To say any life is perfect is far from the truth. To say my life is even decent is outright ridiculous. My name is Matt and I am the only human in Equestria. To many people, that would be something of a dream. But to me, it’s slowly turning into a nightmare.
I was taken from my own world without any warning. Fell asleep on Earth, woke up in Equestria. Yeah, I thought it was pretty crazy too. Especially when I met my first local. Land of multicoloured talking horses? I officially classified myself as insane. But no matter how many times I pinched myself or stamped on my own feet, I just wouldn’t wake up. It dawned on me that the situation I was in was very real. Unfortunately for me, things didn’t improve from there.
It wasn’t long before I was detained by the local guard. Turns out being of an unknown species will do that. I told them I wasn’t a criminal and to let me go but they were having none of it. I thought about trying to escape, but the sharp spears inches from my back snuffed away that idea. I was thrown into a cell, had a blanket thrown to me and told to stay quiet until the ‘Princess’ decided my fate.
I never thought I would ever feel so helpless. I had no control over anything that was happening. Everything about my life up until now could never have predicted this. No-one would ever think that their life would lead them into this mess. But there I was, sat in the corner of a jail cell with my knees up against my chest. I had no idea what to do.
I sat there for what I would guess to be a few hours before my cell door opened. Two guards came inside with their weapons pointing towards me. I figured that it was either time for me to meet this ‘Princess’ or they were going to run me through on the spot. Turns out it was the former.
They led me down a hallway and into a room. Inside, there was a desk with a stool next to it. They told me to sit down and not to move. As I did so, the two guards stood either side of the only entrance to the room and watched me like hawks. A few minutes later, the door opened.
And that’s where my story truly begins...
“Who are you?” I said quietly as I looked up at the large being in front of me. She had a feminine and regal look about her. Tall, majestic and flowing with authority. She had a white coat with a multicoloured mane which seemed to flow in a non-existent breeze. As soon as I saw the regalia she wore, I realized my previous question was quite stupid. This was the Princess.
“I should ask you the same question.” she said with a suspicious look. Her guards were standing ready.
“M-my name’s Matt.” I said back nervously.
“Well, Matt. I am Princess Celestia. I have a few questions for you, which you will answer without complication. Is that understood?” she said sternly. I was officially shitting myself now.
“First of all, what are you?” she said.
“Uhh...human?” I said nervously. I didn't mean to make it sound like a question, but I was too focused on the large horn protruding out of her head. It had a slight glow to it.
“And what are you doing in these lands? There are no records of you entering this kingdom with permission.” she said plainly. I didn’t like where this was going.
“I don’t know how I got here. I don’t really know where ‘here’ is.” I said, briefly drifting my gaze to the two guards who were still glaring at me. “Where am I? What are all of you?”
“As I said before, I will be asking the questions. You will answer.” she said with an emotionless tone.
I gulped as I rubbed my hands nervously.
She looked at me with suspicion. “I must inform you that lying to a member of the royal family is a criminal offence.” She paused to continue her glare at me. “Do you wish to amend your previous answer?”
“I-I’m not lying.” I said quietly, not sure if she’d truly believe me. “I don’t know how I got here. I've never seen anything like this before.”
Silence washed over the room as she continued to eye me with suspicion before her expression slowly relaxed, closing her eyes. “Very well.” she said with the same emotionless tone. “You are in the kingdom of Equestria. I rule over this land alongside my sister. These lands are inhabited by ponies, who are our subjects.” She opened her eyes to look at me. “If what you say is true, then my next question holds even more importance.”
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I was definitely not in my own world anymore. I held my breath as she paused, before she finally asked her question.
“Do you intend to do harm to Equestria or our subjects?”
My eyes widened at that question. Her horn glowed slightly brighter as she fixated her gaze upon me. The two guards behind her tilted their spears slightly towards me.
“N-no!” I said quickly.
She kept her gaze fixed on me as her horn continued to glow. I wondered if she was expecting me to continue, but what else could I say? I had no idea what had happened to me and I had no idea what I was going to do.
The glowing in her horn died out before she let out a sigh. “Well, I'm going to hold you to that.” She turned to the door as her guards moved around the desk to stand behind me. “Follow me, Matt. We have much to discuss.”
We left the detention centre and moved to what appeared to be a town hall. On the way, ponies watched me nervously. Many of them ushered their kids back inside their homes as we made our way past. Something told me that if the princess wasn’t present, the town would be in pure panic.
We made our way into a small meeting room as Celestia’s guards took a position outside the room. We both sat down at opposites ends of the table.
“Let me explain my plan from here.” Celestia began. “You claim to not be from this world, so you need to be accustomed to it.”
