotten since becoming a princess, that one tops it all."
Then they embraced each other in a long hug right before Cory headed back to his room for a good nights sleep. It was the first time he fell asleep with ease, assured of himself and the future.
Winter Wrap Up had just ended, and springtime was now in full swing. The sky was as blue as it could be with the occasional wisp of clouds floating to the rhythm of Pegasi. The trees were blossoming with fresh new flowers, ready to fall onto the unspoiled ground. The grass had turned green and soft from early rain showers glistening in the suns rays like an emerald wave, and life, both flora and fauna was buzzing in all its glory. The town of Ponyville was especially alive with it's typical comings and goings of everyday routines. Flowers were being sold. Apples were taken to market, Cupcakes were baked by the pound, and dresses were cleaned and polished, ready to be displayed at the shop window.
It had been two months since Cory met Twilight's family for Hearts Warming Eve. That holiday weekend was one he treasured dearly. Activities included ice skating, decorating a tree, snowball fights, browsing through the shop windows, making gingerbread houses, attending the annual "Origin Of Equestria" play, etc. Sometimes, he even felt he was part of the family, as if he forgot where he really came from.
It was early morning, roughly 8-9 A.M, and Cory could be found studying in the barnyard of Sweet Apple Acres. He was getting a good head start for an upcoming history exam on the history of the Wonderbolts, a team he had already become acquainted with. In fact, he had just become pen pals with Soarin, a member of the team, which impressed Rainbow Dash as she was avid Wonderbolt fan.
He was reviewing his visual flashcards when suddenly in burst a pink blur, tearing hole in the wall in the process. It was Pinkie Pie with her customary enthusiasm.
"MOOOORNING APPLEJACK!!!" She shouted as her voice vibrated across the bookshelves. The very volume of it was enough to wake up twilight from her slumber.
"Oh. Howdy Pinkie." Yawned Applejack. "Thought it was an earthquake."
"MORNING CORY!!" Shouted PInkie Pie in almost earshot of Cory. The wind from her mouth flew Cory off his seat and against the bookshelf.
"Hey, PInkie. you know you don't have to yell at me like that." He said.
"Just wanted to let you know how happy I am to see you." She responded with a grin that covered half her face. "Watcha doin?"
"Oh, just studying for a history exam. What are you doing?"
"Oh, just swinging by to see if Applejack has those fruit punch samples for me yet."
"They're right downstairs in the cellar." Replied Applejack.
"Did you follow the handy dandy instructions?!" Pinkie replied sternly.
"Well, this punch is just the prototype so..."
"Prototype Schomotype!!!! Planning an emergency party is no picnic, even if it is a picnic party!! You never know who's birthday you might miss!"
Then Pinkie trotted downstairs Leaving Cory back to his studies.
It was at this moment Applejack noticed something different in Cory. He was looking outside the window admiring the display of springtime. Though he always struggled in the past when it came to understanding the material, it was the first time he was distracted.
"What's wrong Sugarcube?" Asked a concerned Applejack.
"Just uh...just awed by the scenery." replied Cory.
"GOOT EM!!" Shouted Pinkie Pie with a tray of punch samples in her hoof. She took one cup gulped it down as if it were nothing.
"Hmmm, needs more cider." She concluded.
"It is a very nice day." Commented Applejack "If you want to, you can go outside and study."
"It's not that." Said Cory "It's just my birthday today and...."
Upon hearing this, Pinkie spit out a mouth full of punch, almost like in a cartoon. Then she sped to Cory so fast, the friction of her hooves left a skid mark on the wooden floor.
"IT'S......YOUR.....BIRTHDAY!!!?" Pinkie shouted.
"Well yeah." Replied Cory. "It's no big deal.."
"No big deal? Th..Th..This changes everything!!!!"
Pinkie zoomed out of the house for a split second and zoomed back in wearing a party hat and carrying what looked like a large party cannon.
"We need to celebrate your birthday Cory!" Said Pinkie Pie "Good thing I had these fruit punch samples ready!"
Then she zoomed outside, leaving another skid mark in Twilight's library.
"Wooo wee! I'm surprised you didn't tell us this before." asked an enthusiastic Twilight. "How old are you today?"
"I'm...16." Answered a shy Cory.
"Well then, happy 16th birthday Cory." She replied.
But Cory just gave a smirk and continued to his studies.
"Aren't you excited?" Asked Applejack.
"It's just I haven't had a real birthday in awhile." he replied. "The last time I had a birthday party was with my friends back home and that was about 2 years ago."
Applejack thought for a moment.
"Why don't you go outside and get some fresh air." She replied.
Just as Cory predicted, everything around him was alive with activity. Children were playing in the streets, mares and stallions were carrying supplies and goods to their destination, and a elderly couple were seen in the background playing chess. It seemed as though nothing was out of place, or out of touch. Everypony was greeted with a tip of the hat or a simple hello, complimenting whatever craft or trick was presented to them. But despite these typical normalities, something felt a little different. It was as if all the attention was focused on him. This was no surprise since everypony he passed by today gave a friendly greeting and wave of the hoof. It was there that he saw Pinking who was standing on a flagpole and holding a megaphone to her mouth.
"ATTENTION EVERYPONY!!" shouted Pinkie to a crowd of citizens. "AS YOU MAY OR MAY NOT KNOW, TODAY IS CORY'S BIRTHDAY!!"
"You've already told us that 3 times this past hour." Said one of the onlookers.
"THAT'S NOT THE POINT!!" replied Pinkie "WE GOT TO GIVE HIM THE BEST BIRTHDAY HE'S EVER HAD STAT! AND WHEN I SAY BEST, I MEAN THE FUNNEST, MOST STUPENDOUS, MOST SPLENDIFEROUS PARTY PONYVILLE HAS EVER SEEN!
Then, out of nowhere, she took out what looked like a blueprint for a humongous celebration of some sort.
"EVERYPONY SPLIT UP INTO TEAMS!!" She commanded as everyone frantically gathered into groups.
"NORTH TEAM, YOU DO THE TENT WORK, RIDES, GAMES AND ATTRACTIONS. SOUTH TEAM, YOU WILL HANDLE THE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT. WEST SIDE, YOU'RE IN CHARGE OF DECORATING EVERY NOOK AND CRANNY PONNYVILLE! EAST TEAM, YOU'RE THE FOOD AND DRINKS! AND I WANT THOSE CUPCAKES TO BE THE BEST HE'S EVER TASTED! THIS IS MY SUPER DUPER PARTY BLUEPRINT FOR YOU ALL TO FOLLOW! NOW, LETS DO THIS THING!!!
Everypony scattered to their assigned duties as Pinkie raced down the flagpole and zoomed up to Cory, almost nose to nose with him. If looks could kill for Pinkie, this would be now.
"Cory, you have my, ultimate, certified, non-breakable, or your money back guarantee pinkie party promise," To which she slammed a cupcake into her eye, "That you will have the best birthday party ever!!! Do I make myself clear?"
A bewildered Cory nodded back.
"Great" she responded as she changed in tone. "Now you get ready, cause this afternoon, you are gonna join the super duper party pony, for a super duper partay."
Then she zoomed away to check on everypony's progress. Meanwhile Cory walk back to Sweet Apple Acres and climbed up to his bedroom attic. By now, the room was filled with creations of his own, ranging from paintings and sculptures, to ceramics and ornaments. Cory took a moment of pride to admire his work, still awestruck with how far he came. It was impossible to believe less than a year ago, hardly anyone knew his name. Now, a whole town was planning a birthday party for him, as if he were a celebrity. Not to say that he wasn't. He had already made a name of himself a premiere artist in Equestria, not because he was a human, but because of the conventions he used: Junk and used items
He walked over to his dresser and picked out a casual button down shirt and pants. It was part of the stack of clothing Rarity made for him during his first week in Ponyville. Attached to it were suspenders and bowtie and included in it's texture was a beautiful pattern of blue, yellow and red. Then he took out a pair of polished shoes from underneath his bed. They were of a black and brown color scheme, perfectly matching the wooden floor. He quickly put this ensemble on and made his way downstairs and out the door.
