Getting Used to Itby Norad2Chapters They Never See It ComingA Surprise and Some ChangeFighting Monsters They Never See It ComingThey Never See It Coming The time was late afternoon and the weather was rather pleasant, considering the heat of summer had not yet yielded to Autumn. Travel Quill pulled his modest supply cart along the road entering Ponyville from the West, rather on the weary side from his travels. Despite the relatively cool temperature, there was sweat on his midnight blue coat and white mane and tail. As Travel Quill got closer he noticed a wooden sign on the left side of the road with large print stating that, upon passing by said sign, one would officially be within the town limits. A not inconsiderable number of unofficial messages were also scrawled around the edges, and Travel stopped in front of the sign to read them. Some of them were a bit concerning. In particular were three specific messages that seemed to play off each other and read, “We’re all a little crazy here,” “You’ll get used to it,” and “The best way to survive is with friends.” On the right side of the road, a little ways behind the sign, a lone unicorn guard leaned against the wall of a lone Ponyville guard post, who, unbeknownst to Travel, was waiting for the show to start. Mind you, this unicorn was not a royal guard, but rather one of the dozen or so members of Ponyville’s own local town guard who spent most of their time watching the roads and seeing to ponies making their way into Ponyville. Thus his natural features, silver grey coat, and scarlet mane and tail were visible under the decidedly boring, non-enchanted metal armor. After a few moments of indecision, Travel decided it was time to get moving again. He was steps away from crossing that invisible line into Ponyville. The unicorn guard counted down in his head. Three. Something moved in Travel’s cart that most certainly had not been there a second ago. Two. CONFETTI IN THE AIR! NOISE MAKER BLOWING! Deep breath! Right on schedule. “Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie! What’s yo-“ “SWEET CELESTIA’S FLAMING FEATHERS!” “-ur name?! You’re definitely new to Ponyville I know be-“ “WHERE DID YOU COME FROM!?!” “-cause if you were you wouldn’t have asked me that just now and besides I know every pony in Ponyville and ev-“ “HOW DID YOU GET INTO THAT SUITCASE!?!” “-ery pony in Ponyville knows me! Rrrrrright, Warden ?” said Pinkie Pie as she climbed out of the cart, came alongside Warden, and exchanged a quick hoof-bump with him. “How did you unlock it from the inside?!” Travel managed to say in a small, strained voice. “And I definitely don’t know you so what’s your name? I need to know so I can put it on the banner for your ‘We’re so glad you decided to move to Ponyville even though it was just attacked by Meany-lord Tirek and that was the last straw for some ponies!’ party” “Bwuh, uh, wuh, zz-huh? Name?” said Travel as he attempted to gather himself and put a stopper in his leaking sanity, having just witnessed at least one physical impossibly, though maybe more – he didn’t trust his brain to count any higher right now. In the pony before him was a flame that could not be extinguished, Laughter given Form. Indomitable joy, like a tangible force, poured from the pink (ninja?) party pony in waves. Cotton candy curls bobbed as she hopped up and down in place, causing Travel’s own aquamarine eyes to bounce up and down in his head. A huge smile was radiant upon her face as she waited now for his answer. “Travel. Travel Quill, uh, is my, uh, name, um, yeah,” Travel strung together. “Well, great to meet ‘cha, Travel Quill! I just love meeting new ponies! And griffons and zebras and there was this one time when we met this group of breezies trying to get back to their home, and one of them was kinda mean to the others but that was because they needed to get home soon or they would be locked out FOREVER!” Pinkie finished dramatically, whilst standing on her hind legs and waving her forelegs menacingly at him. She seemed about to continue, but suddenly gasped in a rather spectacular fashion and put her forelegs to her head. “Oh no! I almost forgot! The first round of cupcakes for your party should be done by now! I have to get them before they burn!” she exclaimed, before promptly speeding off into town. In her place was a small piece of paper that slowly floated down to the ground. Travel picked up the pamphlet with his magic and brought it up to his eyes. On this piece of paper were the directions to a place called Sugarcube Corner and a time of 7:00pm. The only other thing the paper said was “YOU’RE INVITED TO YOUR PARTY!” “Wait, I’m invited to my party? Well of course, if it’s my part- wait ‘my party?’” said Travel with some confusion as he began to put together the rapid-fire pieces of what Pinkie Pie had said to him. A party to celebrate my move to Ponyville. Which nopony, but nopony, in Ponyville knows about. For which Pinkie Pie had cupcakes already baking before she miraculously performed her impossible escape from one of my suitcases and met me for the first time. Which either meant she was already inside my suitcase… but surely that’s not possi- “Don’t think about it too hard,” the guard, Warden, spoke up for the first time in a smooth, roguish voice. His accent marked him as somepony not originally from the area. Trottingham perhaps, but maybe not. “In fact, for newcomers, I would recommend starting off safe and not thinking about it at all. A twitch probably tipped her off.” “What? A twi- right don't think about it... er, so you know her, um, Pinkie Pie?” Warden nodded, his expression that of a knowing smile. “Yes Pinkie Pie, the Bearer of the Element of Laughter. Well, more accurately I know about her, but then, how much does anypony really know, about Pinkie Pie.” “Bearer? Her?” “This guard tells no lie.” “That pony played a part in the restoration of –wait did you just speak in rhyme?” “So I did, but it wasn't my intention. Speaking in verse is the talent of another, why?” “Oh, well, I’m a writer, I work with words and so, I guess I… have an ear for stuff like that. And sometimes I sorta get distracted by random things. Anyway, so she –Pinkie Pie –is one of the friends of Princess Twilight Sparkle?” “Indeed she is. You sound rather shocked, not that