This surprised me. “Wait, what about going home?” I asked suddenly.
She raised an eyebrow at my outburst. “You don’t know how you got here, correct?” I nodded before she continued. “Well, I’m afraid I don’t know either. I can’t send you back where you came from, even if it is possible. I haven’t the capability.”
“There has to be a way!” I said in a panicked state. “I got here somehow, I must be able to get back!”
“That’s enough.” she said plainly as she raised her hoof. “I already told you, there is no way to send you back. The best course of action to take is to smooth this already volatile situation.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My mouth hung open as I stared at her from across the table. Could she really not know how this happened? Not even a clue or a guess? What’s worse is that she sounds like she’s not even willing to look into it.
“I know of a place where you may stay. I know of some ponies there who will take care of you.” Celestia said.
What choice did I have? I figured that maybe I would find a way back home, but I knew that my options with Celestia were now limited. I was in no position to start demanding things. It would probably just get me locked up anyway.
“I guess that’s the only thing to do.” I said weakly before my eyes drifted down to the desk.
“I’ll have you escorted to the town. It’s half a day’s journey by carriage.” she said before a guard came in and stood beside me.
“Follow me.” she said plainly.
I stood up and began following him out of the room. Before the door closed, I chanced one last look at the Princess. She held an emotionless look upon her face. The door closed and I continued following the guard down the hallway.
Celestia sighed as the doors closed. “This is not the most opportune moment for this.” she said before looking over to the darkened corner of the room. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
“What are you planning to do? He didn’t seem to know what was happening.” A voice said from the darkened corner. A grey stallion slowly walked out of the shadows. He had a white mane and appeared quite aged.
“I don’t believe him for a second.” Celestia replied, returning her gaze to the doors the human just left through.
“Do you think this ‘human’ has something to do with ‘him’?” the stallion asked.
Celestia felt her jaw clench slightly. “Too early to tell.”
“Well this ‘human’ certainly does appear to be similar to the drones which roam the badlands. Perhaps this is a new breed he’s developed.” the stallion said plainly.
“Yes, I did notice.”
The stallion gave her a confused look. “Then why did you send him away? If what we suspect is true, then that must be what ‘he’ wants.”
“This can cut both ways.” she replied. “This human may hold valuable intel about our enemy.”
“But if that’s the case then the human is our enemy!” the stallion replied quickly.
“Locking him up won’t get us what we need. Besides, I trust the ponies I’m sending him to.” she said calmly.
“The elements?” the stallion asked.
Celestia nodded. “Send word to the intel division about this development. We must start planning. I’m counting on you, Arch Mage.”
“So” the Arch Mage said as he walked fully into the light. “Another chapter is about to be added to the history books.”
Twilight sat at her desk, engrossed in a new book. A steaming hot cup of coffee sat beside her. Muffled sounds of furniture being moved could be heard from upstairs as Spike continued his chores. The sounds stopped shortly before the upstairs bedroom door opened, revealing a small and rather dusty dragon.
*BUUURP*
Twilight put a bookmark on the page she was currently reading when she heard the familiar sound. Closing her book, she looked over to her Dragon assistant as he jumped off the last step. After making his way across the room to her desk, Spike handed her the letter he just brought into existence with his dragon fire.
“Thank you, Spike.” Twilight said, receiving a small nod from the small Dragon.
Opening the letter, she began to read:
‘My dearest Twilight,
An apology for the short notice, but something very important has occurred. We recently apprehended an unknown being in our lands. After some light interrogation, we established that this being is intelligent but does not claim to know how he arrived in our kingdom. At this time, we have no evidence that supports this claim, nor any that indicates his origin to one of our bordering nations. We have our suspicions that he may have come from the badlands (due to his striking resemblance to those that inhabit those lands). However, until we can verify his origin, I am sending him to you. I would like you to find out as much as you can about him. As far as Equestria is concerned, this is a discovery of a new species. I appreciate that this is a considerable risk, but I truly believe that you are perfect for this task. Your methodical and calculating mind, mixed with the support of your friends should see to your success.
However, if anything should happen, you will have the full support of the royal guard at your disposal. I highly doubt it will get to that, though. You also have the elements, should you need them.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you feel the need to.
Kindest regards,
Princess Celestia’
Twilight’s mouth hung open. She re-read the letter to make sure she truly understood what it said. Spike looked up at her with a concerned expression.
“Is everything alright, Twilight?” he asked.
Twilight set the letter down on her desk before standing up. “Spike, I need you to prepare the spare bedroom.” She said as she made her way to the front door.
“What’s going on?” he asked in a worried tone.
