Careful What You Wish For

Chapter 4

‘Oh shit oh shit oh fucking shit!’ I thought as I lay in bed with the three mares. ‘Ok Night, just calm down and think you had to have learned something that could help you now.’ I started to think but the pain in my head plus the fact that I just woke up was making it hard to concentrate, that and the fact that Vinyl’s hind leg was currently pressed against my crotch making things harder in more ways than one. ‘Wait what about, yeah that could work.’ I thought as I searched for something to perform the technique on. Finding a large pillow in the corner I focused and with a small pop me and the pillow switched places. Oh I was so glad I watched the show Naruto, more than half my powers were based off that show including that one. I sighed in relief when none of the mares woke up and was even more relieved when I looked down and realized I was wearing my clothes. ‘Oh thank god, nothing happened.’ I thought. (you guys didn’t think I was going to let something like that happen so early did you? You dirty dirty readers.)

I made my way out of the room and quietly closed the door. But as I turned around I came face to face with a grey earth pony mare with a black mane. “This isn’t what it looks like.” I whispered loudly waving my hands back and forth. “Nothing happened.”

She looked at me for a second before bringing a hoof to her mouth to stifle her laughter. Seeing my confusion she explained. “I know nothing happened I was here when the four of you came in. Though you were carrying Rainbow Dash and Applejack, Vinyl said they passed out on the way here and neither of you were fit to take them to their homes.” She said with a high-class British accent. “It was quite funny to be honest, after you put those two in the bed you were going to sleep on the couch but Vinyl insisted you sleep in the bed too. That led to a very funny argument between the two of you before you simply laid down and fell asleep. Vinyl then picked you up with her magic and put you in the bed. It was cute how the other two snuggled up to you. The four of you looked like an adorable herd.” She said making my face heat up so much it put fire to shame.

“Oh well that explains things.” I said blushing as I followed the mare into the kitchen. “I was afraid you might think I took advantage of them.”

She gave me a confused look. “Of course not, if anything I thought you would be the one who felt taken advantage of, seeing you didn’t remember what happened.”

At first I was confused before it hit me. “Oh yeah reversed gender roles.”

“I’m sorry, what was that?” she asked me pouring two cups of coffee and giving me one.

“Oh nothing really just being reminded that our worlds genders roles are reversed.” I said taking a sip of my coffee and finding it could use a little sugar before explaining farther, “you see um I’m sorry I don’t know your name.”

“Octavia, Octavia Melody.” Octavia said “Vinyl introduced us last night but I can understand if you don’t remember, I heard you out drank three ponies last night.”

“Oh well um thank you I guess. My name’s Night Starlight.” I said not sure if that was a complement or not. “Anyway as I was saying, in my world the males are the dominate gender as opposed to females like in this world. Males are expected to be the one who’s in charge of a relationship, we’re supposed to do things like pick girls up for dates, pay for everything, and generally keep them happy and if need be safe. Where I’m from if anyon- I mean if anypony saw that they would think the guy was responsible.”

“That’s different, around here all that’s the mare’s job.” Octavia said.

“Yeah well it’s going to take some adjusting on everypony’s part but whatever.” I said with a shrug. We talked some more and I came to find that Octavia was Vinyl’s house mate and was also a musician, leaning more towards the classical works than modern music. She played for many high-class events with a group called the Canterlot Symphony I showed her some of the classical music from my world, which she loved, and got a kick out of her face when I told her that one of our most famous musicians was deaf.

“I have to say you world sounds fascinating.” Octavia said

“Yeah it’s an amazing place. But it’s not without its darker side.” I said thinking of my world. “It’s a place of contradictions, where death can breathe new life, destruction can bring about creation, and chaos can bring harmony. A world of grey.”

“That’s very poetic... Do you miss it?”

“It’s my world; it would be weird if I didn’t. But thinking about it now I think what I really miss is what I had in my world. My family, my friends, and the life I built.”

“What if you can’t go back?”

I laughed “You know I was asked that same question when I got here and my answer is still the same. If I can’t go back then I’ll start over here. Make a new life and fill it with ponies I care about. But that doesn’t matter now. Today I’m alive, the sun is shining, and I’m having coffee with a very pretty mare.” I held up my cup. “To enjoying today and hoping for tomorrow.” I said before taking a swig, not seeing the blush appear across Octavia’s face.