your reaction is uncommon, I imagine.” “It seems a bit cliche to say she’s not what I expected from an Element Bearer.” “That it does. So let me tell you what you can expect of her. Nopony can do what Pinkie Pie can do. Nopony knows how Pinkie Pie does what she does. And nopony throws a party quite like Pinkie Pie,” Warden asserted. The way his voice sounded made him seem like he was talking in a permanently sly or sarcastic manner, but despite this, Warden was absolutely serious. “You.. you make her sound almost larger than life,” noted Travel with cautious curiosity. “Well, I do have a penchant for the dramatic. The other town guards say I’m a bit eccentric, like that Doctor fellow. Not intentionally, mind you, it’s just that some sometimes I say something I feel is completely reasonable, and everypony else looks at me like they’re surprised or something,” Warden explained. Warden rubbed a hoof along the back of his neck and managed to look sheepish. “When it comes down to it, they’re ponies just like you and me, crazy quirks included. At the same time though, like everypony that’s been here long enough, I know that each of those six friends is special, make no mistake. More than that, they've proven that, together, they’re unstoppable.” “Wow… so, I should probably go to this party then?” “Definitely.” Author's Note GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD MORNING, VIETNAM!!! ... Er, wait no, I mean hello to any good sirs or madams that have just finished reading this little drabble! Thank you for reading (or skimming) through this piece. This is the second fanfiction I have ever written, and my very first pony story. This story came from one little idea that wouldn't go away, so I decided to make it my Fimfiction debut. My name is not [insert great classical author here] or even [insert renowned pony author here], but I've been told I can write fairly well when I put my mind to it. So stick around: I might surprise you with something decent, sometime down the road! Maybe. Possibly. It could happen... A Surprise and Some ChangeA Surprise and Some Change Warden stood by the guard post, still watching the road. A thoughtful expression was upon his normally relaxed features. Explaining things to a newcomer, especially in situations where said newcomer was introduced to Ponyville in such a dramatic way, was always a highlight for him during on-duty hours. This time however, explaining how things were in Ponyville had left him wondering how things would change. For years had the Golden Oaks Library stood in Ponyville, long before Twilight had arrived on the scene. The word was that Her Serene Highness Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship was more than a little broken up about its destruction. Honestly, how could she not be? Warden turned to look back into town, towards Sugarcube Corner. He hoped that Travel Quill had followed his advice and gone to the party. Willingly, Warden added mentally. I hope he decided to go, willingly. There’s not a breezie’s chance in Tartarus Pinkie Pie would let him miss his own party, after all. Warden was not on the night shift today, so perhaps it would be good to check on Travel and make sure he found the Ponyville Guest House. Travel seemed like a pretty intelligent pony, but maybe not the most sure of himself. Also, the likelihood of Warden receiving a free cupcake was quite high if the party was still going when he arrived. Warden liked cupcakes. That’s not to say he liked them any more than anypony else, but that was still a lot. Travel Quill would have to make it on his own for at least the majority of the party, however. Hopefully he had fun… The door. The door. It had betrayed him! Travel Quill had only just met this door, but it had already stabbed him in the back! The door had opened with a friendly swing, but upon opening to its widest, a hidden confetti cannon had triggered. Something about this was surely unfair. Travel was not sure what, exactly, though. Nor did he have any time to consider as he was pulled inside by his front hooves. “Surprise! Hi there, Travel Quill, I’m Pinkie Pie and I threw this party just for you!” “Well, yes, I-” “But you already knew that because I already told you! So I knew you wouldn’t be surprised when you walked in because you already knew so I had to ask myself, ‘Pinkie, how can I still surprise Travel Quill if he already knows about his party?’ Then I got the most super spectaculawesome idea! A hidden party cannon! I know I would be surprised if I opened a completely normal looking door only to have confetti explode around me but you aren’t me so I didn’t know if it would work but it was such spectaculawesome idea I just had to try it! Did it work? Were you surprised?!” “I, um, yes, I was, uh, very surprised.” “Great!” “There aren't any more of those hidden party cannons here… are there?” “No, of course not, Silly! It wouldn't work again after such a short time. You wouldn't be surprised!” Travel Quill took a moment to speak, “I wouldn't be too sure about that.” At this Pinkie looked thoughtful, as though considering something of great importance. Travel Quill took this calm in the storm to look around. There was a respectably large number of ponies milling about Sugarcube Corner, and they seemed to be having a very good time doing the things that one commonly does at a party. And some things one commonly does not do at a party. “That lasso trick is… actually really impressive. But I can’t help but think maybe it shouldn't be done in doors,” said Travel to Pinkie. Pinkie was not the least bit troubled. “Oh, that’s Applejack! Don’t worry, there’s no way she’ll mess up! She’s the best rope slinging pony this side of anywhere! She’s also one of my very best friends! Come on, I’ll introduce you!” “That’s quite alright I-” “HEY AJ!” “Well, alright then.” Though Pinkie Pie’s hailing immediately garnered Applejack’s attention, she did not for a moment lose her handle on the lasso, and finished up her trick with practiced ease, and more than a little flair. She politely excused herself from the small crowd watching her and made her way to Pinkie Pie and Travel Quill. Upon her head was a Stetson, and upon her flank was a cutie mark of three red apples. To say that she was built powerfully may not have been giving