The sky was gray, covered with a blanket of dark, heavy clouds that were pouring rain down on the ground, a cold, stormy day in the middle of the year. Most ponies were sitting inside, browsing the internet or plopped down watching some TV. The weather ponies had called for a rain-day across the nation for today, stating that the plants needed the extra water after such a hot, dry year they'd been having so far. One of the ponies sitting inside was a bubbly, chatty, loud mare by the name of Buffy. A smile was on her face as she stared at the large screen of the computer in front of her Refreshing the page she was on over and over, watching new threads pop up, watching more and more ponies discuss away and chat online.
New members were being greeted, a contest was going on, soon there'd even be a movie night for ponies to spend some time together! This website was none other than the My Little Pony Forums, a website that she not long ago, had made. It brought great joy to her seeing this, to see so many ponies enjoying it, so many ponies having fun and discussing so many different topics! On a second tab she had opened there were four of her friends chatting with each other over something. She simply had to get back to the forums for a second before going back to them. They'd come a long way, the five of them, from where they began. A pony with an idea and four of her best friends to share it with; who would have thought it'd come all this way! Buffy leaned back a bit as she thought back so many years ago.
When she was a filly, everything was fine. No pony had their cutie mark then, she was normal, happy, making all sorts of funny jokes and getting into quite long discussions with any pony who either happened to be watching what she did, or shared similar interests! She met an awesome pony named Pixel Wavelength here, though it was only for a few years, because when school ended one year for the summer Pixel had to leave. Before she had left, they had been the best of friends, the two who didn't have their cutie marks yet, the two adventurers. Sadly, she left Buffy one day to go somewhere and she ended up being known as that "one blank-flank" in the entire town. Ponies would look at her weird or in the middle of conversations take a peek at her blank flank in confusion, as to wonder why some pony as old as she wouldn't have their cutie mark yet!
To counter these odd stares, to counter the growing loneliness inside of her, Buffy began to talk. LOUD. Online too, she'd type in caps, putting her words all in bold so all eyes would be glued to what she said. Conversations with her asking "HEY, HOW'RE YOU!? YES, I'M FINE!" weren't uncommon. It was fun, too! Usually after getting their attention she'd go on to chat for hours about the new episode of Two Ponies, a Dragon, and a Griffon, or get into a heavy debate about why the Pony Life was better than Keeping up with the Princess's! If every pony noticed her from all the loud talking and looked at her face instead, they wouldn't be looking or caring of her blank-flank. It helped her to feel noticed, it became her thing! But the feelings still gnawed at her a bit, but less and less daily.
Ponies knew her for being the funny, chatty, loud-mouthed mare now. A cool and odd friend, not as that weird friend they knew that had no cutie mark! Even in a friendly world, being that different didn't help a pony fit in well. When she was a filly being a blank-flank wouldn't be odd, but without a cutie mark and already being out of school was! There were still some glances and jokes, but if she caught any-pony staring she'd just wave and yell "HOW DO YOU DO?" before bounding on over. It was fun! Buffy wasn't that sad; she had a nice new house, new friends, a new "thing." Still, she just wished she could find her special talent. Chatting and yelling didn't get her money, as much as she loved it. After school finished Buffy began working at a diner in the town as a waitress. It was fun and she met lots of interesting ponies! The weeks, then months, began to trickle on by. Every week she still squealed over a new episode of some TV shows coming out and would still browse Pony-Friend daily. After a year and a half of working as a waitress though, something... strange happened.
Buffy groaned as she brought her hoof down on her alarm clock over and over, the loud beeping coming to a stop finally. Stretching out on the soft, warm bed she tossed the blankets up, bringing her hooves down her cheeks. "Egghhhh... Work..." After a few more minutes of laying there she slipped out of the bed, stretching once more, a soft yawn escaping her lips as she began to wake up. Grogginess hung on her face, really she just wanted a few more hours of sleep! Being lazy and slumping on her bed all day seemed heavenly... If only she had a cloud! Pegasus had it lucky, being able to snooze on a free cloud whenever... Shaking her body she trotted over to the bathroom, splashing some water onto her face, shaking her head again then blinking her eyes a few times.