It was now mid-afternoon, and hustle and bustle of Cory's birthday party was in full swing. The Town was decorated with streamers that spanned building after building, balloons of all colors and shapes that were as large as a small house, booths that displayed games as elaborate as their names, food stands with cupcakes of every flavor imaginable, and the occasional water slide that spun around every street and sidewalk. It was the most elaborate party he had ever laid eyes on, not to mention the fact that he could swear he saw a blimp in the shape of his head. From out of the crowd of dancing ponies and singing mares burst Pinkie Pie in her party mode as she raced toward her with a large grin.
"Hey Everypony!!" She shouted as she picked him up. "It's the Birthday Boy!!"
Everypony responded with a cheer and chant of "Cory! Cory! Cory!"
"Come on Cory!" Said Pinkie Pie "LEEEEETS PARTY!!"
And what a party it was. There was a smile on every face greeting and clapping Cory as he passed by. Music filled the air with every instrument known to exist, from trombones to ukeleles, from folk singing to DJ music. The savoring food was the most mouth watering he ever tasted, with treats spanning from ice cream to cupcakes to potato chips to a fruit punch that would satisfy the numbest of taste buds. He couldn't tell whether he was at some elaborate rave or Disney World, but he didn't seem to mind. Every ride he rode was more fun than the last, ranging from a broad collection of roller coasters, Ferris wheels and water slides. At the game booths, simple competitions as ring tossing, dart throwing and ring the bell were blown out of proportion, giving them the appearance of elaborate game shows.
But perhaps the most intriguing element was it's theme. Everything, down to to the last detail was centered around Cory, whether it was an ice sculpture of his face, or an assortment of puppets at the prize booth resembling his body. Not only was this his first real birthday party, it was a whole town dedicating the day to him. Even when he blew out his sixteen candles, everyone went into an uproarious applause.
By the time the day rolled into late afternoon, everypony was showering him with presents in the middle of a large field, especially the Mane 6.
"Happy 16th birthday boy!" Said Applejack as she gave him her gift.
As he looked at his pile, something seemed to be missing.
"What's the matter sugarcube?" asked Applejack.
"Don't you get presents on your birthday?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"I'm just wondering where Twilight is?"
"Oh, she left for an important assignment." Replied Rarity.
"But she wanted me to give you this." Said Applejack as he gave him one more present.
"That reminds me," She continued "I gotta go back to some important duties on the farm. You just enjoy the rest of your party." And with that she trotted away.
Cory tore at the wrapping to reveal a hardcover book with his name engraved on the cover. As he opened it and skimmed through the pages, he noticed how the first half of them had a picture of him, a doodle or sketch he drew, or an essay he wrote with Twilight. As he reached the middle, he saw a small note written in purple ink:
To my faithful student Cory.
Earlier that day, Twilight could be found all the way back in the Everfree Forest. She was staring at the stone slab portal of which Cory came out of when he first arrived. On her back was a satchel full of bits, enough for several bus and plane rides, as well as nourishments. Delicately, she turned a stick into a boomerang and and tossed it at the slab, to which it promptly flew in and flew out of the stone material. Then, with one deep breath, she stepped through the portal.
Twilight woke up realizing she was in her human form once more. With her flailing skirt and bow tied t-shirt, one could almost say she'd pass for Dorothy. Noticing she still had her wings, she quickly folded them up and tucked them in the back of her shirt.
"Alright girl." she said to herself. "You did this before, you can do it again."
As she adjusted to walking on two legs and using hands again, she realized that the portal ended up on the wall of an old, wooden shack. She noticed how the other walls were covered with glorious paintings and musical arrangements. Looking up, she saw a few chains of paper dolls and cranes still dangling from the ceiling. Looking down, she examined a few discarded board games and art books, all had not been opened or touched in 2 years. in the middle of the floor was a medium sized rug quilted with the image of a six pointed star. The center of the shape was embedded with the words: "Friends For Life" with big letters in front of each word. Twilight shed a little tear at the site of this, to which she promptly wiped away.
"Ok," she continued. "You got just enough bits to get to and from wherever his parents are. But first, Find a library. Remember, you're doing this for Cory."
Then with a large, yet clumsy stride, she walked out of the shack, and onto the street. It was particularly gloomy, yet mysterious afternoon in the human world. The sky was a medium dark grey as if a little shower was about to happen. The ground was a combination of small weeds and unkempt grass, with large patches of dirt everywhere.
As she approached the street, Twilight looked to her right and left, wondering where to go first. It was hard to make out the heavy fog at first, but with closer examination, she noticed a passerby walking toward her.
"Excuse me sir." She said as she caught his attention. "Do you know where I'm able to find a library?"
"There's one on the other side of town." The stranger replied as he pointed to her left. "Just keep going straight and you'll be at Canterlot County Library."
"Thanks." she said, and started to run in that direction.
"You know a bus ride would be easier."
"Bus - ride?" she replied with a confused look.
The stranger pointed to a bus parked at the edge of the street. Twilight made a small grin and walked over. She had never seen such a large mode of transportation before. It looked like a large beast with glowing eyes and wheels for legs. Knowing that was not important now, she stepped inside, paid her few bits to the bus driver and took a seat.
As the bus stopped at the library, she marched inside and started to search for books on town history. At the edge of one of the shelves, she noticed a messy folder of manuscripts and documents. On the cover read: St. George's Child Center Residence Record. With the assistance of the ladder, she climbed up and grabbed it with the greatest of ease. Then she curled into a fetal position and read away.
As she started to searched for Cory's name, there were images of a shanty, broken down orphanage, a poorly handled kitchen system, empty rooms with sleeping bags on the wooden floor and a wide array of children who looked like they'd been either bruised in the eye or kicked in the stomach.
"What kind of parents would leave a kid there?" She said to herself.
In middle of all the research was the front of a newspaper that read: ST. GEORGE'S CONFISCATED AND DEMOLISHED FOR CHILD CRUELTY. It was then she noticed the back of the folder that read: CRIME FILE.
"Good riddance." she mumbled.
Then she continued to skim through all the names until she finally reached the C's.
"Cody..Colleen.. Connie.. AHA! CORY!" she stated.
In front of her was a small picture a meek, ten year old boy. Not surprising was the fact that it was the only orphan with the letters missing in front of it. Attached to it was a large paper describing his appearance, hobbies and any family history. At the bottom of page read in bold letters RELATIONS : Suri and Frank Agees. This was what Twilight was looking for. She held the file record with her mouth and walked towards a librarian.
"Expcupf Meh MM." Twilight muffled.
"Can I...Help you?" The librarian asked with a puzzled look.
Realizing she was in a world different from hers, she spat out the piece of paper and made a sheepish grin.
"Do you know where I can find these two?" She asked as she pointed to the names of Cory's parents.
"Have you tried online?"
"I'm not really the best at that."
"If you want I can search them up for you."
"That would be great."
The librarian quickly logged onto her laptop and typed the names Paulina and Frank Agees. As she scrolled down, a vast array of articles appeared pertaining to a couple who bought a large insurance company down in Miami, telling how they claimed to become successful without children through. Each one also stated how they were notorious for their mean spirited and thoughtless behavior with their employees and clients. There was even a magazine cover that labeled them "The Nastiest Couple on Earth." After a few more searches, the librarian printed out their living address and gave it to Twilight.
"So where can I find this so called, Mi-am-ee?" Twilight asked.
"You're not really from here are you?" asked the librarian.
"Where I come from the town's kind of.... isolated." Twilight lied.
"Alright." sighed the librarian "There's a bus that should be stopping by now en route towards the airport. Maybe you'll catch a flight there."
"Flight? you mean like Pegasi flight?"
"Um...Pegasi?"
"Never mind. Thanks."
She picked up her satchel full of bits and ran outside. Just as expected, a bus was waiting for the next passenger. She hopped aboard, paid another few bits, and took a seat. As the bus made it's way to the airport, Twilight reached into her pocket and took a moment to memorize the address. It was at that moment she looked out the window and saw her five human friends walking by. She wanted to stick her head out and wave, but she knew this wasn't her focus now. Maybe some other time, She thought to herself.
"Next stop! Canterlot County Airport!" shouted the driver as the bus came to a stop.
Twilight stuffed the address in her pocket and stepped off. The airport was the most complex work of architecture she had ever seen. With every section more intricate than the next, she couldn't tell which part was the entrance and which was the exit. After a few minutes of frantic searching, she finally came across the information booth and noticed a vacant desk.
