Francis is Magic

Chapters

A Magic Moment
The Purple Feather
My little Francis
Choices and Consequences
Magical Friendship

A Magic Moment

They were driving for a good half an hour now and the oppressive heat inside the car wasn't helping Francis to enjoy the trip. He hated the situation. Why would Veronica feel the need to interfere in his life, which, contrary to what she was thinking, was thrilling? The young man couldn't struggle longer against this unbearable condition.

''Why are we doing this non-sense again?'' he asked to his abductor, which didn't seem saddened by the melancholic expression looming on his face.

She immediately replied without any form of tact. ''Because you are the most antisocial guy It was given me to meet. We need to make a real man out of you. So, I'm taking you to a great little bar where you'll taste the joys of life.''

Despite her arguments were quite convincing, Francis couldn't imagine himself sitting on a stool boozing enough to fall down like a dead guy and wake up the next day with the biggest headache of the universe, pretending that it was the best day of his life. this disgust for alcohol dated from his boyhood; he couldn't sustain that particular smell, so drinking appeared the worst thing to do, after purchasing a house in Venice and smoking. But it amplified during his studies at the University: All the alcohol-related harms were parts of the first year exams. Pictures of these horrible side effects and other health graphic came back to him, giving him goosebumps about the mishaps that would soon happen to him. His friend interjected just in time to prevent him to empty the contents of his stomach on the back seat.

"There we are!" She was much more pleased than Francis, for sure. she stepped out of the car in order to open the door for the irreducible teacher, who decided to spend the evening in the vehicle. "Come on Sissy, the faster we get in, the faster we get out.''

He looked at her with the most convincing and serious look he could do while hiding the deeper into his jacket. ''I... But... You know...'' Passers gazed them, confused. Facing a real dilemma, he chose the simplest and most 'Judicious' solution. ''Okay, but don't call me Sissy ever again, you know that I hate that nickname...'' He walked to the front door and looked again to Veronica with pleading eyes. ''Pleeeaase... Don't make me do this....''

She folded her arms, rolled her eyes and shook her head from right to left. ''Go. In. Am I making myself clear?'' She pushed him inside.

The interior was much warmer than outside, either the temperature or the general atmosphere. The restaurant wasn't especially full, but enough for the background noise and discussions to be inseparable. Everything looked as expected ... But a detail caught his eyes:
Nobody was drinking alcohol except for wine. Something fishy was going on.

''Nicky? Are you sure it's the right place?'' she had a very good sense of direction, so it was almost inconceivable for her to mistaken the itinerary. He turned back to face his friend and found a huge smile and two blue eyes enlightened of joy. ''Are you alright?'' he inquired, seeking for any indication that everything was indeed alright in Veronica's mind.

''Surprise!'' She announced, stretching her arms in the air. It was unnecessary because Francis was two heads taller than the young lady.

''Wait, what?'' He was dismayed. ''Why do you...''

''Happy birthday!'' That last sentence had the effect of a cannonball: he completely zapped his birthday! Since the death of his parents and his move to the USA six years earlier, he hadn't any kind of celebration. But how could she know? He never mentioned it. As curious as suspicious, he asked for an explanation. ''Well, you remember when you told me to keep your jacket when you ran after that dog last week?''
That wasn't making much sense. He nodded, more confused that the passers five minutes before. ''I checked your ID card and...''

Francis' blood ran cold. ''YOU DID WHAT?!'' Again, he called the attention of everyone. ''You know that it's illegal? Don't you?''

She didn't care about her friend's dismay. ''And so what? Now you're going to eat what you want for free! What a great lesson about life, isn't it?''

Francis didn't know what annoyed him most: that her best friend had scouted into his pockets, or that he was going to forgive her, because it was the best gift he ever got. ''Huuugh.... You won this time...'' His pout quickly gave way to a smile worthy of the greatest meme. ''You said free? Don't you?''

She was visibly nonplussed. ''Yes, it's what a gift is supposed to be. Why such a question... And such a face?''

''You did the biggest mistake here Nicky. I do NOT feel hunger.'' He tossed a quick peek at the buffet as a predator awaits its prey. ''I hope that your wallet is ready to be flushed!''

The meal was ending, all that remained on the table was a pile of empty plates and a slice of pizza that Francis hurriedly grabbed and swallowed illico presto. Veronica was motionless, paralyzed as the result of what she saw: her saving disappearing at the pace of the buffet. ''How did you.... It's impossible... I... You... What?''