her enough credit. Even as she casually walked over to them, strength was evident in every movement, her steps sure and calm. Life on a farm was etched into her very self and the country flowed in her veins. If Pinkie Pie was a tidal wave of laughter and joy crashing into me, then Applejack was the sturdiest solid ground, upon which the most secure of foundations could be built. The writer part of Travel’s brain noted this to be a good line, if a bit flowery. Something to remember if he wrote a book on Ponyville, a possibility that currently seemed very likely, given what his first few hours there had been like. Applejack moved straight up to Travel and grasped his front leg in a very firm hoofshake. “Well howdy there, Mister! Seein’ as how Pinkie Pie here was lookin’ so eager to introduce ya, Ah reckon y’all must be Travel Quill? How do ya do?” “Aaaaaawwww! I wanted to do the introductions!” “I suppose I’m doing pretty well, honestly,” replied Travel. “But maybe a bit lost, being new here and all. Um, and how about yourself?” “Well shoot, Ah’m doing great, thanks fer askin’! Ah can certainly understand feelin’ a little uncomfortable if it’s your first time in Ponyville. Planin’ on stayin’ long?” “For the foreseeable future, yes, I’ll be living in Ponyville. I plan on getting a small apartment of some kind.” “That’s just dandy! Ah’ll give ya the grand tour one of these days. And stop by Sweet Apples Acres for the best apples you’ve ever tasted!” Said Applejack with no small amount of pride in her voice. “Is that what you do here, run a farm? You do seem the type.” “Sure is, Sugarcube! The Apple family grows the best apples in all of Equestria, and Ah’ll bet anywhere else, too!” This Applejack said with conviction, and Travel Quill was inclined to believe it was the truth as best she knew it, rather than just a sales pitch. “I think I might take you up on that, Applejack,” said Travel Quill, and meant it. “It’d be mah pleasure, Mr. Quill.” Whatever was going to be said next was cut off by a somewhat scratchy voice calling out. “Yo, Pinks, AJ, I gotta get goin’! It was an awesome party, if I even have to say it!” Travel Quill turned to look at the new member of the conversation. The pegasus in question was hovering just off to the side of the table they had gathered around. “Awww, Dashie, but you just got here! We still have games and-” “Don’t tempt me, Pinkie Pie, I’m trying to be responsible. I have some forms I have to fill out for the Wonderbolts Reserves, and I’m not looking forward to it!” Her coat was a very pleasant, calming light blue. Her mane and tail, however, were more assertive, and seemed to prefer sucker punching one’s retinas with a symphony of divided light! The strands and locks flowed as freely as any bird, but unruly as her hair was, her feathers were immaculately maintained. Her musculature indicated that she, too, was an athlete. But, where Applejack was sturdy, this pony was sleek beyond believe. Just hovering without a care, she exuded confidence and possessed a fiery spirit that harkened back to the proud martial culture of the ancient pegasi. “But you’re responsible all the time, like when you do weather team stuff, maybe you could just-” “Sorry, Pinks, I gotta fly.” “At least take some of my super duper cupcakes! I’ve been experimenting with some new surprise flavors!” “Already got some!” Said the pegasus, indicating her saddle bag with a smile. “See ya, AJ, Pinkie, new pony I don’t know, catch ya later!” And she was gone in a flash, through the still open door. “Whoa,” said Travel to Applejack and Pinkie Pie. “Fast.” “Fastest flier in all of Equestria, as she would tell ya,” quipped Applejack. “If y’all really want to get her talkin’ ask her about her sonic rainboom. She loves telling that story.” “Wait, sonic rainboom?!” Travel’s mind made the connection immediately. “Of course, that was Rainbow Dash. Should’ve been obvious, now that I think about it,” he finished, now half muttering to himself. “I imagine you’re one of the Element Bearer, too, aren't you, Applejack?” Asked Travel, now feeling embarrassed without really knowing why. “They say you’re all very close.” Applejack came to his rescue, “Now, Sugarcube, there ain't no reason to get yerself all worked up. We don’t exactly try to make a big deal of it ourselves, right Pinkie Pie? “Nope-a-rony!” Pinkie confirmed, all smiles. Then her expression hardened and she broke into Travel’s personal space to whisper seriously, “There are enough people watching us without getting the paparazzi involved. Try to keep things on the down low, or they might start watching you, too!” Her eyes narrowed and she took a quick glance at something off to the side. Then she was back to her regular broadcasting: all smiles, all the time! For her part Applejack shrugged and gave Travel a light smile. Don’t think about it. Travel remembered and tried to follow the advice. Still… “Now come on! There’s still some much fun left to be had! You still have to meet Gummy! He’s getting so much better with his tricycle and he just loves showing off to anypony that will watch!” exclaimed Pinkie, on a role now as she dragged Travel along with her. Applejack followed along behind them at a more reasonable pace, looking very much at peace with the world. The biggest surprise of the evening was, Travel later decided, was that he never tried to cut the party short: he was having too much fun. Fighting Monsters“I really appreciate all the advice for setting up here Applejack,” said Travel Quill as Applejack lead him to the Ponyville Guest House, with Pinkie Pie hopping along next to them. “Aw shucks, t’weren’t nothin’,” replied Applejack automatically. “I mean it! I’m not exactly the greatest with new situations, if you haven’t noticed, and this definitely counts,” countered Travel. “Ah don’t know, ya caught on quick as a mouse at Pinkie’s party,” replied Applejack with a smile. “Wasn't it just the most super awesome thing you've done since last month’s second Wednesday?!” Travel paused for a moment and answered honestly, “It was a lot of fun, it really was.” “Wait a second! How do you know about…” Travel paused. His brain was definitely hurting right now. “Know about what?” asked Pinkie without a hint of playing games. In fact she looked a bit confused now. “Er, never mind. It’s