Careful What You Wish For

Chapter 2

Meeting New People… Or Rather Ponies

“Well it’s nice to meet you Scootaloo.” I said noting that she only came up to a little above my waist, but then thought of something. “Though I’m a bit curious why a young one like you is out in a forest at night?”

“Oh well um I ah kind of got lost and then I saw the light from your camp fire so I came over to see if there was maybe somepony that could help me. But you’re not really a pony, so what are you?” She asked looking me up and down, confusion clearly written on her face.

“I’m a human.” Seeing that she was still confused I added. “Think of a human as an almost hairless monkey just a lot smarter.”

“Oh ok, well thank you for saving me Mr. Night!” She said giving me a big smile.

“You can just call me Night and don’t worry about it, it was nothing.” I said as I made my way back to my pack and sat down.

“What do you mean it was nothing!? That one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen! Was that magic? Can all humans do that? What was that thing you did with your voice? You spoke and that manticore got blasted away. Then you said something else and it ran away scared!” by the end of it she was hovering a little off the ground in excitement before dropping to the ground. “It was so cool!”

Seriously this kid was too cute for her own good. “Well thanks but I only did what was right and to answer your questions, yes I guess you could call my power magic, no normal humans can’t do it, and what I did is basically dragon magic which is called Thu’um or voice.”

“I didn’t know dragons had magic.”

“Well maybe not in this world but in another world they do.”

“Another world?” she said giving me a skeptical look.

“Yeah I’m from another world at least I think I’m in another world. There’s nothing like you that exist where I’m from and seeing as you had no clue what I was I’m guessing that there are no humans here.” I said getting a nod from the little filly. “As for the dragons that’s another world. I’ve never been there but I learned the Thu’um from my book.” I explained summoning my book to my hand and showing her.

“Wait, if you’re from a different world how did you get here?”

I de-summoned my book as I gave a shrug. “Your guess is as good as mine Scootaloo. One minute I’m on my way home, the next there’s a lightning storm and before I know it things get crazy, I hear a loud boom and then I’m waking up here.”

“Wow that sucks, sorry.” Scoots said before lighting up. “But I bet Twilight could send you back home! She’s really smart and powerful. And if not then maybe one of the princesses could.”

I gave her a curious look. “Princesses? Who are they?”

She gave me a look as if I had just asked the stupidest question in the world. “Oh right not from this world. Well Princesses Luna controls the moon and the night and Princesses Celestia controls the sun.”

As she was explaining who the princesses were and what they did a part of me scoffed at the possibility of anyone controlling the sun and moon. Though another part countered that we were talking to a colorful talking pegasus, that we had fallen into another dimension, and that we had our owe power that many thought the same. “Ok so let me see if I got this strait. Princesses Luna and Celestia are both immortal Alicorns, which are basically a mixture of a pegasus and a unicorn; they control the sun and moon, and also rule over Equestria which is the country we’re in. That right?” Scootaloo nodded her head with a smile before her stomach let out a loud growl.

“Well looks like someone’s hungry.” I chuckled as she gave me a sheepish look while rubbing the back of her head with her hoof. “Here try these.” I said handing her a few granola bars and a bottle of water from my pack which she took hungrily, letting out a sigh as she took a bite. “We’ll stay here for the night and I’ll take you home in the morning.” I said as I started getting comfortable.

“Here? But what if that manticore comes back, or a pack of timber wolves finds us!” Scootaloo asked looking around.

“Oh I highly doubt that manticore is coming back and as for anything else I’m sure Kilala and Morph can handle it.” I said

“Who?” Scootaloo asked giving me a look.

“Oh yeah I haven’t introduced you to the other two members of my little family. Morph. Kilala. You can come out now.” I said calling out. Morph came out trilling happily as he started flying around Scoots and Kilala jumped down from a tree in her small form.

Scootaloo looked at the two before turning here attention to me. “No offence Night but I don’t think a little cat and a flying pink ball can stand up to the creatures of the Everfree Forest.”

I could only smile knowing what was about to happen. “Oh really? Well if it will give you peace of mind I guess that this little cat and pink flying ball will just have to show what they can do. Kilala, Morph, if you don’t mind?” I asked looking over to them. Suddenly Morph turned into small thunder cloud before a bolt of lightning shot out hitting a rock and shattering it. While Kilala simply changed into her saber cat form which was as big as the manticore before being engulfed flames. (they don’t call her a fire cat for nothing) The look on Scoots face was priceless. “Well Scoots think they can handle it?” Her only response was a nod. Shaking my head I closed my eyes before drifting off to sleep.