The young teacher was thrilled. He gave a little nudge to his friend while caressing his belly. ''I told you.'' He smiled to finally burst into laughter. ''Well, I think it's time to get back home now, what do you think Nicky?''

She turned slowly, dumbfounded. ''Yes.... Let's go.''

Neon signs were turned off long ago as shops were closed. They left the bar, restaurant or whatever it was. The night was filled with stars, shining like giant candles. The young man raised his head to contemplate that wonderful show. High in the sky, a shadow, or rather a silhouette was flying among the few clouds. The shape looked like an airplane, but there wasn't any rudder, and propellers emit a distinctive sound that can be heard from far away. ''Hey, do you see that?'' He asked, pointing in the air. His friend was way too tired to take an interest. ''Nevermind...'' He raised again his eyes to the sky. But something gently landed on his nose. It was a purple feather, unusually large for a bird. Could that thing came from the pseudo-plane? He wanted to check if it flapped its wings, but it was gone.

''Come on Francis, get in. You don't want me to fall asleep while driving, do you?'' He took the feather and put it in his wallet, in memory of this magic moment.

Author's Note

Feel free to correct the story, post an improved version of it on the comment section or send it to me by e-mail. You can give me advice, but I won't accept ''review''.

The Purple Feather

The sun rose over the city. The pigeons were cooing, the early morning drew made the grass shine like green diamonds on the ground and the sky was destitute of cloud. The day was definitely telling to everyone to go out, but Francis had better things to do. The alarm clock indicated 7 AM, the perfect time to get up, according to recent studies, displayed in the magazine that was still hanging on the nightstand. He extended his hand, hoping to hit the clock, but it didn't happen. The day before, he put it on the shelves, forcing him to get up to deactivate it.
''Pfff... Why am I so predictable... I know myself too much...'' He thought, still groggy due to a lack of sleep. The discovery of the previous day made him puzzled, even sleeping. ''That feather, I must know where it comes from'' The words came back incessantly in his dreams. He sprang from the bedclothes like a devil out of a box and headed for the bathroom.

The purple feather, the topic of the day, was mounted on a cereal box lying on the dining room table. Francis had moved all the lamps to illuminate every angles. He didn't want to miss any detail that could help him to find its origin. With extreme caution, he wrote, drew and described everything that was possible while breakfasting. He repeated this gesture, now natural, to bring this spoon full of milk and oatmeal to his mouth, like an automaton. However, he paused when a noise disturbs his legendary calm: his pencil was just a piece of metal topped with a pink gum as empty as his notebook was filled, rubbing against the paper. It seemed a simple problem, but it was a well and truly dilemma: He couldn't continue to observe, and he might miss something important if he sought a new pencil. Stress prevailed, and he ran to his room. The pencils were stored in a closet, just below a poster of the city overview. He halted a moment in front of the poster and picked it up, tearing the four edges held by the sticky tape. After quickly cleared the table, he stretched the map by holding the edges with everything he had nearby: cups, tissue boxes and even his shoes. He searched with his finger the restaurant in front of which the feather had landed on him while hammering his forehead with a pencil. ''There it is!'' He gently took it and put it down in the grossly drawn red circle. Suddenly, the unexpected happened: the feather seemed to react and started to glow slightly, moving on the poster.

Francis was speechless. How could a feather, presumably devoid of awareness, move or even communicate?! It was somehow reproducing the same way that the animal has taken. Whatever it was, it wasn't from this world. After wandering for a minute, it stopped on a large green area, aka the park. This was too much for the young teacher: he felt obliged to go in search of that thing. The feeling was growing constantly. He rushed up to his desk, grabbed his bag and stuffed it with everything that seemed useful: his Minolta Camera, his encyclopedia, his notes, a map of the surroundings, some food and a variety of scientific instruments. He put on his jacket; grabbed the feather and left as fast as he could.

He was exploring the vast forest of sequoia that mainly composed the park for two hours and for the first time in his life, the young man was hungry. He didn't like the sensation. He disliked it even more than the nickname given by Veronica. He reached into his bag and discovered an apple, hidden between some photographic films and a drawing sheet. Its red color and its perfect shape made him drool. Francis couldn't resist any longer: he sat on an old tree stump, put his equipment next to him and brought the scarlet fruit to his mouth, determined to bite in the juicy flesh. Lurking among the leaves, someone else had noticed this tantalizing snack. He was ready to eat when something tapped his shoulder several times. He turned his head, looking away from his meal.

