The Arts of Friendship is Magic
It was a cloudy day in my home town, Coalinga. It was a decent little community, and it was quite most of the time. Not much happens around here. Oh, how rude of me, my name is Toby Smith. I been living in this town for over 16 years now, but it'll be 17 when my birthday comes in a few weeks.
It's been 6 weeks since I got back from summer break. I got to say, it wasn't really a joyful picnic if I must say. Things never really been smooth lately. I just recently announce that I was Brony to the family. It didn't end well. My sister made fun of me, my brother never says anything when he's around me, and my parents see as a embarrassment. My father was the worst of all, he wouldn't even look at me in the eyes. We haven't spoken to each other ever since. He didn't need to say anything for me to know that he thinks that I am a complete disappointment. I would of just brush it off like it was nothing, but coming from someone I used to look up to really broke my heart. Ever since then, I had no one other than myself. I usually spend my time paint or drawing MLP related stuff.
Right now, I'm walking home from school with a ton of homework to finish... and some bruises from my daily beating. Yes, I always get into fights. Somehow, someone found out that I was a Brony and spread the words. The news really set off a beacon. Soon, I was teased and picked on by other students. Sometimes, they would taunt me and start hitting me. I really lack the muscle to fight, so that was out of the question. I would of told someone about this, but ever since my confession, my dad didn't really seem to care anymore. Like ever did in the first place.
As I got back home, I did my usual routine like I have been. I would go get a snack, relax for a bit, do my homework, and work on my MLP art work during my free time. I am currently working on my OC pony. I always thought that my work was really good. Not the kind that it'll make me famous good, but the 'Wow, what a cool drawing. Good work!' good. That's when I heard a knock from my door. With grumble of annoyance, I got off my desktop chair and made my way to the door. When I opened it, came face to face with my brother, Jeffery.
"I came to tell you that dinner is ready, and that it's meatloaf night." He says as turns and walks away.
"Oh, is someone finally speaking for once?" I said sarcastically, but he ignored me and walked down the hall.
I turned around and went back to my laptop then saved my OC pony character. When I went down to the table, I see that everyone started eating without me. With a light sigh, I head into the kitchen and served myself a plate. I got my food and sat down in the middle of the table. I could fell the awkwardness starting as I glance at one another. Is it really that big of a deal that I became a Brony that life around the house has to change? My train of thoughts were interrupted by the man of the hour.
"So, I gotten a package today by the delivery man that was addressed to you" Dad says as he drinks his Sprite.
"Yes, I ordered something online that I bought last week." I reply.
"Exactly?... why did you buy a grey horse plushy with some jewel necklace of a paint brush?"
That was what got my attention. "First off, it's a 'pony' plushy. Second, that necklace was custom made. Finally, what gave you the right to go through my stuff when I'm not around?"
"It was addressed to MY house and you know what, son? I'm getting tired of this pony bullshit. You're about to turn 17 and you're watching a TV show that was made for little girls!"
"I know it looks bad, but it's what I like. I like the characters, the animation, and everything about it."
"...You were always a disappointment, Toby..."
"..."
That's was what broke the iceberg. I knew he was thinking of it, but to actually hear it from him, it was heart breaking. Without hesitation, I got up from my seat, grabbed my coat, and walked out the door.
It was night time as I walk down to the now deserted park. I made my way to center of the park. I looked around to see if anyone was around. When the coast was cleared, I turned around screamed in anger. I then started to kick at the grass and soon nocked over a nearby trash barrel that now had a dent in it. Once I finally calmed now a bit, I turned and sat in on a bench. I just looked up to the starry night sky.
"...I wish... I wish I could become something more than just... plain me. That I could just be a part of something special..." I say softy to the stars.
Nothing happened, except for an occasional star flickering, figures. With that, got up from my seat and slowly heading home. Not that I am in a hurry to get home anyway. That's when I feel the wind around me start to get stronger.
"That's weird, I don't remember the weather forecast saying it will be windy tonight." I say to myself.
Suddenly, I started to feel light-headed and losing my balance. Great, did they put something in my food to get back at me? The next thing I knew, I blacked out.
I don't know what happened or how long was I out,what started to get my attention was the increase of wind blowing around me and the temperature seemed to lower a bit. The strangest thing was that the wind was blowing upward. When I got my vision back, I looked down and could believe what I was seeing.
I'm falling...
...
I'm free falling...
...
I'm free falling to the ground at an alarming rate...
...
What I did next was the most logical thing that any responsible person would do.
"HOLY FUUUUUUUU-"
I soon came into contact with a tree, then a branch, and another, and finally to the ground with a thud. I groaned with the pain coursing through me.
"Okay, I get picked on at school, my family treats me like a loser, my father says that I'm a disappointment to him, I get nocked out by unknown reasons, and now I just free-fall from maybe 100 feet in the air and crashed into some forest! How the fuck can things get any worse?!!" I say as I tried to rub my head, only to feel more pain when it came into contact. "Gah! Son of a bitch! What the-"
What I saw next surprised me a bit. Instead of my usual everyday hand, it was replaced by something big, bulky,and pitch-black with grey on the tip. I know what it was, but I couldn't believe. It was a hoof. I then gotten a look at myself and instead of the body I know, it was replace with pony's. I was pitch-black with a grey muzzle, I was really big and a bit muscular, I have a mane that looks like that zebra's mane, Zecora, except it was a bit ruffled. My tail kinda haves the same color pattern as Rainbow Dash, only it matches the color of my mane. I also discovered that not only am I a unicorn, but I seem to be wearing some sort of shirt with pockets on it. What got my attention was my eyes instead of being normal brown, it was slightly dark red. I kept searching myself until I saw what was on my flank. It was cutie mark of a paintbrush sliding across with a rainbow trailing it. I have turned into my OC character.