Octavia took a sip too, using her cup to hide her face as she beat down her blush, before turning the tables. “Oh my, Mr. Starlight you work quickly, you just got three mares in bed with you and now you’re going for a fourth? My my how bold. Well if you’re looking ponies to care about I think know a few.” She finished with a smile.

I tried my best to not choke on my drink as my face turned into a bonfire. “What, no, you know it’s not like that.”

“Why not? Are we not pretty?” Octavia teased

“N-no you girls are very pretty, but I don’t see you like that, w-we’re friends.”

Octavia smiled, she was enjoying this way too much. “So we’re pretty but pretty enough for you to be attracted to?”

“… do I have to answer that?” I asked really not wanting to.

Octavia set her cup down with a smile. “No it’s fine I’ve had my fun. But in all seriousness it’s something to think about.” Before I could say anything we heard hoof steps.

“Morning girls.” I said glad for the change of topic. “feeling ok?”

“Yeah after Vinyl used her hangover spell on us that is.” Rainbow said yawning.

“She told us ya carried us here after we passed out, thank ya Night you’re a good friend.” Applejack said getting a nod from Rainbow as well.

“I was just helpin some friends out.” I said waving their thanks off.

“So how did you girls sleep last night?” Vinyl asked glancing over at me with smirk.

“I sleep great, I feel awesome!” Rainbow said doing a little flip as she few over and took a seat to prove her point.

“Me too, why I feel like I could buck all the apple trees by myself.” Applejack said as she took a seat at the table.

‘Well shit’ I thought forgetting about the effect of my aura. Now let me explain, have you ever met someone and just had a feeling about them? Like they were giving off a weird vibe or you felt like you could trust them even though you just met them? What you were feeing was their aura or presence. Now because of my power my aura is way more noticeable, most people say I have a calm, warm feeling that makes them comfortable. Very useful if I need to comfort someone but it can be a pain sometimes.

Vinyl smirked “Yeah Night was really comfortable, best pillow I’ve ever had.”

“What?” Rainbow and Applejack asked

“After I fell asleep Vinyl moved me into bed with you two and then slept on top of me. She probably thought it was going to be funny when we all woke up.” I explained.

“Hey yeah, how did you get out of bed without waking us up anyway?” Vinyl asked. I looked at her before a grin came to my face and in a blur of motion and a soft pop Vinyl found herself in my seat. “Who the, how the, what the.” She said looking around.

“Does that answer your question Vinyl?” I asked

“Just how powerful are you Sugarcube?” Applejack asked

“I’m not that powerful just have a lot of trick up my sleeves.” I said as I used illusions to create blocks (think Legos and holograms) on the table. I levitated up a single block. “Alone my powers can be somewhat powerful, but together” I levitated the other blocks up making them form a pony that smiled and waved at everyone. “They can be truly impressive.”

“Wow that’s awesome.” Dash said as she and the others had looks of awe on their face. She reached out a hoof to touch it but when she did it burst into a mass of sparkling lights before disappearing. Before anypony could say anything there was a loud growl making all of them look at me.

“Sorry about that.” I said sheepishly. “Looks like it’s time to feed the beast.” At the notion of food three more stomachs growl causing the mares in question to gain sheepish looks of their own.

“Hehe um Octy is there anything to eat?” Vinyl asked

“You’re lucky I thought ahead and went to the market this morning.” Octavia playfully scolded her housemate.

“Here let me cook it’s the least I can do.” I said. I always did like cooking, even before I got my powers.

“No it’s alright I’m used to Vinyl’s shenanigans, we’ve know each other so long we’re basically sisters.” Octavia said opening the refrigerator.

“Octavia” Dash called out. “If Night wants to cook let him, trust me you won’t regret it.” she said remembering the one time came over to see Twilight when I cooked dinner, let’s just say we saw a lot more of Rainbow after that.

After cooking up some pancakes, eggs, and what I call hash brown surprise, minus the meat of course, I sat plates down for everyone. “Ok dig in girls.”