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I woke up an hour or so after sunrise to the filling of a cute little filly snuggled up against my side. After everyone woke up and ate a quick breakfast we headed out. My leg had mostly healed, just a little sore and stiff, but I could walk on it just fine. Once again I’m totally grateful for my fast healing. As we walked we started talking and telling each other about our lives.

“So the Apple family took you in after they found out you were an orphan and had been living on the streets for years?” I asked getting a nod. “Wow that was nice for them.”

“Yeah if they hadn’t I would have been sent back to the orphanage in Canterlot.” Scoots said with a sigh before perking up. “But I have a family that loves me and my best friend became my sister!”

“Yep you’re one tough, lucky, little filly all right.” I told her with a smile. After that we fell into a comfortable silence as we were both lost in our own thoughts. Morph was flying around as energetic as ever, while Kilala was taking a nap on Scootaloo’s back, having stayed up all night keeping watch. As we walked I thought about everything that Scootaloo had told me.

She was very excited to introduce me to her family and friends and had told me a lot about them. First were here two best friends Apple Bloom, who was now her sister, and Sweetie Belle. Together they were the Cutie Mark Crusaders whose mission was to find their cutie marks, not sure what a cute mark was but she was on a roll so I decided to ask later.

Second was her new family. There was Granny Smith who apparently had a hand or hoof in founding Ponyville. Then there was Applejack and Big Macintosh, though everyone called him Big Mac, they ran the family farm and apple orchard that apparently grew the best apples in Equestria. Both were very strong and hard working.

Next were Applejack’s friends. First was Rainbow Dash self-proclaimed greatest flyer in Equestria and if even half the things Scoots say are true that’s probably not too far from the truth. I really want to see this sonic rainboom and maybe get a race.

Then there is Twilight Sparkle, who is also a princess and an alicorn but is not immortal. Apparently she used to be a normal unicorn but ascended to alicorn-hood. Scootaloo says she’s still the same as before she became a princess and asks that she be treated like a normal pony. She runs the Ponyville library with her assistant/little brother Spike who’s a dragon.

Scoots warned me about Pinkie Pie, another one of Applejack’s friends. Scoots described Pinkie as a fun, kind, pink ball of crazy, sugar, and randomness. She’s the resident party pony and works at Sugarcube Corner, the local bakery. Truthfully I couldn’t wait to meet her she sounds interesting.

Then there was Sweetie Belle’s sister Rarity. She’s apparently an amazing fashion designer and runs the Carousel Boutique making dresses and other cloths for ponies all over Equestria.

Last is Fluttershy. Who just like her name is very shy and soft spoken most of the time. She loves animals and takes care of all kinds of wild creatures. But don’t get on her bad side or she might give you The Stare, which apparently is like “the look” but a thousand times worse considering she made a full grown dragon cry with it.

“Hey Night” Scootaloo said pulling me from my thoughts.

“Yeah Scoots what’s up?” I ask turning my attention to the filly beside me.

“What are you going to do after you get me home?”

“Well I’m not sure.” I said gaining a thoughtful expression. “I’ll probably talk to that Twilight mare you were telling me about and see if she can get me home and if not then I’ll ask the princesses.”

“But what if it turns out that you’re stuck here and you can’t get back home. Won’t you miss it?” she asked looking at me with worry.

“Then I’ll just make this place my new home.” I said with a shrug. “I’ll let in on a little secret Scoots, everything ends, but every ending is a new beginning it’s just up to you what it’s the beginning of. Sure I could worry about the future and if I’m stuck here I’ll miss my home but if I do that I’ll miss out on the here and now. There’s an old saying “Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery, but Today is a gift that is why they call it the present.”

Scootaloo looked down with a thoughtful look, mulling over what I said as we continued to walk. Before long we left the forest and came upon a dirt road that led to nice sized town.

“That’s Ponyville! We’re almost there, come on!” Scootaloo said before running off down the road.

I chuckled before jogging after her, my long legs easily letting me keep with the little filly. Suddenly I felt a presence coming in fast from the side. Turning I was just in time to see a cyan hoof before my face meet said hoof. As the world went dark I only had one thought. ‘Well that’s one way to say hello.’

