The Manhattan Bureau

“Wow” was all Twilight could say, as the mare and her other companions exited The B.R.I.T. Into a vacant Alley. Flutter Shy shared her amazement, gazing up at the skyscrapers that towered above the alley. Andrew and Liam followed suit. Liam inspecting where they had landed, While Andrew simply walked behind Twilight and Flutter Shy, taking in the scenery around him. He had been to New York several times enough to be used to the feel of the big city. However he still marveled at the infrastructure of this truly Unique city. Walking ahead of the two mare’s who were still gazing skyward, he checked to make sure they could leave the Alley without being noticed. He beckoned the other three out of the Alley and on to the main sidewalk.

“Twilight Sparkle, Flutter Shy welcome to New York City.” Andrew spoke proudly.

“Wow just wow. I thought this place would be big like Manehattan back home, but I never though it was this big. This makes Manehattan look like a small town.” Twilight said bounding around excitedly.

“It’s even bigger than Cloudsdale. It’s absolutely breath taking.” Flutter Shy said smiling

“Well I’ve only been here one other time, but even I gotta admit it’s quite a city. Liam said walking up to Andrew. “By the way dude do you know where everything is, I mean you tend to get lost sometimes.”

“Shut up I do not get lost ! and for your information yes, I do know where everything is. I’ve been here four times !” Andrew retorted.

“It’s okay Andrew I’m sure you don’t get lost to often, I’ve gotten lost a lot of times.” Flutter Shy said causing Andrew to give her a wtf look.

“Uhg, lets just get moving. first stop is going to be the conversion bureau, I think if we have a chance to warn them, this might go over a lot easier. Honestly I’m hoping that might go off without a hitch.” Andrew said nervously.

“Yeah and if that doesn’t work, what’s the plan B ?” Twilight asked

“Umm, not really thought of one.” Andrew said laughing nervously.

“Well look on the bright side, we got four days before the deadline, so everyone chill.” Liam said in an attempt to calm everyones nerves.

The group looked at each other, and nodded in agreement. Making there way onto the side walk, Andrew recognized the area, via the famous Macy’s store refreshing his memory. ,However, Andrew noticed something that defiantly differed this New York. pegasi earth ponies and unicorns, walked among everyday people. This caused Liam’s jaw to drop as he stepped in-front of Andrew. Twilight and Flutter Shy, were two surprised, seeing there own kind mingling with other human beings. It was Surreal for all four of them. Andrew’s head turned to the left, in front of them was the conversion bureau. Humans and ponies alike came through the two glass doors at the front, Andrew couldn’t really tell if they worked there, or had just been converted.

“There it is.” Andrew stated.

“Do you think they’ll let us in ?” Twilight asked looking up at it.

“Well, I have a hunch, lets see if I’m right.” with that the group made there way down the block towards the bureau. The four began to pass several different stores which seemed to captivate Flutter Shy and Twilight. Liam was also looking through the store windows, but unlike the others it was just for the fact he wanted to buy something. He suddenly stopped in front of one of those New York tourist shops, the ones that just seemed to sell endless I heart New York shirts.

“Hacky sack time !” Liam shouted as he dashed in the store

“Wait dude what the hell are you doing !” Andrew shouted as he ran after him, Flutter Shy and Twilight followed Andrew into the store. Andrew looked, around the small interior noticing most of it’s customers were ponies, heck even the cashier was a pony. Getting back on track, he turned one of the shelfs to find Liam kicking a hacky sack up an down about three times before dropping it.

“Are we seriously interrupting, this mission for a god damn hacky sack.” Andrew deadpanned.

“Oh come on we have four days. Besides I needed a new one.” Liam said tossing it up teasingly in Andrew’s face.

“Get that out of my face.”

“It’s not in your face it’s in my hand.” Liam continued

“Gets whats in your hand out of my face.”

“Guys !” Twilight shouted, causing Liam and Andrew to stop. Twilight then turned to Andrew.

“Look Andrew, he does have a point we just got here, why don’t we try and enjoy our selves a little. besides, I might want to buy somethings my self, a book or two, some souvenirs, to bring back to Equestria.” Twilight finished giving Andrew a face that literally spelled the word Pwease.

“ugh fine I guess we can shop for a little bit, maybe I can get something. oh and stop doing that pouty face, it’s to adorable.” Andrew’s comment made Twilight blush, Andrew tugged at his collar nervously. He felt it may be a good idea to pull out of there.

“Well uh anyway, lets head in.” Upon Andrew finishing Twilight bounded off into the store looking around excitedly. Flutter Shy went over to Liam who was still playing around with the hacky sack.

