(Scootaloos’ House)

“This is nice.” I meant it too. It was nice to relax after the surprisingly awkward walk through town. I haven’t been stared at like that since I ran track in high school. I will admit I did some staring of my own but those legs are freaky. Eyes too.

Also, my freaky tall theory has been confirmed. It’s high school all over again. I don’t mean the good way either. Then again, good is a pretty relative term when referring to school at any age.

“I guess.” Scootaloo shrugs.

“I thought girls like compliments. Do houses not count?” This is going to get awkward again, isn’t it? Wait, there's something else. "Are you alright?"

"It's nothing." She cups her hands around her mouth. "I brought a guest."

I hear something fall and what sounds like a muffled curse. A clacking rhythm heads our way and I'm speechless at the cause.

"Welcome home Scootaloo." Her coat reminds me of wine and my eyes spot the flowers on her thi.....flank. "Who's your new friend?"

"This is Leroy. He's a human." I'm barely paying attention while she waves her hands like I'm some game show prize. "Leroy, this is Miss Cheerilee. She's my teacher."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Leroy." They finally notice me staring. "Is something the matter?"

I answer in the most politically correct way afforded by my status as a 22 year-old virgin male. "Why are you naked!" They both have a laugh at my reaction.

"I guess you're new to Equestria. Let me explain. Clothing is pretty much optional. Though you'll rarely see anypony outside without something to cover themselves but in our own homes we tend to be more comfortable without extra materials. We will wear pajamas if we're expecting guests though."

“That seems really weird. Humans have a nudity taboo ourselves.” Awesome save, me.

“I suppose it is strange for you then. There is some historical significance but you’d have to ask Twilight for the specifics.” Talk with Twilight? I’d have to clear out my calendar first. And probably bring some back-up so I don’t end up strapped to some strange combination of machines in the name of science. (You are SO that bad.) Cheerilee effortlessly switches into teacher mode. “How exactly did you two meet again?”

“Scootaloo and the others saved my life.” Both of their eyes widen at my blunt tone. Scootaloo jumps at her teacher’s gaze.

“How did this happen?”

“We were fishing.” This is one of the reasons why children are horrible liars. They never give enough information to avoid questions.

“Where and why?” Questions like this.

“We weren’t in any danger. Fluttershy goes there all the time.” Reason number two, they go straight to the excuses.

“Scootaloo.” Ooh, the classic talk-or-you’re-grounded routine. Wow, it’s actually not working. Unfortunately, I’m not in the mood to see who breaks first.

“Everfree Forest.” Sorry Scoots but that betrayal face isn’t even close to Yoshis’ level.

“Why would you EVER fish in the Everfree?” She doesn’t even give her a chance to explain. “No, we will discuss this after school tomorrow.” She turns to me. “Why would YOU go swimming in such a dangerous place?”

“Hey, I wasn’t there by choice. Some nutjob left me at the bottom in a giant bubble.”

“They did what?! You’re staying here tonight buster and I’m not taking no for an answer.” I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone get that protective of a stranger before. “I’m taking you to Ponyville General in the morning to make sure there’s nothing wrong with you.” A ringing from the kitchen halts her tirade.

“Oh! That’ll be the sauce. Do you like flowers in your salad?” Mood Whiplash strikes again!

“You made spaghetti? Awesome, I’ll set the table.” Scootaloo is certainly happy now.
I'm cut off from saying anything when my stomach voices its' opinion. I decide to go with the flow for now. Besides, I haven't had decent pasta since the Pinto Incident.

(After Dinner)

I'm currently in the Guest Room going over what I learned at dinner. Cheerilee lives here because of a deal with Scootaloos' parents. They were just starting their respective careers when her mother got pregnant. They were worried if they were both working then they wouldn't see their child nearly enough and neither of them felt comfortable with said child growing up with a nanny. They almost turned their house into a bed and breakfast so her mother could stay home and still make money. Cheerilee, who apparently went to school with them both, offered to watch over her in exchange for a place to live.

Also, Scootaloo managed to finally make me feel bad for getting her in trouble so I've been conscripted to help her and Crusaders out on a future crusade. God have mercy on my soul.

I lay down on the bed as I feel a headache coming. I start hearing whispers from...somewhere. The pain spreading as I look for the source.

There's nothing there but the whispers grow more intense. I can barely think as darkness overtakes me.

(Unknown)

I'm surrounded by mist, obscuring everything but stairs beneath my feet. I'm running up them as fast as I can but I don't know why. The whispers are louder than ever but I still can't understand them.

I'm afraid.

They know I'm here. I don't know where even is.

The stairs are cracking. I'm going to fall.

I'll catch you.

They shatter like glass and I plummet. An icy chill wraps around me.

You'll be fine.

I'll be fine.

You're safe now.

I'm safe now.

My body is bouncing. Someone's carrying me. It feels like I'm on fire. I can't even see straight.

I guess someone notices my eyes open because sounds explode around me.

It's too hot.

Everything hurts.

Am I dying?

I don't wanna die.

If I die then I'll be alone.

That's not good at all.

Author's Note

I'll admit it. I failed English for a reason. (Those computer courses suck btw.) So yeah. I take way too long to write something mediocre at best.

Thanks for sticking around though. You guys and girls rule!

I promise to work faster for all of you.

See ya later!