"Do you know when the next flight to Miami is?" She asked as she walked towards it.
"Well, there is one heading out at gate 30 about 30 minutes." Replied the employee. "But I'd hurry if I were you."
With those words, Twilight sprinted away, checking the signs if she got lost. After a few minutes of intense searching, she arrived in the nick of time.
"Attention." said a voice over the intercom "Flight D-J-P-O-N-3 to Miami is now boarding."
Twilight walked up to the service desk and chucked and handful of bits in front of the specialist.
"Will this cover for a flight?" She asked
The specialist nodded back with a strange look and gave her a ticket, to which she walked through the loading dock and into the plane. The interior looked like the inside of a serpents stomach. Twilight couldn't tell whether she was inside a vehicle or a creature as she took her seat. She held on tight like a cat clings onto the side of a couch as the plane started to take off.
"First time on a plane?" Asked a familiar stranger.
"Oh, yes." Twilight chuckled "And to think flying with wings was hard enough."
"Wings?" asked the stranger.
"Never mind." she replied.
The stranger took out a sketchpad of what looked like different costume designs and started drawing.
"So. Are heading to Miami for some fun and relaxation?" She asked
"Actually no. It's for more personal reasons." Replied Twilight
"Oh. Who are you to see?"
"I'm trying to get into contact with a couple named Frank and Suri Agees."
The stranger broke her pencil upon hearing this.
"Oh my goodness." The stranger said alarmingly. "If you're looking to get money there, that should be the last thing on your mind."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, a couple years back, I was short and desperate for insurance. I needed the money to help set up a small shop I always wanted to own. But unfortunately, they gave me a deadline of less than a week. So, I took the easy way out and became an employee for Agees Investments. Promising they'd give me the money I needed, I was told to do very humiliating things for them, such as come to work in sexist clothing, clean up every after party without any assistance, and being ridiculed by other staff for not being as good looking as everyone else. Finally, I mustered up the courage to ask them for my claim but they said I was not qualified for their coverage, stating I was... too ugly for their image. Basically, they scammed me out of what was a supposed to be an unbroken promise. Yet, I decided to continue working them, believing I'd eventually save enough money for the store.
"I began to believe it was everybody for themselves in this world. Then I came across a story online about a high school who miraculously turned a school upside down and united all the students regardless of what they like. It made me think, maybe there's something better for me. So, I quit."
"Then how did you get your money?" asked Twilight
"Well there's nothing a few close friends can't fix."
"You can say that again. By the way my names Twilight. Twilight Sparkle."
"I'm Coco. Coco Pommel."
The two continued talking on one subject and chuckling onto another until the plane made its landing at Miami airport.
"So, why exactly are you here?" Asked Coco as she got out of her seat.
"I'm here to talk to Suri and Frank about a child they abandoned." Replied Twilight.
"Gasp ! Oh my goodness." Proclaimed Coco as they headed out the plane. "So the legends are true."
"Yep." Replied Twilight "And I got the evidence right here."
She reached into her satchel and took out Cory's file record.
"Poor guy." Said Coco as she looked at Cory's picture. "I wonder where he is now?"
"Fortunately, he's with me and one of my other friends."
"Oh. You're his new caregiver?"
"Well, depending on the circumstances, soon to be."
"So why do you wish to see his parents?"
"I just need to know why they abandoned Cory and see if they want him back or not."
As they headed out the loading dock and past the baggage claim, Twilight walked outside the terminal and wondered how she would get a cab.
"If you need a ride," Coco commented. "I can get one for you."
"Thanks." She replied.
With ease, Coco called for a taxi for which two hopped inside and headed for the house of the Agees.
The residence of Suri and Frank was a colossal mansion at the edge of town. It's exterior resembled a combination between a playboy mansion and Jefferson's Monticello estate. Taking residence on top of a steep hill and surrounded by a pristine medal fence, with a security check point to top it all off, it seemed this couple took their privacy seriously.
As Coco and Twilight approached the entrance, a large booming voice could be heard over the gates.
"Excuse me maam!" Said the voice. "Do you have an appointment?"
"Oh..I..I..uh." Twilight couldn't think of the words to say.
"She's the new housemaid the Agees ordered." Said Coco.
"What are you doing?" Asked Twilight.
"Trust me."
"Hmmm...proceed." Said the voice.
The gates opened as the two girls walked onto the property.
"Soooo what was that about?" Asked Twilight as they approached the door.
"Suri is always looking for someone to do housework and pay their taxes." Replied Coco "Believe me. I've been a victim of that."
As the two walked inside, Twilight found herself in the middle of a large rotunda. Surrounding her were large marble pillars that melted in with the floor. In front of her was a glorious spiral staircase with an impression that reach toward the sky as its curvature surrounded a chandelier just as decadent. However, the most peculiar part of the interior design were the painting that adorned the walls. Each work seemed to center on the theme of violent eroticism sex, whether it was a couple biting each other and making out, a woman naked and bound to a chair, or a three way of individuals in a balletic cavort.
"I had to pose for one of those painting." Said Coco as she started to shed a tear. "It was a terrible experience."
As Twilight came over to comfort her, they heard what sounded like heated argument in the next room. Twilight down the hallway while Coco stayed behind.
"I'll be fine Twilight." Said Coco. "You go ahead and confront them."
"Thanks." She replied.
"But there is one more thing."
"Yes?"
"May I have that document about Cory?"
Twilight reached into her pocket, handed it over to Coco, and briskly walked down the hallway. As the argument got louder and nastier sounding and she walked closer, a string of uncertainty fell across her body. Are they going to hurt me? She thought to herself. What are they doing back there? No. You have to do this for Cory. If you don't, you'll never know why. As she approached the room, she could make out what was being said:
"What do you mean there's no champagne?" asked one voice.
"I'm sorry maam." replied a scared, timid voice. "we're fresh out today."
"You're fresh out today! You're fired! GET THE FUCK OUT!!"
The doors to the room burst open as a male servant walked down the hallway crying. Twilight wanted so badly to comfort him, but she knew she had to focus on her goal. As she entered the room, she noticed how the decor took on the shape of an erotic mixture of leather and silk. The furniture was curved and etched out to look like a woman's back as it all faced a humongous fireplace fit for a king. In the middle of the center coffee table was a flower stuffed vase shaped like a male torso with whip marks on the chest and back. On top of a rather attractive mantlepiece was large portrait of what clearly the owners of the household dressed in business attire. The bottom of the portrait read: Frank "Blueblood" and Suri "Polomare" Agees in gold insignia. All around the walls hung rugs and tapestries of various individuals in rather uncomfortable positions. To her right, in front of a large glass window was a see-through desk shaped like a crescent moon complete with a speaker phone, computer, pen holder and stack of unread bank statements. "If only Rarity were here" thought Twilight. "She would be in inspiration heaven."
"What the hell are you doing here?" asked a snappy voice from behind.
Twilight turned around to see Suri in the flesh. She had the physique of a cover girl role model yet a complexion of one facelift and makeup tutorial too many. Her choice in attire was a gorgeous red silk dress curling around her waist and legs, complete with a pair of matching Prada shoes. The hair style was a sensual beehive hairdo with sprouting curls that would make Rarity blush. In one hand was glass filled with champagne and in another, a long Cruella-DeVille like cigarette.
"Are you retarded?" whined Suri "I asked you a question."
"My name is Twilight Sparkle." Said Twilight firmly as she snapped back into reality. "I'm here to..."
"Ah, Darling. It must be our new secretary." Said Frank "Blueblood" who approached the scene sporting a lavish robe. "Come. Lets fit you in your new uniform."
"That's not what I'm here for." Said Twilight as they walked to the nearby closet.
"Alright, what would you like: exposing leather or sensual fur?" Asked Suri.
"I'm not here to get a job Mrs. Agees." Said Twilight Sternly. "I'm here for family matters."
"Personally I prefer leather." Said "Blueblood" as if he wasn't even listening. "Exposes the body more."
"I'm here to talk about your son Cory."
"Listen, we hate children." Said Suri as she placed her brandy and cigarette on the coffee table. "I'm afraid you mistook us for some other couple. Now please head to the fitting room."
"Mr. and Mrs. Agees. I have a document from Canterlot county library stating you were both Cory's parents." By now Twilight was losing patience.