Twilight stopped at the door and looked back to Spike.
“We’re going to have a visitor.”
I sat in silence as my mind jumped back and forth between what just happened and where I was right now. The only sounds were the low rumble of the carriage wheels as we traversed to god knows where. I was put in the carriage on my own and they blocked out the windows. Even though I was now out of that cell, I still felt like a prisoner. Still, I valued the relative peace and quiet. At least it gave me time to think.
“Has this really happened?” I caught myself thinking. “Am I really in this mess?”
The carriage went over a small bump, which briefly snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked down to my hands. Turning them around, my nervousness faded slightly at the familiar sight of my own hands.
“Yes, I am definitely here. I am still me. I’m not going to let this all get to me.” I thought to myself before lifting my gaze with a determined expression. “I will get through this.”
I remained silent as the journey continued. Whatever was waiting for me, I was determined to meet it head on.
“That’s what she said to me, Applejack.” Twilight said plainly. “I have to take care of him and find out as much as I can about him.”
“But if he really is from the badlands, isn’t it a might dangerous to have him around?” Applejack replied.
“Well, supposedly he’s different from the regular badlanders.” Twilight countered before making her way over to a bookshelf. She had recently gone and gathered all of her friends in the library to discuss this new development.
“Perhaps he’s some kind of supermutant!” Pinkie said as she made an ugly face for emphasis.
“Oh, I certainly hope not.” Rarity said with a disgusted expression. “I really don’t like this, Twilight.”
Twilight returned to the group with the book she was looking for. Sitting down at her previous spot, she opened the book before replying.
“Look, we don’t really know anything about him yet. If he’s trouble, we have both the royal guard and the elements of harmony.” She replied whilst flipping through various pages.
“Yeah, well it won't ever get to that. I'll make sure of it.” Rainbow said confidently. Sat next to her, Fluttershy gave out a quiet squeak before hiding behind her mane.
“You OK, shy?” Rainbow asked.
Fluttershy remained silent.
"C'mon, Shy." Rainbow said reassuringly. "You can tell us."
Fluttershy took a deep breath. “Umm....d-does he eat...m-meat?” Fluttershy asked quietly.
“Well, normal badlanders are omnivorous.” Twilight replied. “So, I guess if he’s anything like them then yes.”
Twilight noticed Fluttershy shrink a little smaller.
“But don’t worry!” Twilight quickly added. “He’ll be staying in the library and won’t be allowed out without supervision. He’ll be kept far away from your animals.”
Fluttershy didn’t move. Twilight wasn’t sure if Fluttershy was entirely convinced, but she knew she could keep her soon to be visitor under control. She had to.
“This is all mighty weird, Twi” Applejack interjected. “Badlanders usually don’t cross the border. Equestria is a land of law an’ order. The badlands is full of corruption and chaos, from what ah’v heard.”
“Yes, which is why this is quite an interesting development.” Twilight replied. “I’ve never seen a badlander up close before.”
“So, you’re pretty sure he’s from the badlands then?” Rarity asked with a raised eyebrow.
Twilight made a long sigh. “Well, technically we don’t know. But personally, from what I’ve heard from the princess, I don’t see how he can’t be.”
This made everyone in the room give each other nervous glances. Twilight looked around the group before continuing.
“Look girls, the princess has given us this task. We must keep everything under control while we see what we can find out about him. She believes in us. All of us!”
Everyone just sat in silence, exchanging glances to one another.
I heard a stallion from outside call out something. Shortly after, I felt the carriage begin to slow.
"End of the line, I guess."
We had been traveling for, what I thought was, a couple of hours. We had stopped briefly when I requested to, y'know, do my business. But when we stopped and I got out, all I could see was that we were in the middle of the woods.
The door swung open before a guard poked his head in. "Alright, out you get." He said quickly.
I made my way out of the carriage. I stood there, staring at the sight before me. At first glance, it seemed to be some kind of Victorian town. Old fashioned houses along streets lined with market stalls. Stone paths ran various directions throughout the town. I could see various ponies going about their business. That was, until some of them spotted me. Each pony who spotted me stopped in their tracks. They seemed to freeze on the spot with fear. Their eyes darted between me and the guards surrounding me. Some of ponies whispered to each other whilst keeping their eyes locked on me.
It didn't feel encouraging.
“This way.” a voice said behind me. I turned to see a guard gesturing to walk around to the other side of the carriage. As I made my way around, I noticed a rather large tree looming over us. I quickly noticed that the tree had windows and a door in its trunk. Someone lived here.
“Well, I guess I’ve seen stranger things so far” I thought to myself as the guard knocked on the door.
