Kindred

by Ajulex

Rating: teen
Tags: Human, Main 6, Princess Luna, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Spike, Comedy, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Princess Celestia, Slice of Life
Length: 10621

Three fillies wish upon a shooting star. The next day, a human wakes up dazed and confused in Ponyville. Coincidence?

The Cutie Mark Crusaders haven't let up in their quest for cutie marks. One day, their planning is interrupted by a shooting star in the night sky. They agree upon a wish, rationalizing that if they all wish the same thing, it would be sure to come true, right? Of course!

Around the same time, a form slowly descends to the Ponyville Square, almost as if gently placed there. Despite the snow falling around him, the sleeping human doesn't stir in the suddenly changing environment. And he definitely doesn't go unnoticed.

Celestia seems reluctant to meet this new inhabitant, and gives Twilight some coordinates and very specific directions to teach this newcomer some of Equestria's history before taking him there. Of course, without the human ever being aware of the plans. What fun would that be?

Published 2014-03-27 21:40:03 UTC
Last updated 2014-11-13 10:43:00 UTC

Welcome to Equestria

The Cutie Mark Crusaders’ Treehouse. The War Room. Three fillies leaned over the table covered by various papers. They wore grim expressions as they exchanged glances. They had a mission to plan, and the tension could be cut with a knife.

"I think the most tactical approach would be to infiltrate Sugar Cube Corner first." The orange pegasus said, picking up a marker in her teeth and circling a spot on the map. “There’s a big variety of things to do there, from baking to delivery, to party planning….”

"Who's to say Pinkie Pie'll even be there?" The earth mare countered, tapping the town square on the map. "Ah think we should up'n split, rotate quadrants so we c'n cover more ground. What's the chances of more than one if us getting the same cutie mark?" she said, marking off several sections of Ponyville into labeled quadrants.

"I think we should compromise those plans. We find one pony who'll help us, then have them assign us three tasks, one for each of us. That way we won't be too far from each other." The unicorn said, rubbing her chin and highlighting some spots on the map where potential ponies who could help them would be.

The other two smiled and agreed, drawing out various plans on their map. Tactics, deployments, rest breaks, snack breaks, the whole nine yards were covered in the plans. Scootaloo stepped away, walking over to the window and looked out to the darkening sky. Ever since her dream-encounter with Princess Luna, she’d grown pretty fond of the stars and the moon. Something caught her eye and she gasped, her little wings fluttering.

"Come over here quick, girls! It's a shooting star, a shooting star!" She squeaked in excitement. She heard the overturning of chairs as her friends dashed over to the window. Sure enough, there was a tear of light making its way across the dark sky. It was truly a sight to behold. “Make a wish!”

"Wait! We should all combine our wish, compromise like Sweetie Belle said. If we all wish for the same thing, it's sure to come true, right?" Apple Bloom suggested. "Ah don't want to wish for a cutie mark, though. Ah want to earn it. Ah learned my lesson from the whole cutie-pox thing..." She shuddered.

The girls remained silent for a moment as they though. The star was like a fuse, quickly burning out and giving them a time limit before it vanished forever. Scootaloo looked up, opening her mouth as she thought.

"I...I wish we had another friend. Someone who understands us, who feels like they don't know where they belong." Scootaloo finally said. "Someone who’s….as lost as we are, you know?” She added. “Not in a bad way, but someone who can….relate.”

Sweetie pursed her lips, tapping her hoof against the windowsill of the treehouse. "I guess I can't really disagree with you. It'd be nice to have another Cutie Mark Crusader-" She was interrupted by Scootaloo.

"No, see, that's why I said somebody, and not somepony. They don't need to be a blank flank, or even a pony. A gryphon, or, or, a dragon." She said, looking back up to the vanishing star.

Applebloom smiled. "Ah like it. Then that's our wish?" She looked at the two nodding mares as they all closed their eyes. As they held them closed, the shooting star flashed once, then vanished from sight.

"Applebloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Bell!" The voice of Applejack came calling through the trees. "Time to come on home! Dinner's ready!"

The Crusaders looked out the door, before gathering their things. "Thanks for inviting us to stay the night, Applebloom. We're going to get so much Crusading done this weekend!" Scootaloo cheered, fluttering up into the air.

"Of course! It's always fun to have y'all over, but we gotta be quieter this time. Applejack was angrier'n a cat in a bathtub last time for keepin' her up." She giggled as the trio made their way back to the house.

--The next day--

I was a light sleeper. And I hated it. Because my closet was also the storage pantry of the house, my parents always came in at God-awful hours of the morning to get paper towels or batteries or something really stupid like that.

This time, however, it was frantic whispers that were waking me up. I groaned, and the whispered hushed into a stunned silence, before beginning again. I had gotten home at, like, 1:30 or 2 in the freakin' morning after working a midnight release at GameStop. I just wanted to sleep in, but noooo, there was a crowd forming around me and I was outside in the snow, and wait a second...

My eyes slowly blinked open as I look into the cloudy grey sky. I rubbed my eyes, the act of which brought the sound of shuffling steps around me. My brain was still operating on bare minimum at the moment. Breathe. Maybe blink. Go to the bathroom. The whole morning routine. Except that last part wasn’t plausible at the moment. I sat up, shivering suddenly as the cold suddenly snapped me awake.

I was on the frozen concrete square of what looked like a village, nearly entirely blanketed in snow. How the hell did I fall asleep here? No, I didn't....I remember getting home from work and just collapsing on the bed, not bothering to get into pajamas, take the things out of my pockets, or even take my zip-up hoodie off. I grabbed the later, tightening the red plaid’s grip around me to keep warm.

As my other senses finally booted up, I was able to make out some of the words being whispered around me by talking pastel horses. Talking. Pastel. Horses.

....What?

"...saw it just fall out if the sky..."

"-been there all night, sleeping!"

"-is it? I've never seen anything like it..."

-even she doesn't know what it is, and she knows EVERY kind of exotic or rare species. So we thought you might have some insight, Zecora." A voice stood up among the rest, and the other horses stopped talking-I'd like to take a moment to repeat, what!?-to listen. I pinpointed the voice to see a purple, lavender, violet, whatever you wanted to call it, horse with a horn and wings talking to what appeared to be a zebra. Just behind them, looking a bit bashful, was a yellow horse with wings-a pegasus, if my mythology know-how proved effective-and a pink mane who was giving a look that was something along the lines of ‘are...are you the antichrist?’