"We told you!" Said "Blueblood." as his tone got stricter "We don't know what your'e talking about. Could you get into your uniform please?"
He presented to Twilight a trashy looking dress.
"I'm not putting that on Mr. Agees." Said Twilight angrily "I have Coco waiting down the hallway with the document in her hands."
"Coco?" Asked "Blueblood" with a chuckle "That wimpy bitch we fired about a year ago? You know you can't trust a weakling like that."
"Well from her accounts," continued Twilight. it was you two who made her insecure about herself. Now please can we move on to..."
"Look!" Said "Blueblood!" as he approached Twilight threateningly "We never had a son! We never plan to! We don't know what you're talking about! Now either get in this uniform, or get out!"
"Cory Agees." Twilight began to recite. "Blue Hair, blue eyes, skinny body, light flesh, about 4' 3". According to documented accounts, he was brutally abused by father, berated by his mother for un-thought out reasons. At the age of 10, he was left at the gift shop of Canterlot County airport without any adult supervision. During his stay at St. George's Home For Children, he and a few other peers endured a great many run ins with bullying and abuse, so much to the point that the state had to confiscate and demolish the orphanage. In addition..."
"WILL YOU JUST SHUT UP?!!!!" Screamed Suri "Alright, it's true. We had a son named Cory. We abandoned him, and it was the best decision we ever made."
"Do you have any idea how hard it was with him around?" Asked Blueblood. "We could not wait until that miserable little shit was out of the picture and out of our lives."
"Yes, we admit it!" Said Suri. "We hated him with a fiery passion. Everyday I would look at him and just wish he would kill over."
"Why?" Asked Twilight as a tear stream down her cheek. "Why did you hate such a good kid like Cory. And for that record why did you allow Cory to be born in the first place?"
"You wanna know why?" asked Blueblood threateningly "Because we made the stupid decision of being surrogate parents to a dimwit couple."
"We were about to have it all." Commented Suri. "We filled up all our savings in the bank to buy a beautiful mansion, own a sweet insurance company, and live the life of a worry free couple."
"But some childhood friends just begged us to conceive their child." Added Blueblood.
"Having that brat inside me was the most miserable 9 months of my life: filled with vomiting, mood swings, nausea and a pain in my gut. But we knew it would be over in 9 months."
"Then, suddenly, as cruel as fate is, we saw on the news the couple had died in a car accident."
"I would have wanted to have an abortion, but it was too late. The fetus had reached a stage where killing it would endanger my life, and the worst day of my life was becoming a mom. We had to cancel our bank statement, have a crappy wedding in a makeshift hotel, and spend our honeymoon looking at a billboard. So, as you can see, I didn't hate Cory because he was un-athletic, or unintelligent, or skinny, or small. I hated him because his coming into existence took away my chances of ever having a single moment of happiness ever again!!"
"After his birth, it was a hungry, greedy little mouth to feed. We were forced to waste savings so we could bathe, cook and even dress him as we were obligated to do. All our plans and dreams went down the drain because of him. I was forced to get a crappy job down the street, buy a low end house and only eat at some cheap diner to get away from all that stress."
"But above all, the crying and screaming was without mercy. we had to slap him in the face and punch the lights out of him just to shut him up and get some peace and quiet. Every day we would leave him in the bathtub, praying he would drown. When we spoon fed him we would stick the utensil down his throat, hoping he would choke. Every night, we would go on dates and leave him alone with the fireplace lit, wishing it would burn the house down with him in it..."
"How dare you! Said a stunned, yet angry Twilight. "How DARE YOU TRY TO KILL YOU OWN CHILD!! Why treat him like he's less of a person? I don't know about you two but this is the worst excuse I've ever heard. Answer this. If you hated Cory so much, then why did you hold onto him?" "In spite of your bitter hatred, you allowed him sleep under your house and eat your food for a good ten years. Why?... Why?!!... Answer Me!!
"Because we wanted his college fund money!!" snapped Suri. "We learned that if he reached ten years that money would reach the amount we needed to achieve our long lost dream. So one day, we pretended we were going on a stinkin family vacation so we wouldn't get in trouble with the law. Then, we left him at the gift shop telling we'd be right back. We saw the next plane to Miami and dashed inside. I remember shouting to everyone on board: We're ditching our kid and taking the honeymoon we always wanted. Everyone on board cheered as we took our first class seats and headed down to Florida. The moment we touched down, we rushed to the nearest hotel, checked in, turned out the lights and made sweet love for the first time in years. Now we have a huge mansion, a load of cold hard cash, and a future of everlasting sex and retirement to look forward to. Now do you understand?"
"Yes I do." Twilight answered coldly. "I understand that you two are what is wrong with the human race. I thought I could take it but now I realize why you left Cory. It wasn't because of him, it was because of you. You don't deserve to be parents. In fact, you don't deserve any of Cory's money, nor any of his sympathy. In fact, you don't deserve this mansion at all. You two are a bunch of insensitive windbags and you should know better than to leave your own child alone, sad and scared. Do you know what it feels like to be a kid with no one to turn to?!"
By now Twilight was steaming with anger.
"Do you know what it feels like to wake up every day in an empty room with a broken heart and a crushed soul, how it seems that no one cares if you're dead or alive? Every day you just walk around feeling worthless and void of any love or friends and hardly any way out, wishing that someone out there would just take you away from all the trouble?
"We'd expect that kind of bullshit sob story from a loser like you." Said Blueblood. "With your sex free life I'm surprised you haven't ended up in a rundown apartment with some worthless...."
"ENOUGH!!!!" Screamed Twilight.
Suddenly, her wings came out of her shirt and her eyes turned into beams of light as she flew up above them. The force of her voice was so strong, the large window by the desk shattered to pieces.
"You had your time to make your excuses." Said Twilight "Now it's my turn. So you are going to stand there and listen to every damn word I have to say."
"Who the hell are you?" Asked Blueblood in bewilderment.
"I'm Cory's new mother, and if you threaten my son, you threaten ME!!"
As she said those words, the erotic vase on the coffee table shattered to pieces. It was then her eyes returned to normal and she landed softly onto the floor.
"I know how hard it is to have kids." Twilight continued as she calmed down "I know how big of a responsibility it can be. Believe me, my parents didn't expect to have me nor my brother either. But they didn't care, because they supported us, cared for us and fought and believed in us no matter how big the challenge would be. In fact, I'm pretty sure they will continue to fight for us till the very end. Your problem on the other hoof is you two gave up far too easily, because you let fear and hatred of a new person in your life get the best of you , and because of that, you've passed on that fear of the new onto other people. You just love to whip others who can't fight back, like Pommel down there. From what I've heard from her testimonies, she was broken hearted by your thoughtlessness and cruelty to her. It's no wonder she quit. She knew life was too short and she couldn't endure you two any longer, and that includes the servant you just fired, as well as all the customers in the world you scammed for their money."
"How the hell did you know about..."
"NO, I AM TALKING NOW!!!!!" Twilight shouted as her eyes lit up again. The tapestries on the wall blew against the sound her voice.
"The only reason why I came here," She continued as her eyes turned to normalcy once again "Is because I needed to know just why you were so cruel to him, why you shunned Cory and didn't take one moment to acknowledge his needs and achievements, and now that I've figured it out. It's because you are stubborn bullies who will never understand the meaning of family and friendship. Your son always strived to make you love him despite your constant torture on him, even going as far as making a painstaking drawing for the two of you.
"I thought I could take people like you because a girl I knew used to be like you. Luckily I was able to make her know the error of her ways. But apparently, that doesn't work you two stubborn jerks. You're so busy trying to make your names heard and be on top of the food chain you forget what is clearly in front of you. The world does not revolve around your ideology of cruelty and discipline. It just doesn't work that way. But you can't see that. You are too thick minded to see what is clearly in front of your eyes. You think the two are all great parading your wealth, power and good looks to everyone else, but you haven't noticed a thing. Well guess what, I notice. I've noticed you never care about others around you. I've noticed you are too much concerned about how much sex you're having every day. I've noticed you have a son that has cried many nights wondering as to why you hated him and how you weren't able to see what was painfully obvious. You may see nothing from Cory, but I do. I do. I see a talented, good hearted, beautiful boy with a quality most of your kind lack. As unexpected as he may be, he is one of the best individuals I've ever seen, and you should love him for that, because one day, he can be gone in a flash and you're going to wonder why you took him for granted."