Rainbow was quick to start wolfing down her food, letting out small sounds happiness. The others looked on as Rainbow destroyed her food before looking at their own plates. ‘Is it really that good?’ they all wondered. Taking a small bite, each of the girls closed their eyes and let out a moan of pleasure before fallowing Rainbow’s example and destroying their food. I could only shake my head and let out a small laugh as I dug in to my own plate. After enjoying our meal and a little small talk, mainly just getting to know each other better and more me than them, it was time to go.

“Well it’s been fun but I got work to do, need to set up some rain clouds for tonight. See ya.” Rainbow said before flying out the door.

“I need ta get goin too. Granny let me have the morning off but it’s almost noon.” Applejack said heading towards the door. “Thank y’all fer lettin us stay at your place for the night.”

“I think I’m gonna head out too.” I said making my way to the door. “See yeah girls, we should hangout again soon.”

“Yeah we should. Oh and if you ever need a place to crash my beds always open, you’re really comfortable!” Vinyl shouts after me before I hurry out the door.

As I walked out onto the street I spotted Applejack. “Applejack, wait up.”

“Hey Night, need something?” She asked as I started walking beside her.

“Not really just don’t want to go back to the library, been cooped up there for the past week.”

“Ah hear ya, can’t go a day or so without gettin outside and doin somethin myself or I’ll go plum crazy.”

“Yeah same here, mind if I tag along? I could help ya and finally met your brother and grandma.”

“That’s right they were visiting relatives when you were there last, Granny’s been wanting to meet you since she heard about ya.”

We spent the time walking just talking; mostly Applejack was telling me about the farm, how they harvested the apples, and all the different apple trees. I really wanted to try those zap apples. Before long we reached Sweet Apple Acres.

“Big Mac” Applejack called out to a big red stallion that was coming out of the barn. “C’mere I want you to meet somepony. This here’s Night Starlight.” She said when he walked up to us. I had to say Big Mac lived up to his name; he was the biggest pony I’ve seen since I got here not counting the princesses. He was as tall as me with a red coat and a messy burnt orange mane.

“Good to meet you Big Mac.” I said holding out my hand which he took with one of his plate size hooves.

“Eeyup” Big Mac said

“He’s the one that saved Scoots a week ago while you and Granny were in Fillydelphia.” Applejack told him.

“Well then I need to think you Night.” Big Mac said “For keeping my family safe.”

“Like I told Aj don’t worry about it, not like I could sit back and do nothing.” I said “Now come on I’m helpin y’all work.”

“Eenope”

“What do you mean no?”

“Granny said she wanted to see you the next time you stopped by.” Big Mac said “She’s in the house.”

“Well guess ya should go see Granny, we’ll see ya after we’re done. Granny will likely want ya to stay for dinner too so I hope you got a big appetite.” Applejack said before following Big Mac to the fields. I looked at the house and after a second of thought started following Aj and Big Mac. “And Just where do you think you’re going?” Applejack asked me when she noticed me following them.

“I’m going to help you harvest apples of course.” I said walking past them to where Big Mac had set up some baskets, forcing them to follow me it they wanted to keep talking.

“Didn’t ya hear Big Mac? Granny Smith wants to see ya.”

“Eeyup”

“I heard him but I said was going to help you, and I can’t do that if I’m in the house now can I?”

“But Granny said-”

“She said she wanted to see me the next time I stopped by.” I said leaning up against a tree. “So if I see her before I leave then I’m still doing as she asked. Ain’t that right Big Mac?”

The red stallion gained a thoughtful look then nodded his head. “Eeyup”

“See Aj, Mac agrees with me. Now show me how you buck apples so I can help get this done faster.” I said

Applejack sighed seeing that I did have a point. “Well I guess she didn’t say she wanted to see you first thing. Oh alright but if Granny says something you’re explaining things. Now the first thing you do is place the baskets around the tree like this.” She said as she showed me how the Apple family bucked apples. It didn’t take me long to get the hang of it to the point I could keep up with the Apple siblings. Of course I was only as strong as the average unicorn, the weakest of the three pony tribes, but I got around that by using my powers to increase my muscle’s strength and power. After a few hours we decided to call it a day.

“Well shoot, we got nearly two whole days of work done.” Applejack said wiping the sweat from her brow as we pulled the last wagon full of apples to the barn. “And we have you to thank Sugarcube.”