“Oh Liam you think I can have a try, if thats okay.” Flutter shy said dragging her hoof across the floor.

“Sure why not, but I warn you it takes skill to master.” Liam said dramatically before he put the hacky sack on Flutter Shy’s raised hoof. Flutter Shy looked at it with a look of determination, before letting it fly of her hoof, she quickly hit it with the other one continuing this process twelve more times before letting it drop. Liam stared in absolute shock.

“Oh I’m sorry did I do it wrong ?” Flutter Shy asked concerned. This caused Andrew to laugh hysterically.

“Ha aha ahaha. oh man Flutter Shy just put you to freaking shame ! ” Andrew said continuing his laughter.

“Oh whatever, don’t you have like shopping to do ?” Liam grumbled. Andrew, gave his friend a teasing thumbs up, turning to leave. He walked through the store, holding back his laughter. He went to the back section of the store, there he noticed Twilight in the back inspecting some books on the history on New York.

“Enjoying your self ?” Andrew asked causing her to jump.

“Oh Andrew sorry didn’t see you there. heh and uh yeah these are some interesting books, I might actually take a few back.” Twilight said putting one back on the shelf.

“I should take you to a proper book store back in my world, you’d probably go crazy. Seriously remind me to do that.” Andrew said causing the both of them to laugh.

“Oh I’d like that actually, very much.” Twilight said giving him a shy smile.

“Well I’m gonna look around, just go to Liam when you want to pay. He’s the only one who has money.” Andrew said turning the other direction. Twilight waved him bye. going back to reading. a smile still on her face from Andrews offer.

Andrew continued over to a small shelf in the back of the store. looking on the shelf at all the little novelties they had. Andrew looked up and noticed a dark grey hoodie on the top shelf, along with a red fez. He reached up picking the fez off the shelf and giving it a try. A voice suddenly jumped him.

“That hat seems to suit you.” The voice said with a short giggle. Andrew turned around to a girl who seemed about the same age as himself giving him a polite smile. She had long brown hair was wearing blue jeans and a mint green t-shirt. He also noticed she was actually pretty cute.

“Oh um thanks, heh well I think fezzes are pretty cool.” Andrew said returning the smile. both for politeness and his awesome Doctor Who reference.

“heh trying to get the most out of being human I take it.” The girl responded.

“Huh, I’m sorry, I’m not quite sure what you mean.” Andrew responded a bit confused.

“Oh I’m sorry, I assumed that you were like me. Sorry about that, I’m uh, planning to convert today actually.” Andrew’s eyes shot up at this.

“Oh well, hey, it’s no worries pfft, just a misunderstanding, but uh hey I didn’t catch your name.” Andrew said trying to change the subject.

“Oh it’s Lilly, Summers. um whats yours ?” She asked

“Andrew, It’s nice to meet ya.” Andrew replied shaking her hand.

“Like wise.” She said giving him another smile.

“So um you planning to convert today, that seems like a really big decision.” Andrew said actually intrigued.

“Well I’ve had a lot of thought about it, but I think I’m ready. My family actually moved to Equestria, I’ve kept in contact with them through the mail, but, I figure it’s time to go see them again, you know what I mean ?” Lilly replied.

“Yup absolutely, family, thats always important, and hey I hear life as a pony is pretty sweet actually.” Andrew said kinda unable to understand her situation properly.

“Oh, um personal question, you don’t have to answer, but, are you thinking of converting to ?” If Andrew was drinking water he might have spit it out.

“Oh um well I’m a bit iffy on the subject, you know, hands hooves, Kind of well, conflicting.” Andrew said stuttering a bit.

“Hey It’s okay you don’t have to be scared to talk about it, I was in your position at one point, but if you don’t want to talk about it, it’s okay.” Lilly said smiling sheepishly out of embarrassment.

“Na it’s no problem at all, but uh hey whatcha doing in this store if your planning on getting converted, I’m assuming shopping for an I love New York shirt is not on your agenda.” Andrew Laughed a little at his comment so did Lilly.

“No no your right about that. I’m here to buy this.” She held up a fairly small hoodie, with two holes on the top of the hood. “ A pony sized hoodie, I know you mainly go, well naked, but I kinda like something to remind me of being human.” She said taking a look at the hoodie.

“Hey if I was you I’d probably do the same thing. I‘d defiantly keep my tie.” Andrew said motioning to his red tie.

“don’t forget your fez.” Lilly added laughing a bit.