"So you got a mansion, a boatload of money and a facelift. good for you. You might want it all for yourself, But look what idea is costing you. It's costing you friends, it's costing you your dignity, it's costing you your reputation, and it's costing you your self respect. But I for one feel sorry for the customers you've scammed. If I can't get any of what I just said through your head, I want you to get this straight. Those people, those customers who asked for your money had nowhere else to go, and you both just step all over their necks as if they were nothing. But as for Cory, not only did you step on his neck, you bruised it for life, and that is something only a bully and coward would do. Because that's what you both are: cowards. You are not brave enough to see the new things that come into your life. You just want to do what you think is pleasurable. Sure, it's fun to enjoy life. But what good is it if you have no one to share it with? Huh? especially with your son. Now you think about that for awhile.
"You think you're son was the source of all your problems. Well guess what? It's the other way around. You were his problem. And what's more, I betcha you had problems far before he was born. You are thoughtless, cruel, blinded by your own useless ambitions, and none of your colleagues or customers deserve your attitude, especially Cory, because it is getting really old, and we are all sick of it. I suggest you stop it, apologize to your son and get a better attitude, and as far as I know, I wouldn't give two bits about you right now."
"Well that was a very amusing speech Twilight." Said Suri "But we have things to do."
Then the couple walked to their desk and went back to their business as if nothing happened.
"Frank...Suri." Twilight said sternly. "You walk away from Cory right now, don't you ever come back for him."
"Fair enough." The two said in unison.
Disgusted by how heartless they were, Twilight turned away and started to head for the door. But at that moment, the phone rang on their desk.
"What is it Doris?" Asked Blueblood as he put the phone on speaker.
"Mr. Agees. There's a few gentlemen outside from the force as well as a few clients who wish to have a word to you."
"What's this about?" Asked Suri.
"They say you two are under arrest for illegally stealing some of their insurance money. In addition, one of your clients by the name of Coco has evidence of you abandoning a child five years ago as well as illegally spending his college fund on the mansion."
"Tell them we don't know what she's talking about." Said Blueblood "Besides this is nothing our lawyers cant handle."
"I'm afraid this out of thier hands Mr. Agees. The force have received a few documents from Coco and the others as well as some airport security footage from Canterlot County that will make your testimony useless."
"Wait, What?" Snapped Blueblood. "But what about the bailout money?"
"That money technically belongs to the customers. In addition the lawyers are now joining the customers side of this case."
"But..But! How is this even possible?!!!" screamed Suri as she tugged at her hair. "How do they know about this?!"
"I'm sorry." replied Doris. "But due to extent of these damages, unless you can find someone at the moment who will testify on your behalf, you will lose the mansion, the company will go to the state, and you will be sentenced to no less than 10 years in a state penitentiary. Speaking of which I'm quitting in order to avoid jail time. It's been a pleasure serving you."
"WAIT! DON'T YOU DARE LEAVE US LIKE THIS!!" Screamed Blueblood. But it was too late. The phone connection was lost.
"Frankie! What are we going to do?" asked a semi-hysterical Suri. "I am not spending a decade in a jail cell!"
Suddenly, she felt a flight pain on her face.
"Oh, No." She said as she grabbed for a mirror in the desk drawer. "The facelift is wearing off. My beautiful complexion is melting. I can't go out looking like a hag!!"
"Wait." Proclaimed Blueblood. "Twilight."
The two nodded as they frantically burst out the room and sprinted down the hallway. Outside they could hear the sounds of police sirens and angry mobs. It was then they caught Twilight who was just about to step out the door. They ran towards her and went down on their knees, tugging at her skirt and begging for mercy.
"Twilight quick." Said Suri "Go outside and tell the police it's an honest mistake. We were just sending our customers money to charity. Besides we don't have a son. It was just a funny joke. Help us! Please!!"
Twilight looked down at them with a disapproving look as she calmly yanked their hands off and brushed the dirt off her skirt.
"Take back everything you said about your son." Said Twilight
"NEVER." Blueblood replied in a demonic whisper.
"Then you are on your own. Goodbye."
Twilight walked out and slammed the door on them. She could hear screams of hysteria in the background as she stepped off the front porch and walked down the long concrete driveway. On her way, she saw a few police officers running up to the entrance and ready to arrest the former owners of the house. It was then that she saw Coco waiting for her at the gates. She was talking to a few individuals about the dangers money scamming and the importance of believing in oneself.
"Hey Coco." said Twilight in a tiring voice.
"Hey Twilight." replied Coco as she approached her. "How did it go?"
"As you can see, not very well." She answered.
"Well at least we got a bit of victory over the Agees."
"eh, I suppose so. C'mon. Lets get the hell out of here."
As the two young women stepped inside the cab, Twilight could see out the window Frank and Suri, who were being escorted outside in handcuffs. They were screaming with intense hysteria as they were forcibly placed in the back of a police car.
"What's wrong Twilight?" Asked Coco.
"I just..." Twilight tried to find the right words "I just don't know what to tell him."
From the cab ride, to the airport, to the next flight back, Twilight remained silent. She was distraught as to how Cory would deal with this truth. Though Coco tried to comfort her, she was lost in her own thoughts, thinking of the proper words to say, preparing for what the reaction would be, not to mention he was celebrating his birthday in her world.
As the plane touched down in Canterlot County airport, Twilight and Coco wished each other good luck, One thanked the other, they gave a friendly hug and went their separate ways. As the next bus drove Twilight to the station near Cory's shack, she noticed once more her five human friends sharing a laugh or two at Sugarcube Corner. But even they couldn't soften the ache in her heart. It was then she stepped off the bus and slowly walked towards the shack, rehearsing in her head the right words to Cory. Then, as she stepped inside the wooden interior, she took a deep breath and walked through the portal once more.
On the other side, Twilight took a moment to make sure she was back in her old pony form. After a minute or two of contemplating what had just occurred, she looked up at the sky and noticed it was already late afternoon. It was then came up with an idea.
"Ok," she said to herself. "Now I need to make a letter to Cadence and Shining Armor. This is a family emergency."
Then she galloped over to her castle and started to write away.
It was the end of the day in Ponyville. The sun was just about to make its descent in the distant mountains. The moon was ready to glisten its white glow over the land, and Cory was now heading back to Sweet Apple Acres from his first real birthday party. Oh how much joy it brought inside his soul, how much memory it implanted in his brain and how much trust that healed in his heart. The day swarmed with a vast array of moments and memories that included balloons, confetti, cotton candy, music, and other optimistic subjects. It was clearly a morning and afternoon he would never forget.
Now it was time for shut eye. An end to perhaps the greatest day of his life. Much there was to think about for tomorrow. Chores to do, Work to solve, and artwork to create. But he enjoyed every minute of it, no matter how hard it was. Plus, what was a home without its thoughtful residents: Applebloom, the playful one, Big Mac, the strong one, Granny Smith, the wise one, and of course, Applejack, the true protector of the farm. Yet, tonight would be different for Cory. And this moment that was soon to come, would go on in his brain for as long as he lived.
Inside, as he entered the house, he had noticed how dimly lit the interior seemed to be. On most days, the light flooded the inside of the barn, making any tired traveler welcome and secure from a long journey. The only light source was to his right where sat a few occupants waiting at the dinner table: Applejack, Granny Smith, Big Mac, Applebloom, Twilight, Cadence and Shining Armor. On all them were worried yet confident looks. Upon noticing his arrival, they all flicked their heads up at the same time. In spite of how much these ponyfolk filled up the house, it all seemed a little empty. Not empty as in loneliness empty, but empty as in a feel of uncertainty falling across the atmosphere.
"Hey Cory." Said a sympathetic Applejack.
"What's wrong? What's happening?" he asked worriedly as he closed the door.
"Nothing's wrong pal." replied Shining Armor. "By the way. Happy birthday."
"Yep. Happy Birthday hopeful grandkid." Added Granny Smith.
"Thanks G...grandkid?"
Cory could not believe what she just called him.
"Cory." Said Twilight "We all came to talk to you about something, and see if you'd be ok with it."