not important.” A familiar accented voice provided a welcome distraction. “Well, I was going to do my part as an upstanding citizen soldier, but it looks like you’ve already got the most dependable pony around to get you set up.” At this Applejack sighed and lowered her hat over her face for a moment before pushing it back up. “As Ah was just tellin’ Mr. Quill here, it ain’t a big deal, I’m just helpin’ him get set up in town, Warden.” Warden didn’t miss a beat. “Ha Ha! Yes, of course! I was merely stating the obvious. I already met with Travel here, when he made his way into town earlier today. I was, in fact, going to locate him and do the very thing you’re doing now, by the looks of it. Did you have fun at Pinkie’s welcome party, Travel?” “I did,” Travel repeated. “Excellent! I’m sure you did a superb job as always, Pinkie,” remarked Warden as he turned to the Mare of Many Parties. “Yeppers!” Came her reply. Warden turned back to Travel Quill. “You said you travel and write of places, ponies, and experiences. I’d bet you already have a few stored up in the old noggin and ready to go!” “That’s certainly the truth,” Travel said wryly. “Well then, I’ll let these two show you to the guest house. Hopefully our paths cross again soon. Enjoy your time in this most interesting of Equestrian towns!” said Warden, then turned back to Applejack and Pinkie Pie. “And a good evening to each of you as well. “Wait! I have a spare cupcake from the party, Warden!” Exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “Was that in your mane? Just how- right, never mind,” finished Travel Quill as Warden gave him a look. Warden once again stood alone outside the little guard house on the edge of Ponyville. It was fairly early, and so far three ponies had passed by his post: a pair of simple merchants and the town mailmare, who passed by with a cheerful, “Good morning!” as she carried her outbound mailbag. Spike may not have made a very good Rainbow Dash, but I’ll bet she could fill in for Pinkie. Thought Warden, idly. Any further idle musing was interrupted. “Yo, Warden! Watch the town for us!” shouted the voice of Rainbow Dash as she rushed past him. “Think of the speedster and she shall rocket past you… hm, no, that barely makes sense at all.” Warden then became aware of the hoof steps behind him, and turned back towards town. “Hi, Warden!” Said Pinkie from behind him. She wasn’t alone. With her were the rest of the Element Bearers minus Rainbow Dash. “Ah, the whole team is assembled with supplies for a journey, I see. Which road will you be taking out of here. It can’t be that far if you’re not taking the train.” “Actually, darling we are taking train. Quite a ways north east of here, in fact. We’re just waiting for Rainbow to remember this amidst her excitement and return to us so we can get underway,” clarified Rarity with only the slightest hint of exasperation. “But as she said, be a dear for us and watch the town while we’re out.” Warden put on a mask of surprise. “Me? Was there not a small detachment of actual Royal Guard stationed here ever since that unpleasant business with Tirek. I should say, it’s about time we got some real guardsponies here to supplement us weekend warriors!” Twilight Sparkle, of course, didn’t buy the act for a moment. “Maybe the other town guards could say that, but you were an ‘actual Royal Guard’ before some of them even signed up. You were a peacekeeper in an Equestrian trade settlement on one of the islands right up against the Gryphon Kingdom, right? That’s farther than most of them have ever been.” “Or us, come to think of it,” Applejack added. “Ak! The Princess of Books strikes again.” This earned a eye roll from Twilight, but there was a light smile on her face. The sound of pegasus wings could now be heard, heralding Rainbow’s return to the group. “Oh, Rainbow, it’s nice to see you back,” said Fluttershy in her quiet tone of complete and utter sincerity. “Of course you’ve read my file, as it were - you read everything. Not only that - you managed to make me feel old. I’m not old! I’m maybe a decade older than you lot, give or take a year or two. Yes, I did serve at Blackperch for a time,” continued Warden, reminiscing a bit. “Me and my old Guard crew had a few adventures worth telling about there… and elsewhere.” “And you were mighty helpful with gittin’ folks to stay inside when Tirek showed up, we barely had to say a word and you were takin’ charge and leadin’ ponies to safety,” Applejack chimed in again. “Sounds like you might have some pretty sweet stories! Did you ever fight any monsters back then?” Asked Rainbow with obvious excitement. “We may have dealt with one or two. Nothing on the scale of what you girls face every other month or so, I assure you,” Warden admitted. To himself he quietly mumbled something about “wretched spiders.” Rainbow Dash puffed up her chest a bit at the compliment, but the confirmation that Warden had, in fact, fought monsters of some description was enough to gain her approval. “Awesome! You’re definitely in charge until we get back!” “And what about the mayor?” Inquired Warden, in a teasing tone. “Whatever, you know what I mean,” Rainbow fired back. “Alright girls, let’s get moving,” said Twilight, bringing her friends back to the task at hoof. “Farewell, Operative Sparkle, may your foes be felled by the power of your friendship!” exclaimed Warden with a dramatic swipe of his right foreleg. At this Twilight had to stop and turn back around. “Operative?” She asked with a raised brow. “Hmm, perhaps ‘Agent’ would work better. What would you call somepony who leads a small, tight knit group to accomplish important missions all the time? It certainly rolls off the tongue better than Her Serene Highness, Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship.” Ooh, he’s totally got you there, Twilight,” commented Pinkie. “Can we all pick codenames? It’ll be just like back in the Crystal Empire! I should get my night vision goggles!” “Er, I think ‘Twilight’ is enough, without the extra titles,” returned the Princess. “Suit yourself, Twilight,” said Warden. “Can we pleeease get moving now?” Rainbow asked. “Alright, for real this time. Let’s go everypony!” Author's Note It only took me how long to actually start weaving this story into Season 5? How many references to other FimFiction stories can you find?