Using the comb to brush her messy, tangled, bed-maned mane back into place she hummed a bit, staring into the mirror to get everything right, a soft smile on her face. Ah.. Awake. Alright! Get some breakfast and get your gear and get outta here! Don't forget to get milk on the way home... After finishing up the brushing in a few minutes Buffy's hooves brought her down the wooden stairs onto the checkered floor of her living room, wide awake and ready to go now. As she approached the door, her stomach growled and she realized she hadn't gotten breakfast yet! Yeesh! Can't forget breakfast, heh... Something quick... Hmn... Opening up her fridge she took looked around before taking out an apple and some cheese, taking a big bite of both together, wolfing down both hungrily. Her "gear" was a simply pencil behind her left ear with a notepad hanging by a necklace around her neck, keys to being a waitress! She'd flip the notebook up then scribble down the pony's orders before taking it on back to the kitchen. Oh, if she forgot these, Daisy Heart would be so irritated.
After grabbing those she was out the door into the cool, refreshing morning air, taking a big breath of it as she started down the road towards her work. The "Three Dandelions" was a small little diner for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a nice, delicious, warm place for ponies to stop in for a meal, get some coffee in the morning, or to come in after a hard day for some delicious food, whatever! There was her, Blueberry, Daisy Heart, and Mero. Daisy Heart, the head waitress, her and Mero were normal waitress's, and Blue made coffee and got ponies drinks. Honestly Buffy didn't know any of the ponies in the kitchen, she only was back there to give them slips, she really had to get their names down... Clearing her minds of thoughts she squeaked. "HEY! HEY BLUE! BLUUEEEEEE!!! IT'S BUFFY!"
The shout left her as she scrambled over to her friend, having been too lost in her thoughts of trying to find out the kitchen staff to notice her! Usually she got there a little bit behind everypony else right before they opened, mostly do to her always finding a pony to chat with, so it was a shock to see her out here so late. Being so loud in the morning got everypony looking at her, making her feel a little bit more noticed even if it was just a few ponies who did. A big, happy grin went across her lips-- From both her friend and being so noticed! They welcomed each other with a friendly hug, Buffy holding her close oh so happily. "Oooh! What the hay, I usually don't run into you on the way to work! How're ya? Any coooool news?" Buffy asked with a smirk.
"No... Not really! Yeah... I slept in... Heh! Well, let's walk together Buffy! How'd ya sleep?"
"Oh really well! I had this cool dream about flowers..."
"Flowers?"
"Yeah! Well, more... I was in Captain Zet's spaceship, fighting off those cool aliens... Then... Something with flowers and birds.. It was fun! Blowing up all those cool things, being the best and all that... Then... I think we crashed into a flower field... It's a little fuzzy. Speaking of which, you saw the new CZ episode last night right?"
"What?! Of course I did, I don't think anyone didn't! Wasn't it so cool when he..."
The two chattered on for the rest of the way to work, discussing the latest episode, throwing in a few jokes here and there, just having a good time. When they got into the Diner the smell of coffee hit their noses, mingled with the smell of some delicious sugary oats.
"Ooh... That smells real go-"
"Hey! Blue, Buffy! You're a little late! Buffy I get since she's always here as we open, but Blue? Come on mares, get your flanks into gear, we have some customers inside already! Had to open up a bit later today, hurry up!" Daisy's voice was both commanding and a bit playful as she said this, they could tell she was a little angry with them for getting in a little late, but they could also tell how she was being playful, not to mention grateful they were here now!
Buffy gulped, the two of them had been chatting so much they hadn't even bothered to look at the time, or to notice there were already ponies inside! Leaning over to Blue she giggled. "Yeesh, it's only a few minutes late... Heh! I'll see you when we get on break Blue... Have fun!"