The door opened. There, in the doorway, stood a lavender unicorn.
“Ms Sparkle. We have brought the...uhh...human...to your care.” the guard said.
The unicorn peered around the guard and locked her eyes onto me. Her mouth opened slightly, in what I could only assume to be curiosity.
“Very well.” she said keeping her eyes fixed on me.
The guard turned his head back towards me and gestured for me to move forward. I slowly walked towards the two until I was standing in front of the doorway. I noticed the unicorn take a deep breath before introducing herself.
“My name is Twilight Sparkle. I’ll be taking care of you.” she said plainly.
“I’m Matt.” I replied with a simple nod.
She looked me up and down, noticing the blanket I had wrapped around myself.
“I trust you don’t have anything dangerous hidden under there.” she said with slight suspicion.
“Only the shorts I sleep in. The blanket was because it’s cold.” I replied with a frown.
“He does not have any dangerous items on him, Ms Sparkle. We’ve had him searched before bringing him here.” the guard said.
“Feeling welcome already.” I thought to myself.
“Well, you better come inside. We’ll see what we can do about getting you something better than that blanket.” Twilight said.
I was lead inside as Twilight finalized a few things with the guards. I noticed the room was surrounded by bookcases of various shapes and sizes. I figured that either Twilight was an avid reader, or this was a library. I didn’t notice the five other ponies sat in the middle of the room, all with their eyes fixed on me.
“Thank you, I’ll be sure to keep you posted.” I heard Twilight say to the guard before closing the door. She made her way over to me as I was still taking in my surroundings.
"Well, I suppose I should welcome you to your new home. I can give y-" Twilight trailed off. I followed her gaze and finally laid eyes on the five mares staring at me. I simply looked back at the frozen mares.
"Uhh, these are my friends. They'll be overseeing your stay as well." Twilight said with a slightly nervous tone. "Girls, this is Matt."
"Umm, hi." I said weakly.
Silence.
Twilight's gaze quickly switched between me and her friends. No-one moved a muscle. I could tell out the corner of my eye that she wasn't liking where this was going.
"Oh! Uhh....Rarity!" she said quickly.
Rarity's eyes broke away from me and peered over to Twilight. The rest kept their eyes locked on me.
"Rarity, there's something you could help with if you'd be so kind." Twilight said rubbing the back of her head. "Matt only has this blanket to keep him warm. Do you think you could work on some clothes for him?"
Rarity nodded her head in silence. I wasn’t feeling too comfortable. I could tell the other mares weren’t either so I decided to try and cut this short.
“Umm, Twilight? It was nice meeting you all, but I’m feeling pretty tired. I think it might be best if I get some sleep.” I said. It wasn’t exactly a lie either. After all that’s happened, I felt rather drained.
“Oh, uhh, sure! Let me show you to your room.” she said before leading me away.
I gave one last look at the five mares before they were out of sight.
The five mares sat in silence for a few moments.
“So, whaddya think of him?” Applejack asked Rarity.
“He does show a striking resemblance to the pictures I’ve seen of the badlanders.” Rarity replied. “Making some clothes for him will be an...interesting...task.”
Rainbow flapped her wings and lifted off the ground into a hover. “I don’t trust him.” she said before looking over to the door of the spare bedroom. “Not one bit.”
“Let’s just keep him at hoofs length for the time being.” Rarity said before standing up. “But I’m sure Twilight will keep him on the straight and narrow.”
"Yeah!" Applejack piped up. "An' we gotta make sure to be there for Twi!"
"Absolutely! Cos we're her bestie best friends forever!" Pinkie chirped.
Fluttershy simply gave a silent nod as Rainbow dropped down next to her to give her a reassuring hug.
"Then it's settled. We help Twilight keep Matt out of trouble while she completes her....uhh....mission? Well, I'm sure you know what I mean." Rarity said before making her way to the front door. "Well, darlings. I must be off. I need to check on my supplies if I am to make Matt some clothes."
Rarity gave a wave before leaving through the front door.
"I think we better wait until Twilight gets back. She might need us for something." Rainbow said to the remaining ponies in the group.
After everyone's agreement, they waited in silence for Twilight's return.
I didn't waste any time in getting to bed. I said nothing as I settled into my new room. I had enough of conversations today. I figured, that with any luck, going to sleep would take me back home. It brought me here, right?
Twilight didn't seem to mind. She gave me a a brief tour of my room, which she explained was the spare room of her home. Everything was pretty basic and seemed rarely used. I got into bed and drew the covers over myself. I turned onto my side facing the wall. All I heard was the sound of the door softly open and then close as Twilight left.