They Never See It ComingThey Never See It Coming The time was late afternoon and the weather was rather pleasant, considering the heat of summer had not yet yielded to Autumn. Travel Quill pulled his modest supply cart along the road entering Ponyville from the West, rather on the weary side from his travels. Despite the relatively cool temperature, there was sweat on his midnight blue coat and white mane and tail. As Travel Quill got closer he noticed a wooden sign on the left side of the road with large print stating that, upon passing by said sign, one would officially be within the town limits. A not inconsiderable number of unofficial messages were also scrawled around the edges, and Travel stopped in front of the sign to read them. Some of them were a bit concerning. In particular were three specific messages that seemed to play off each other and read, “We’re all a little crazy here,” “You’ll get used to it,” and “The best way to survive is with friends.” On the right side of the road, a little ways behind the sign, a lone unicorn guard leaned against the wall of a lone Ponyville guard post, who, unbeknownst to Travel, was waiting for the show to start. Mind you, this unicorn was not a royal guard, but rather one of the dozen or so members of Ponyville’s own local town guard who spent most of their time watching the roads and seeing to ponies making their way into Ponyville. Thus his natural features, silver grey coat, and scarlet mane and tail were visible under the decidedly boring, non-enchanted metal armor. After a few moments of indecision, Travel decided it was time to get moving again. He was steps away from crossing that invisible line into Ponyville. The unicorn guard counted down in his head. Three. Something moved in Travel’s cart that most certainly had not been there a second ago. Two. CONFETTI IN THE AIR! NOISE MAKER BLOWING! Deep breath! Right on schedule. “Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie! What’s yo-“ “SWEET CELESTIA’S FLAMING FEATHERS!” “-ur name?! You’re definitely new to Ponyville I know be-“ “WHERE DID YOU COME FROM!?!” “-cause if you were you wouldn’t have asked me that just now and besides I know every pony in Ponyville and ev-“ “HOW DID YOU GET INTO THAT SUITCASE!?!” “-ery pony in Ponyville knows me! Rrrrrright, Warden ?” said Pinkie Pie as she climbed out of the cart, came alongside Warden, and exchanged a quick hoof-bump with him. “How did you unlock it from the inside?!” Travel managed to say in a small, strained voice. “And I definitely don’t know you so what’s your name? I need to know so I can put it on the banner for your ‘We’re so glad you decided to move to Ponyville even though it was just attacked by Meany-lord Tirek and that was the last straw for some ponies!’ party” “Bwuh, uh, wuh, zz-huh? Name?” said Travel as he attempted to gather himself and put a stopper in his leaking sanity, having just witnessed at least one physical impossibly, though maybe more – he didn’t trust his brain to count any higher right now. In the pony before him was a flame that could not be extinguished, Laughter given Form. Indomitable joy, like a tangible force, poured from the pink (ninja?) party pony in waves. Cotton candy curls bobbed as she hopped up and down in place, causing Travel’s own aquamarine eyes to bounce up and down in his head. A huge smile was radiant upon her face as she waited now for his answer. “Travel. Travel Quill, uh, is my, uh, name, um, yeah,” Travel strung together. “Well, great to meet ‘cha, Travel Quill! I just love meeting new ponies! And griffons and zebras and there was this one time when we met this group of breezies trying to get back to their home, and one of them was kinda mean to the others but that was because they needed to get home soon or they would be locked out FOREVER!” Pinkie finished dramatically, whilst standing on her hind legs and waving her forelegs menacingly at him. She seemed about to continue, but suddenly gasped in a rather spectacular fashion and put her forelegs to her head. “Oh no! I almost forgot! The first round of cupcakes for your party should be done by now! I have to get them before they burn!” she exclaimed, before promptly speeding off into town. In her place was a small piece of paper that slowly floated down to the ground. Travel picked up the pamphlet with his magic and brought it up to his eyes. On this piece of paper were the directions to a place called Sugarcube Corner and a time of 7:00pm. The only other thing the paper said was “YOU’RE INVITED TO YOUR PARTY!” “Wait, I’m invited to my party? Well of course, if it’s my part- wait ‘my party?’” said Travel with some confusion as he began to put together the rapid-fire pieces of what Pinkie Pie had said to him. A party to celebrate my move to Ponyville. Which nopony, but nopony, in Ponyville knows about. For which Pinkie Pie had cupcakes already baking before she miraculously performed her impossible escape from one of my suitcases and met me for the first time. Which either meant she was already inside my suitcase… but surely that’s not possi- “Don’t think about it too hard,” the guard, Warden, spoke up for the first time in a smooth, roguish voice. His accent marked him as somepony not originally from the area. Trottingham perhaps, but maybe not. “In fact, for newcomers, I would recommend starting off safe and not thinking about it at all. A twitch probably tipped her off.” “What? A twi- right don't think about it... er, so you know her, um, Pinkie Pie?” Warden nodded, his expression that of a knowing smile. “Yes Pinkie Pie, the Bearer of the Element of Laughter. Well, more accurately I know about her, but then, how much does anypony really know, about Pinkie Pie.” “Bearer? Her?” “This guard tells no lie.” “That pony played a part in the restoration of –wait did you just speak in rhyme?” “So I did, but it wasn't my intention. Speaking in verse is the talent of another, why?” “Oh, well, I’m a writer, I work with words and so, I guess I… have an ear for stuff like that. And sometimes I sorta get distracted by random things. Anyway, so she –Pinkie Pie –is one of the friends of Princess Twilight Sparkle?” “Indeed she is. You sound rather shocked, not that your reaction is uncommon, I imagine.” “It seems a