''Nothing? It was probably an illusion, a side-effect of the hunger.'' Nothing was standing behind him, only a little piece of wood. No longer disturbed, he returned to his business, but the fruit was gone! How could it be? It was the second weird thing to happen today. He inspected his hand, thinking about an other illusion, optical this time...

SCRUUUNCH

The noise came from the tree right in front of him. He knew it the instant he heard it: it was what he was looking for!

''This time, I got you!'' Francis shouted. He took out his camera, prepared the flash, but couldn't do much as the thing jumped out of the foliage, knocking him at the same occasion. The young man rolled on his back and steadied barely on the stump. During his spin, he had enough time to see the thing: it was some kind of mythological animal, a cross between a horse and a bird, topped with a horn but much smaller. It looked like a pony, a little pony. He was just as fascinated as frightened: it was the most amazing thing he'd ever seen, a wonder of nature, that might be very dangerous and bloody smart for sure. Unfortunately for him, he would have to get close to observe, as the opening of his camera was broken, crashed during his stumble. Taking his gear, Francis chased the winged unicorn.

He wasn't a runner, much less an athlete, but the desire gave him the power to continue and the adrenaline did the rest. Even if the branches was preventing from an aerial escape, the animal had advantage: its stomach wasn't painful. In a desperate momentum, the young teacher yelled words that he wished comforting.

''Come back! I'm not going to hurt you! I don't want to!'' The only answer he received was a quick look. ''Don't be afraid! I just want to look at you!'' His whole body was suffering. ''Come on Francis, a hundred meters left and it'll stop by itself! His legs were shaking. He couldn't feel them anymore. They were like gone forever in the unbridled race. Seeking a way out behind the trees, the little pony didn't see the wide redwood trunk that blocked its way. The young man, petrified by the thought that it might be hurt, plunged toward the purple creature, intercepted it and offered his back to the tree.

Author's Note

Look at the sky, you'll see your dreams.
Look at your feet, you'll see your chains.
Look behind you, you'll see your past.
Look next to you, you'll see your friends.
Look straight ahead, you won't see anything but fog.
Where are you gonna look?

Come on, poetry never killed anyone...

My little Francis

The pain shot through his body like an electric shock. The impact had reduced his spine from solid to mashed state, or, at least, that's what Francis felt. He was twisting in all directions, shaken by spasms. The last time He had experienced such suffering was years ago, for the death of his parents, but it wasn't physical.

Seizing its chance, the animal fled and took refuge in just over Francis. It checked its pursuer's status. What the little pony had taken for a terrible predator was now a heavy mass, sobbing and writhing on the ground. Fear quickly became pity. Cautiously, it alighted from the conifer.

''Are you... Are you okay?'' The pony asked with a remorseful voice.

The young man couldn't believe it: it was able to communicate and even to talk! What he believed a 'it' was a 'she'. It was the last thing he expected. He wanted to answer, but his body, reminding him of the particularly difficult situation, transformed his words in a whimper and tears.

''I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to... I... I thought that you were hunting me... Please don't hate me...'' She said, leaning at him. ''Don't worry, I'm gonna... I'm gonna help you.'' Her horn began to glow in a soothing light and she closed her eyes. Francis did likewise. He felt the touch of the horn, and suddenly, the pain disappeared. Believing to be healed, he attempted to get up, but the winged unicorn stopped him.

''Nonono! I only blocked the nerves for a short time, you still require medical care!''

''But it is impossible, we are in the middle of nowhere!'' A horrible thought crossed his mind. ''I ... I'm probably going to die here...'' She was terrified by that option.

Pacing and muttering, she ordered him to be quiet. ''Don't say that, nobody dies of backaches...''

''I just look at reality. There is no way to contact any medical help and you're not a doctor. I cannot move, so I'll end up starving to death or even thirsty.'' He replied, dead serious.

She finally calmed down and sat next top him. ''I think I know how to provide you with medical care, but there are multiple conditions.'' He was highly interested in the proposal.

''It's probably my only chance, so I take it.'' It greatly bothered her.

''First, you aren't gonna pass away, so stop acting like that.'' He nodded. ''I'm gonna cast the same spell that took me here, but in the other direction, so...'' Interrupting her he communicated his trouble.

''Heyheyhey! What are you talking about? Spells? Other dimension? Who is going where?'' She put her hoof on his month, visibly annoyed.