My mind cast itself back over the events of the day. It certainly wasn't high on my list of days I considered 'too short'. Now that the day was coming to an end, I felt my determination I formed from the carriage ride slowly fading away. The true weight of the mess I was in started to hone itself in my mind. I felt myself squeeze my eyes shut even tighter.
Never before had I felt so alone.
I awoke slowly in my bed. I yawned quietly as I kept my eyes shut against the assaulting sunlight through the gap in the curtains. I rolled onto my back and sat up. As I brought my head out of the sunlight, I groggily opened my eyes. I immediately recognised the room I was in.
I was still in Twilight’s home.
I felt a pang of disappointment at knowing my plan didn’t work. I admit, it wasn’t much of a plan but it was something.
“Looks like I’m still stuck here.”
Swivelling myself around, I dangled my legs off the side of the bed. As I rubbed my eyes, I took a deep breath through my nose and noticed a rather welcomed aroma. I stumbled out of bed and opened the door. I took a long sniff of the glorious smell. I didn’t see anyone around. I assumed the others must have gone home after I went to bed.
I shuffled across the room to where I thought the smell was coming from. I couldn’t help dragging my feet as I made my way over. I’m definitely not a morning person. I found myself in the doorway of what I could only assume to be the kitchen. Inside, I saw Twilight sitting at the dining table. What I wasn’t expecting, however, was the small purple dragon standing on a stool next to the stove...cooking.
Twilight looked up from the newspaper she was reading and noticed me standing in the doorway.
“Oh! Good morning, Matt.” she said with a slightly sleepy tone.
The purple dragon looked over at me with a cautious expression. I gazed back at him, which Twilight seemed to notice.
“Oh, right. Matt, this is Spike. He’s my assistant." she said, before noticing my hesitation. "I assume you haven’t seen a dragon before.”
I shook my head in response before Twilight looked over to the young dragon. “Spike, this is Matt. He’s the human that will be staying with us.”
I figured I better say something instead of standing there like an idiot.
“Hi, Spike. Nice to meet you.” I said with a nod. “And good morning to you, Twilight.”
“Uhh, hi. Nice to meet you too.” He said back to me. Twilight gave a small yawn.
“Best greeting I’ve had so far.” I thought to myself jokingly.
Spike returned to cooking as I remained in the doorway.
“Would you like to sit down? Spike’s fixing breakfast.” Twilight said.
Right on cue, my stomach gave a loud rumble. I clasped my hands over my stomach in a vain attempt to muffle the sounds.
“Of course. I haven’t eaten since I got here. I guess, after everything that happened yesterday, hunger was the last thing on my mind.” I thought to myself as I took a seat across from Twilight.
Twilight seemed to be transfixed on me. She had completely lost interest in her newspaper and didn’t even notice the stack of pancakes Spike had just set down in front of her. I caught her gaze and gave her a questioning look. She noticed before breaking her gaze away.
“Oh, umm...w-what do you, y’know...eat?” she asked.
The aroma was really getting to me now. My eyes drifted to the stack of pancakes in front of Twilight.
“Well, those pancakes look pretty good.” I said.
“Great!” she said cheerfully. “Spike, could you please make Matt some?”
“Sure.” he said from the stove.
I placed my elbows on the table and rested my head on my hands. Gazing down at the table in front of me, I thought about what I was going to do. I had to figure out what happened to me. I needed to find a way to get back home but all of this was just too surreal. I didn’t know where to start. My eyes lifted back up to Twilight, who had started munching away on her pancakes. Her horn was lit up as the knife and fork in front of her levitated around, picking up pieces of pancake before placing it in her mouth. I raised an eyebrow in curiosity, but considering everything I’d seen so far, I figured I would just accept these odd things. For now, at least. As I watched her, I realised then what was my best lead.
“I don't think I'm going to be able do this on my own.” I thought to myself. “I need help.”
A fresh plate of pancakes set down in front of me snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked up to see Spike standing next to me with a slightly proud expression.
“Oh, uhh, thanks Spike.” I said as I looked down at the pancakes. I won’t lie, they looked amazing.
Spike gave me a nod before heading back to the stove to begin cooking his own. I picked up the knife and fork and took my first mouthful.
It was legendary.
"Bloody hell!" I thought as I chewed. "Did Liam Neeson take a load of pancake mix and cook it with Morgan Freeman’s voice? Dragon's got skills." The entire stack was gone in about a minute. I leant back in my chair, rubbing my now satisfied stomach. I looked over to Spike.
“I gotta say Spike, you’re quite the cook. Those were amazing.” I said after finishing my last mouthful.