bit cliche to say she’s not what I expected from an Element Bearer.” “That it does. So let me tell you what you can expect of her. Nopony can do what Pinkie Pie can do. Nopony knows how Pinkie Pie does what she does. And nopony throws a party quite like Pinkie Pie,” Warden asserted. The way his voice sounded made him seem like he was talking in a permanently sly or sarcastic manner, but despite this, Warden was absolutely serious. “You.. you make her sound almost larger than life,” noted Travel with cautious curiosity. “Well, I do have a penchant for the dramatic. The other town guards say I’m a bit eccentric, like that Doctor fellow. Not intentionally, mind you, it’s just that some sometimes I say something I feel is completely reasonable, and everypony else looks at me like they’re surprised or something,” Warden explained. Warden rubbed a hoof along the back of his neck and managed to look sheepish. “When it comes down to it, they’re ponies just like you and me, crazy quirks included. At the same time though, like everypony that’s been here long enough, I know that each of those six friends is special, make no mistake. More than that, they've proven that, together, they’re unstoppable.” “Wow… so, I should probably go to this party then?” “Definitely.” Author's Note GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD MORNING, VIETNAM!!! ... Er, wait no, I mean hello to any good sirs or madams that have just finished reading this little drabble! Thank you for reading (or skimming) through this piece. This is the second fanfiction I have ever written, and my very first pony story. This story came from one little idea that wouldn't go away, so I decided to make it my Fimfiction debut. My name is not [insert great classical author here] or even [insert renowned pony author here], but I've been told I can write fairly well when I put my mind to it. So stick around: I might surprise you with something decent, sometime down the road! Maybe. Possibly. It could happen...
A Surprise and Some ChangeA Surprise and Some Change Warden stood by the guard post, still watching the road. A thoughtful expression was upon his normally relaxed features. Explaining things to a newcomer, especially in situations where said newcomer was introduced to Ponyville in such a dramatic way, was always a highlight for him during on-duty hours. This time however, explaining how things were in Ponyville had left him wondering how things would change. For years had the Golden Oaks Library stood in Ponyville, long before Twilight had arrived on the scene. The word was that Her Serene Highness Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship was more than a little broken up about its destruction. Honestly, how could she not be? Warden turned to look back into town, towards Sugarcube Corner. He hoped that Travel Quill had followed his advice and gone to the party. Willingly, Warden added mentally. I hope he decided to go, willingly. There’s not a breezie’s chance in Tartarus Pinkie Pie would let him miss his own party, after all. Warden was not on the night shift today, so perhaps it would be good to check on Travel and make sure he found the Ponyville Guest House. Travel seemed like a pretty intelligent pony, but maybe not the most sure of himself. Also, the likelihood of Warden receiving a free cupcake was quite high if the party was still going when he arrived. Warden liked cupcakes. That’s not to say he liked them any more than anypony else, but that was still a lot. Travel Quill would have to make it on his own for at least the majority of the party, however. Hopefully he had fun… The door. The door. It had betrayed him! Travel Quill had only just met this door, but it had already stabbed him in the back! The door had opened with a friendly swing, but upon opening to its widest, a hidden confetti cannon had triggered. Something about this was surely unfair. Travel was not sure what, exactly, though. Nor did he have any time to consider as he was pulled inside by his front hooves. “Surprise! Hi there, Travel Quill, I’m Pinkie Pie and I threw this party just for you!” “Well, yes, I-” “But you already knew that because I already told you! So I knew you wouldn’t be surprised when you walked in because you already knew so I had to ask myself, ‘Pinkie, how can I still surprise Travel Quill if he already knows about his party?’ Then I got the most super spectaculawesome idea! A hidden party cannon! I know I would be surprised if I opened a completely normal looking door only to have confetti explode around me but you aren’t me so I didn’t know if it would work but it was such spectaculawesome idea I just had to try it! Did it work? Were you surprised?!” “I, um, yes, I was, uh, very surprised.” “Great!” “There aren't any more of those hidden party cannons here… are there?” “No, of course not, Silly! It wouldn't work again after such a short time. You wouldn't be surprised!” Travel Quill took a moment to speak, “I wouldn't be too sure about that.” At this Pinkie looked thoughtful, as though considering something of great importance. Travel Quill took this calm in the storm to look around. There was a respectably large number of ponies milling about Sugarcube Corner, and they seemed to be having a very good time doing the things that one commonly does at a party. And some things one commonly does not do at a party. “That lasso trick is… actually really impressive. But I can’t help but think maybe it shouldn't be done in doors,” said Travel to Pinkie. Pinkie was not the least bit troubled. “Oh, that’s Applejack! Don’t worry, there’s no way she’ll mess up! She’s the best rope slinging pony this side of anywhere! She’s also one of my very best friends! Come on, I’ll introduce you!” “That’s quite alright I-” “HEY AJ!” “Well, alright then.” Though Pinkie Pie’s hailing immediately garnered Applejack’s attention, she did not for a moment lose her handle on the lasso, and finished up her trick with practiced ease, and more than a little flair. She politely excused herself from the small crowd watching her and made her way to Pinkie Pie and Travel Quill. Upon her head was a Stetson, and upon her flank was a cutie mark of three red apples. To say that she was built powerfully may not have been giving her enough credit. Even as she casually walked over