The zebra approached me warily, showing signs of tenseness as she circled me, examining me like I was some animal they’d never seen before. Oh wait, I guess I kind of was, huh? I raised an eyebrow. "Can I help you?" I vocalized. I guess I said something wrong, or maybe they were as shocked at the fact that I was talking as I was to them talking, as there was a collective gasp and increased murmurings all around. God, it was like the buzzing of a million flies. I hated crowds. Ironic, coming from the ‘customer service expert’ and magician.

The zebra, apparently Zecora, looked at the purple horse then back to me. "Our languages seem to be one and the same...do the members of your species carry a name?" She asked. I chuckled, resisting the urge to point out the unintentional rhyme. She was a po-nope, not going to do it. It’s such a bad joke. But those are the BEST kind of jokes.

"You mean MY name, or the name of my, er, species?" I replied. It sounded so weird referring to humans as a species like that. "I'm Justice. I'm a human. I'm also dreaming." I said, getting to my feet. Several more gasps (Really, I’m sure someone was going to pass out from dizziness at this point) echoed one another as I stood a few feet above them. They must have assumed I stood on all fours like them. I shoved my hands in my pockets, at this point more or less numb to what was going on around me. Or in denial. I mean, I'm normally not so sleepy in dreams, or cold, or uncomfortable in general...still, this HAD to be a dream. Right?

Zecora tapped her chin. "Human is a word that lies in stories of old...the legend says Earth is the only planet they hold." She said to the purple horse, turning around. Huh. Maybe the rhyming WAS intentional? Weird. Weird zebra is weird.

"Well....the legend must have been based on some sort of factual evidence, as we're looking at a legend right now. Is it dangerous?" Purple asked Zecora. The zebra opened her mouth but I interrupted.

"HE isn't dangerous, no." I cleared my throat. "I wouldn't hurt a fly. Okay, no, I would but the bastards are so damn slippery." I clenched my fist dramatically. "One day, my old rival, one day..."

The crowd was silent. I guess they weren't expecting a smartass. Or probably intelligence at all.

"I think he's cool!" I winced as a voice that was like nails on a chalkboard to my tired brain called out. Several sounds of displeasure were heard as a beacon of vibrant pink pushed through. "Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie, Ponyville's Premier Party Pony! I've never seen a human before, but now I have and that's great because you know how the saying goes, there's a first time for everything and now I've gotten to see my first human because I've never seen a human before!" She said in one breath, gasped deeply, then fell over panting.

I just blinked, completely stunned. "Uh. Yeah." I said. "Look, this is all kinda freakin' nuts. So if someone would be so kind as to pinch me and I can wake up? I gotta get off the midnight launch shifts; lack of sleep is really messing with my head." I groaned, taking one hand out of my pocket and running it over my face warily.

They all just stared at me blankly.Oh. Probably could have thought that one through a little better. I mean, how are they going to pinch without fingers? Common sense, Justice. Common sense. Your stepmom always did tell you how little of it you had.

"Pinkie, go get the other three." Purple said, and the pink horse shot up immediately. "Have them all meet me at the library. Fluttershy, you come with me.” She said to the pegasus I noticed early, who nodded silently, never taking her eyes off of me. “Hum-er, Justice? If you really are peaceful, would you mind coming with me?" She asked, almost sheepishly. I shrugged.

"'We're all mad here.'" I quoted. At her blank look, I clarified. "Yeah. Yeah, I'll go. Whatever's clever." I ran my hand over my head, adjusting my blinged-out beanie. Working at GameStop, I collected various pins for all kinds of games. Last of Us, Medal of Honor, Just Dance, Little Big Planet, Titanfall, League of Legends, and I even had a 'Have I ever told you the definition of insanity?' Pin. It was my personal favorite.

I followed the horse, looking around at my surroundings. The crowd fell behind us, Zecora waving to Purple as she left. I bet she writes poems. "So, uh, where am I? And why, not to be disrespectful or anything, are you all talking horses?" I said, looking at the two walking beside me. The yellow one, or Fluttershy apparently, was keeping Purple between me and her like a human-er, horse shield.

I thought it was a fair question.

"Well...while we ARE equines, we're technically called ponies." She said matter-of-factly. "And that's just how this world is, much like your world is, I assume, filled with hemins-"

"Humans."

"-humans." She blushed at her mistake. "Oh, I never introduced myself! I'm Twilight Sparkle, Element of Magic and the one of the four Princesses if Equestria." She said formally, bowing her head to me.

"A princess, huh? Know any Zeldas or Peaches?" I snorted at my joke. I’m such a nerd. She smiled uncertainly at that, unsure of how to respond.

"Um, there's a Peach Blossom who lives in town, I could-"

"It-I-...nevermind." I sighed. "So, what, am I gonna be your prisoner? Science experiment? Sacrifice? Museum display? Can I be an astronaut?" I began counting on my fingers. “I really always wanted to be an astronaut. Okay, you called my bluff, I’m afraid of space.” I rambled off in the stupid way I tend to do.

"What? No! Astro-what? No,not at all! I don't know how your world is, but ours is...well, Equestria is focused on peace and harmony." Twilight explained, her horn giving off a faint purple aura as the door ahead of us opened. Of course there was magic. Why not? And she lived in a hollow tree. That was kinda cool, I guess.

"And while I do, er, while I would like to perform some simple tests and studies about you and your kind, it would be completely up to you and nothing I do would bring any harm whatsoever, and I Pinkie Promise." She said, almost excitedly. I was already starting to get a read on her; everything I could see was neat and orderly, there wasn't a single sign of disarray anywhere. Various sticky notes were perfectly aligned on the spines of various books lining the massive walls. She even placed her hooves on the corners of a book on the table as if she were straightening it, but didn't actually move it.

She was an OCD-laden, neat-freak egghead.

"What do you mean Pinkie Promise? Isn't that the name of the....overly excitable pink hor-pony?" I asked, staring at the chair she motioned to.The tiny thing that had no chance of supporting my weight, so I just sat Indian style on the ground.

The mare giggled, as if a kid had just said something they thought was serious but was just cute and amusing to the adults. Rude. "No, that's Pinkie Pie. She did invent the Pinkie Promise, though, and you never, ever, EVER....break a Pinkie Promise." She shuddered as if the consequence was some unspeakable horror.

"Uh. Yeaaaah....I guess you can, uh, do tests or whatever. I don't want needles though. Needles are the devil." I said. She pursed her lips like I had just ruined her entire weekend and I jumped as a quill and notepad floated over to her, wrapped in the purple glow. The quill scribbled something down. Probably about needles.