Spike turned back to me with a smile. “Hey, thanks!”
I looked back to Twilight, who quickly looked away from me when I made eye contact. She suddenly went back to reading her newspaper. I noticed a quill, enshrouded in a lavender glow, scribbling away on some parchment next to her. I shrugged as I resumed rubbing my stomach.
We had finished breakfast about half an hour ago. Twilight had gone off to have a shower as Spike started his daily chores. Twilight had explained that I was not to go outside without her. Something about not causing a panic with the other locals. I wasn’t really all that surprised, so I decided to stay downstairs and wait for her to return. I had a small chat with Spike as he cleaned some shelves that were next to me. Nothing too deep. I quickly got the sense that he was quite young as he seemed a lot less wary around me than the others I'd met so far. Or maybe it was because I complimented his cooking, I dunno. He explained that this was indeed a library, which both he and Twilight ran for the townsfolk. I did think that there were a rather large amount of books here to be a normal house. It wasn’t long before Spike had wandered off to finish is chores, leaving me on my own. I sat in silence for about ten minutes.
“Bored now.”
I stood up and made my way to a bookcase. Eyeing a random book, I pulled it out and read the cover.
“The social structure of the modern Griffin Kingdom – Third Edition” I read back to myself in my head. “Griffins too?”
I flipped open the book and began reading the abstract. I had got about halfway through the first page when I heard a voice from above.
“So, you like reading?”
I looked up to see Twilight peering over the banister. She had her head tilted to the side in a curious manner.
“Uhh, not usually, no.” I replied back up to her. "Just figured I'd try to pass the time while I waited."
"Oh, well I'll be down in a minute." she said as she wiped one of he ears with a towel. "Please put that book back where you found it when you're done."
"Hmm, she seemed disappointed." I thought as I watched her disappear away from the banister.
I sat down in one of the chairs and continued reading.
Twilight made her way over to her bedroom desk. It was littered with various books and parchment from her seemingly never ending study work. She brought out her quill from the ink-pot and levitated over a familiar piece of parchment. She quickly began scribbling:
'Appears to know how to read, although claims to not do so regularly.'
She quickly scanned the entire page from top to bottom. It was filled with quick one liners about what she had observed of her new visitor. She had scribbled down everything she had picked up on. From physical attributes to general behavior, it was all there. She smiled as she noticed she had already nearly filled her first page.
"It's still only early morning. I wonder how much I'll have discovered when the day is done." she thought to herself as she set the parchment back down.
Eager to get on with the day, she quickly finished drying her mane and gave herself a once over in the mirror. She grabbed her saddlebag and levitated the parchment and various writing equipment into it. After all, she was never one to be unprepared. She took one last look in the mirror. Satisfied with her appearance, she trotted out of her bedroom and made her way back downstairs.
I heard Twilight's bedroom door open from above me. I closed the book and set it back on the shelf. I hadn't read all that much in the short time-frame I had. Still, it turned out to be much more interesting that I thought. I suppose reading about things in the strange new world you're suddenly living in would be interesting, even to someone who didn't enjoy reading.
Twilight rounded the corner at the bottom of the steps and made her way over to me.
"Ok, so I think Rarity will want to see you if she's going to be making some clothes for you." she said. "This will be her first time creating clothes for a Human."
"No surprises there." I replied. "Lemme just grab my blanket."
I quickly made my way back to my room. The blanket was right where I left it, on the floor. Grabbing it and wrapping it around myself, I returned to Twilight.
"Ready" I said.
With a nod, Twilight's horn glowed and the front door opened. We made our way out the front door. The sunlight immediately blinding me before I raised my arm to block it. When my eyes adjusted, I took a look around. I could see pretty much the same scene as yesterday. Ponies filled the streets going about their daily lives. Market stalls lined the edges of the streets. Twilight began walking to which I quickly followed.
“Probably best if I stay close to Twilight. Don’t want to cause a fuss.” I thought to myself as we made our way down the street.
Ponies watched me with curiosity as we walked by. Some ushered their kids inside. I noticed how many more mares there were to stallions. Sure, there were a few stallions here and there but it seemed the mares still had them outnumbered.
“I wonder why that – OW!”
I felt a sharp pain from my left foot. I quickly realised I had stepped on a small sharp pebble. I grabbed my bare foot with my hands and began hopping on the spot. Twilight stopped and looked back, noticing my discomfort.
“Hey, are you ok?” she asked.
I inhaled sharply through gritted teeth. “Ahhh, I think so. Just a sharp stone.” I said as I rubbed my foot. Luckily, it wasn’t bleeding. “You think Rarity will be able to make me some shoes?”