“Oh no we can’t for get that.” Andrew replied laughing himself. His laughter suddenly stopped as he heard Liam call his name. He turned to see him approaching with Twilight and Flutter Shy. Twilight was carrying one book on the history of manhattan. While Flutter Shy was carrying a hacky sack of her own.

“Dude what you been doing, it’s time to...” Liam paused as he saw Lilly. “Oh yikes, man I’m sorry, um god I feel stupid right now. Who’s your friend.” Andrew gave Liam a look that just said, “really dude really ?” Twilight noticed this and nudged Liam in his side to shut up.

“It’s okay, I’m Lilly. I guess me and Andrew kinda got lost in our conversation.” Lilly said blushing a bit.

“Yeah guess we did but uh, since you guys are here, uh Lilly this is my Best Friend Liam, and my other two friends, Flutter Shy and Twilight Sparkle.” The mention of Twilight’s named made Lilly turn towards the lavender unicorn.

“Oh my god your thee Twilight Sparkle, thats on the tv interviews and debates?” Lilly asked a smile on her face.

“Um yes, I guess?” Twilight said uneasily.

“It’s such an honor to meet you. You have been a big influence in my decision.” Lilly said proudly. Andrew turned to Twilight seeing she was confused, he decided to shed some light on the subject.

“Oh Lilly is getting converted Twilight.” Andrew said kinda urging Twilight to respond

“Oh well that sounds great. I do hope you enjoy your life as a pony lilly.” Twilight said forcing a smile.

“Andrew how did you and your friend meet two of the most important ponies in Equestria ?” Lilly asked excitedly.” Andrew could tell the other she was talking about was Flutter shy.

“Well now you see that is, well it’s a very long story, hehe, lets just say we met very recently.” Andrew said laughing nervously.

“Fair enough , so what are you guys up to, you seem to be doing quite a bit of shopping. I mean not that theres anything wrong with that, I mean heh I’m doing the same thing” Lilly said holding up the hoodie. Liam openly responded

“Oh where heading over to bureau.” Liam suddenly halted himself as he realized he just gave them away. Andrew glared at Liam intently. Lilly looked at Andrew in confusion then her faced brightened.

“Heh I suppose I’ll see you at the bureau tonight.” She turned to Andrew. “Guess you weren’t just thinking about it huh ?” Lilly said teasingly. Andrew began to panic.

“Wait no Liam’s delusional you can’t trust what he says, he plays with hacky sacks all the time ! ” Flutter Shy and Liam turned to Andrew shouting “Hey!” in unison. Lilly smiled and turned to leave.
“I guess I’ll see you two at the bureau, It was nice meeting you Andrew.” She said as she turned away, waving just before she exited the store. Andrew turned to Liam, who looked at him nervously. He knew he had just royally screwed up. The look on Andrew’s face said that much.

“Liam, what the actual hell.” Andrew said angrily.

“I have to agree with Andrew Liam, we are suppose to be doing this in secret, telling people about it isn’t going to make our job any easier.” Twilight said sternly. Liam nodded knowing he’d messed up, Flutter Shy seeing this patted him on the back as to cheer him up.

“Now guys don’t be hard on him he didn’t mean to do it.” Flutter Shy said giving Liam a sympathetic look.

“Dude I’m sorry, look I wasn’t thinking, but hey it’s one convert, she’s one of.....wait where did BRIT say converts stay.” Liam asked getting excited.

“She said they stayed in the dorms, but I don’t see.” Andrew paused as he realized what Liam was getting at. “The bombs are in the floor below the dorms. If we were converts, we’d be able to have a better chance at stopping the bombers. Bremen can’t detonate bombs that aren’t set. Once the HLF members are caught, they can trace them back to Bremen and arrest him.” Andrew finished explaining, staring at Liam with shock.

“I know I know, I’m a genius.” Liam said smugly.

“Liam thats brilliant, absolutely brilliant.” Twilight exclaimed.

“Good job Liam, but um I have a question, what are me and Twilight going to do ? I don’t think we can pose as converts.” Flutter Shy asked.

“I actually have a solution to that.” Andrew spoke up putting his hands into his pockets.

“Well don’t get all mysterious, what is it ?” Liam spoke back

“You two are going to pose as workers. From what we know, Twilight Sparkle in this world, is an ambassador for Equestria, so is Flutter Shy, but the file I looked at said she currently still lives in Equestria.” Andrew turned to Twilight and Flutter Shy. All you have to do is hold off for the four days, until it’s time for me and Liam to stop the HLF members.” Andrew saw Flutter Shy and Twilight nod.

“you can count on us, Andrew.” Twilight said confidently Giving him a smile. Andrew chuckled, noticing she was pretty cute when she was excited. He then thought for a moment, did he really think she was cute. He shrugged it off.