There were already a few stallions seated with some menu's, but there was one without a menu that she slipped over to, smiling. He looked odd, with an oily, slicked back mane which was dyed purple with white highlights, a soft, smooth looking black coat, with his hooves being hinted with white. He seemed... Odd, but he was still a customer!
"HI!"
The stallion jumped up from how loud she had spoken, but gave a little chuckle. A few heads turned her way instead. Most of the ponies in here already knew how she talked loudly here and there, giving a few laughs from how the stallion reacted.
"Hey!"
"I'll be your waitress today, my names Buffy... Any drink I can start you out with today? We have coffee, iced tea, tea, water, fizzy water, orange juice and apple juice for breakfasts!"
"I'll have some orange juice, thank you!"
"Okay! I'll be right back with that! The fizzy water is really good here though, you gotta try it!"
Since it was just one pony she didn't need to write it down; she stalked away to return a minute later with a ice-cold glass of fresh orange juice from the kitchen, setting it down then placing a menu down besides it. "Here you go, hun! It was squeezed not that long ago, I bet it tastes real good... You wanna look at the menu, or have something in mind of what you'll order?"
The stallion leaned forward using a hoof to tip the orange juice back, taking a sip before stopping. "Hey... Wait. You said your name was Buffy, right? Buffy that attended... Sunnyshines School in Canterlot, that Buffy?"
"Uh... Yeah! I did attend SunnyShines... Why... And... How do you know?"
"Miss Shines was your teacher, right? Old mare, yellow coat?"
"Yes, yes! She was my teacher, she was the teacher there for... Like, forever! It was her school and all... How do you know all that? Did you go there too? You don't remind me of anypony who was there..." This is... Weird... How does he know all this stuff!?
He slipped out from under the table, smiling. "Thanks, Miss. That's all I needed to know. Honestly I'm just happy I didn't go with the fact you worked the late shift! Sorry for using up a bit of your time." After setting a bit on the table for the juice he was already heading for the door, but before she could go after him Daisy called her, saying table four was ready to order. Frowning she stared after him before going over to that table, grabbing their orders.
It bugged her for the rest of the day, that little encounter. Who was that stallion? How did he know all of that? There wasn't much time to think of it though as the day got more and more busy as the sun came up, more ponies coming inside to eat or to get a refreshing drink. When her break came along she was already exhausted, today was just so busy! Wiping a hoof across her forehead she told Daisy she'd be heading out for a walk before pushing open the doors to head outside. It felt good, to be out of there on her break. Even though she loved the ponies there and the job of chatting with ponies then making them even happier with food, it was still nice to get out after hours of working for some relaxing time! The hot, afternoon sun was already high in the sky, bearing down on the ponies of the land, creating a nice, bright day with a soft, gentle breeze that came at the perfect moments.
Her hooves found their way onto cool, soft grass as she veered off one of the dirt roads that were used in the town, going off trail as she closed her eyes, feeling the sunlight on her face, basking in the warmth of it. It was peaceful, it was calm, it was nice! She did wish she had somepony here to chat with so she wasn't lonely, but the feel of sunlight and the grass under her hooves was so... Cool! A giggle left her mouth, followed by a gasp as a loud CRASH was heard so close to her, dirt and grass being flung up as her eyes opened up to widen more when a chariot was in-front of her suddenly, four stallions in full armor stood in-front of it, their wings folding. Buffy's mouth fell open, gasping at the sight, eyes travelling up to see the mare inside.. PIXEL?!
"P... PIXEL?! PIXEL?! W... I... You... WHAT!?" Buffy didn't even know what to say as her school friend stepped out of the chariot, a warm smile on her face and.. Wings?
"Y... You're... An... Alicorn... I... Pixel... What's going on?"
"Shh, shh... It's alright Buffy, heh! I would've thought you of all ponies would be shrieking and babbling on about how good it is to see me... But I do understand how... Weird this must be... I... Well... I... Let me explain!"
Slowly re-gaining herself Buffy nodded, running a hoof nervously through her mane. "Heh... Sorry... I... Yeah! It's just... Explain!"