“Of course. She’ll be able to help you.” she said as she levitated a quill and parchment out of her saddle bag. I released my foot as she scribbled something down.
“Ready?” she asked as she put her quill and parchment back in her bag. I nodded before we continued on our way.
It wasn’t long before we arrived at Rarity’s boutique. I must admit, it looked very flamboyant. Twilight went up to the door and opened it. The bell above the door made a soft jingle as we entered.
“~Cooooming~” I heard a voice sing from the next room.
Twilight and I both waited patiently by the front door as we heard various crashes and bangs from the next room. A few moments later, Rarity appeared.
“Oh, good morning. Perfect timing!” she said. “I have just acquired the materials I’ll need for these new clothes.”
I could tell she was fairly well spoken. Sort of had a posh element to it. She made her way over to Twilight and gave her a hug in greeting. “Tell me, darling. How’s my Spikey wikey doing? I was hoping to see him last night, but he wasn't around. He hasn't visited me in ages either.”
Twilight released the hug. “Oh, he’s doing just fine. He’s been a bit busy of late but he certainly hasn’t forgotten about you. I’m sure he’ll visit you again soon.” she replied.
“Wonderful. As much as he’s your assistant, I do love having him around.” Rarity said with a chuckle.
Twilight gave her a smile. “He met Matt this morning.” she said gesturing over to me.
Rarity looked over to me with a neutral expression. “Oh? I hope they got along.”
“I’m right here y’know.” I thought
“They did actually.” Twilight said with a smile. "Matt seemed to like Spike's cooking at least."
After a brief pause, Rarity cleared her throat before making her way over to me.
“I feel I must apologise for my...uhh...reserved nature last night.” she said. “That was most unbecoming of a lady, such as myself. I’ve never seen someone of your kind before.”
I raised my eyebrows at the unexpected apology. “Uhh, no problem.”
Rarity gave a small smile. “So, I take it you're hear to get some of my exquisite clothing made for you. Do you wear clothes often?”
“Pretty much all the time actually. Gets quite cold otherwise.” I replied, gesturing to the blanket I had wrapped around myself for emphasis. I figured it would be best to leave the vulnerability part out. In the corner of my eye, I could see Twilight scribbling on that parchment again.
“Well, we can’t have you wandering around with that blanket then, can we?” Rarity said. “Plus, this will be a fantastic opportunity to fashion something new into my line of great works!”
“Uh-huh” I replied dumbly. To be honest, I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. But I needed clothes. Badly.
“Ah, but the journey of a thousand miles and all that.” she said. “We must get you measured!”
Rarity led me to the corner of the room as Twilight took a seat on the sofa next to the front door. Rarity had me stand on a small stool. I wondered how she was going to measure me as I was now towering over her. My question was answered when I saw her horn light up as various pieces of small equipment began floating all around me. I flinched as a measuring tape floated past my face.
“Gonna take a while to get used to that.” I thought as my eyes darted between the small objects hovering all around me.
“Now, please remove that blanket. I can’t get the measurements I need with you wrapped up in that thing.” Rarity said with a professional tone.
I gave a small sigh before dropping the blanket on the floor. Thankfully, I still had my shorts.
“And the shorts.” she said.
“Oh god no.”
I coughed awkwardly. I made no movement to my guardian shorts.
“Well?” she said, trying to maintain her patience.
“I’m not taking these off.” I said quickly.
Rarity narrowed her eyes before giving me a glare.
“Why?” she said simply, holding her stare.
“I’m not standing naked in front of you. Or anyone for that matter!” I replied.
Twilight walked over. “Is there a problem with you being naked?”
I scoffed. “Yeah! A huge problem! We don’t do that.”
“Why not?” they both asked in unison. I facepalmed.
“It’s just not something we Humans do. We rarely ever strip down completely, unless we’re cleaning ourselves or...y’know...doing other stuff.” I said a little awkwardly. I never really thought I’d be having this conversation in my lifetime.
They both gave each other questioning glances before Rarity piped up.
“Oh fine. I suppose I’ll have to make a rough estimation for those parts.”
Twilight hastily made her way back to the sofa where she wasted no time in scribbling down more notes.
“Damn, does that girl ever stop writing? I mean, what is she ev-“
A floating clipboard whizzing past my face interrupted my thoughts.
“Right then, let’s get started.” Rarity said, bringing a pair of overly-feminine glasses to her eyes.
She had been at it for about twenty five minutes, levitating the measuring tape around various parts of my body before noting down numbers on her clipboard. I complied with her requests, most of which revolved around moving an arm or a leg so she could get her measuring done accurately. To be honest though, I was already bored of this within the first five minutes.