''There's no time to explain. You just have to know that you're gonna experiment magic and Life in Equestria, so do as I'll told you to.'' Panicking, Francis tried to protest, but all that came out of his mouth was a muffled noise. The little pony repeated the same procedure as earlier, but more impressively. As a last resort the young man closed his eyes, praying all the gods to wake him in his bed for what he believed to be a nightmare.

FLASH

Silence came back in the forest.

The feel of the ground changed, meaning that they had indeed moved. But where? Francis didn't want to know and refused to open his eyes. He could hear whispers ... A lot of whispers. He was not alone. The number of individuals increased, getting closer. Frightened, his instinct advised him to curl, fearing an attack. After all, he didn't know anything about them. He wasn't the only one to be afraid, it was mutual. A familiar voice spoke to the young man.

''Shh, calm down, everything's gonna be alright.'' She put her hoof on his shoulder, prompting him to open his eyes. ''See? We won't hurt you.'' Surrounding Francis, a myriad of ponies had gathered. Short, tall, pegasi, unicorns, etc... He was fascinated. ''I'll come back with help. Don't move''

''Hue, where could I go anyway?'' he thought, amused. Slowly, he settled into a more comfortable position, under the gaze of everyone. As soon as she was out of sight, the crowd got closer to observe him and even to touch. ''W-what am I supposed to do?!''

''Could you please stop? I'm not a pet!'' He objected.

Scared and embarrassed at the same time, they stepped back, returning to the muttering.

''It can talk!?''

''I never saw such a thing, where does it come from?''

''I hope it's not packed with disease!''

''Should we call her highness?''

''If it talks, it's intelligent. Who know what it's thinking about?''

Slightly vexed, Francis tried to start a conversation. ''Excuse me, but I can hear what you're saying.'' Trying to look serious and sure of himself, he continued. ''Could I know where I am?'' He hadn't been answered, but not for long: a bouncing pink horse with a mane similar to candyfloss claimed his attention.

''I heard that something bizarre had appeared in front of the library, so I did as fast as I could, because you know, bizarre says never seen, never seen says new and new says welcome to Ponyville, the best town of all Equestria!'' ''Ponyville? Equestria? What the hell are those place?!'' The situation couldn't possibly get crazier. That what he thought. After taking a deep breath, questioning Francis about how much air she could actually contain, she began to sing a large variety of song, concerning his uncommon anatomy, his clothes or anything that could give a opportunity to create an incredible melody. The young man was amused by the hysterical horse climbing on him and twiddling with his shoelaces and zippers. ''I don't know who or even what you are yet, but I have the feeling that we'll get along my dear... My dear... Oh, silly me: I don't know your name and I didn't even introduce myself!'' The pony immediately bowed.

''I'm Pinkie Pie, professional party pony!'' Cheerful, the young man attempted a reply.

''Well, my name's...'' But was interrupted by his interlocutor.

''Nononono, I can guess! George? Mike? Garry! Yeah, you have a 'Garry' face! No... Arold? Or maybe Paulo! Mmmmh.... Francis! That's it!'' Completely amazed, he asked for an explanation.

''How do you know? I never met you before and I'd remember if...''

''It's on your bag.'' That phrase was accompanied by a smile that couldn't be ignored and not improving the feeling of looking dumb. Fortunately for him, the purple winged unicorn was back with aid.

Author's Note

Ponyville? Equestria? What is this place? Oh my god I don't know! Illuminati's secret HQ? Probably.

As said before, my English is quiet far from perfection, feel free to correct my story.

Choices and Consequences

After the activities and excitation of the sleepover, the pressure has dropped. The yawning began and the little company fell asleep one by one. Too tired to sleep properly, some of them were lying on the others. But even in the mishmash of sleeping bags and ponies that the room had become, two people were still awake. The purple winged unicorn, lying like a cat on the bed with the young man, asked him the reason of his awakening.

''Francis? Is something wrong?'' She said, looking up to him. ''If you need to talk, I'm here you know.'' He was staring at the ceiling, silently, when he finally answered.

''It's not the fact that I had a sleepover with a magic winged unicorn pony princess and her friends, but, I'm not used to have... 'friends'. I mean, if you knew all I've been through, you'd probably understand.''

She regarded him a little moment. ''Speaking of which, I've been thinking about something during the sleepover...''

He turned to Twilight. ''Yes?''