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The first thing that came to my mind as I started to regain consciousness was that I need to stop getting knocked out. Sure the first time from fucking lightning and the second was from a hoof traveling a few hundred miles an hour but still it’s the principle of the thing! As was coming back from lala land I could hear voices.

“How many times do I have to say I’m sorry? I thought that Scootaloo was in danger. It’s not like you would’ve done any different Applejack.”

“Ah ain’t sayin that I woulda, but did ya at least try ta figer out what was happen before ya knocked the poor feller out?”

“Girls that’s enough! Rainbow you need to apologize to him when he wakes up.”

“Fine”

“Good now Applejack how is Scootaloo?”

“She’s fine Twi just a little dirty, hungry, and tired she’s getten washed up now.”

“That’s good, from what she said it could have been a lot worse if he hadn’t stepped in when he did.”

“Yeah but what the hay is he?”

“Scootaloo said he called himself a human and that him name was Night. But I haven’t been able to find anything in any of my books. I sent a letter to Princess Celestia telling her everything that we know that Scootaloo told us including the theory that he’s from a different world but she hasn’t responded yet.”

“Well I’m sure the princess is just busy Twilight it will all be fine, though I can’t say the same for his cloths just look at them! They’re so dirty and torn. They’ll need to be replaced.”

“You’re right it is the middle of day court now the princess is probably just busy.” Sigh “So Fluttershy how is he?”

“Oh well um he’s fine. His wound healed really fast, there’s just some light bruising left.”

At this point I thought it would be a good time to let them know of my now conscious presence. Letting out a grown I sat up from what I found to be a couch before turning to where I heard the voices. I spotted six mares. One had an orange coat with a blond mane and tail with a cowboy hat on her head, guessing that was Applejack. Next to her was a cyan coated pegasus with a messy rainbow colored mane and tail, pretty safe bet saying that’s Rainbow Dash. Next in line had to be Twilight Sparkle seeing as she was the only alicorn in the room. She had a lavender coat and a purple mane and tail with a pink strip in it. Standing or rather bouncing next to her could only be Pinkie Pie. One word to describe this mare was pink. She had a pink coat with a slightly darker and incredibly fluffy pink mane and tail. Sitting in a chair was a white coated unicorn with a very stylish indigo mane and tail. She gave off an air of sophistication, going to go with Rarity. And next to her, partially hiding behind her light pink mane, was a yellow coated pegasus. And that must be Fluttershy; she certainly lives up to her name.

All these thoughts and observations went through my mind in two to three seconds as we all stared at each other. Deciding to break the silence I said the only thing that came to mind, “Hi” Suddenly my world was filled with pink.

“Himyname’sPinkamenaDianePiebutyoucancallmePinkiePieorjustPinkie.Doyoulikecake?Howaboutcupcakes?Doyoulikepartys?Doyouwanttobemyfriend?Doyou-”

“Pinkie that’s enough,” Twilight scolded the pink mare pulling her away with her magic. “We don’t what to scare him.”

I could only laugh at the display. “Its fine Twilight no harm done, and Pinkie to answer your questions; yes, yes, yes, and of course.” To which she jumped in the air followed by a burst of confetti, I can see now why Scootaloo warned me not to question Pinkie; I would only get a headache if I tried to figure her out.

“Wait how do you know my name?” Twilight asked

“Scoots told me a little about her friends and family. And I guessed that you were Twilight seeing as you were the only alicorn here.” I explained

“Oh yes that makes sense. She said your name was Night and you were a human is that correct?” Twilight asked

“That’s right but I think a formal introduction is required.” I answered as I stood noting that I was a head or so taller than them, before giving an overly flourished bow. “My name is Night Nathaniel Starlight, at your service.” I said finishing with a relaxed salute. “Now let me see if I can put a face to the ponies Scootaloo’s told me about.”

I slipped a hand into a pocket and turned to Twilight. “As I said before you must be Princess Twilight Sparkle. You run the Golden Oakes Library here in Ponyville, and you were the student of Princess Celestia before you became an alicorn.” I said reaching out my free hand with Twilight doing the same, making an impromptu hoof/hand shake. “It’s a pleasure meet you.”

“No trust me the pleasure is mine really and you can just call me Twilight. Ow I have so many questions for you. I haven’t found anything like you in any of my books!” she replied excitedly.

Had to say the way her eyes lit up, the big smile on her face, and the way her hooves moved like she was running in place was completely adorable. “Well I’ll be happy to answer any of your questions later, cool?” I asked getting a nod in response. Next I turned my attention to Applejack. “You must be Applejack; you’re Scootaloo’s adopted big sister.”