“-and that’s there....well that won’t work.....but maybe....oh yes-“ she mumbled to herself as she worked.
I rolled my eyes as she examined my right elbow. Earlier, she had taken a particular interest with my feet. She kept inspecting them at different angles and elevations. I found it a little creepy but I kept quiet since I knew I was in desperate need of shoes. I figured the more she knew about my feet, the more comfortable the shoes would be.
“Done!” she said.
“Oh...cool.” I said lamely.
“You can sit over there if you like.” she said, gesturing over to the sofas. “Twilight, darling! Might I have a word?”
“Sure.” Twilight replied from across the room.
Grabbing my blanket from the floor, I made my way back over to the sofas where Twilight was sitting. We passed each other as we traded places. As I sat down, Rarity led Twilight into the other room. I immediately stood back up.
“Thank god for bare feet. Best for sneaking.” I thought as I crept over to the door-frame. They had left the door slightly ajar. I leaned over and listened in to the conversation they were having on the other side.
“Yes, I have all the measurements and materials I think I’ll need for him. Even those shoes you said he needs. But they won’t be done until tomorrow.” Rarity said.
“OK, thanks.” Twilight replied. “Is this going to be difficult? I don’t want to trouble you too much.”
“Well, his figure is very different to what I’m used to. But I’m sure I can manage. To be honest darling, I’m more concerned about you.” Rarity said.
There was a slight pause.
“How are you finding him?” Rarity asked in a hushed tone which I could barely hear.
“Well, there have been no problems yet. I’ve been collecting notes on him since early this morning. All of this is extremely interesting and I’m learning so much.” Twilight said.
“So that’s what she’s been doing.” I thought.
“But as far as his behaviour goes, he’s actually been pretty docile. This may be easier than I thought!” she continued.
I frowned at that. I didn’t realise I was under study.
“Well, he does seem quite calm. But he might just be trying to give a decent first impression. Please, be careful." Rarity pleaded.
"Oh, don't think I'm not keeping my guard up. But until he does something, I'm going to learn as much as I can about him. Celestia will have a complete research paper on him, mark my words." Twilight said proudly.
"And I will make sure he has a stunning set of clothes to wear. Oh, I have so many ideas I want to try. It's such a unique opportunity!” Rarity said back.
“I’m sure they’ll look great. I can’t think of anypony better for the job!” Twilight replied cheerfully.
"Quite full of ourselves, aren't we?" I thought as I rolled my eyes before continuing to listen in.
“Aww, thank you darling.” Rarity replied. “Now, I best get to work.”
That was my cue. I hastily crept back to the sofa. Not long after I sat down, the door to the room they were in opened.
“Thanks again, Rarity.” Twilight said as she left the room.
“Anytime! Ta Ta!” I heard Rarity call out from inside.
Twilight made her way over to me. She didn’t seem to suspect a thing.
"Rarity's going to need to time to get your clothes done, so I'm afraid we'll have to come back tomorrow" she said.
"I didn't really expect my clothes to be done by today. It's nice of her to make them for me, though." I replied. I wasn't feeling too cheerful after what I'd heard, but I had to keep up the neutral appearance.
"She's like that." Twilight waved off. "Speaking of which, she said you can have these." she said, levitating out what appeared to be some leather material all wrapped up in a ball.
"What are they?" I asked.
"Foot-wraps. They're not much but they should protect your feet somewhat." Twilight replied. "At least until you get your shoes tomorrow."
I sighed. Picking the floating pile of leather cloths out of the air, I quickly noticed how uncomfortable they were going to be.
"Better than nothing." I thought to myself. "I should probably be grateful."
"Thanks." I said before beginning the tedious task of trying to get them on my feet.
"I figured we could go see Applejack now. I think it would be best for you to meet my friends again. Y'know, to keep chipping away at the ice." Twilight said to me as I finished the first foot.
"Why Applejack?" I asked.
"Well, it's nearly noon. She'll be getting ready for her lunch break." she replied. "She's a little hard to find during work hours."
"Fair enough." I said as I finished securing the last foot-wrap. "Ready to go."
"Follow me." Twilight said before leading me out the front door.
As we left and began walking down the road, I thought over my plan.
"I still need their help. Twilight can make as many notes about me as she likes. It may even pay off for me when I need her help later down the line."
I gave a small sigh as I looked up at the sky.
"This'll be the most fragile time, I bet. I'll need to get on good terms with these Ponies if I am to make any progress finding a way home."
I looked down at the foot-wraps on my feet.
"For better or for worse."
Author's Note
Sorry for the delay