''What are you planning to do after your recovery?'' The question hit him like a snowball in the face. It's true that he thought about it, but not much.

''So, you want to know if I'm gonna go back to my world and do my usual stuff, that's it?''

''Basically, yes.''

''Well'' He took a deep breath and explained her his thoughts. ''I would like to stay here, but it doesn't feel right. But at the same time, going back to my place seems like abandoning my new friends... And you probably have some authorities that won't accept me to stay; I heard that you have some royalty here, so, we should probably ask first if you really want me to stay... I hope this answer your question.''

''It does answer my question. I learn lot of things about you during this evening, but you're right, you might have friends waiting for you...'' He giggled. ''What is so funny?'' she asked with a smile on her lips.

''I don't have friends waiting for me, beside Veronica, and she has her family and everything...'' His cheerfulness faded and he glanced down. ''And me.... I have nothing left...''

''Not true.'' Francis felt her hoof on his leg. ''You got us now.'' those words comforted him, as a tear came down along his cheek.

''Thanks you... Once again.'' Both got back to their sleeping position.

''Sleep well, Francis.''

''Sleep well, Twilight.''

Dawn was breaking over Equestria as everypony, and Francis, were waking up, ready to face a new day. In the Ponyville Hospital, our seven fellow friends found themselves tangled on each other. Some kicks and helping hooves later, the little group has packed up their stuff and returned home. The pony princess, however, has stayed with the human.

''You should be able to walk again in 2 days, if the doctor is right, but you can still leave the hospital.'' he was surprised by what the purple winged unicorn said.

''2 days?'' I thought that I was in a worst state.

''The healing spells are working really good on you, better than usual.'' He wasn't accustomed with those new things.

''Still amazing for me.'' He cracked his knuckles. ''What do we do?''

She thought about the activities planned for today and took her schedule. For the first time in several years, the page was blank, marked with a large red TAKE SOME TIMES FOR YOU!!!. She looked at her partner and answered him.

''Nothing special...'' She ruminated a little. The thread from the last night came back in her mind. ''Oh! I know!''

The young man headed for an explanation, armed with his best asset: a smile. ''So?''

''I'm gonna take you with me to Canterlot and we'll ask the princess together!'' The idea seemed wonderful emerging of her mouth, but Francis was not of the same opinion.

''Whoa.... Wait a minute. You are telling that I'm going with you to the magical ponies Headquarters to ask Queen Horsita if she wants me in her kingdom?''

''Princess C.E.L.E.S.T.I.A, and if you hide or if she learns it from someone else, you lose the advantage.'' It was the second time he was beaten in an debate in three days. He sighed and asked for his clothes.

The trip wasn't really long. The view was amazing: the whole surrounding was full of forest, rock cliffs, waterfalls, etc... A real photographer's paradise. Sitting on a wheelchair, the young man had all the time to contemplate it in the train, the only way for non-flying creature to access Canterlot. The city was more modern than Ponyville, and the population more... Sophisticated. They was starring at him. A lot. But he wasn't here to be admired; he has to ask the permission to stay and he was going for it.

''Here we are.''

The palace was really impressive. Hanging on the mountain, the white walls adorned with gold were bursting the sunlight. The few waterfalls coming out of the rocks ended their run into large pools, connected to the terrace. Huge towers were scattered, like the backbones of a reptile. He remembered that, during the middle-age, kings built the largest castles, to prove their power and influence. It made the construction even more epic.

''Woow.'' He said, close to the stiff neck. ''And she lives in that?''

''You should ask her.'' She replied, jokingly.

''Let's do this!''

They entered the large purple painted wooden door.

The corridors were a real maze, but his four-legged friend knew the way to throne room. The stained glass windows dotting the hallways, reminiscent of ancient pivotal moment of the Equestrian History, increased the greatness of the place.

''Wow.... all those events... This civilization sure had encountered difficulties...'' He said, facing the creatures 'frozen' in the glass.

''Those are just the ones the princess have lived. More happened in the past.''

''Do you mean that.... How old is she?... If it's not too intrusive.''

''She's here for millennia now...''

''Really? How is it possible? Is she immortal?'' He was like a child, his head swarming of questions. But he had to wait for answers. One last door, watched by two royal guards, stood before them. They opened it up, not without taking some precautions.

The room, more decorated that the whole castle itself, was bathed in a pure and white light, so bright that your cornea would burn if you looked too closely at it. that light emanated from the back wall, where the princess was standing. After a brief bow, the discussion began.