"Well, that being said, I can perform some pseudo-tests now through some simple questions. Do humans drink?" She asked, tilting her head. "Hydration is a fundamental part of the genetic makeup of living creatures, but there are exceptions to every rule...for example, you might not be a carbon-based life form, or possess an internal form of creating nutrients similar to photosynthesis…." She rambled off thoughtfully. Oh, the LIES I could tell this pony...nah, no need to be like that.

Though it WOULD be really fun….

I cleared my throat. "Err, yeah, we drink stuff. Need it to survive and all that jazz” I explained to her. “Water is the base of our needs, but we’ve invented flavored beverages as well, mostly to sate our race’s often insatiable sweet tooth.” I added.

"I like the use of your vocabulary. Insatiable isn’t a word you hear too often. Oh! Spike, come meet our guest!" Twilight suddenly called out, the quill scribbling some more, dipping into a nearby inkwell.

"Jesus, warning next time..." I grumbled under my breath, having been started by the sudden raise in volume. Fluttershy, sitting off to the side, seemed to have had a similar reaction. What was up with her? Was she mute? “Hey, how’s it going?” I asked her, and she looked around as if hoping I was talking to someone else. When she realized I was addressing her, her mane fell in front of her face like a curtain.

“Um..I’m good…” She mumbled, almost inaudible. Ah, so she was the church-mouse type. Interesting. It kinda made me want to jump up and yell to see if she would faint. Am I cruel? I like to call it curious.

"I can have Spike get you some apple juice. I hope that suits your tastes." Twilight said, the quill scribbling more into the paper. Curious, I reached out and poked the floating objects. My finger tingled as it entered the aura but I felt no other change. I grabbed the notepad and pulled, feeling a resistance as if there were something physical fighting it.

"Huh. Is it like a muscle? Your magic?" I asked, intrigued now. I crumpled up a blank piece of paper from the desk at the notepad, but it just bounced off lamely like you would expect it to.. So it wasn't a telekinetic field, it was more of an invisible hand...interesting.

"Well, sort of. It can get stronger with practice, but it is limited by the individual talent of the unicorn in question." She answered, seeming to be amused by my shenanigans. "Only unicorns and alicorns can perform spells. Pegasi and earth ponies have talents in other fields." She explained.

I heard a faint clicking and I looked behind me to see a tiny figure walking down the stairs, who froze when they saw me. I had a similar reaction. Was that a dragon?

Like....a dragon dragon?

Whaaaaaat that was so cool.

"Twilight, what is that?"

Okay, slightly less cool. But it was alright. I'm like an alien to them. Well, not like. I AM an alien to them, in every sense of the word. I could forgive him for that little slip up. But I’m watching you, bub.

Twilight cleared her throat. "Spike, this is Justice. He's a 'human' from what we can only assume is a parallel world who was somehow transported to ours." She said. I gave him a little wave.

"Sup? Oh, hey, you have digits. Can you pinch me before this rabbit hole gets any deeper?" I requested, finally noticing his talons. Spike looked down at his hand and blinked. This was my dream, he had to comply.

"Uh...sure, I guess." He said. He walked over and reached as far as he could to avoid approaching me. I kinda wanted to jump up and yell 'Ooga booga booga' to see what would happen. Then again Princess over there could probably turn me into a frog.

"Yow!" I hissed as the solid nails of his claws brought pain to my arm. I rubbed the little red spot vigorously to ease the throbbing. Spike jumped back.

"Sorry! You told me to!" He defended himself right away, holding his claws up innocently. But I wasn't listening. I was frozen in shock, my mind reeling.

"I didn't wake up." I stammered. "I-I should have woken up...." I was hypervebtilating, standing up and tearing the beanie from my head to run a hand through my thick brown hair. The ponies and dragon were looking at me with worry.

"Justice...?" Twilight asked. "Are you okay? You need to calm your breathing. In through your nose, out through your mouth." She instructed me as I began to pace frantically.

"The poor guy's in shock. He was expecting this to be a dream, I think..." Fluttershy said, less bashful at this point. I was muttering to myself, looking at my hand.

"You...you have extra fingers in dreams. You have extra fingers in dreams." I repeated, counting. "One..." I held up my index finger, my hands shaking. "Two.....th-three...." I took a shuddering breath as my heart beat in my throat. "Four...five. Five. No, no, no...." A tingling sensation swept through my body as it started to sink in. I continued pacing.

"You...you can't read in dreams!" I said, spinning to face the grim-looking trio behind me. "Your brain can't multitask like that!" I said, scrambling over to the massive wall of books, pulling one out and flipping through it.

"No, no...."

I tossed it aside and pulled free another one down, repeating the process. This couldn't be happening. No, literally, this COULDN'T be happening!

"Hey, I just reshelved-!" I heard Spike begin, only to be shushed by Twilight.

"He....he needs this. Need to accept that it's real." She murmured.

After going through a dozen or so books, I had fallen to my knees, shaking heavily. I couldn't comprehend it. This wasn't a dream. This was real.

I heard footsteps...well, hoofsteps behind me. After a moment of hesitation, I felt a gentle weight on my shoulder. Twilight Sparkle's hoof, I realized. She was trying to comfort me. A unicorn was trying to comfort me. A talking unicorn was trying to comfort me. I didn't ever think I'd think a sentence like that in my life.

"I'm sorry you were brought here, really I am. But you're here, and that isn't going to change until we can figure out how to return you." She said softly. My breathing began to calm slightly. She was right. I might be freaking out but that wouldn't help anything.

"Until then...welcome to Equestria."

Author's Note

I'm gonna take this with a grain of salt, since I know HiE is like, the most shunned genre on here but I just felt like writing and you're not my real dad.

Let's Meet the Ponies!

“An’ you ain’t got any idea how t’get him back?"

“...not...at the moment, no, but I’m sure with some research and studying-”

“Shoot, Twi, imagine how he must feel!” the pony with the southern drawl, Applejack, was getting heated up. “Ah doubt he wants to be some guinea pig while you ‘might’ be able to ‘somehow’ find him a way home!” She added. I sighed, pulling my beanie back down over my messy hair.

“Applejack, chill out.” I said finally. The orange mare had been ripping the princess a new one ever since she got here. “I trust she’s going to do whatever she can, but the fact of the matter is she has no clue what is going on or how to fix it.” I defended her. Twilight seemed to be slightly upset that I pointed out how blind even SHE was to this, but I didn’t care at the moment.

