Chapters I groaned as my alarm clock blared in my ear. My hand missed the button a few times before the beeping stopped. A sigh escaped my mouth as I sat up. I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and slid out of my bed. I shuffled around my room getting all the things needed for my night shift at the grocery store. Never really understood why I got night shift. Nor do I understand why a grocery store has a "night shift" position anyways.
A seventeen year old slightly immature but passionate teen working night shift at a grocery store. Meh. Sounds meta enough. Yes I did just say 'meta'. I checked my phone for the time as I buttoned my collar of the dark blue uniform. I grabbed my flashlight and baseball cap before leaving the apartment and entering my car.
I guess now is as good of time as any to introduce myself. The name's Mark J. Daniels. Short brown hair, eye color matching, tall, moderately built, good aim, hardcore gamer, lucky, likable, cuddly, extremely odd, and caring. Man I'm just a jack of all trades aren't I?
The way to work was filled with slightly filled parking lots and lonely roads. I don't know why, but I always liked it this way. It was a quiet little place here, and I loved it. I parked in the spot closest to the entrance before leaving the car. As I neared the store entrance, I pulled out my keys and unlocked the door. I feel like it was odd to have only me as night guard. Besides, who the hell would want to rob a damn grocery store of all places?
As I wandered around I found my self near the cashier section . Shuffling past cashier number seven I stood still and stared at it for a moment. I used to have a severe crush on this cute girl. She had dyed her hair a darkish red with a streak of lighter red on the left. Her eyes matched her hair and she was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen before.
Then I found out she had a boyfriend, which ruined the whole thing for me. It sucked because she told me that she knew all the signs that I was giving off and she felt bad which made me feel bad and then it was just a mixture of emotions. I'm not gonna lie though, her boyfriend's a pretty cool dude.
Three A.M. came by and I was in the cafe section playing on my phone. The quest for breaking records is one of my necessities. Especially with games. Whether it was a big game or a small game, I had to be number one. I was top of the leaderboards on eight different games. But those were just games that nobody plays anymore. Not a very big deal.
It was four A.M. and I found myself in the security office watching the cameras. My eyes found the toy aisle and I shuddered at the dolls. I swear to God if one of those dolls goes missing while I'm here, I am out this bitch. Nothing really happened on camera so I found myself raiding the coffee. Revving up on coffee is one of my favorite things to do.
Five A.M. rolled by and I found myself messing around in the aisles. Dancing to music, rolling around in the carts, making domino stacks with the cereal boxes, man it was a bad idea to give somebody like me the role of night guard of a grocery store. I found myself utterly bored out of my mind as I waiting for my shift to end.
It was nearing six A.M. and I started getting ready to leave. I made sure to triple check that I locked the doors and walked back to my car. As I neared my car, I heard a rush of footsteps behind me. I whirled around, but didn't get the chance to look at my assailant before he tackled me to the ground
"Oh shit, what the fuck?!" I shouted.
As we wrestled around on the concrete lot, I saw something shining in the parking lot light. It was a knife, and I rather large one. I panicked and screamed for help. The man started to yell and I immediately recognized his voice. It was the crazy homeless man the all of the employees made fun of all the time. I guess he mistook me for one of them.
"H-hey man! Look, I wasn't a part of one of the people that made fun of you! I ain't got shit on you man!" I pleaded.
"Shut'cher mouf ya little sheit!" the man shouted.
Soon after he did, I felt the knife plunge into my chest. I began to lose feeling in my body as my arms fell limp. I gasped for air as a flash of blue and red lights neared. The homeless man stood up and tried too run but the policeman tackled him. The other policeman stood over me and spoke on his radio. He placed both of his hands on my wound and tried to speak to me, but I couldn't hear him.
The world started to go black slowly. I tried to move, but it only made the darkness flood more. Finally the world went dark...
Meanwhile in Equestria.