''I heard that you had come here, Francis the human, to fetch something from me. I'm listening.'' The young man had like a lump in the throat, but there was no other choice but to act.

''Indeed, your highness, I have something to ask you.'' He could feel the sweat on his forehead, his hands were shaking, he felt unable to utter a word, yet they emerged for themselves. ''Is it possible for me, to stay in your kingdom?''

A profound silence soars through the hall.

''It's not something simple to ask, Francis the human, so I'd need some... Arguments, if you see what I mean.''

''Oh... Euh... I...'' He considered the most obvious reasons to let him stay. ''First, I could be very useful. I know a lot of things that I learn in my world and.... It could help.'' She slightly nodded and starred, pleased, on of her counsel.

''And... I won't cause any troubles... Because... I... I have no reasons to and... I don't wanna go back.'' She bent over him.

''I hope so.''

Glup...

''And finally... I made more friends here in 5 minutes than in my entire life here. I... I could start a new life from ashes. I... I mean... Please...'' He hung up at the last possible argument and betted on the trust, with a pleading eye.

''I see...'' She demanded the opinions of the few people present, including the two guards and Twilight.

''We don't know him and we don't need more felons. He should go away.''

''His knowledge could serve the kingdom. But I don't trust him, we should lock him up and wait.''

''He is surely a spy, we should interrogate him!''

None of them were on his side, except his new friend.

''He saved my life and I offered him a friendship that he accepted. We should give him a chance. He gave way more than he received.''

Affected by these words, the young man shed a tear, which also made its effect.

''As a result of this discussion, very gratifying, I entrust the monitoring and rehabilitation of Francis in our world to the princess of friendship, Twilight Sparkle... At the end of the season, he must prove his progress and propose something that will change our lives, making him a part of our history. You are free to go.''

And leaving the room, he knew that all of this was only the beginning, of a great friendship.

THE END

Author's Note

Hon-hon-hon! End of this magnificent story. Not really full of suspense, hue? Well, I had (Had?! You again?!) problems recently, like the death of my grand-mother, so I wanted to wrap this up quickly and to tell you this: This isn't the end of Francis' adventures! But I'm making a break about it, to write an other kind of stories. Stay tune for more! I hope that you liked my story as much as I loved to imagine and write it!

Magical Friendship

After a little auscultation at the 'Ponyville Hospital', the doctor had stated for an 'harmless' minor fracture. For the young man, the word was badly chosen, but he hadn't studied medicine, so the only thing he did was listening for the diagnosis. He wasn't really reassured by the lack of knowledge of the human body that the doctor clearly stated with some remarks like ''It's no usual for me to work on that kind of limbs, but I'll do what I can...'' or ''If this is what I think it is, that thing goes in this one... But I'm not sure...''. Francis couldn't complain much: that stallion saved his life.... Probably. After the delicate procedure to relieve his pain, where he tried out the 'anesthetic spells', he was taken to a bright and cozy room. Opposed to what he thought after seeing the front of the building, which was more referring to an inn with its tiled roof, beige walls and timbering, it was fitted with trendy equipment...

Well...

Once again...

Probably.

The man, liberated from his torment, was lying on a bed, half naked with a large bandage around his chest. Its size was quite abnormally long for those equines. After a small investigation, he found a little note on the side:

Giraffe

''Obviously...'' He thought. ''I should have suspected that.'' Looking away from the humiliating label, Francis observed his new surrounding.

The windows, opened to the courtyard, let through an heartwarming light that illuminated the wallpaper. Its blue color, matching with the curtains and bed sheets and reminiscent of the sky, made the atmosphere even more pleasant. The wooden furniture wasn't painted, adding an extra source of heat. The bedside table was surmounted by a purple lamp and a green box of tissues, strengthening the colorful look of the restroom. It was the first time he had see a welcoming hospital room. Attempting to check the ground, he came again face to face with the seven small letters.

''Yeah, I know that you're there, Mister Giraffe!'' The last word was indicative of something bigger. ''Wait a minute... If this place is named Equestria and this bed is a giraffe sized one, it means that they exist in this place and are intelligent, also meaning that this place maybe is inhabited by equestrian creatures...''

''Yes, like buffaloes, donkeys, minotaurs or centaurs. But also other animals that doesn't fit into the equestrian category.''