At this point, a shiver fell down Cory's back. What was going to happen? Did someone die? Would he need to become a pony? Was he getting married? Probably not. So he walked towards the ponyfolk and took a seat at the vacant chair. Everypony was staring at him with a few concerned looks, as if ready for him to answer something. For a time being, there was a silence so pure and quiet, one could literally hear a hay gently falling from a barrel.
" What's this about?" he asked after what seemed like forever.
"Well," Answered Twilight as her hoof touched the back of her head "I went into your world today, and was able to get into contact with your parent.."
"How did you do that in one day?" Cory interrupted
"Apparently the timespan fluctuates between our worlds."
"Oh. I see. And...What did they say?"
"So I tried to reason with them which led to a ferocious debate, the result didn't end as precisely as I planned ...and...well..."
"They..." Applejack interrupted as her eyes filled with tears "They still don't want you anymore.
Cory bowed his head in shame as Applejack came over to rub her hoof on his back.
"It's alright." Said Cory as he wiped his tears. " You don't need to comfort me. I kind of expected that sort of response from them."
"But that's not important." Said Twilight "What's important now is what were about to ask you. Applejack, why don't you start."
Applejack got out of her seat and went up to Cory like a big sister.
"Cory," Applejack started as she cleared her throat. "We know you don't have a family and uh..."
"The Apple Family is only one of the biggest in Equestria." Added Granny Smith.
"But we always got room for one more in our apple clan." Added Applebloom
"Eeyup." Added Big Mac.
"Plus I always wanted to have a little colt by my side." Added Shining Armor. "You know, to teach some of the ways of the royal guard."
"Also," Added Cadence "I kind of always wanted to be an aunt to somepony, and, for the record, you're the closest to being on
"So, to come directly to the point," Said Twilight "we were wondering if we could all jointly adopt you."
Everypony was now staring at Cory with a sincere smile. At that moment, his hands were shaking, sweat began to fall down his brow, and his face turned white as caulk. All his life, Cory wished for someone to ask him this, but he never thought this moment would actually become a reality.
"You mean......be.....be my family?" he asked with a timid voice.
Everypony nodded in unison.
"Applejack could be your sister, and I could be your mom." Twilight explained.
"Yeah!!" Shouted Pinkie Pie as she popped out of nowhere "And since I'm technically Applejack's fourth cousin twice removed by a fifth cousin, I'll be your family too!!!"
She then gave a grin that fell across the entire bottom of her face.
"Well...I..."
Cory tried to think of the right words for this moment. Never in his years had he thought someone, or anyone in that matter, would've liked him that much. For the first time, he knew he had found his family. He just never thought it would be with another species. So, he thought of the best thing to say for the occasion.
"Why bother. You're already family to me."
"So..." Said eager Applebloom. "Is it..."
"Yes." Answered Cory who was on the verge of choking up "It's a yes."
In one split second, the entire room burst into an uproarious applause of smiles and tears. Cory, found himself surrounded by 7 ponies who were hugging him like a teddy bear. At that moment Applejack cheerfully trotted Cory to the back door of the kitchen and turned on the back light.
"HE SAID YES EVERYPONY!!!" Applejack shouted with glee.
From out of the darkness appeared a humongous crowd of cheering earth ponies and unicorns great and small. Each one of them had a distinct color scheme, a different cutie mark, yet a smile and cheer all the same.
"Whats this?" Asked a surprised Cory.
"Hey y'all!!" Cried Applebloom as she jumped onto Cory's shoulders "I'm gettin a new brother!!"
"Welcome to the family little brother." Said Applejack as she plopped Cory on her back. Then she took a big whiff of air and stretched out her lungs with pride.
"Do you smell that sweet apple air?" She asked as she carried Cory towards the crowd
"not really." replied Cory.
"That's rhetorical. Of course you smell it. You're an apple now, and you made the best choice of choosing our family."
"And our family too." Added Twilight with a motherly look as she approached the scene.
"UNICORNS!! FRONT AND CENTER!!!" Yelled Shining Armor.
Every unicorn in the crowd gathered around Cory and lifted him in the air with magic.
"Don't be frightened son." Said Twilight as she flew up to him and threw him on her back "This is all part of how we welcome new family members."
"And our family members too." Applejack added with pride. "All right y'all. Everypony head on down to the center of the farm for the birth-a-doption celebration." To which she kicked her hooves in the air and galloped in that direction.
Twilight flew Cory through the orchard while everypony else followed. Cory could hear Applebloom off in the background shouting "This is the best family ever!!." For the first time ever, Cory had tears of joy in his eyes. Then, there was a feeling he had never experienced before. It felt so good and yet so foreign. It was something that words were too feeble to describe, as if he was the first to have this feeling. Then, after a moment, he finally knew what it was: LOVE.
The night sky had painted itself with every constellation known to ponykind. Not a speck of cloud or a wisp of fog was to found anywhere in the sweet spring air. Princess Luna must've picked this evening especially for Cory. And why not? Of all the residents in Equestria who had come to enjoy the evening air, Cory was the happiest of them all. Not only had he been given a home, a job, a talent, and even an infinite of friends, he was now about to received something he had always dreamed of: A Family. Two families to be exact.
The entire Twilight and Apple clan had gathered to the center of Sweet Apple Acres, surrounding a large bonfire that glowed a glorious red among the darkness. The air had caught up with the scent of cinnamon and cider, which to no surprise was being served as the main beverage. Up in front was a bare, wooden podium with a microphone, tuned and ready for any upcoming announcement. Right at the edge of the podium was a writing desk, complete with a set of quills, a bottle of ink, and a few adoption papers ready to be signed by Twilight and Applejack.
All his fragile existence, Cory had dreamed for this moment to come. For somebody (or somepony in this case) to take him in, love him, and raise him as their own. Now that it was finally becoming a reality, he could not think of what to make of it. With all the smiling pony faces surrounding him, and every "We love you Cory" and "Welcome home cousin," His heart seemed to get bigger and bigger by the minute.
It was at this moment Cory was shaking hoof and hand with his new earth pony relatives while Applejack introduced their names to him. Music was being played to the tune of a country guitar and a mean fiddle. Ponies were laughing, playing, joking and sharing a joke or two. All centered around him, for this monumental occasion.
"Over there's Cloudchaser, this here's Orange Swirl, that there's Dosie Dough, Apple Dumpling, Apple Leaves, Half Baked Apple....Don't worry keeping track of names little brother!" Applejack Reassured "You've got you're whole life to know the Apple family!"
"And the Twilight family too!" Twilight added who was trotting beside him.
"AND THE PINKIE FAMILY THREE!!" Pinkie Pie shouted as she jumped out of nowhere with a rather emo looking pony beside her.
"Hope you don't mind." She continued "But I brought my sister Maud over to celebrate her new cousin.She's really, really excited to meet you."
Cory waved at Maud while Maud just stared back.
"You're more handsome than I thought." She said with face that looked like stone. "Oh, and I like how you smell of a few minerals."
"You sure she's excited?" asked Cory with a puzzled look.
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?" Pinkie "I haven't seen her this excited in my entire life!"
"I know it doesn't look like it." Maud added "But underneath this abnormally unethusiastic exterior, I am very, very happy now."
Then she walked over to him and gave him a small hug. Though it felt like a statue was embracing him, the warmth was all the same. Suddenly the music died down while everypony focused their attention on Twilight and Applejack as they approached the mic.
"ALLRIGHT Y'ALL!!" Said Applejack with a mic in her foreleg and a bout of enthusiasm "We're gathered here to celebrate the birthday..."
"And adoption..." Twilight added.
"OF CORY AGEES!!" They said together.
"Come on over little brother!" Said Applejack.
Everypony got out of the way for Cory as they made what looked like a small passageway leading to the podium. All around he could hear uproarious applause and see tears of joy as he walked on up.
"We're so happy to have you." Said a tearful earth pony.
"Welcome to the family Cory." A watery eyed Unicorn added.
As he took his first steps on the stage, his fragile existence flashed before his eyes. Just less than a year ago, he had no family, no friends, no reason to keep going on. Now, he had a new life to look forward to, with two families and a large group of friends that would love and fight for him to very end. If only his friends back home would see him now. He walked up center stage as everypony by the bonfire turned to face him. Everything turned silent, with the exception of a few crickets and the strum of a banjo in the background.