"Twilight, how far is this picnic spot?" Rainbow Dash pouted.
"That's the eighteenth time you've asked me that Rainbow, and for the eighteenth time, we're not that far!" Twilight groaned.
"Alright, alright... sheesh."
"Why so moody darling?" Rarity asked.
"Aren't you annoyed by the filly who keeps asking the same question over and over again?"
"Hey! Who's the little filly?" Rainbow shouted.
"Well, yes it does get annoying at times, but it's not an excuse to start shou- WHAT IN CELESTIA IS THAT?!?!?!" Rarity shrieked.
The Main Six gathered around to see a strange creature laying in the grass unconscious. They all stared at it in awe trying to comprehend what it was. They yelped as it twitched and groaned as it gained its conscience back. It sat up with a groan before rubbing its eyes and opening them and seeing the mares.
Well this is unfortunate. First I'm stabbed in the chest by a homeless man, then I'm running away from talking technicolored horses. Can my day can any worse than this? I turned around to see the answer, well, answers , to my question gaining on me rapidly. I swore loudly and tried to run faster. My lungs ached and my legs felt like they were going to snap. This was one helluva workout, I must say.
"Just wait! We only wanna talk to yo-"
"BULLSHEIT!!!" I cut off the lavender mare.
At this point I never bothered to look back. I already knew my impending fate. I just hoped I could escape it. I passed a house and time seemed to slow down as a certain figure caught my eye. It was... rather familiar... but not at the same time. The figure had a dark shade of red and a lighter tint of red on the left side of its mane and tail, creamish colored skin, beautiful... she stared at me and I stared at her.
I-is it her? I thought.
I hadn't noticed that I had stopped running to stare at the mare until I was tackled to the ground once again by the orange mare of the group chasing me. Hot fuckin' damn that mare had some strength on her. Just like that, I was lassoed and propped up against a wall faster than you can say, "fuck my life". Now I felt reality flood back and I felt my lungs burning and my legs aching. I began to pant and watch the six mares surround me.
"Hi." I chuckled nervously.
"So you speak Equestrian too?" The lavender mare asked.
"Equestrian? Uhhh, sorry ma'am, but I'm speaking English." I replied.
"What's English?"
"What we're speaking..." I deadpanned.
"Oh, never mind languages, why did you run?"
"Well, never thought I'd come across ponies in my entire life. Not even talking ones." I answered.
"That's understandable I guess. We've never ran into any of your kind either."
"I guess we're even then." I smiled.
"Oh, where are my manners?" The mare and I said simultaneously.
We both gave each other looks before I nodded that mare on.
"Heh, I'm Twilight Sparkle." She said.
"The name's Mark Daniels." I replied.
"Nice to meet you Mark Daniels." She said.
"Egh, please, just Mark is fine. I don't really like it when people call me by my full name, eh?"
"That's fine."
The rest of the mares introduced themselves and explained where I was and who they were in this world. The story is quite impressive. We became quite accustomed to each other after a little bit. Which surprised me greatly. After we were done talking I looked back over to the place I saw the red haired mare. I caught her staring at me with curiosity enough to kill a cat. I glanced at the mares in front of me then back to the red haired one and slowly began to approach her.
She seemed a bit intimidated by my size, but she only seemed a foot shorter than me. And I'm 6 feet. Finally she stood her ground and waited for me until we were face to face. We stared at each other for a moment before I let out a nervous chuckle.
"Er, I'm... M-Mark. Mark Daniels." I said.
"Hey, I'm Roseluck."
Don't tell her she looks like Amy, don't tell her she looks like Amy, don't... fuckin'... tell her... I told myself.
"I'm guessing you like flowers?" I found myself flirting. But I couldn't help myself.
"Yeah, I've been around them all my life. They're so amazing with their varieties... some gorgeous, some elegant, some unique. They all have their own personalities." She said.
Wow...
'I'm sorry, I'm going on again aren't I?" She blushed.