“I know you’ll succeed, I have full confidence in you Twi.” she blushed at him using her nick name.

“well I guess we got our selfs a plan. Carpe Diem !” Liam shouted, The Cashier pony at the front desk turned to him.

“Hey are you guys gonna pay for that stuff ?” He asked.

“oh yeah hehe, hang on.” Liam said taking out his wallet.
________________________________________________________________________

The group of multiverse travelers, made there way from the store down to the bureau. Andrew now a lot more confident in his plan, kept his hands fixed in his pockets. Liam looked over at him noticing this new confident look on his best friends face. He only saw this face when him and Andrew played chess. It was the face, that showed Andrew knowing he was going to win. As they approached the front doors of the bureau, the group noticed a small crowed of people at the front doors. Ponies in white uniforms were stationed at different parts of the entrance. Andrew noticed a familiar face in the crowed, It was Lilly the girl from the store. Lilly turned noticing the group approaching, A smile came onto her face as she ran over to them.

“So you ended up deciding to come after all.” She said stopping in front of Andrew and Liam.

“Well after meeting you today, it almost gave me a bit more confidence. I think I’m making the right decision.” Andrew said feeling a slight pang of guilt that he was actually lying to her. he pushed these thoughts back remembering this was to save all the converts, and hopefully this universe.

“Well hey I’m glad your here. I know we just met, but hopefully we can get to know each other through this.” Lilly said cheerfully.

“Well lots to talk about, lets get our selves through the door first. I’d like to get some hacky sack practice in.” Liam said throwing it up once.

“Yeah your gonna need it after that ass kicking Flutter Shy gave.” Andrew replied smugly.

“Hey keep that up and you see this hand, it’s gonna be taking a landing right down to Slapville.” Liam warned. This caused Lilly and Andrew to Laugh a little. Andrew finally pulled himself together. He turned back to the two mares. He gave a nod to Flutter Shy and Twilight to move in. The two mares saw this and moved towards the front entrance. Andrew couldn’t hear what was being said, but he saw Twilight speaking to a stallion in the front. After a minute, the stallion nodded and let the two mares in. Andrew breathed a sigh of relief, seeing phase one was already complete. His thoughts were interrupted by Lilly grabbing his arm.

“Hey earth to Andrew are we gonna head in, or are you gonna stare into space all day.” She said teasingly.

“Yeah Andrew get that afro perm of yours in gear.” Liam said. Andrew Looked around nervously at the comment, he really hated when Liam used that nickname.

“Uhg alright lets go.” Andrew finally said as the three made there way to the crowd. Lilly went in front of Andrew and Liam, there was a check point at the front, run by a single mare. She was purple with a light pink mane. Lilly approached the mare very slowly, reaching into her pocket for her wallet. She took out what appeared to be an ID card and handed it to the mare. She nodded and let Lilly inside. Lilly walked in waving back to Andrew and Liam, as if to say good luck. Andrew walked up to the mare. She looked up at him and began to speak in a cheery tone.

“Hello and welcome to the conversion bureau, can I see some identification for your name.” Andrew dug in his pocket and took out his drivers license. Liam saw this giving a scoff. Andrew knew it was because Liam didn’t have one yet. He didn’t like having it rubbed in. The mare took the license, looking at it intently. after a few seconds she nodded allowing Andrew to enter. Andrew saw Lilly waiting for him, the room he was in had about 20 other converts, all talking an socializing with one another. The room it self was huge, with several different pony’s walking around, Andrew could see the ones without uniforms where converts. Probably being taught basics of being a pony he thought. Andrew Suddenly felt a hand land on his shoulder, Lilly obviously got the other hand cause she jumped to.

“Liam god damn it !” Andrew said annoyed.

“Hehe that’s not meeee” Liam said jokingly

“Oh Andrew it’s fine, I thought it was kinda funny.” Lilly said laughing a little.

“Yeah funny the first time, after the fiftieth it just gets unbearable.” Andrew said giving Liam a playful punch in the shoulder. The three made there way over to the rest of the crowd, who’d now gathered around a blue unicorn with a slightly darker blue mane with white stripes. almost looked like toothpaste. Andrew suddenly realized this must have been Colgate. His thoughts were interrupted as she spoke up.