"Well... After I left from school that one year, I went to Canterlot to train, really. I was really good on the internet, don't you remember? Computers were easier than making pie for me, I knew them inside and out, I knew everything about the internet there was to know, how to fix problems... A lot of things! I even made a new game for it, you know? You're shown a grid and some squares light up, then go back to being dark. You gotta click which ones lit up... Memory game... It's fun! You... Maybe wanna head back to the palace as I explain everything? I'm actually working on a few things and I'm gonna have to show you all this, I have something for you, too! Well, at my room."
"What? Oh, of course! I've missed you so so much, I'd love to go back with you! It'd be great to catch up and all that, not to mention see your room! It's soo cool that you're an alicorn now! I was actually looking for somepony to talk with, it was a little lonely out here... Uh... I'm sure Daisy can understand, it's no problemo!"
Buffy threw her fore legs around Pixel, pulling her into a hug as the larger mare hugged her back, pulling away only to help her up into the chariot before it took off, going quite smoothly through the air.
"Well, the internet isn't really... Large, TV's a lot bigger, the internet has a few games, a few friend websites, it's mostly used for writing things, looking at the news easily, or printing out things. So making a new game was... Noticed. Not that it was LARGE, hehe, but anyways, you get it! Celestia and Luna came to my parents house one day asking for me, then began discussing with me all the potential the internet had and what can be done with it, websites that can be made... Ever since then I've been working on the internet, making new websites, making new games, I even got my cutie mark in it!"
Buffy nervously giggled a bit as she heard how Pixel got her cutie mark before her, blushing a bit as she rubbed her mane. "Oh... Wow... T-that's... Well, that's really cool! I wish I could get my cutie mark soon enough! Can I see?"
As she glanced down she "Ooo'ed," giving the cutie mark a little poke. It was a big EI, for Equestrian Internet, with a comet shooting around it for how fast the internet was! "Wow... That's sooo cool! Sorry for interrupting, what were you saying?"
"Aw, thanks Buffy! You'll get yours soon enough, trust me! I can even help if you'd like! It's really no problem, I knew you'd be interested in it.. With all my work on the internet, with everything I've done, and with how large it'll be, Celestia and Luna decided that I should well.. Be the princess of it. To watch over it, to fix things up on it, help people out on it.. Right now, I'm making something.. New. Something that'll be really big, something that'll give ponies all over a reason to get on the internet, a fun way and a more easier way to chat with others, enjoy music, play some games, whatever! It's called.. Well, Poniverse!"
"Poniverse?"
"Well... It's not done, but that's the name I think we might go with."
"We?"
"Mh! Well, on Poniverse.. .We have... Pony.Fm with Viola, Equestria.tv with Viridian Meadows, and PoniArcade that Nova Blast came up with! Poniverse well... It's a website that has multiple sites! Well, those three... But well, I wanted to ask you something. You see..."
"Yeah, what is it Pixel? You know I'd do anything for you!"
"Well! I asked the bestest friends of mine to pitch in, to help Poniverse to reach what it has now. Those three are who I met when I was in Canterlot and all around, and I wanted them to be a part of this. You were my best friend when I was a filly and growing up, and I know the other three will love you, so I wanted to ask if... You'd maybe think of doing something for the site? It can be whatever you'd like! The others are waiting for us, I really wanted them to meet you, but If you don't want to that's fine, I know it's a lot of work thinking up what you'd want t-"
"WHAT!? Of course I'll do that for you Pixel!" Buffy said with a laugh, pulling her in for a cheery hug, pulling away as the chariot touched down on ground, landing in the courtyard of the Canterlot Castle. Buffy looked around, taking in the sights of how grand it was. "Oh wow... It's... Lovely here! You LIVE here?! That's sooo cool! Take me to your room, I can't wait to meet them!"
As they got out Buffy was amazed by the castle, it was so beautiful! It towered over the two of them, with the bustle of armor from guards training echoing out, the gardeners clipping hedges and watering flowers, some ponies were in a fierce discussion over a book laid out on a table. Looking a little higher she could see the places where Luna might sit to star-gaze and the place where a royal announcement would be made for all in Canterlot to hear. Her mouth gaped open a bit staring up at it.