I had been in shock for a few hours, the other four-Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Rarity-having arrived soon after my whole dream rationalizing episode. Twilight had guided me to the couch where I had just laid down, staring at the ceiling as my brain throbbed trying to understand what the actual fuck was happening. Twilight had taken the chance to explain to them who and what I was, and they had been discussing various things ever since. If I were to be trusted, where I would stay, general things you’d discuss if you mean a strange sentient creature with no information about it.

Applejack just pursed her lips. “Ah...Ah know that, but still-” she began, only to be interrupted by Rainbow Dash. The pegasus had been reclining atop the bookshelves after getting over the initial shock of seeing me.

“Put a cork in it, AJ. He just told you himself that he’s fine.” She retorted. “You’re kinda the only one still on edge about the whole thing.” She rolled over, letting one of her hooves dangle over the edge of the bookshelf. “Right, Justice? You’re gonna be just fine here.” She said with a grin.

I just shrugged. “Like I really have a choice.” I grumbled. “But, yeah, Applejack, I appreciate the concern, but they’re right. I just gotta grab a straw and suck it up. I’m here, can’t change that.” I said, surprising myself with my rationality. Maybe I’m still in shock. Or my brain is doing some weird acceptance psychology….stuff.

Twilight cleared her throat. “And that takes us to the next order of business. I sent a letter to Celestia and she replied promptly, saying to keep an eye on him, but otherwise treat him with respect and friendship.” She said, nodding to a letter laying on the table. I had personally watched the little dragon belch it up. Freakin’ magic. Where had the dragon gotten to, anyway?

“Well, I for one think this is a wonderful opportunity!” I turned to see the white mare speak up. Oh, there he was, sitting beside her with such a lovestruck look that it made me want to snort. So THAT’S how it was. Rarity turned to me with a smile. “It isn’t often one gets to interact with a, no offense to you, Justice, alien species.” She said. She had been eyeing my clothes for quite some time, and I kept telling myself she was a clothing designer or something and not something more sinister and perverted.

“None taken. It’s the truth, right?” I shrugged. Finally having taken all that I could, my hands darted up and I snatched the pink pony out of midair as she jumped over my head for the bajillionth time. “Hey. You should sit down.” I said, setting her on the ground. They were surprisingly light. Not like feathers, but I could lift them with ease, which I wasn’t expecting.

“Sorry! I’m just so excited I think I’m gonna explode! What’s your favorite color? What kind of food do you eat?” She began rapid-firing questions. “What kind of…” I gently pushed her face to the side as she continued, but I ignored her. She didn’t seem to mind...or notice, actually.

I turned back to the others. “Like, er, Celestia?” Twilight nodded. “Like Celestia said, we should just...go about the days. I’ll do whatever you need me to to try and find a return...spell, or whatever. But we’re not doing anyone any favors sitting around and freaking out about it. This is coming from the horse's mou-bad choice of expression, I apologize.” I said quickly.

Twilight smiled. “Alright. Well, I suppose you could stay here...I don’t know where you would sleep though, there’s only the one bedroom. I’m sure I could get some blankets and make the couch a little more cozy…” she said thoughtfully, turning to look back at her living room area, separated from the library part.

“Nonsense, Twi.” Applejack spoke up. “The Apple house has plenty a’ extra bedrooms. But yer gonna have to carry yer weight, y’hear? Hard work on th' fields.” She said, faux-sternly, to me. I nodded readily.

“Of course. I don’t like being a burden.” I said. “What kind of work is it?” Judging by the name Sweet Apple Acres, I had a pretty good guess. But asking would probably be a good idea, for appearances sake.

“Harvestin’, plantin’, waterin’, general farm work. Er, do you have farms on your world? Ah reckon Ah could explain it if’n you need me to, but-” I cut her off with a curt shake of my head.

“No, we have farms. I used to live on one as a kid.” I said. I probably shouldn’t mention I specialized in horseback riding and tending the barn. That might be weird. “I got this.” I said with a chuckle to ease the tension.

I was obvious they were still at least a little nervous about me. And that was completely understandable. I would just have to do my best to prove to them I was no threat. Well, I didn’t THINK I was a threat. I have no idea if me coming to this world was some omen of dark times to come, or if it was just some trans-dimensional hiccup, or some other form of mindfuckery. All I knew is that I genuinely didn’t want to hurt any of them. They seemed nice. Rainbow Dash might come off as a little...brash, and Rarity a little posh, but hey, everyone had their flaws.

Twilight smiled. “Well then, it’s settled. I’ll send him over tomorrow, Applejack. I’d like to take today to get some basic information and readings on him so I can begin my studies-oh, if you’re okay with it, that is, Justice.” She blushed and looked over to me, catching herself in steamrolling away without asking me. I waved a hand dismissively.

“It’s fine. Sure, I don’t mind.” I said to her. “But like I said before, no needles. Needles are still evil. I bet they plot to take over the world….” I said darkly, drawing a chuckle from the seven around me. Unable to keep a straight face, I crack a grin.

“You’re pretty funny, aren’t ya?” Rainbow asked from her perch. I just shrugged, adjusting my glasses.

“Yeah, but looks aren’t everything, y’know?” More laughs. My plan was going perfectly. Tension level rapidly decreasing. “So, speaking of which,” I said, despite my question having nothing to do with the previous topic, “Would I be able to get something to eat around here? I haven’t eaten since...well, my break from work yesterday.” I said, my stomach oh-so-conveniently growling at the perfect moment.

“Oh, of course! I didn’t even think of how hungry you must be!” Twilight said, sounding flustered. She sure doesn’t like not having everything planned, huh? “I normally don’t eat at home, so we’ll have to go out somewhere to eat. It’ll give you a chance to meet some other ponies, get them used to seeing you around.” she reasoned, to which I nodded. “And this’ll be a good chance to see what you eat, and how your body can handle our food.” Aaaaand there’s the study part I knew was coming. A real charmer, this one.

“Yeah, that’s cool.” I replied. “We can have a big lunch party, it’ll be great.” I chuckled. I guess I said a trigger word, because Pinkie Pie gasped in my ear. Ow.

“Oh my gosh, your kind has parties!? This changes everything! I have to go plan one for you RIGHT NOW!” She said, somehow hovering in midair before darting out the door. I just blinked in stunned silence.

“Well, maybe that’s actually a good idea.” Twilight said after we had recovered. “It’ll be a much faster way to introduce you to everypony. And Pinkie is one of, if not the best baker I know.” She said with a warm smile. Oh boy, a party. I caaaaan’t wait. If you can’t tell, that was sarcasm.