"No no, you're fine, honest." I said. "So um, you aren't freaked out by me at all?" I asked.
She nodded slowly. "Yeah, yeah, maybe I am a bit." She said while scanning me. "Not like anything I've seen before, but hey, it's always good to see something new huh?"
"Yep." I said.
"Hey Mark!"
I turned to see Twilight waving me over.
"Alright, well, I guess I'll talk to you again soon?" I asked.
"Sure, stop by anytime." She answered.
"Alright. Later Roseluck."
"Bye Mark!" She waved.
As I walked to the mares I felt something pierce my heart. That mare... Roseluck, she reminds me too much of Amy from cash register 7. I began to picture a comparison of the two in my mind. The resemblance was painful. I shook the images away before following the mares to find myself a new home.
It'd been three days since I mysteriously came to Equestria. Everyone still wasn't used to me. Some thought I was a bit odd, some thought I was pretty cool. But the only ones who actually considered me as a friend were the six mares and Roseluck. Who I've been spending a lot of time with. Whenever I'm around her I feel weight of Amy coming off my shoulders. She was so much like her... passionate, caring, had her odd side, talented... But overall, I thought she was slightly better than Amy.
The mares agreed to let me stay at Applejack's house as long as I don't cause too much trouble. I stood out on the porch of the farmhouse enjoying the cool breeze that reminded me of home. I let out a sigh as I sat down on the bench. The door to my left opened and I saw Applejack walk out and sit next to me.
"How're ya doin' sugarcube?" She asked.
"Ah, just swell. You?"
"I'm doin' fine, thanks for askin'." She replied. "So, what do ya think about our world?"
"It's nice, quiet, peaceful. Just like home." I said.
"I can agree with ya on that one." She chuckled.
I chuckled as well as I sat back and looked out to the lush landscape. Autumn colored leaves littered the branches and the bases of the many trees. Not a single apple was left on a tree as apple-filled buckets wrapped around the apple trees. Applejack stood up and looked at me.
"Ya ever tried apple cider before?" She asked.
"Nope, not allowed to drink unless you're 21 back where I come from." I answered.
"Well how old are ya?"
"17." I said.
"Ah, I'll let ya have some. I mean, you're not at home now aren't ya?"
"True that." I agreed as I stood up.
Applejack led me to the barn which held hay and barrels. I watched as Applejack poured me a cup of apple cider from one of the large barrels and handed it to me. I nodded as I grasped the cup. I gingerly took a sip before my eyes shot open.
"Holy hell, that's delicious!" I exclaimed.
Applejack chuckled, "I knew you'd like it."
I hummed in agreement as I took another swig. She watched in amazement as I chugged the whole cup. I gasped and licked the foam off my lips.
"Woo wee! You must really like that stuff sugarcube."
"It's rather satisfying." I said.
"Well, enjoy it while it lasts, that your only cup for the week." Applejack replied.
"One cup of cider every week?" I asked.
"Yep."
"Sounds like a deal." I smiled.
I entered the farm house and went to my room. Which just so happens to be Applejack's, sister's room. I slept on the floor with a makeshift bed made out of a couple folded blankets, a folded pillow and a blanket for covering myself. For being an alien here, hospitality ain't all that bad.
I laid down on my makeshift bed and sighed. The fact that I'm in a different world still jabbed at my mind. Sometimes I wondered if I was ever going to get back home.
"I don't know Mark, nopony's done much world traveling. I'll try to ask Celestia about something, but... that's all I can do."
A sigh escaped my mouth as I began to think about home, my small quiet home, my apartment, my friends, my family. If Twilight can't find a way back home, then I'm stuck here, and I'll never be able to see any of those things again. I scratched my chest and felt something. I lifted my work shirt to see a scar where the homeless man had stabbed me.
How the hell did I not notice this earlier? I thought.
Applebloom, Applejack's sister, walked into the room and looked at me.