“That’s right, didn’t seem right ta separate her from her friends if we could help it. Took a little adjusting but she’s become a true member of the Apple family.” Applejack stated with a grin. “And I got ta thank you for saven her, couldn’t imagine what we’d do if somethin were ta happen ta her.” She finished as she suddenly stood on her hind legs and wrapped her fore hooves around my neck in a strong hug before letting go with a sheepish look. “Sorry about that not sure what came over me.”

“It’s fine, you’re were worried about her and are just happy that she’s back and ok; she’s a lucky filly to have you. If y’all need anything just ask.” I said

“Now hold on there, I should be sayin that ta you! You’ve already done so much for us. I can’t just go asken ya for more. We’re tha ones who owe you!” Applejack argued

I shook my head “Y’all don’t owe me a thing. Like I told Scoots I only did what I thought was right. I saw something bad happening and had the power to stop it so I did.” I said waving my hand dismissingly.

Applejack sighed seeing I wasn’t budging on the topic. “Well no matter you’ve done right by us saven Scootaloo and all that makes you a friend of the Apple family, no matter what our door will always be open for ya.”

I smiled “I’ll keep that in mind.” I said with a nod which she returned. Next I turned to Rainbow Dash, who was hovering at eye level. Putting on a thoughtful expression I said. “Now this is just a shot in the dark but I’m guessing that you must be the one and only amazing Rainbow Dash.” I finished with a smile.

Rainbow gave a cocky smile in return. “That’s right; I’m Rainbow Dash fastest flyer in all of Equestria and future Wonderbolt.”

“Well that’s great but I hope you don’t mind taking second place because there’s no better flyer then me.” I said

“Yeah right you don’t even have wings.” Dash shot back with a smug look.

I only smiled as I jumped back a little before I started floating on air. Crossing my legs and putting my hands behind my head as I looked on in amusement at the dumbstruck looks on the six mares’ faces before saying in cocky yet lazy tone. “Who said I needed wings?”

Dash shook off her shock before flying over and getting right in my face. “So what if you can fly? Nopony’s faster than me!”

“Bring it on Skittles.” I challenged with a smile spreading my arms wide. “I’ll fly circles around ya.”

Before Dash could make a comeback she was interrupted by Twilight. “Rainbow, don’t you have something to say to Night?”

“Oh right” Dash replied sheepishly backing off. “Look I’m sorry about the whole hitting you in the face and knocking you out thing. I thought you were trying to hurt Scoots.”

“Hey don’t worry about it. You were protecting someone you considered family, I wouldn’t expect anything else.” I said waving it off as my feet touched the ground. “But I have to admit that was a damn good punch.”

“Yeah thanks that move is called hurricane punch from the Raging Storm style and I’m a black belt. I also know the Whirlwind style, Floating Leaf style, and Broken Earth style.” Dash finished with pride.

I nodded my head. “Nice, I got a few black belts myself, we should spar sometime.” Turning to Pinkie next who was practically vibrating in excitement. “Well Pinkie I believe we’ve already been introduced but was there anything else you wanted to ask me?”

She sat down and gained a thoughtful look. “Nope I’m good!” I could only look blankly at her. It seems that even if you expect randomness you might get normal, but that in itself is random. So random is normal and normal is random but doesn’t that mean that everything is random or is everything normal? Ok I’m going to stop thinking about it; my brain is starting to hurt.”

“Um ok” I turned to Rarity, giving Pinkie one last look before shaking my head and focusing my attention. “You must be the lovely Rarity.” I said holding out my hand, taking her offered hoof and giving it a quick kiss.

“Oh may what a gentlecolt.” said Rarity with a smile and light blush.

“Only when I want to be.” I replied giving her my best charming smile that changed to a devious one as I continued. “Or if you prefer I could be the dashing rogue the takes you away for a life of passion and adventure.”

Giving me a playful smile Rarity answered. “Oh don’t tempt me darling I might not be able to help myself.” We both laughed as we finished our little game, receiving a few odd looks from the other mares in the room. “Oh it is always good to find somepony that can play the game. But in all seriousness darling, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Same here, Scootaloo said own and run your owe boutique. You must be very talented and smart to have made a successful business like that all by yourself.” I said

“Why thank you darling that’s very kind of you to say, not many ponies realize how hard it is to work in the fashion industry. Speaking of clothes, yours are in terrible condition.” She stated

Looking down I saw what she was talking about. I was covered with dirt and my clothes were littered with burns, cuts, and rips. There was also a bit of blood. “Oh yeah, well I’ve kind of had an eventful last few days.”