“Dandy.” I said, rubbing my face and reaching into my pocket to instinctively check my phone. Of course, the first thing that greeted me was a ‘No Service’ icon in the lop left. I had no missed calls or texts to speak of, which made sense as I would have woken up to check them last night. It was times like this where I wish I had downloaded any games to the damn thing. Luckily, I had my 3DS case in my jacket pocket, though I had no clue if they had wall outlets or anything of the sort to charge it. I guess my nerdiness would have to take a dip in activity here, with nothing to fuel it. Which might be a good thing. I should be spending more time exercising anyway. Not that I was out of shape, but I was aiming to join the Air Force soon...well, I HAD been. A sense of melancholy swept over me as me emotions finally caught up abruptly.

Will I ever see my dad and stepmom again? I didn’t have many friends, but what about them? Was time passing there at this very moment? Would everyone be missing me? Would they think I ran away, or got kidnapped? I took a shuddering breath as I tried to calm myself. I needed to relax, and follow my own advice. Worrying about it would not change a thing.

“You alright, sugar cube?” Applejack asked as I opened my eyes. That’s a hilarious pet name though, given the relationship between Earth horses and actual sugar cubes. Made me wonder if that was some sort of...bleed effect between the world, or really just some sort of coincidence.

“Just...wondering about home, y’know?” I said with a poorly disguised chuckle. “I don’t want to be taken as dead on my planet. I don’t even know if time is passing at the same rate. For all I know, a million years could have passed in my universe by now, and everyone I’ve ever known could be…” I swayed slightly. Who was spinning this room so fast? Why would they do that to me? The next thing I knew, I was laying on the ground, the five ponies and one dragon gathered around me, their voices distorted.

“They’re dead...they’re all dead...oh God….” I found myself murmuring to my breath. I had no control over it. My brain was just gushing out my suppressed misery and despondency and hopelessness of the situation, my emotional dams I spent years patting down having burst in one fell swoop. I couldn’t stop myself.

Twilight murmured something to the others that my brain refused to process. I heard the door open and close, and felt a warm pressure all around me. I was lifted from the ground, but my body couldn’t even register shock or surprise. I was laid on the couch to my own devices, Twilight and Spike vanishing upstairs. My breath still coming in hiccups, my emotional and physical weariness overwhelmed me and I quickly fell asleep.

I...I was falling. I could see myself, right there. I was watching myself fall from the heavens like some sort of demented comet. I looked down to see I was floating in midair, suspended by some unseen force.

I looked back up to watch myself fall again, and noticed how slow I was moving. If I were really falling, I should have been going exponentially faster. Rather, I was being gently placed down in the snow. Was this what happened in the dead of night? Was this how I arrived?

Look up...

I started, placing a hand on my chest as I heard a voice in my head. I obeyed, turning my face to the slightly cloudy night sky. Other than the ripe moon that consumed the sky, beset by a strange image in the craters, I saw a single shooting star. My heart lept into my throat as a memory suddenly came back to me.

Hearing footsteps, I turned around to see I was now on the ground and the memory was playing before me. I watched myself walk down the street, earbuds in as they usually were, isolating myself from the world. Other me shoved his hands his pockets and squinted as he looked up. Following his gaze, I saw a shooting star above us, tearing through the sky.

"Pfft, fat chance." I heard Other Me say. "If those things actually worked, the world would be so much different than it is." He grumbled, grumpy from dealing with midnight launch customers. He slowed to a stop, looking up again.

"And yet...what have I truly got to lose?" He mumbled. He took a deep breath, then closed his eyes. I...I remember this now. What was the stupid thing I had wished for? I couldn't recall....it doesn't matter.

"Then that's our wish?" I turned again to see the scene had changed once more. I was in a treehouse, suddenly forced to bend over to avoid hitting my head. I was watching the backs of three smaller ponies, I'm guessing kids, leaning over a windowsill to stare at the shooting star.

Stars have more power than you think...

That damn voice again! I turned around quickly. Yelling and scrambling back as I was met with the burning inferno that was the up-close and personal shooting star. Falling on my butt, I raised a hand to shield myself, as much good that would do, but instead gasped and turned my hand over.

Six fingers.

--

My eyes shot open with a gasp. I was drenched in a cold sweat, making me shiver violently. I heard the other couch creak as Twilight looked up from her book. The fireplace was roaring, casting an eerie light in the room.

"You're awake. You slept through the whole day after your..." She trailed off, clearing her throat.

"Complete and utter mental breakdown? Yeah, I do that sometimes. That's a thing." I said, yawning. "Sorry. I guess I wasn't as fine as I thought." I said, swinging my legs over the edge and entering a sitting position. She had put a blanket on me at some point during the day, and I was thankful for that, as it was cold as hell in here, despite the roaring fire.

"No need to apologize! I completely understand." She chuckled. "I've had my fair share of breakdowns. Nopony's perfect." She said. Funny, our worlds' etiquette and saying were more similar than I would have suspected. We really weren't that different.

"Good to know I'm not the only one that's cray-cray." I chuckled, rubbing my eyes under the frames of my glasses. "So, you had some questions for me or what-"

The reaction was immediate. Almost as if she had been waiting on the edge of her seat this whole time for me to give the green light. Which she probably had been. She jumped onto the same couch as me, her horn glowing as a notepad and quill floated nearby from God-knows-where. The anticipation in the air was nearly palpable.

"I want to know everything! Your history, your social structure, your science and magic!” She said, excited beyond belief. I held up my hands in a (failed) attempt to slow her down. “Is your world run by princesses as well? Describe the most prominent magical figure in your culture’s history. Ours is Starswirl the Bearded, although Clover the Clever has also had a great impact on various theories of-”

I reach out and grabbed her lips, holding them shut. When she finally stopped looking at notes and back up to me, I gave her a ‘take it down like fifteen notches’ look. She blushed as I let go, smiling sheepishly. “Sorry, it’s just so exciting to me…” She said with a nervous chuckle.

“I couldn’t tell.” I yawned again. “Alright, if you slow down, I’ll tell you everything I can. Our most prominent magical figure is Harry Houdini…” I began. Oh, this was going to be fun!

--

I walked down the trail Twilight had pointed out to me, ignoring the stares I received when I had to pass through Ponyville. Sweet Apple Acres was apparently the foundation of the small city, Applejack’s grandmother having been one of the founders of this place. Impressive. Even now, I could see the massive, massive orchard ahead of me, over the bend.

It was about an hour walk, which wasn’t bad. It was a lot warmer today than it was yesterday, which I was thankful for. I was stranded here with nothing but a flimsy hoodie, a pair of black jeans with a hole in one knee, and a white button-up short sleeved shirt. I wasn’t exactly prepared for the worst. And I couldn't exactly go buy new clothes. And even washing these would be awkward, seeing as I would have nothing else to wear while I cleaned them.