"WOW! IT'S SO much cooler than I thought! Really tall, too.. Maybe they should.. Shrink it.." She used her hooves to show it being smushed down a little bit, getting a laugh from Pixel mixed with a few stares from the ponies in the discussion.
"Well, if you like the outside, wait until you see the INside!" Inside it was even more sparkling, though she was a bit sad she didn't get to meet Celestia or Luna! When the large doors to the front entrance swung open she looked around. There were a few guards in a chat over by a hallway, with a few other ponies walking around. Laid out was a long, red carpet that lead to a large staircase, that lead off left and right. By the staircase was a hallway on each side, and to their very lefts and rights were two other hallways. They were just in the entrance and already it was simple huge! Banners hung from the walls, made from the finest silk, stained glass windows brought in a rainbow of different colors to light up the room, each depicting an event in Equestrian History.
A few feet in front of the staircase, and quite a bit far from them, was a statue of Celestia and Luna, showing off the power of Equestria. Buffy was nearly bouncing on her hooves; it'd be great to see all of this! Sadly Pixel veered off to the left towards where she said her room was. They traveled up a few flight of stairs after making a turn on the long left corridor before coming to a large, oak door, which slowly swung open with a little glow of Pixels horn, revealing the room inside.
A few beeps were heard from some computers that Pixel had. Wires ran across the ground, connecting to who knows where. On a table there was a half-built computer-looking thing with some scrap beside it, with a few tools also. Scattered across the large, square bed were notebooks of all sizes, scribbling all over them.
"Hehee.. And this is just my bedroom.. Sorry it's such a mess, Buffy! I was working on a new computer last night, tend to.. Get a little messy! The others are -" Lifting up her hoof Pixel pointed to a door that was to the left of them. "- In there!"
Three heads turned to look at her as she stepped inside, the door swinging open. Buffy's eyes went over them, suddenly stopping as she came across... Her. Hearts seemed to dance in her eyes as the room seemed to blur into a hazy shade of pink. Whatever her name was she was drop-dead gorgeous, Buffy couldn't take her eyes away from her as she stammered out a incoherent "H.. Hej.. Heo.."
"This is the mare you were talking about Pixel? She's more of a zombie than a mare!" The one in the middle of the three cracked, causing the stallion next to her to chuckle a bit while the mare Buffy was glued to rolled her eyes from how Buffy was acting.
"Viridian.. Heh, she's probably just tired.. Buffy?"
Pixel gave her a little nudge, causing her to blush, giving a little laugh. "S-Sorry! Just.. Nothing.. I'M BUFFY! It's SO great to meet all of you, Pixel told me all about the websites you were all making and all that.. So.. If you're Viridian, then you must be.. Nova Blast, right?" The stallion nodded in agreement, holding out his hoof which she shook. "So that's make you.. Viola.. I.." Buffy stammered a bit, shaking her head as the cute mare rolled her eyes again. Gosh! She's so beautiful! I.. I need to change the topic though, they all probably think I'm so weird..
The nervous mare looked up at Pixel, blushing, her cheeks burning red hot from how she seemed to be turning into a puddle from Viola and for what to say! She'd never seen a mare this beautiful, but she didn't want to melt in-front of all of them. "I.. WHY DON'T we all go out for a picnic together? We can all chat and you can all tell me what your websites do and all that.. Plus it'll give me time to think of what I'd do! I know you wanted to show me all of this, but can we do that afterwards? I think we should all talk about the website and get to know each other!"
"Ooh! That's a great idea! I'm in!" Viri said with a nudge to Nova, who sighed. "Yes yes, I'm in too!"
"That's a good idea, let's do it," Viola pitched it after, followed by Pixel giving a nod.
