Soft Hearts and Hard Cider

Chapter 3: New Light

“So I see. You’re from a planet called Earth, if I got that right,” said Twilight casually, “And your species of beings are called Humans, correct?”

“Hit the nail on the head Miss Sparkle,” replied George.

“Twilight is just fine,” she returned with a smile.

When the small group had made their way to Rarity’s boutique, they exchanged small pleasantries and shared names, though from what had happened earlier that day, he already guessed the names of the few who were mentioned already or introduced themselves. Now they sit in the center of the boutique where several pillows, chairs, and a large sofa sporting a single, white coated unicorn. Over a cup of Fluttershy’s tea, and a moment to get to know each pony before him, George then gave them all a detailed description of his home world, small hometown in Southern New Jersey, and all the advances they have made in their time. While doing so, they all were able to get a good look of what he really was. He was of moderate height, much taller than any of the ponies though. His skin was a smooth peach color all around his slim and lanky body. The hair atop his head was auburn brown, and sported eyes that matched the color of chocolate. They were absolutely entranced by him, only barely to focus enough to listen to him.

“So you see I never intended to show up here, much less expect to. More or less for me, a complete accident,” George reiterated.

“What about those ponies you told me from your world, they’re still okay, right?” asked a meek Rainbow Dash, finally recomposing.

“They’re fine. They may not be able to talk and whatnot like you girls can, but they aren’t treated badly for it. They get treated with care just like any one of you would treat another creature.”

“Hey Rainbow, I can understand bein’ all worried bout them an everythin’, but you bein’ this worked up over somthin’ like that seems a little outta character,” stated Applejack, giving her flying friend a curious look.

“I know, I know. It’s just, thinkin of other ponies like that. It just kinda doesn’t sit right with me ya know? Tweaks me I guess you could say.”

“I hear ya, ain’t nothing that’s natural to us I suppose.”

“Well, uhm. At least he said they’re treated okay…” broke in Fluttershy, finally willing herself to talk.

“Darling it’s nice to finally hear from you. You haven’t said so much as a peep this whole time,” voiced Rarity with a hint of relief and amusement.

“It’s about time, really,” blurted Rainbow Dash blindly, “No offense Fluttershy.”

“None taken”

“Can we get a little bit back on topic? We need to get to Princess Celestia in Canterlot right away,” refocused Twilight.

“I agree, if anyone would have an idea on what to do, it’ll be whoever is in charge around here,” agreed George.

With a nod, a look of determination from six of them, and a meek look of anxiety from Fluttershy, they all began to set out towards Cantlerlot. They all galloped at a blazing speed, taking no notice that one of them was missing until Fluttershy, who was trailing behind, noticed it. They paused and waited for a weezing George to catch up, heaving heavily as his breath escapes him.

“This ain’t gonna work all too nice if we keep goin’ faster than this fella,” said Applejack

“You’re right. Rainbow Dash, you think you’re strong enough to carry him there?” asked Twilight

“No problem, I’m the best flyer in all of Equestria. I think I can handle a little baggage,” boasted the Rainbow maned pegasus.

Without time enough for him to blink, George was lifted clear off the ground, almost experiencing vertigo immediately afterwards.

“Whoa there, you’re a little heavier than what I normally carry, but that won’t stop me!”

“Just make sure you don’t drop me.”

After they were all set again, they took off. They made their way towards the grand city of Canterlot, only just off in the distance. It would take them much longer to get to the capitol because of their new friend, but they were determined to get there. After an hour straight of travel, the burden of Georges weight started to stack on Rainbow Dash as fatigue and sore muscles cause her to falter from her flight pattern slightly. Shortly after her first waver, her wings give out, and she crashes straight into the pathway, George falling right after her.

“Rainbow! George!” called out Twilight, her voice heavy with concern.

“I’m alright Twilight, just a bump and a bruise, nothing bad. I’m more concerned with Rainbow Dash here. I think I landed on top of her,” replied George, moving off a moaning pile of sky blue pony.

“Ugh, let’s just say I’ve had better crash landings than that,” groaned the sky blue pegasus.

“Rainbow Dash, you’re wing!” voiced Applejack.

“My what? Wait, my wing?! No no no no no no no no! Not! Again! I can’t have damaged my wing again! How am I gonna fly?! How am I supposed to get into the wonder bolts with a busted wing?!” Stammered Rainbow Dash

“Rainbow, calm down. If would actually look at your wing, you would see it’s not as bad as last time when you went to the hospital. It only looks a little bit damaged. It’ll probably get better in just a couple of days,” reassured Twilight.

“That’s a couple of days too many! You don’t understand Twilight, getting into the Wonderbolts always been my dream! You know that!”

“Rainbow Dash, you’re overreacting. Besides, we’re a little busy with something anyway to be worried about the Wonderbolts right now,” Twilight said with a roll of her eyes, “It seems to be getting a little dark since it took us so long with George tagging along, no offense. We should probably find a safe place near the road to camp for now.”

“Well, I won’t disagree with you there Twi, I’m bushed.”

“Hey Applejack, do you think you can find some old tree branches for some firewood?” asked Twilight

“Can do, sugarcube.” replied Applejack.

“Rarity, think you can find some things to help bind Rainbow Dash’s wings for now until we get into Canterlot?”

“But of course darling. We wouldn’t want that small injury to turn into a nasty one.”

“Fluttershy, I need you to look at George and Rainbow’s injuries to make sure they aren’t too serious. Think you can handle that?”

“I uhm, yeah. I can take care of them.”

“And Pinkie, I’m sure you have some sort of pastries somewhere, don’t you? We’ll need them for tonight, if you don’t mind.”

“Okie Dokie Lokie! I always make sure to bring a little bit of something, just in case!”

“And I’ll stay with George and Rainbow Dash too, just in case Fluttershy needs something, or something goes wrong,” finalized Twilight.

With all of them in full understanding of what needs to be done, all gave a smile, Pinkie’s being the biggest, and set out for their duties.