I shook my head. Folly I could cross that bridge when I come to it, I guess. I heard a grunt and a heavy thud up ahead and squinted my eyes to see through the filtered sunlight. I saw Applejack, bucking her hind legs against a tree as the apples in it fell perfectly into preset baskets.

"Hey." I waved, catching her attention as she turned around to look at me. "Give me instructions. I'm a doer. I...I can't kick trees like that though. So any instructions but that." I said.

"Ah didn't expect you t'want to work so soon." She replied, taking off her hat and wiping the sweat from her brow. I faintly wondered if their manes felt like the manes of horses from my world, or more like human hair. Hers didn't look particularly soft, but Rarity's had.

Focusing again, I shrugged. "Work will keep me sane. Give me something to do other than...think." I said. I was afraid of my mind at this point. She just chuckled.

"You sound like Big Mac." She said, nodding to the baskets. "Help me carry these back to the barn an' Ah'll introduce you to Macintosh and Granny Smith. Apple Bloom is off doin' Celestia-knows what to try and get her-oh!" She exclaimed suddenly, placing a bar between two of the baskets and hooking them to the handles. She slid under it and stood with a grunt, the pole balancing the two baskets on her back. Or shoulders, I guess. Pony anatomy was weird and stunted.

"What's yer cutie mark? That is, if humans get cutie marks at all." She asked as I hoisted the last basket. It wasn't TOO heavy, but I didn't think I'd be able to carry two like she was doing.

"I assume the answer is no, but I should probably ask what a cutie mark is first." I said, following her as she began walking to a building a few dozen yards away. She blinked as if I had just spoke French.

"Oh! Ah guess Ah shoulda figgered..." She said. "A cutie mark is the symbols on our flanks. Like my apples. It represents our special talents, the thing we are personally best at." She explained. "They appear when you discover what your special talent is. Usually when you're very young."

Ooooh. I thought everyone just got a butt tattoo together. This made more sense. Slightly. "Oh. Then no, humans don't have this. In fact, most of us can go our entire lives without ever figuring out what our special talent is." I said, following her and setting the basket down once we were in the shade if the barn.

I scoffed. “I don’t think I have a special talent. I doubt I’d have a cutie mark if I was a pony.” I said with a shrug. I had a habit of being negative about myself. I look over at the piles of hay to see a stallion, bigger in stature than the mares I had met up until now, moving some of the bales onto a cart. He was red like...well, an apple. Funny how that works, isn’t it? “Hey there.” I nodded at him, waving. He nodded back. Cool guy. Stallion. Whatever.

“Justice, this here is Mcintosh. He goes by Big Mac fer short.” Applejack introduced us. “Big Mac, this is Justice, the human I was talking about last night. Like I already told ya, he’ll be stayin’ here until we can figure out how to get him home. An’ by we, I mean Twilight.” She chuckled. I held out my hand to Big Mac and surprisingly he put his hoof in my grasp and shook. Didin’t expect them to know that gesture. “You know where Apple Bloom is?” She asked her brother.

“Nnope.” He said, stoically. Just continued baling his hay. Like a boss. I liked this guy.

“If she comes back, tell her t’come find me in the fields to meet him.” She said, nodding to me as she turned away from the barn to follow her. “C’mon, let’s go meet Granny Smith. If she’s even awake, that is.” She said, rolling her eyes. I shrugged and followed the orange mare.

Spoiler alert: She wasn’t awake. So we found ourselves back in the orchards, doing work. Applejack was kicking trees, probably because they made fun of her hat. She seemed like the type who would do that, all jokes aside. She also saw the usefulness in my dexteric hands and had me untable a bunch of ropes that her hooves just couldn’t quite handle.

I hoisted them up into a tree and followed promptly, reclining against the trunk and dangling one leg from the branch I sat on as I got to work. “So is it just you and Big Mac who do the work here? That must be tough; it’s a ton of work for so many trees OI’m sure.” I said, tugging at the fabrics in my hands. The tree to my right shook from the force of her kick, sending the apples raining down.

“Oof! Usually, yeah. Apple Bloom tries to help, but she’s a bit young for this hard work.” She said with a huff. “Sometimes ponies passin’ through will pick up some work here for a day or two. But other than that, yeah, it’s just us two.” She said, sliding the three filled baskets to the side and setting more up under another tree.

I nodded, pulling another segment of rope apart and coiling it up, hanging it off the branch. “You guys must be pretty efficient if that’s the case. So many trees and fields and crops with only two workers? Color me impressed.” I said, finishing another coil. I had always been good with my hands, which is probably why I took up card tricks so easily. “But you have me now. I’m a pretty good work hor-” I blinked. “Christ, I never realized how many of our sayings have to do with horses.”

Applejack just gave me a look, but before she could say anything, a voice came out from behind her. I tilted my head to see past her form and spotted a young filly with a red bow in her red mane. They had some interesting hair colors in this world, that was for sure.

“Woah! Is this the human to were talkin’ about last night, Applejack?” She asked excitedly. God damn it she was adorable. “And you were right, he does have a funny mane.” She said, walking over to the tree I was in and putting her forehooves on the trunk to get a better look at me.

“Wh-uh, now, Ah don’t think Ah said that...EXACTLY…” Applejack blushed and mumbled. “Er, Justice this here is Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom, this is Justice. He’s gonna be stayin’ here until we can figure out how to send him back to his world.” She said to who I assumed was her younger sister.

“You’re from a different WORLD?” the filly asked, all fired up. I swung my leg over the branch and dropped down with a grunt, stumbling as I hit the ground. Brushing myself off, I nodded.

“Sure am. In my world, most animals don’t talk. And I doubt the ones that DO talk know what they’re repeating.” I explained. “So this is all a little new to me. Bear with me and let me know if I offend you.” I said, to both of them. Apple Bloom was just grinning up at me with this ‘look how freakin’ adorable I am, you shall now comply to my orders’ kind of smile.

“Woah...Oh! Pinkie Pie told me to tell you guys that the party’s all ready! You should head over t’Sugar Cube Corner.” She said, poking at my legs, then at my shoes. I let her. I understand curiosity.

“Aw shoot, is it that time already? You c’n go to the house and shower if you’d like, Justice. Don’t want to be all sweaty fer yer welcomin’ party.” Applejack chuckled. “Big Mac should be at the house, ask him to get you a towel and show you the shower. If he’s going to the party, he’ll lead you there. But if he isn’t, and he probably isn’t, just….head into town. You really can’t miss it.” Applejack said, tipping her hat. “See you there. And don’t be nervous, Ah’s sure everypony’ll love you.” She chuckled, dragging a still-starstruck Apple Bloom behind her towards town.