"AJ wants to know if ya want to go out with her and er' friends." She said.
I nodded and she trotted over to her bed before jumping into it. She sighed into her pillow before pulling the blankets over her. I stood up and went downstairs. I saw the mares standing out on the porch through the screen door.
"Mark, c'mon let's go!" Rainbow rushed.
"I'm comin'!" I shouted.
We headed toward's Twilight's treehouse and I wanted to back out of this but they wouldn't let me. Reason why I wanted to back out of it was because it was a slumber party. And they though it was a good idea to tell me this when we were halfway there.
"Y'know slumber parties don't usually involve guys right?" I asked.
"And? Whatever girls do at slumber parties in your world are probably a lot different from our's." Rarity said.
"Well, we'll just have to see." I muttered.
I saw the treehouse in the distance and sighed.
"Also... y'all do know it's like... nine... something A.M. right?" I asked.
"We can do other things to pass the time you know that?" Rainbow asked.
"Oh yeah that's great, let's just do stuff that a human wouldn't normally do until ten or something P.M. then have the slumber party."
Man I was unusually cranky right now.
"Fine, we'll do our things, you do your things. Got it?" Twilight said.
"Sure, good enough for me." I replied.
"But you have to be back by sundown."
"Right..."
After that we parted ways. I made note of the general area that Twilight's house was in. Then I made my way to Roseluck's shop. On my way there I had more ponies greeting me than yesterday. It was good to know I wasn't as much of an outsider than I was when I first came here. Some even tried to have conversations with me. I did my best to have some small talk with the townsfolk before continuing to Rose's. I smelled the sweet aroma of flowers and knew I was close by. I knocked on the door and waited for an answer. After a moment the door was opened.
"Oh hey Mark." Roseluck said.
"Hey Rose." I replied.
"Come on in." She stepped to the side and allowed me to enter.
I nodded in thanks before walking in and leaning against the counter. She grabbed a chair and sat down.
"So, what's it like being away from home?" She asked.
"Oh it's extremely nerve-racking. You never know when you're gonna get home and when you're gonna be able to see what you've always seen." I replied.
"It must be hard." Roseluck sighed.
"A little. But for a guy like me it's pretty bad." I said.
"Why?"
"Because I get homesick pretty easily. I'm not a person who can stay away from home for too long. It took me a while to actually stay in my apartment when I moved out of my mom and dad's house."
"Wow, that's rough."
"Yeah, tell me about it." I muttered.
"Well, I'm sure things will turn out okay." Rose reassured.
"Yeah, hopefully..." I chuckled.
"What's wrong?" Rose asked.
"Nah, it's nothing, don't worry." I said.
"Well, alright."
The day passed by like a bullet with Rose. We told each other stories about our lives and things that happened to us when we were younger. I looked at the window to see that it was pitch black outside.
"Doh, hell." I said.
"What?" Rose asked.
"I gotta get back to Twilight's for this slumber party thing." I replied.
"Wait, don't slumber parties usually involve girls only?"
I gave Rose a look that said, "right???". She laughed and I laughed with her. Her laugh was adorable, I have to admit. She walked me out to road and I turned around.
"So you'll be over tomorrow right?" She asked.
"I mean if you want me to, sure."
"Cool." She smiled.
Before I turned around to leave Rose wrapped her forehooves around me and held me in a tight hug. I stood there frozen. All I could do was return the hug. Her coat felt so soft I didn't wanna let go. She rested her chin on my shoulder and sighed.
"I'll see you later." She said softly before letting me go.
"You too." I replied.
She smiled brightly before walking back to her house. I still stood there, frozen in time. I could still feel her warmth on my arms that made me tingle. I shook my head vigorously before chuckling lightly and leaving for Twilight's house.
"Gruuhhh..." I groaned as I awoke from my deep slumber.