The young man, surprised, turned to the one who answered him. It was the purple winged unicorn.

''I wanted to see how you were doing and I thought wise to keep you company.'' She trotted up to him. ''After all, it's my fault too if you are in this situation.''

''It's very nice of you, but you have more important things to do, right?'' he said with a grin.

''Don't worry, I didn't come alone.'' A few ponies entered the room. ''We haven't introduce ourselves, let's fix that!'' Among them, he recognized Pinkie Pie, who he had met earlier that day. She grabbed his hand to shake it, kinda forceful.

''Hey Francis, how are you doing? It seems that you got better than last time, don't you?'' His savior levitated the pink mare, making Francis speechless, again.

''Pinkie, spare him; he's still in shock.'' She said, putting down her friend. She returned to the human. ''So, you name's Francis?'' He nodded.

''Exactly''

''I'm Twilight Sparkle and these are my friends.'' A cyan pegasus stepped forward, swaggering. ''Francis, Rainbow Dash.'' She turned to the multicolored haired pony. ''Rainbow, Francis.''

''I'm the awesomeness itself, but you can call me Rainbow.'' She announced, slightly boastful. The young man didn't pay attention to the presentation, he was focused on her hair, wondering if the colors were artificial or natural.

Among the group, he noticed a cow-boy looking hat. ''A hat? They are naked but some of them are wearing hats... How peculiar... '' Its owner appeared to be a pony named Applejack.

''Nice to meet yah, Mister Francis, I hope that your stay'll be as pleasant as possible!'' Her Texan accent was very sympathetic. She didn't seemed from the frills kind. Contrariwise, the white unicorn, also one of Twilight's friend, was much closer to that definition.

''Bienvenue, Monsieur Francis. I am Rarity.'' She remarked the wounded's clothes on the headboard, she approached it to check them out. ''Oh, what are those?'' She asked. He didn't see why she was interested, but he answered anyway.

''My shirt and my coat, why such a question? They are the most regular things I've ever worn...'' She paused him.

''Regular? They are simply amazing! If that's what you call regular where you come from, then we have to talk! And a lot!'' The young man raised an eyebrow as a sign of perplexity.

''Sorry to interrupt your discussion about fashion'' Twilight said, ''but everypony hasn't been introduced, isn't it Fluttershy?'' 'Everypony'? It sounded ridiculous, but also cute. Speaking of which, the last member of the group was a yellow mare with wings and a pink long mane. Her name suited her perfectly: she was hiding behind her hair, looking away and scratching the ground with her hoof. Francis knew that she wouldn't start, so he took the lead.

''Hello, my name is Francis, what's yours?'' He spoke quietly and softly, as we speak to a shy child. He extended his hand in friendship, but the pain reminded him of reality. He gritted his teeth and pulled slowly his hand back to him.

Unintentionally, he had perform a great icebreaker.

She came near him and took his hand between her two hooves. The shy pony sat down and began to whisper reassuring words. It's a technique usually restricted to children and animals, so it was embarrassing, but still appeasing.

''Hue... Fluttershy?''

''Yes?'' She replied, still caressing the end of his arm.

''Thanks for taking care of me. It touches me.'' He spoke to the whole group. ''Thank you all. I wouldn't find such kindness where I come from.''

''That's what friends does!'' Pinkie answered, smiling. Friends? Already? As much as he could remember, making friends took him a lot of time and lot of them didn't last for long. How could this be?

''Friends? Really? I wasn't expecting that...''

''Due... You saved Twilight's life, action talks more than words themselves.'' The bouncing pony said like it seemed obvious. ''And to celebrate this, we organized a sleepover!'' His face was melting, metaphorically.

''A what?''

''A sleepover. You know, when your friends stay for the night!'' Even heard a second time, it wasn't pleasing Francis much . It was so... Girly... Seriously... The thing he wanted the most was to run away from his bed. But it wasn't possible. The night was gonna be VERY long...

Author's Note

I've been really sick last few days and I lost my grand-mom (not really dead, just coma), so it was hard to finish this chapter. Hope you liked it as much as I loved to write it.

If you think that I didn't faithfully reproduced one of the character's personality, it's possible, so feel free to tell me ;)

Yeah, I know: why a freaking sleepover? The real question is ''why not?''. don't worry, I ain't gonna do a complete chapter about a sleepover. But, if you want, I could write it.

If there is any error, mistake of punctuation, spelling or if something seems 'odd', feel free to correct it :D