“Eeyup” Big Mac nodded

“Any time guys, I was happy to help. Well I don’t know about you but I’m starving.” I said getting eager nods before the three of us headed to the house.

“Granny we got company!” Applejack called out as we walked through the door.

“What was that about company?” An old green mare asked coming out of what I guessed was the kitchen. “Oh my you’re a tall one ain’t ya.” She said when she saw me before starting to walk around me while looking me up and down. “Well I say Applejack you done brought yourself home a fine stallion. I approve.” She said when she was done, much to Applejack’s embarrassment and my amusement.

“Granny!” AJ yelled as her face turned the same color as her brother’s coat. “It ain’t nothin like that. This here’s Night the one I was tellin y’all about, the one that saved Scootaloo.”

“Oh well why didn’t you say so.” Granny Smith said turning to me. “Applejack and the little ones have been talkin about ya all week. And I wanted ta thank ya fer saving little Scootaloo, she may not be my blood but she’s most definitely an Apple.”

“Like I’ve told everypony else I just did what was right, no need to thank me.” I said. I really hope everypony stops thanking me soon it’s starting to get annoying.

“Oh pish posh you did a good thing and deserve to be thanked. Now I hope you’re hungry supper is almost done.” Granny Smith said as she walked back into the kitchen.

“Well she’s seems nice.”

“That’s Granny for ya, as sweet as apple pie.”

“Yeah and I’m so glad she approves of us, I was really worried your family wouldn’t like me.” I said before busting out laughing at the look on Applejack’s face. “Applejack your face is adorable right now.”

Applejack glared playfully at me. “Shush you I don’t need you goin and encouraging Granny.”

“Aw are you saying you don’t like me anymore?” I asked only to get a playful shove. “What, it’s not my fault you girls react so funny to my teasing.”

“That’s because you’re a stallion, we don’t expect it from you.”

“Ah my dear Aj you must remember I may be male but a stallion I am not.”

“Ya got that right. Ya act more like a mare then a stallion.”

I looked at her for a second. “For the sake of my masculinity I’m going to take that as a compliment.” I said before looking around. “Where are the little ones?”

“NIGHT!” That was all the warning I got before three filly shaped missiles knocked me off my feet.

Applejack tried and failed to hold in her laughter at the sight before her. “Well Night I’m not sure but their really looking forward to seeing ya again.”

“You don’t say? I couldn’t tell.” I said looking up at her from my place on the floor under three giggling fillies.

“Hey Night what’s up?” Scootaloo asked smiling down at me.

“Not much, helped Applejack and Big Mac buck apples then got tackled by three filly shaped natural disasters.” I said

“Hey we’re not that bad!” Sweetie Belle said her voice cracking at the end.

I gave her a deadpan look. “Would you like the evidence in chronological or alphabetical order?”

“Um no that’s fine.” Sweetie Belle said backing away with a sheepish smile.

“Girls I know you’re happy to see Night but you need to let him up Granny’s just about done with dinner.” Applejack said walking up. As the tree fillies ran into the kitchen Applejack helped me up. “Those three really do like ya.”

“Yeah I was always good with kids and saving one of them doesn’t hurt none neither.” I said

“Eeyup, hey while I’m thinking about it let me get the money you earned today.” Applejack said

“Applejack there’s no need I was happy to help, plus you saved me from my boredom.” I said

“I’ll have none of that Sugarcube. Thanks too you we got nearly two whole days of work done in one afternoon. You deserve to be paid, plus you don’t have a job so you need it.” Applejack said thinking she had me cornered.

“Actually since I’m staying with Twilight Celestia increased her stipend enough to pay for my needs plus a small allowance.” I said countering her augment.

Applejack gave me a hard look. “Still you deserve to get paid and I won’t have it be said that I don’t repay others for their help.”

I sighed “Fine but after dinner ok.”

“SOUPS ON EVERYPONY!” was heard from the kitchen and everyone made their way to the table. I had to say the food was amazing and the pie was… well a friend of mine put it best, orgasmic. The meal pasted with me getting to know the Apple family a little more and of course answering their questions about me and my world.

“So Applejack how much did you and Big Mac get done today?” Granny Smith asked

Applejack placed a hoof on my shoulder. “Well Granny thanks to Night here we got almost two whole days of work done.” She said with pride.