“Welcome new foals, thats you guys, to the bureau. Now since you just got in, I just got to run through all the basics that you need to know, while you actually stay here for your conversion. First food. As you all know equestrians do not eat meat, but don’t worry there is plenty of fruit and vegetables which will be available to you at all times. secondly is the use of personal devices. Phones, and any other electronic devices must be taken for your stay here, however they will be returned to you as you leave for your brand new life as a pony. If most of you didn’t know, you will receive lessons on the basics of being a unicorn pegasus or earth pony. The staff are here to help you, and support you in anyway, so don’t be shy to ask. Well we hope you enjoy your stay and we wish you the best in your new life.” Colgate finished in a very sincere tone.

Andrew and the rest then went through a check point, being asked to give in any of there electrical devices. Liam and Andrew were fine as they didn’t carry any. say for a watch, which was allowed. Lilly gave up her iPhone, hesitating a bit, but deciding it wasn’t anything to get worked up over. The three made there way from the check point to another room which was decorated an furnished very nicely. above the staircase were rooms arranged like you’d see at a hotel. Andrew figured thats where they’d stay, for the four days. he began to have a small hope that they would have cable TV. Andrew looked up to see a purple pegasus with a light blue mane fly over head, of the crowd. “Heeello new foals !” She said excitedly as she landed in front of the crowd, which at this point Andrew Liam and Lilly had moved to.

“I’m cloud chaser, I’m here to teach you about pegasus basics, but for today, I’m just here to show you your dorms.” She held up a clipboard which the three assumed had there names on it.

“Well first let me tell you about this section of the bureau, the cafeteria is down this hall to your left. while the rooms you will be taking your lessons and having your conversions, is located to the left. For now I’ll let you get settled into your dorms, which are right up here.” The pegasus mare pointed upwards. “Your first lessons should be around 4:00 PM With our earth pony coordinator, teaching you pony basics, Can’t wait to see you guys for pegasi basics.” Cloud Chaser said giving a wink. Andrew saw the pegasus fly off as the crowd made it’s way up the stairs. There were more rooms than they were people, so they could really choose any room that they wished. Only rule was girls would be with girls guys with guys. Andrew and Liam of course decided to share a dorm. Lilly ended up two doors down from them with her roommate. Andrew and Liam walked in the dorm inspecting it. wasn’t much. Just a room a bunk bed, a desk, and a bathroom.

“Well in all fairness, it’s not much different from my room back at school.” Liam said setting his hacky sack down on the desk in the corner.

“Well I’m not complaining either, I mean, were not gonna be in here twenty four seven. I’m guessing we should actually head over to that class in a couple a minutes. It is almost four.” Andrew said turning to head out.

“Question dude ?” Liam abruptly asked.

“Yeah ? what’s up ?” Andrew asked one eye brow up.

“Don’t think I can’t see you have a thing for Lilly, and hey I’m not blaming you, she seems to have a thing for you, and she’s pretty hot.” Liam said causing Andrew’s eyes to shoot open.

“Look Liam I...uhg, whats your point ?” Andrew said knowing he couldn’t hide it. He couldn’t even hide it from himself.

“Nothing, just making sure you know that if thats the case, you have to tell her who you really are. Everything else, thats your business man, not mine.” Liam said giving his friend a reassuring smile.

“Um yeah, thanks man. Anyway enough of this talk, lets get to the lesson.” Andrew said motioning for Liam to follow.

“Uhg good lord. I went with you on this mission to get out of school, and look where I end up, back at school. Liam said walking out the door. Andrew closed it as he walked out.

“Oh chill it’s probably gonna be stuff we already know being taught.” Andrew said giving a small laugh.

“Yeah I guess we got that going for us.” Liam said nonchalantly.

“By the way, after this class we need to talk to Flutter Shy and Twilight.” Andrew said sternly

“Yeah I agree, we shouldn’t be out of contact for two long.” Liam said nodding

“Hey guys !”

Liam and Andrew turned to see Lilly walking up to them.

“Hey lilly. How’s the room and the roommate ?” Andrew asked

“She’s a little bit quiet for my taste, but overall ever-things good, I see you guys are heading for the class.” She said the usual cheery smile on her face.

“Yep, although truthfully I’d rather sleep for a couple hours.” Liam said

“Well I’m sure you can once the class finishes. It probably won’t be that long, I mean were learning basics of being a pony, not physics.” Lilly said jokingly.

“Well shall we then.” Andrew said motioning ahead. The three began to walk forward. Andrew flinched a little as he felt Lilly hold his hand as they walked. Liam noticed this and glanced at Andrew giving him a teasing smile. Andrew looked away, taking a quick glance at Lilly. He noticed the nervousness on her face, seeing thats why she was probably holding his hand. Or was it something else.

Author's Note

Chapter two. figured I'd put it out fast considering people are wondering where I'm going with this story.