to them, strength was evident in every movement, her steps sure and calm. Life on a farm was etched into her very self and the country flowed in her veins. If Pinkie Pie was a tidal wave of laughter and joy crashing into me, then Applejack was the sturdiest solid ground, upon which the most secure of foundations could be built. The writer part of Travel’s brain noted this to be a good line, if a bit flowery. Something to remember if he wrote a book on Ponyville, a possibility that currently seemed very likely, given what his first few hours there had been like. Applejack moved straight up to Travel and grasped his front leg in a very firm hoofshake. “Well howdy there, Mister! Seein’ as how Pinkie Pie here was lookin’ so eager to introduce ya, Ah reckon y’all must be Travel Quill? How do ya do?” “Aaaaaawwww! I wanted to do the introductions!” “I suppose I’m doing pretty well, honestly,” replied Travel. “But maybe a bit lost, being new here and all. Um, and how about yourself?” “Well shoot, Ah’m doing great, thanks fer askin’! Ah can certainly understand feelin’ a little uncomfortable if it’s your first time in Ponyville. Planin’ on stayin’ long?” “For the foreseeable future, yes, I’ll be living in Ponyville. I plan on getting a small apartment of some kind.” “That’s just dandy! Ah’ll give ya the grand tour one of these days. And stop by Sweet Apples Acres for the best apples you’ve ever tasted!” Said Applejack with no small amount of pride in her voice. “Is that what you do here, run a farm? You do seem the type.” “Sure is, Sugarcube! The Apple family grows the best apples in all of Equestria, and Ah’ll bet anywhere else, too!” This Applejack said with conviction, and Travel Quill was inclined to believe it was the truth as best she knew it, rather than just a sales pitch. “I think I might take you up on that, Applejack,” said Travel Quill, and meant it. “It’d be mah pleasure, Mr. Quill.” Whatever was going to be said next was cut off by a somewhat scratchy voice calling out. “Yo, Pinks, AJ, I gotta get goin’! It was an awesome party, if I even have to say it!” Travel Quill turned to look at the new member of the conversation. The pegasus in question was hovering just off to the side of the table they had gathered around. “Awww, Dashie, but you just got here! We still have games and-” “Don’t tempt me, Pinkie Pie, I’m trying to be responsible. I have some forms I have to fill out for the Wonderbolts Reserves, and I’m not looking forward to it!” Her coat was a very pleasant, calming light blue. Her mane and tail, however, were more assertive, and seemed to prefer sucker punching one’s retinas with a symphony of divided light! The strands and locks flowed as freely as any bird, but unruly as her hair was, her feathers were immaculately maintained. Her musculature indicated that she, too, was an athlete. But, where Applejack was sturdy, this pony was sleek beyond believe. Just hovering without a care, she exuded confidence and possessed a fiery spirit that harkened back to the proud martial culture of the ancient pegasi. “But you’re responsible all the time, like when you do weather team stuff, maybe you could just-” “Sorry, Pinks, I gotta fly.” “At least take some of my super duper cupcakes! I’ve been experimenting with some new surprise flavors!” “Already got some!” Said the pegasus, indicating her saddle bag with a smile. “See ya, AJ, Pinkie, new pony I don’t know, catch ya later!” And she was gone in a flash, through the still open door. “Whoa,” said Travel to Applejack and Pinkie Pie. “Fast.” “Fastest flier in all of Equestria, as she would tell ya,” quipped Applejack. “If y’all really want to get her talkin’ ask her about her sonic rainboom. She loves telling that story.” “Wait, sonic rainboom?!” Travel’s mind made the connection immediately. “Of course, that was Rainbow Dash. Should’ve been obvious, now that I think about it,” he finished, now half muttering to himself. “I imagine you’re one of the Element Bearer, too, aren't you, Applejack?” Asked Travel, now feeling embarrassed without really knowing why. “They say you’re all very close.” Applejack came to his rescue, “Now, Sugarcube, there ain't no reason to get yerself all worked up. We don’t exactly try to make a big deal of it ourselves, right Pinkie Pie? “Nope-a-rony!” Pinkie confirmed, all smiles. Then her expression hardened and she broke into Travel’s personal space to whisper seriously, “There are enough people watching us without getting the paparazzi involved. Try to keep things on the down low, or they might start watching you, too!” Her eyes narrowed and she took a quick glance at something off to the side. Then she was back to her regular broadcasting: all smiles, all the time! For her part Applejack shrugged and gave Travel a light smile. Don’t think about it. Travel remembered and tried to follow the advice. Still… “Now come on! There’s still some much fun left to be had! You still have to meet Gummy! He’s getting so much better with his tricycle and he just loves showing off to anypony that will watch!” exclaimed Pinkie, on a role now as she dragged Travel along with her. Applejack followed along behind them at a more reasonable pace, looking very much at peace with the world. The biggest surprise of the evening was, Travel later decided, was that he never tried to cut the party short: he was having too much fun.
Fighting Monsters“I really appreciate all the advice for setting up here Applejack,” said Travel Quill as Applejack lead him to the Ponyville Guest House, with Pinkie Pie hopping along next to them. “Aw shucks, t’weren’t nothin’,” replied Applejack automatically. “I mean it! I’m not exactly the greatest with new situations, if you haven’t noticed, and this definitely counts,” countered Travel. “Ah don’t know, ya caught on quick as a mouse at Pinkie’s party,” replied Applejack with a smile. “Wasn't it just the most super awesome thing you've done since last month’s second Wednesday?!” Travel paused for a moment and answered honestly, “It was a lot of fun, it really was.” “Wait a second! How do you know about…” Travel paused. His brain was definitely hurting right now. “Know about what?” asked Pinkie without a hint of playing games. In fact she looked a bit confused now. “Er, never mind. It’s not important.” A familiar accented voice provided