"On behalf of the whole Twi-Apple family clan," Said Applejack as she approached him "I hereby dub these adoption papers ready to be signed."
As she said this, two earth ponies carried the desk of quill and paper front and center. It was then that Twilight levitated the two quills off the surface and dipped them in the ink bottle.
"Cory." Said Twilight "As your new mother, I will make it one of my solemn duties to make sure your life is as fruitful as anypony could ask. So, wherever you go, whatever you become, I will always be with you."
Then she gently leaned over and kissed Cory on the cheek.
"You're gonna do great things Cory, and I'll be on your side no matter what. You know? Funny thing. I always secretly wanted to have a protege on my side, just I was with a Celestia. I just never thought it would be someone from another world. For the record, I never thought he would turn out to be my son. But some of the best things in all the world come from the unexpected. And for that, I am proud to have you under my wing, and it couldn't have happened to a better son."
It was at this moment she and Cory started tearing up.
"I love you Cory." She said as she embraced him.
"I....I love you too... mom." Cory replied as he hugged her back.
"Awwwww" said everypony in the crowd.
Now it was Applejack's turn as Twilight went over to sign her name on the paper.
"Cory." She said as she placed her hoof on his hand. "As one of your new siblings, You should rest easy knowin that you're in good hooves now. You are gonna love being part of our family. I mean, you got the playful ones,"
Applejack pointed to Applebloom a few fillies playing jumprope, which ended up with them getting tangled up on the ground and laughing
"The Strong ones,"
Then she pointed to Big Mac and other Brawny stallions flexing their chests, to which Big Mac replied with a prideful "Eeyup"
"And our lovin matriarchs, Granny Smith included."
Finally, she pointed to Granny Smith and her elderly kin.
"You got a question, one o them's probably got the answer. And of course, there's your's truly, who makes sure her sibling is safe n sound."
It was then she leaned a little closer to him.
"Cory. You have our unbreakable, unshakable undeniable promise,"
She mimicked a pinkie promise as she said this.
"..that we will support you like a tree holds it's sap. So to all those out there who did ya wrong, this is my message to them. They mess with you again, they mess with whole apple family!!"
To which everypony replied with a cheer and a "Woo-Wee."
"Welcome home brother." She said as she embraced him
"It's good to be home, sister." He replied as he embraced.
The audience made a few "Awww" and "Hooray" sounds as Applejack went over to the adoption papers. And just like that, they were signed, sealed and delivered by The two ponies.
"Now, you are legally one us!!" Cried Applebloom as he hopped again onto Cory's shoulders
In a split second, the crowd went into uproarious applause. Stallions threw their hats up, fiddles and guitars played all over, and balloons and fireworks spewed out from Pinkie's cannon, lighting the night air with a canvas of hues. This was the happiest moment of his life. What was once an empty existence had now become full. Now his life was truly complete, and it was just about to get better.
"Alright ya'll, let's move on to the naming ceremony!" Said Applejack.
"Huh?" asked Cory
"Well, since your'e a member of two pony families now," Twilight explained "We think it's best to give you a pony name."
"Makes sense I guess." He replied.
"Our loving elderly are just about ready to reveal Cory's new name" Applejack continued "And we'll know in a few moments."
At the edge of the stage stood Granny Smith and a circle of other older Ponyfolk murmuring one thing and debating another. Then, after a few tense seconds, Granny Smith stepped out of the huddle.
"We have made our decision." She said as she hooved an envelope to Twilight and Applejack. Then, with her magic, Twilight carefully opened the packaging and unfolded the paper from inside. Sweat was now pouring down Cory's back. What will my new name be? He thought to himself. Will it be a name of an apple, or some kind of constellation? The two ponies read through the parchment as a smile grew across their faces and the crowd grew silent.
"From this day forward." Applejack proclaimed as she tuned to Cory. "You will now be known as..."
She and Twilight nodded.
"CAPRI-CORE!!" They shouted together.
Everypony kicked their heels in the air in a standing ovation.
"Cause you're an Apple to the core.." Explained Applejack
"And as bright as a constellation in the sky.." Twilight added. "And don't worry. You're nickname's still Cory."
"Twilight." Said Applejack "Since you're the new mama of this lucky feller here, how bout you lead us all in song."
"Well." Twilight chuckled. "There is one song we do when welcoming new family members."
Then she trotted over to Fiddlesticks and whispered something in her ear, to which she made a rather gleeful yes and started to play her violin. It was then everypony gathered around Cory in song.
As they finished their song, they all gathered around Cory in a group hug. It was at that moment he looked up into the sky where two comets flew within the lunar abyss. It was the warmest he ever felt.
"So, you're gonna keep me this time. Right?" Cory asked.
"Kid!" said Applebloom as she climbed on top of him and gave him a noogie. "You're stuck with us for life!"
"Hey, cut with the mushy stuffl" Said Pinkie Pie. "This is supposed to be a celebration."
"LEEEEETS PARTY!!!!!!!" And party they did, way into the night, with Applejack taking the lead.
Then, as the partying died down, and Apple and Twilight family gathered around Cory once more for a family photo.
"Say best family adoption ever." Cried Pinkie.
"BEST FAMILY ADOPTION EVER!!" Cried Everypony else.
The camera flared, the picture was processed, and the memory was preserved. Cory was truly home at last.
CapriCore, or Cory as he like to be called, took a moment to look around his new room. It was spacious, richly textured, and above all, welcoming. He had just finished unpacking his clothes when at that moment his Mom trotted in.
"Cory Sweetie." Called Twilight. "Can you come into my room for a second?"
"Coming mom." CapriCore replied.
Twilight's room was a sight to behold. It was a menagerie of tapestries and banners (mostly with the insignia of Twilight's cutie mark). Surrounding the walls were shelves of books, donated by ponies from all over, including Celestia herself. There was a desk at the left window complete with parchment, quills and a jar of ink. On it was a lit candle as if the whole set was ready for someone to use.
"Would you like it if you wrote a letter to Princess Celestia?" Asked Twilight.
"Me?" asked Capricore with a stunned look.
"Sure. You've already improved greatly since we started and I think it would be great if the princess read something from you."
"Well, if it's to her I'm down for that."
"Excellent. The quill and ink is all yours."
Twilight trotted Capricore over to the lavender stool in front of the table. As he sat down and dipped his quill in the jar, he wondered on what to say, and what the princess would make of him. Of all the residents and all inhabitants of this world, Celestia seemed the most mysterious to him.
"Just write whatever comes into your mind." Said Twilight "And don't be afraid of making mistakes."
Capricore made a gentle nod and started to write away.
Dear Princess Celestia
Where do I begin? My name is Capricore, also known as Cory. As you may or may now know, I am the first, and so far only human residing in your glorious country of Equestria. But despite this fact, I am far from alone. In fact, not too long ago, I was the loneliest inhabitant I knew of in my life. But now, I have perhaps found myself the best friends anyone could ever ask for. Seven of them, out of a twist of fate, have become my new family,where each one has given me role to play, and a reason to keep on living. It is because of this I consider myself the happiest, and most fortunate individual on the face of the earth.
I am eager to meet you as you are to meet me.
As he executed the last stroke on the parchement, he handed it over to Twilight for her to proofread.
"Wow." She said as she examined the writing. "This is a small but well written letter Cory. We'll edit this tomorrow and send it away."
Then she rolled the parchment up and gently set it on the desk.
"Oh, by the way." Twilight continued. "I'd like to give you something."
She trotted over to her dresser to which on top of it was a small box of a few royal accessories. She took what looked like a small locket covered with a patch of what looked like jean material. He knew it was from the tattered pants he wore when he first got here. Then she walked back to him and levitated the locket into his hands. Being the curious one, he opened it to reveal the drawing he intended to give to his parents.
"It's a reminder," Twilight stated "that you are special and unique no matter what others try to say."
Cory gazed at the locket as a pool of joyful tears began to fill his eyes.
"You are a talented, smart, and beautiful boy Cory. Don't you ever forget that." Twilight continued as tears started to fill her eyes as well.
"Well, as far as I know." Said Capricore "None of this could've been possible without you mom. You're the best miracle anyone could ever ask for."
"Cory." Said Twilight as she trotted over and placed her foreleg around her arm. "I was only helping and guiding you through what you needed assistance on. You were the real one behind all your recent events. It was you who took the initiative to tell of your problems and seek out support. Plus you were the one who decided to express your true talent in the most extraordinary way possible. In short Capricore, the miracle here is you."