“Two whole days?” Granny Smith asked, her eyes going wide.

Applejack nodded. “Yep, you shoulda seen him Granny. After gettin a hang of buckin he was as good as me and Mac. And he loaded the cart so fast you would think the trees were on fire, we had to take turns haulin the wagon to the barn and back. He didn’t slow down or even take a break.”

I could only smile at the praise. “My grandpa always told me that if you’re going to do something you might as well do it right and to take pride in your work no matter what it is.”

“That sounds like some real good advice, your grandpa must have been a right fine stallion.” Granny Smith said

“The correct term is man and yeah he was.” I said thinking back.

“Hey Night ya think ya could show us another one of them magic tricks?” Apple Bloom asked shaking me out of memory line. Over the week the CMC would come to the library and keep me company. We did a lot of things but what they really liked was my world’s magic tricks, mostly sleight of hand things but with a little of my illusion powers thrown in.

“Sure, how about this?” I asked pulling out a bit from my pocket and tapping it on the table before handing it to Apple Bloom. “Check that out, make sure it’s real, do whatever to it.” I told them. “Granny Smith can I use some of your cups?”

“Why sure youngin there’re in that there cabinet.” She said pointing to the other side of the kitchen.

As I was grabbing the cups Applejack started skeptically looking at the bit. “Now how do we know this ain’t one of them illusion things you showed us this morning?” she asked me. “I seem to remember ya sayin you could make’em almost real.”

“Yeah I can but think them like a really tough bubble. Put too much pressure or force on it and pop. They can’t really harm anything.” I said as I sat back down. Taking the bit back I placed it under a cup. After explaining what to do I started lazily moving the cups around. “You see my dear Applejack illusions are meant to trick and fool somepony. Scootaloo.” I said, she picked the right one. I picked it up showing the bit making her grin. I began again a little faster. “Their meant to make one believe in something that’s false, to make a lie seem like the truth. Apple Bloom.” She picked the left one only for nothing to be there making her pout cutely. Showing the bit I continued. “You can’t look too closely. Sweet Belle.” She picked the middle one. “Because the more you think you see.” I lifted the cup up only for a bird to fly out and around the room before going out the window. I took Applejack’s hat and tapped the top making the bit fall out. “The easier it will be to fool you.”

“Wow that was cool!” the three little fillies said as I gave Aj her hat back.

“I got a feeling that you and Discord would get along like a house on fire, though I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.” Applejack said shaking her head.

“Twilight told me about him sounds like someone I’d like to meet. But don’t worry I’m not into the whole ruling the world thing, too much work.” I said with a smile. “I only use my powers for good… and the occasional prank.”

“Well ah word of warning for ya Sugarcube don’t go pranking Pinkie or ya might start a prank war ya can’t win.” Applejack told me.

“Applejack I wasn’t, but now that the idea’s in my head it makes me what to do it.” I said

Applejack shook her head. “Be my guest Night but don’t say I never warned ya.”

“Will do” I said looking out the window and seeing how late it was. “Well looks like it’s time for me to head out. Sweetie Belle do you want me to take you home?”

“No, Rarity has a big order to fill so I get to spend the night here.” She said

“Well ok just don’t drive Aj and Big Mac up the walls ok? That goes for all of you.”

“Ok!” the three say before running to Apple Bloom and Scootaloo’s room.

“It was nice to meet you Granny Smith, Big Mac. See ya around Applejack.” I said giving them a wave as I walked to the door.

“Night hold up.” Applejack called “You thought I’d forget to pay ya didn’t ya.” She said smiling.

“Of course not Applejack.” I said turning around with a smile. “But I did think you’d forget what I said.” Seeing her confusion I smiled even more and said. “The more you think you see. The easier it is to fool you. Bye!” and with that “Night” poofed away in a wisp of smoke leaving only a note on the ground. Picking up the note Applejack looked it over.

“Better luck next time Sweetheart.” It said with a cartoon drawing of Night with fox ears and a tail giving her the peace sign.

Applejack looked dumbly at the note with a slight blush before a scowl appeared on her face. “NIGHT STARLIGHT YA VARMINT THIS AIN’T OVER YOU HEAR ME!”

As I reached for the door of the library I got the memories from my clone. Smiling I shook my head and walked inside.