I waved back, stretched, then went towards the house to shower up. No matter how much I hated them….it was just about time to party as a guest of honor.

Author's Note

Woo. Sorry this took so long. Just finished moving to a new state. So exciting.

Welcome Party

At first I was wondering what she meant by ‘Really CAN'T miss it,’ but after seeing it, her words made perfect sense. There were enough balloons to make Carl and Russell jealous. There were neon lights and signs and banners and fireworks and everything in between all decorating a candy-coated house that made me think about a couple of witch-hunting orphans.

I got a few excited and nervous glances as I followed the crowd -I gulped- inside. Once indoors, I was almost immediately tackled by a pink ball of pure energy. Or sugar. Or both. “Oof!” I exclaimed, managing to keep my footing as Pinkie climbed onto my head like a monkey. I wondered if this was a normal thing. Judging by the looks she was getting, that didn't look too surprised, it was.

“He’s here! Woohoo! Justice, this is Riptide, Cloud Chaser, Berry Punch, Lyra, Golden Thread, Electric Riff…” She began pointing to random ponies and I swear she was making half these names up, I mean they weren't even actual names. Well, I guess I shouldn’t be one to talk, with a name like Justice.

With my narrative hat, I made my way to where I saw Applejack and Twilight Sparkle, smiling and saying hello to the braver ponies that greeted me. Looking around, I couldn’t help but smile at how….fun, lively, expressive, just plain happy everyone--everypony here was. Despite that they were hosting a party for an alien creature that they knew nothing about...they were just so friendly. It kinda warmed my heart, pardon the sappiness.

Twilight smiled as I approached. “Hey, Justice! Applejack was worried you wouldn’t be able to find Sugar Cube Corner on your own. We’re glad you did.” She said. I scoffed, waving my hand. I noticed the motion receive a few looks. Hands were probably really odd to them.

“I may be bad with directions, but even I can’t miss this place. Pinkie knows how to throw a party.” I replied, looking up to realize the party pony in question was actually still on my head, ‘introducing’ me to everyone. How the hell did she know all of their names? Like, literally, ALL of their names.

“...Shimmering Sunset, Hat Trick, Rich Soil, Stacked Deck, don’t ever make a bet with her….”

Very carefully, I lifted her off my head and set her on the ground, backing away slowly. She didn’t notice, just kept rambling off names. I turned back to see Applejack and Twilight walking away. The latter looked back at me, nodding to the room. I get it. She didn’t want to hold my hand, so to speak. She wanted me to go socialize on my own. Okay, Mom, jeeze.

Aaaaand the anxiety set in. I wrapped one arm around my stomach and rested my other elbow onto it. My hand ran through my hair incessantly, separating and gripping my thick brown locks. Being Italian in heritage, my hair was very thick, pretty soft, and five flavors of unmanageable.

After the ice had been broken by one mare I later learned was named Ditzy, many more ponies began coming up to me, talking to me, asking me questions. I sat down on a couch with half the party around me, talking and answering questions. I….kind of liked it. I normally hated being the center of attention, I got horrific anxiety, but they were just so friendly and kind it washed away all of my fears. They laughed with me, not at me if I stammered or got a little nervous. It was...relaxing.

Time flew like an arrow. Before I realized it, it was dark outside and many of the ponies were saying goodbye to me, making remarks about hoping to see me again. It was really a great feeling; I had grown up in a broken household and had never felt like i was wanted or appreciated….these brightly colored talking horses were making me feel better than my parents ever had. Huh.

There was only a handful of partygoers left, whom I had learned the names of earlier. The polar opposite roommates, Vinyl Scratch and Octavia, both were musicians of dance music and classical, respectively. The clumsy but sweet grey pegasus mare who was the first to approach me, Ditzy. Three little girls--rather, fillies, as they were called here, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. Sweetie was Rarity’s younger sister, and at first I thought Scootaloo was Rainbow Dash’s sister or daughter or something, but now I’m starting to think that they weren’t ACTUALLY related, just very close. No one seemed to mention Scoots’ parents, or any relatives for that matter...it didn’t take a rocket scientist to piece it together.

The three girls seemed familiar to me somehow….I couldn’t quite place it, but I think it was their voices. Itched something in the back of my head and it was bugging me that I couldn’t remember. Oh well, I’d probably figure it out eventually.

The roommates were arguing about something having to do with dishes, wubs, and two in the morning. Vinyl seemed like a cool chick. I’d have to listen to her music sometime. And maybe Octavia’s too, so I don’t feel bad for leaving her out. I have an overactive conscience. I realized they had to have some sort of power to be able to play electronic music like Vinyl did. Unless it was magic. I mean, she’s a unicorn, so I wouldn’t be surprised.

I was sitting with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, as they called themselves. I had always been great with kids, having basically raised a few of my cousins. They made this little club to help each other find their cutie marks, which were apparently a huge deal here. I was leaning back against a wall as they drew out cute little plans on a piece of paper, using their mouths as hands to hold the pencil. I wondered why Sweetie didn’t use her magic, then remembered it was like a muscle and she couldn’t quite do it yet, or was still learning. Probably same why I didn’t see Scootaloo flying at all.

I was fiddling with a deck of cards, idly performing a few fancy cuts and flourishes as the trio talked. Once in a while they told me an anecdote about their adventures searching for their cutie marks. I have to admit, they sounded like a pretty cool bunch of kids. In risk of sounding creepy. Everyone always told me I acted just like a kid, which is why I got along with them so well. Probably true, probably true.

“Apple Bloom! Time t’head on home.” Applejack said from over by the door. She and Rarity were there, looking ready to go. “Justice, are you gonna come along now, or stick around a bit?” She asked. I would be fine walking back in the dark, and I wanted to help clean up. It was the least I could do after Pinkie threw this big party for me.

“I’ll stick around.” I informed her, standing up and pocketing the cards. “I can find my way back alright.” I said, hoof-bumping the Crusaders as they passed me. “I’ll see you at the orchard, then. Bye, guys!” I waved as they left. I turned around to be grabbed by the hand and pulled over where the remaining ponies were. Lyra, Vinyl, Octavia, Pinkie, and Derpy.