“I can imagine from what little Scootaloo told us.” Rarity said with a nod. “I would be more than happy to make you some new ones as a gift.”

“Thank you Rarity but I can’t just take it; let me pay you in some way.” I tried reasoning

“No, no it’s not a gift if you pay for it. Just think of it as a reward for saving young Scootaloo. Just come by when you can and I’ll take your measurements.” She said ending the discussion.

“Fine but when I come over I’ll show you some clothing styles from my world, maybe they’ll inspire you.” I said wanting to get the last word in.

Turning to the last occupant I saw Fluttershy hiding behind her hair. When she saw me look at her she let out a small “eep”. Kneeling down so I was a little shorter than her I said. “You must be Fluttershy.” only to get a small nod in response. “You know I’m not going to hurt you.” this time a quite squeak was my answer as she avoided making eye contact. Seeing that this was going nowhere I had an idea. “Fluttershy, do you mind if I try something?” she only looked at me with a little fear but said nothing. Very, and I mean very, slowly I reached my hand up and placed it on the top of her head. It let off a soft glow as I activated the spell, for added effect I concentrated and spoke a word “DREM” (Peace) letting my voice wash over her. Her face softened, the tension left her body, and the fear and anxiety vanished from her eyes. Taking my hand off her head I gave her a small smile. “Better?”

“Yes thank you, I feel much better.” She said giving a thankful smile.

“What did you just do?” Twilight asked “I’ve never seen Fluttershy act so calm around somepony new.”

“I’ll go into more detail later but what I did was use a calming spell and some of the dragon magic that I told Scoots about.” I explained before turning back to Fluttershy. “Now then Scoots tells me that you love animals.”

“Oh yes I do, I take care of all kinds of wild creatures. And I want to thank you for not killing that manticore even though I’m sure that you could have.” She said in that soft voice of hers.

“Yeah I thought that it might be best to not show up and kill something right when I get here. Though I can’t promise that every time.” I warned

“I understand and thank you for trying. I heard that you have two animals with you?” she asked

“Yeah, have you not met them?” I asked

“No, I was one of the last ones to get here.” Fluttershy clarified shaking her head

“Well now that I think about it where are those two?” I asked looking around.

“If you’re talkin about that cat the pink floating thing they’re upstairs with Scoots. Something about ya tellin them ta stay with her or something?” Applejack said

“Oh yeah thanks, I hope they haven’t been any trouble.” Just then the door opened and in ran a little dragon, who I was guessing was Spike.

“Twilight the princess sent you a letter.” He said holding out a scroll that Twilight took in her magic and began reading.

“Looks like Princess Celestia wants to meet with you Night.” She said after reading the letter. “She’ll be here in a few minutes.”

“Well I guess that means I should go get cleaned up, where’s the shower?” I asked grabbing my pack that was beside the couch.

Applejack pointed to the stairs. “Up the stairs and it’s the first door on your left.”

“Thanks” I said before heading up the stairs. As I neared the bathroom I heard three voices coming from another room, one of them being familiar. Taking a detour I headed for the second door to the right and knocked. “Yo Scoots it’s me Night.” Suddenly the door opened to reveal a smiling orange filly.

“Night you’re up!” Scootaloo cried jumping up and giving me a hug.

“Yeah Rainbow got me pretty good but I’m up now and we’re cool.” I said returning the hug.

“Wow Scootaloo ya weren’t kidding when ya said he was tall.” said a red maned, yellow coated filly. “Hi I’m Apple Bloom.”

“And I’m Sweetie Belle” spoke a white coated filly with a pink and purple mane.

“Well it’s nice meet you girls but I just stopped by to let Scoots know I’m up. The princess is coming so I need to go wash up.” I said as I turned to leave. Stepping into the bathroom I set down my pack and turned on the water letting it heat up as I got undressed. As I let the warm water wash over me I couldn’t help but think about what had happened recently. ‘Man this is crazy but at least they’re nice.’ After washing with some soap and shampoo I found, I got dressed in a fresh pair of dark green cargo pants and a black shirt with a gray bird flying across it. Putting away my dirty clothes I went back down stairs to see an extra occupant in the room.

“Good evening Mr. Starlight.”