I lay on another makeshift bed, but this time in a library. I looked around and remembered that Twilight had a slumber party with the mares. Well... technically it wasn't a slumber party. Everyone was already asleep by the time I walked in. Either I was late or they just got bored and fell asleep. I stretched my arms and listened to my back pop. With a groan I stood up and a crack in the blindfolds shined a nice bright light over my eyes.
HHHNNGGGHH FUCK! I thought as I shielded my eyes.
The mares were all sleeping soundly, I didn't want to imagine what would happen if I did wake them up. I tread lightly over the mares and went to the kitchen. I shuffled around for a bit trying to find a pick-me-up. With a sigh, I gave up and stretched my back. I turned around and jumped as I saw Rainbow standing there behind me.
"Jesus fuck Rainbow, don't do that." I whispered as I clutched my chest.
"Sorry Mark." Rainbow whispered.
"It's fine. Do you know where anything coffee related might be?" I asked.
"What?" She asked.
Oh for fuck's sake please don't tell me they don't have coffee here.
"Oh, coffee. Heh, right." She chuckled as she scratched her ear. "We do have a cafe, it opens up in an hour or so. Do you wanna go grab some?" She asked.
"Well, you're the only one awake so, sure." I sighed.
Rainbow and I made our way to the coffee shop. We had time to talk to each other's pastimes. Rainbow kept saying mine was "lame". And to be honest, it really was. Her's was extremely interesting, and pretty awesome. But then again, Rainbow's other name is practically awesome. It was a name she donned upon herself. We both took our seats and I noticed a lingering smell. I sniffed around before sniffing myself and gagging.
"Jesus fuck... do you not smell that?" I asked.
"A-actually, I sorta did, I just didn't wanna be rude." Rainbow said.
"I'm bein' rude by having poor hygiene." I recoiled at my smell again.
"Do you have anywhere I could clean myself?" I asked.
"Yeah, we have a bathhouse but-"
"Take me there." I said.
We left the cafe and went to the bathhouse. I went inside and went up to the spa ponies with a smile.
"Hi, I uh, need a bath, as well as my clothes washed please."
"Of course. That'll be fifteen bits." She said.
"I uh... sorta don't have any money right now." I chuckled as I emptied my pockets to find nothing but my dying phone.
"That's okay, we'll give you this one for free." The pink mare said.
"Thank you so much." I said putting my hands together and bowing.
The mare giggled and waved me over to the dressing room. She handed me a bathrobe and I entered the room. After I dressed out I gave her my clothes shyly, embarrassed by the smell. Then went to the pools. I let out a soft sigh as I dipped my feet into the pool then slipped in. I leaned back and heard hooves clopping behind me. I turned to see Rainbow, with a bathrobe of her own, start to slip into the pool with me.
She noticed the blush on my face and giggled. I saw a faint blush glowing on her cheeks. Which was really adorable to be honest. She finally sat down with a sigh.
"So, what do you humans do for fun?" Rainbow asked.
"A great many things, my rainbow haired friend." I said poetically.
"Like?" She persisted.
"Well, there's too many things for me to list. And most of those things you probably wouldn't understand." I chuckled.
"Oh..." Rainbow muttered.
The next few minutes were silent. We both just kinda looked around before looking at each other and smiling or whatnot. Finally, Rainbow spoke up.
"Hey Mark, I know it's only been a few days but..." She looked away nervously, "but... do you have your eyes set on anypony?"
I kinda sat there and tried not to lose my jaw. I didn't know how to respond to the question. But I knew I didn't have enough time to think of one, but I didn't wanna hurt Rainbow's feelings...
"N-no! No no no no. Not... y-yet anyways." I mustered as I scratched my head.
"Really?" She asked.
"Yeah, of course." I replied.
This seemed to lighten her spirits, but little did she know it was a lie... which sucked for me because I hate hurting people's feelings, as well as lying, but I can't make split decisions very well. We spent a little more time at the spa before the ponies came back with my clothes in hand. I thanked them as I got out and went back into the dressing room.