After a little bit of packing the five of them were sitting in Canterlot's public park, laid out on a blanket, munching on subs and drinking some water, exchanging jokes, ideas, laughing, talking, sharing past experiences and telling one another about eachother. They were all having a great time learning so much about eachother. Before they all explained what they were working on, and what their websites were for Buffy introduced herself. Being the new pony in the group met that they knew nada about her, while already knowing enough about each other, having met up before. She told them about her favorite shows, her name, her job, everything! After she finished up Nova explained some game ideas and that PoniArcade was for gaming.
Viola played them a song afterwards. Viridian told some amazing jokes and Pixel shared some ideas for Poniverse. Three other ponies joined them for a bit that were walking by, and the eight of them got into a fierce discussion on some TV ideas. It was a great picnic with memories for all to remember, with a soft, orange sunset setting down after hours of eating and chatting that was still going on. They barely even noticed it, so caught up in how enjoyable this afternoon was. Buffy learned that Viri and Nova had known eachother for a bit before they learned they both knew Pixel. She learned Nova had a new action arcade game in progress, along with Viri's idea for a new comedy movie she was in the middle of making. The three other ponies after enjoying a little snack and a chat, went on their own way.
A simple question of "Have you guys seen that new TV show coming out.. Er.. The Trotting Dead?", got them all into a quite friendly debate about the upcoming show.
As the five of them were chatting away there was a blinding, flashing light, followed by Buffy giving out a joyous yell. This time it wasn't to be noticed, but for what was on her flanks to be noticed. Her cutie mark! It showed three symbol's of ponies talking, showing how her special talent was to get people talking! To debate, to blabber on. It was Buffy's favorite thing in the world to do. Getting a whole, large group of people to talk, to debate, to get them all to become thick as thieves friends. "Oh my gosh, everypony! I.. I know what I'll do! A forums, for ponies to talk!"
After fussing over her new cutie mark and going over her out of the air idea, which they all agreed would be a great addition to Poniverse and some other ideas they could add, they decided it was time to pack up. Their meal had been finished hours ago and the sun was close to being fully set. It was a perfect time to end the day and head on back to Pixel's place. Buffy told every-pony she'd pick everything up and would catch up with them in a second, waving to them before putting all the leftovers in the basket on-top of the blanket before throwing out the trash, coming back to see Viola standing there blushing a bit.
"Hey.. Uh.. Buffy! I know I seemed a little mean today, a little.. Rough.. I just wanted to say sorry.. I.. I really.. Like you.. It's just.. I'm not the best at expressing myself sometimes. I just had an amazing time with you today, and well.. I just wanted to ask.. Well.. Maybe tomorrow night after we all get some sleep and you get what you need to get done with Pixel, maybe you wanna.. Grab some dinner with me?"
Buffy's eyes lit up as she felt her cheeks start to go red, nodding many times before getting out an answer. "Y... Yes! Yes, I'd love to do that!"
That day had been the best of her life. Three new friends, Pixel was back, and she was going out on a date with Viola the next day... I t was a bit hard to explain that the next day when every-pony was wondering where they were going, but after a few teasing jokes the two went out for a quite fun and loving, dinner. When they got back to Pixel's house that night, she was shown the others websites, Pixel going over each of them and explaining it all. Afterwards, the two of them joined the others before they all settled into beds and passed out quickly. The next day, the forums were made. At first it was a bumpy start, but over the months it'd crown to be a loving community, a thriving, growing place with Buffy as their mascot and owner!
Poniverse was a huge success, with gamer ponies now having a spot to meet up, with places for ponies to share their music with one another, and a place for ponies to watch movies and videos with one another. Viridian finished her movi and Viola was writing a song with her idol, Octavia. Nova was finishing up his action game while Pixel was helping keep all the sites up and work with the internet, with that having been her job for the years she'd been a princess. Buffy was managing the new forums she had created, adding new topics and places for what ponies wanted to talk about to go! She was also wondering, after all those months, if Viola should move in with her, or she should move in with Viola...
They had all come such a long way from all those months. All their sites had grown, Pixel's idea had been a huge hit, and they were closer than close! Leaning forward Buffy opened up the tab which her four friends were talking away in, coming in with a big "HI EVERYPONY!"
THE END