a welcome distraction. “Well, I was going to do my part as an upstanding citizen soldier, but it looks like you’ve already got the most dependable pony around to get you set up.” At this Applejack sighed and lowered her hat over her face for a moment before pushing it back up. “As Ah was just tellin’ Mr. Quill here, it ain’t a big deal, I’m just helpin’ him get set up in town, Warden.” Warden didn’t miss a beat. “Ha Ha! Yes, of course! I was merely stating the obvious. I already met with Travel here, when he made his way into town earlier today. I was, in fact, going to locate him and do the very thing you’re doing now, by the looks of it. Did you have fun at Pinkie’s welcome party, Travel?” “I did,” Travel repeated. “Excellent! I’m sure you did a superb job as always, Pinkie,” remarked Warden as he turned to the Mare of Many Parties. “Yeppers!” Came her reply. Warden turned back to Travel Quill. “You said you travel and write of places, ponies, and experiences. I’d bet you already have a few stored up in the old noggin and ready to go!” “That’s certainly the truth,” Travel said wryly. “Well then, I’ll let these two show you to the guest house. Hopefully our paths cross again soon. Enjoy your time in this most interesting of Equestrian towns!” said Warden, then turned back to Applejack and Pinkie Pie. “And a good evening to each of you as well. “Wait! I have a spare cupcake from the party, Warden!” Exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “Was that in your mane? Just how- right, never mind,” finished Travel Quill as Warden gave him a look. Warden once again stood alone outside the little guard house on the edge of Ponyville. It was fairly early, and so far three ponies had passed by his post: a pair of simple merchants and the town mailmare, who passed by with a cheerful, “Good morning!” as she carried her outbound mailbag. Spike may not have made a very good Rainbow Dash, but I’ll bet she could fill in for Pinkie. Thought Warden, idly. Any further idle musing was interrupted. “Yo, Warden! Watch the town for us!” shouted the voice of Rainbow Dash as she rushed past him. “Think of the speedster and she shall rocket past you… hm, no, that barely makes sense at all.” Warden then became aware of the hoof steps behind him, and turned back towards town. “Hi, Warden!” Said Pinkie from behind him. She wasn’t alone. With her were the rest of the Element Bearers minus Rainbow Dash. “Ah, the whole team is assembled with supplies for a journey, I see. Which road will you be taking out of here. It can’t be that far if you’re not taking the train.” “Actually, darling we are taking train. Quite a ways north east of here, in fact. We’re just waiting for Rainbow to remember this amidst her excitement and return to us so we can get underway,” clarified Rarity with only the slightest hint of exasperation. “But as she said, be a dear for us and watch the town while we’re out.” Warden put on a mask of surprise. “Me? Was there not a small detachment of actual Royal Guard stationed here ever since that unpleasant business with Tirek. I should say, it’s about time we got some real guardsponies here to supplement us weekend warriors!” Twilight Sparkle, of course, didn’t buy the act for a moment. “Maybe the other town guards could say that, but you were an ‘actual Royal Guard’ before some of them even signed up. You were a peacekeeper in an Equestrian trade settlement on one of the islands right up against the Gryphon Kingdom, right? That’s farther than most of them have ever been.” “Or us, come to think of it,” Applejack added. “Ak! The Princess of Books strikes again.” This earned a eye roll from Twilight, but there was a light smile on her face. The sound of pegasus wings could now be heard, heralding Rainbow’s return to the group. “Oh, Rainbow, it’s nice to see you back,” said Fluttershy in her quiet tone of complete and utter sincerity. “Of course you’ve read my file, as it were - you read everything. Not only that - you managed to make me feel old. I’m not old! I’m maybe a decade older than you lot, give or take a year or two. Yes, I did serve at Blackperch for a time,” continued Warden, reminiscing a bit. “Me and my old Guard crew had a few adventures worth telling about there… and elsewhere.” “And you were mighty helpful with gittin’ folks to stay inside when Tirek showed up, we barely had to say a word and you were takin’ charge and leadin’ ponies to safety,” Applejack chimed in again. “Sounds like you might have some pretty sweet stories! Did you ever fight any monsters back then?” Asked Rainbow with obvious excitement. “We may have dealt with one or two. Nothing on the scale of what you girls face every other month or so, I assure you,” Warden admitted. To himself he quietly mumbled something about “wretched spiders.” Rainbow Dash puffed up her chest a bit at the compliment, but the confirmation that Warden had, in fact, fought monsters of some description was enough to gain her approval. “Awesome! You’re definitely in charge until we get back!” “And what about the mayor?” Inquired Warden, in a teasing tone. “Whatever, you know what I mean,” Rainbow fired back. “Alright girls, let’s get moving,” said Twilight, bringing her friends back to the task at hoof. “Farewell, Operative Sparkle, may your foes be felled by the power of your friendship!” exclaimed Warden with a dramatic swipe of his right foreleg. At this Twilight had to stop and turn back around. “Operative?” She asked with a raised brow. “Hmm, perhaps ‘Agent’ would work better. What would you call somepony who leads a small, tight knit group to accomplish important missions all the time? It certainly rolls off the tongue better than Her Serene Highness, Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship.” Ooh, he’s totally got you there, Twilight,” commented Pinkie. “Can we all pick codenames? It’ll be just like back in the Crystal Empire! I should get my night vision goggles!” “Er, I think ‘Twilight’ is enough, without the extra titles,” returned the Princess. “Suit yourself, Twilight,” said Warden. “Can we pleeease get moving now?” Rainbow asked. “Alright, for real this time. Let’s go everypony!” Author's Note It only took me how long to actually start weaving this story into Season 5? How many references to other FimFiction stories can you find?