I felt much better now that I was smelling clean and fresh, but I can't go back there everytime I need my uniform washed. Maybe I could ask Rarity. I let out a sigh as I sat down in my seat with Rainbow. A waiter took both of our orders swiftly and left. Rainbow and I continued to talk about the little things of life and I told her about how I was feeling homesick. She told me about her dreams of joining the most professional team of pegasai known as the Wonderbolts. They sounded impressive, but I feel like Rainbow could do better single-handedly.
I let out a sigh as my cup of hazlenut coffee was brought to me. Rainbow took a bite out of her hay sandwich and hummed. We both smiled at our delights.
We finished then parted ways. Rainbow went back to check on Twilight and I went off to see Rose. As I neared her place the sweet aroma filled my nostrils again. I turned the corner and saw her watering her plants. She looked over and saw me, then smiled. She placed her sprinkler down and trotted over to me. I smiled as she wrapped her forehooves around me in a tight hug which I returned. We entered her house and sat down at the table.
"So how's your morning been?" She asked.
"Well, I went to the spa because I smelled terrible and I didn't wanna ruin the smell of your flowers." I replied.
Rose giggled, "Well that was awfully nice of you."
"Hah, anytime." I chuckled. "How 'bout you eh? Do anything special today?" I asked.
"No, not really. I don't go out much." Rose said shyly.
"Why not?" I asked.
"I don't know, I mean..." She rubbed her shoulder nervously. "I don't really have much friends..."
"Whaaat?" I said.
"Yeah... most ponies don't see me as much more than a flower-pony." She sighed.
"Well I'm glad I'm not most ponies." I said.
"Hmm?" Rose looked at me and I lost myself in her gorgeous eyes.
"I... I-I said I'm glad I'm not most ponies..." I mustered.
"Well, what do you see in me?" She asked leaning forward with a small hopeful smile.
"Well, I see a unique mare that has feelings, someone who can tell the difference between the good and the bad and can't be easily swayed. Someone who's open about themselves not only in words but in actions. And Rose, you have all of those things." I said.
Her blush was too adorable.
"W-wow. Uhm, I've... never, ever had somepony say that to me before. Thanks." She smiled brightly.
"No problem." I said.
An awkward silence took the room. Rose sat there looking away bashfully as her blush grew. In my mind the gears where whirring as I thought of something... someplace that I could take Rose, somewhere she'd like. Then I got an idea, but decided to save it for later.
"Hey Rose?"
"Hmm?" Rose looked in my direction, but not at me.
"How much do you like flowers?" I asked.
"Well, like I said when we met, I've been around them almost my whole life. Then I found myself attached to them. Sometimes when I see a garden I take the time to look at all the gorgeous flowers."
"Well you're the most gorgeous flower I've ever seen." I said lightly.
"What?" She asked.
"N-nothing." I jumped.
"Oh... okay..." She muttered.
I spent the rest of the day with Rose. This was probably the longest time I've spent here. But we both enjoyed every minute of each other's presence. The longer I spent with Rose, the more I found out about her and vice versa. The day was coming to an end and Rose looked pretty tired. She let out a yawn before resting her head on the table.
"It's getting pretty late," I said, "I guess I'll see you tomorrow eh?"
"Sure, stop by anytime."
Rose walked me to the door this time. She gave me another tight hug before we said our goodbyes. The walk home was quiet and cool. Just like home. I couldn't stop thinking about home. It was the one thing that was stuck in my head. As I walked back to AJ's farm, a song popped into my head that reminded me of home.
Youtube Video
I hummed the song for the rest of the walk home. I got home and quietly went to Applebloom's room. I cracked the door open and saw Applebloom sound asleep. Her soft snores were enough to cover the sound of the floorboards creaking as I laid down onto my makeshift bed. I pulled the blankets over me before I fell asleep with the song in my head.