Vinyl, who was the one who dragged me over, was already talking. “It’s your party and you haven’t even had any of the cake yet. That's gotta change right now." She said, sitting me down as Pinkie set a plate of cake in my grip. The others were talking among themselves, so I took a bite. I melted, and I almost moaned a little. The blue frosting wasn't just decoration, it actually tasted like blueberry, mixed with the rich chocolate layer inside the soft bread....Pinkie Pie really knew her way around a kitchen.

I think Pinkie was about to ask me what I thought of it, but my expression probably told her everything she needed to know. I tried to pay attention to the conversation, but....cake....so good....I guess I should have, because Vinyl was addressing a question towards me. "What about your...uh, world? What kind have you got?" She asked, eyes turning to me. I blinked dumbly.

"Uh, well...chocolate is probably the most popular kind...." I took a shot in the dark. After a moment of silence, "But my favorite is probably, uh...vanilla. Can't beat the classics." I grinned sheepishly, holding a forkful of the cake high in toast before eating it. "I'm sorry, I have no clue what we're talking about." I admitted, to laughter from the group.

"Clearly." Octavia said with a chuckle. She seemed a refined, proper woman...er, mare? Refined mare who was still learning to to let her hair...uh, mane down sometimes. "Music is the subject. What kinds do you have on your place of origin?" She clarified. My eyes lit up as I dug around in my pockets.

"Oh! Yeah, we have an extremely diverse plethora of music on Earth. Classical, opera, metal, jazz, hip-hop, grunge, rock and various forms of it, techno and dance...." I listed, pulling out my iPhone. They all gave it curious looks, completely lost. "I like a lot of different kinds, but my favorite is an artist named Owl City. He's got a very imaginative, unique style that's all his own and does it so well. Here, one of my favorite songs by him." I rambled. I was pretty passionate about music, probably influenced by my dad being a DJ and showing me all kinds of music.

I held the device out and Vinyl's red magical aura wrapped around it and brought it closer to the group. The music started, I had chosen something that would interest both Vinyl and Octavia, the two biggest music buffs here. Not only that, but it was arguably THE classic Owl City song. Fireflies, his first big hit that got so famous because iTunes got Adam Young’s permission to offer it for free as promotion. The synthopop tunes vibrated out of my phone's crappy speakers, taking them by surprise.

"This thing plays music? That's awesome!" Vinyl vocalized. I shushed her and pointed to my ear. Listen, dammit, this is an amazing song! She nodded but the excitement couldn't be hidden on her face. They seemed to be enjoying it. After it ended, I grinned, eager to hear their opinions.

"That was pretty cool. A really chill style, like you said, that was really unique. The instruments he used sounded really electronic, and I like that." Vinyl said, to which I nodded. For sure.

"It has the air of classical composing at the heart, especially the nostalgic feel it offered during the chorus. And...it was quite catchy." Octavia said with a small smile. "I would listen to more music by that artist."

I was surprised at Pinkie's uncharacteristically calm response. Maybe the music had calmed her down. "I really liked it. Mellow and soothing." She said with a giggle. "Something I could relax to!" The looks she got were rather amusing. "What? I relax! Sometimes! Stop giving me that look!" She crossed her forelegs and pouted.

Derpy, whom I still felt guilty calling her that despite her reassurances that she inked the nickname, chuckled and nodded. "Yeah, what Pinkie said. Not exactly something I would dance to, but I could listen to it to go to sleep or something.” she mused. I couldn’t argue, I had insomnia and one of the best things to put me to sleep was Owl City. I looked over to see Vinyl flipping my phone over in her magic, examining it from every angle.

“How….how the hell does this thing work?” she asked in absolute wonder. “I think I broke it, the screen went dark.” She said, floating it back to me like it was a bomb. I just chuckled, pressing the lock button and sliding my finger across the bottom to unlock. Quickly typing in my passcode, Vinyl’s magic grabbed it again and the ponies all piled around her to look at it.

“What’s an iTunes?”

“Oh, push that one, that one has a flower!”

“Your music folder is on the bottom, right? Easy to access, I see.”

I leaned back and chuckled as they fought over the phone, like children in a candy store. The music snapped around erratically as they kept passing it back and forth, and Vinyl looked upset until I told her the controls were heat sensitive and that was why it wasn't working for her, and her mood lifted right back up. “This one keeps saying access denied.” Ditzy spoke up to me. My eyes snapped open and I coughed. They must have found my photo vault app. Where I hide pictures I don’t exactly want hanging out, no pun intended, in my regular photo folders.

“Oh, that’s...uh, top secret human stuff. Very discreet, blueprints to….doomsday...things. Yeah. Don’t try to open it.” I said quickly, leaning forward in my seat at the ready in case things got bad. “The passcode is a super complex string of-”

“Oh! Got it!” Pinkie sang. “I just played connect the dots, and I made a square.” she said, waving my phone around like it was some trophy. Luckily my phone was slow as molasses and I was able to snatch it before the app loaded up, hurrying into the settings to switch it to the keyboard passcode mode.

“Okay, in my defense, I was going for the ‘hiding in plain sight’ tactic by making the password so simple, okay?” I grumbled, defeated. “I think I’m ready to go now before my phone starts World War 3.” I said, vaguely realizing they probably wouldn’t understand that. The party had already been cleaned up with a collective effort from everyone. “I’ve had a pretty big day, and-”

I was interrupted by a collective groan, making me blink in confusion. Wait...they were…? “Well, if you’re here to stay then we'll see you around, right?” Ditzy wondered, met with similar murmurs from the others. I ran my hand across the back of my neck, fighting a blush. This feeling was...something interesting. They wanted to see me again. I was almost in shock.

“Oh, er, yeah, of course.” I said. “I’m gonna be all around, I guess, learning my way about the town.” I said, meeting all their eyes. I didn't sense any sarcasm, any fear or even any malice. They were all genuinely interested in meeting me again. I may be far away from home, but they were making me feel welcome, and I don’t think I could thank them enough for that. With a final goodbye to them, I took my leave, walking back to Sweet Apple Acres with my hands in my pockets.

I made it back and everyone was already asleep. No surprise, with how hard they worked. Apple Bloom would be going to school tomorrow, so she needed rest, and Applejack said I could take tomorrow to explore Ponyville a bit. Twilight had said she needed to talk to me about something, and it made me a little nervous. Maybe her studies had brought something to light? Either way, wondering isn't gonna change anything. I shut the light off for the guest room, and put my earbuds in to play my music. It didn't take long for sleep to consume me.

Author's Note

Sorry for the super-long delay between chapters. Had a LOT of real life stuff (I have moved houses three times since the last update) getting in the way, but everything should be good now.