It was at this point that both their cheeks were streaming with waterfalls of happy tears. Cory lunged forward and gave Twilight a big hug, to which Twilight did the same.
"I love you mom." Said Capricore softly
"I love you too son." Twilight replied affectionately.
After a minute or two of embrace, Capricore fell asleep in her caress. The Alicorn Princess placed him onto her back and trotted him back to his room. As she tucked him into bed and kissed him goodnight, she started to sing a lullaby.
Then she trotted away and walked out of the room, but not before taking one last glimpse at Capricore and making sure the light was out and the door was slightly open. She reminisced over what future awaited her son. What surprises will lie in store? What choices will he make? And what outcomes will they be? But she was not afraid, nor was Capricore. As rough as his past life used to be, the two of them knew it didn't matter any longer. He now had friends, he now had a family, he now had a reason to life.
"Goodnight Cory." She said softly. "My brave, little Cory."
END OF PART II
"Open your mind. Rid your doubt. channel the air from your lungs to your snout." Said Zecora "Hind legs back, foreleg thrust, push away your bad thoughts. That's a must." Cory and CMC were right behind her as they copied her moves. "Beware of dins, noises and sounds, for these distractions should not be abound."
"Wow, I am really becoming one with my inner zen today." Said Scootaloo after which everyone shooshed her.
"Whoops. Sorry." She replied sheepishly.
Nightmare Night was a few hours away. Everypony back home was trying on their costumes, decorating their homes, ready to please Nightmare Moon with their supply of candy. Cory, being assigned the event planner for Ponyville, thought it would be best to calm his nerves and ease his stress with a bit of Tai Chi near Zecora's hut. In addition, upon his new duties as a Cutie Mark scout master, decided to make this his first activity for the CMC. Sporting the ascot they gave him, and a backwards ball cap, he really felt like a good role model to these young fillies. Though they couldn't really understand how this pertained to tonight's events, they were still pretty satisfied with what he planned for them.
Once again, he had found himself in the middle of the peaceful part of the Everfree Forest. Only instead of petals, leaves of every color were falling gently onto the autumn ground. Cory had already attained enough experience from Zecora to be able to move the leaves with the flick of his hands. The CMC stared at awe as they created a whirlwind before their very eyes. Together, the leaves looked like a cyclone surrounding them in a menagerie of red, yellow and orange. then, with the command of his hands and her hooves, the whirlwind burst apart as the leaves trickled against the gleam of the sunlight above, every falling fragment looked like a golden feather softly falling to the ground, covering the forest floor with their hues and shades.
"Don't worry girls." said Cory "With practice I'm sure you'll all be able to do all that too."
"Thanks so much for tagging us along for your weekly meditation practice." Said Sweetie Belle as they all finished their tai chi.
"Well, always glad to plan activities for you three." he replied.
"Hey, come on. You're our scout master now." Said Applebloom "You're always there when we need ya."
"Wait, what time is it?" asked Cory as he looked at his watch. "Aw jeez, we'd better go. Ponyville is expecting us right now.
Cory calmly picked up his backpack and flung it around his shoulder.
"Thanks for letting the Cutie Mark Crusaders practice with us Zecora."
"It's makes me smile to descend, our words and teachings to your friends." Zecora replied.
The CMC latched onto him as she said this. Applebloom tugged on his left leg, Scootaloo clung on his right arm, and Sweetie Belle climbed on his shoulders, making him feel like a strong tree.
"Well, I..um" Cory cleared his throat "I'll see you at the festival tonight. Right?"
Zecora replied with a nod while he waved and walked back to Ponyville with the three little fillies still clinging onto him.
"So what kinda Nightmare Night ya got in store fer us Cory?" Asked Applebloom as they reached the edge of the Everfree Forest.
"Oh, you'll see." He replied
"Ugh! I hate it when I don't know." Groaned Scootaloo while the others quietly chuckled.
By the time they arrived, the sun had already turned in for the day and the moon was shining it's beams onto the land. Everypony in Ponyville was preparing for the Nightmare Night festival. All the painted and textured to look like German Expressionist artwork. The streets and squares were filled with booths and games for all to play. Younger ponies were already trick or treating at other ponies doors singing "Nightmare Night. What a Fright. Give us something sweet to bite." A filly and a colt were bobbing for apples in one of the barrels. Pinkie Pie, dressed as a clown, could be found already beginning to collect her stash of candy, gobbling it up like a pig. All this reminded Cory so much of Halloween, his favorite holiday back home.
The theme Cory decided upon this year was inspired by a film he fondly remembered: "The Nightmare Before Christmas." And why not? From what Twilight taught him during his history review sessions, he believed Nightmare Moon and the music of that film was a match made in heaven. Cory gently dropped the three fillies friends as they ran off to put on their costumes. Just then, Applejack and Spike approached the scene sporting two costumes. Spike was a dog and Applejack, a scarecrow.
"Woo Wee! You sure are being a role model to them girls." Commented Applejack , to which Cory blushed.
"So, when do we get to see your big show?" asked Spike enthusiastically.
"In about two hours." He replied.
"Well that gives us enough time to explore the scenery." Said Twilight, and off the three of them went, melding with the crowd and mingling with any passing booth.
The hours had gone by and the time was drawing nearer. Night air had laid upon the grounds of Ponyville. Everypony was now gathering in the main square Cory had now put on his costume: A giddup of Commander Easy Glider, the original choreographer of the Wonderbolts. His heart thumped against his chest, wondering how they will make of his latest creation.
"Sorry I'm all fidgety tonight." Said Cory "This is kind of my first Halloween-like party I've had in awhile."
"What's Hall-o-ween." Asked Spike.
"It's kind of a human version of Nightmare Night." he replied
"Don't you be nervous sugarcube." reassured Applejack "I betcha this is a festival to remember for the ages."
Suddenly, the lights all around dimmed, the crowd hushed to a murmur, and a symphony of eerie music started to play.
Before the crowd appeared Princess Luna, in all her starry glory. Everypony, Cory included, bowed gently in respect to her presence. Her cape disappeared into a flock of bats as she spread out her glorious wings, looking onto the crowd.
"Citizens of Ponyville!!" She declared with a voice like God. "I hereby declare this years Nightmare Night, the most frightful, and bone chilling yeeeet!!!!"
Thunder and lighting clapped amongst the sky, as fillies and colts of every age applauded in squeals of laughter and joy.
"But none of this glorious evening could've ever been possible without the amazing work and imagination of one individual!" She continued. "We all of this fright and mare to our one and only human resident, CORY AGEEES!!!"
The Spotlight fell on Cory as Everypony cheered him and chanted "Cory! Cory! Cory!". He gave a sheepish grin and waved hello to the crowd, to which they promptly gathered around, asking for his autograph. Then he looked at Princess Luna as she gave him a wink of approval, to which he winked back.
"OH MOST WONDERFUL OF NIIIGHTS!!!" She cried to the heavens as everypony cheered back. Then she flew into the sky and disappeared into the clouds.
The night rolled on as the Ponyville residents continued to engage in various activities. Cory, on the other hand, was found quietly sitting down to a nice caramel apple, admiring the sights and sounds of a festival he never had.
"Hey Cory!" Said Twilight as she approached him, sporting what looked like a cheerleader outfit. "That was a great performance you set up?"
"Thanks." he replied.
"Hey. Now that you're here. There's somepony I'd like you to meet."
Cory tilted his head up. Before him stood The Princess Of The Night herself with gentle smile across her face.
"Luna." Said Twilight "This, as you may now, is Cory Agees."
"I do believe this young gentleman has met me before." Said Luna, much to Twilight's surprise.
"Well done Cory." Said Luna as she approached him. "You have told of your problems, and you have conquered most of them. Plus you have improved well in your basic skills."
"Well, I probably wouldn't have if you didn't come into my dream." Said Cory.
"Oh no." She replied. "I was merely there to give you advice. It is you who is the true victor in this internal battle. This night is for you. You earned it Cory. You brave, brave, boy."
Then she turned to Twilight.
"Fellow Princess." She said "As always. Adieu."
Twilight and Luna bowed in respect as Luna once again flew to the sky and disappeared into the night.