So many questions came into my head. How is this possible? What bought me here? Did that wish really worked? My thoughts were interrupted as I came to realization.
"I'm in the land of Equestria!"
Right now, I wanted to jump around for joy and scream in delight, but I just thought of something important. If I'm a unicorn, then how do I use magic? I then thought of the fan fictions I read online. It is said that if I focus hard enough...
I looked at a nearby stick that was on the ground. I then closed my eyes and focused. All I'm doing is imagining myself picking up the stick, soon after a bit, opened my eyes saw the stick floating in mid-air through a white aura. This was exciting! My first time using magic, and I was a pro. Well, levitation spells are the easiest spells a foal can do, but I still got it!
I then felt something under my left hoof. I looked down and saw a large paint brush with some sort of rainbow ink smothered on the tip.
It was the paint brush my OC character had. Now that it was animated, it kind of looks Bowser Jr.'s paint brush from Mario Sunshine. I lifted it up with my magic. Soon, a thought came to me.
"If I turned into my OC pony, then that means..."
With a grin, I turned around and looked at a rock. I then started to wave my paint brush around, and before I knew it, it created a giant hammer. I then grabbed the cartoonish mallet and swung it at the rock. Destroying the boulder in a million pieces.
"I have the power of IMAGINATION!!"
This was so awesome! It may not be Discord's powers, but this is something else! My little celebration was cut short when I heard growling. I slowly turned around and saw over 9 timberwolves looking at me with a snarl on their faces. Now, I would of shit myself if it wasn't for two things. One, I don't have pants, only a cool looking Australian shirt. Two, I have a freaking magic brush that creates anything I draw out. With a smirk, I then started to wave my paint brush in a rectangular motion. Soon, I created my awesome get away.
"The Anywhere Door!"
I would of flipped the wolves off, if I still had any hands. So, I quickly opened the door and went through. I soon found myself in a dark cave. I drew myself a flashlight and I nearly shit myself again. In front of me was a huge sleeping red dragon with red spikes on his head. Is this the dragon from the episode of 'Dragonshy'? Without hesitation, I stepped through the Anywhere Door again and now I'm in some sort of fancy bathroom. I looked to my right and what I saw got my face in a deep blush. I see Princess Luna taking a shower.
Before, I didn't get what was the big deal with shower privacy considering that their all naked, but now I see what they mean. Thank Faust that she doesn't see me as I turned around and went back to the door. This time, I ended up in the middle of a dessert with a little town off at a distance. Must be Applepaloosa, hope I didn't miss Over a Barrel yet. I then yawned.
"Well, I guess I should find shelter..." I say to nobody, but then I looked at my rainbow brush."...or maybe I can create one."
With a huge smile on my face, I started to create my dream house. Wood started to form, cannons began to shape, and propellers appeared. A few minutes later, my badass house/ride came into view.
It was replica of Bower's airship. Well, not primary, but close to it. With a little excitement, I ran to my home base and looked around. It had everything from the Mario's Galaxy game. The only changes I made were adding panels that will not only take sunlight, but it will take moonlight as fuel. Now I don't have to worry about losing fuel. The other change I made was adding a caption's quarters like one of those pirates ship. In it was a king size bed with a soft red blanket. All around the room had an High Quality Movie Projector, a massage chair, a blue carpet, a Cider Cellar, an arcade machine, and a painting of the Equestian Flag for good measure.
With last rearrangements, the airship was now soaring in the air. I settled it on top of a bunch of clouds out of range. It's best not to cause an alarm. Well, there's already airships here, but they have balloons. Not only that, but I think the Bowser head will cause a some scare. Anyway I trotted to my quarters and head for bed. It was really soft. I then looked up through the window ceiling and watch as the bright majestic moon shining through the night sky.
"This is my new life now..." I say as my eyelids slowly closing. "...I will have all kind of adventures with the Mane 6..."
I tucked myself into my bed, and take one last look at the painting.
"Goodbye, Earth. Hello, Equis."
With that, I went into a deep sleep. Waiting for whatever awaits for me in the future.
Chapter 2 - Over a Barrel / The Lone Painter (Part 1)
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The Arts of Friendship is Magic
Chapter 2 - Over a Barrel / The Lone Painter (Part 1)
It was a good morning as the morning sunlight reached to my eyelids through the window ceiling. With a yawn, I got out of bed and head outside onto the deck. I then floated my paintbrush and drew myself a bar of soap, lasso, a tub, and a towel. I then stepped into the tub as I whirl the lasso around and caught a passing cloud. I drew myself a pair of wings and started punching the cloud that was floating on top of me. It started to rain over me as I insert the soap into it and turned the raindrops into soap water. Once I got clean, I made the water and the tub disappear. With a clean coat, I walked back to the edge of the deck took a look at the desert. I was really peaceful up here with the sound of the wind blowing and the cool air.
My train of thoughts were interrupted as a loud whistle echoed in the air. I looked to the left and saw a train nearby. I smiled as one of Equestria's best transport rolled by from under. Although, I soon see a bunch figures running up to the train. With a bit of curiosity, I drew myself a pair of binoculars and looked down. I was both surprised and amazed that the figures were buffalos. I soon realize that I'm hovering over the episode of Over a Barrel, and I am in the scene of the train robbery! I was really excited to meet the Mane 6 and stop an old fashion western conflict. I was about to head down there when I realized something.
"How do I get down?"
I mean couldn't just drive my home base down there with out causing a panic. That's when a idea come into my head. I then grabbed my paint brush in my white aura and wave it around in a circular motion. Soon, my transportation came to existents on the helipad.
It was Bowser's Clown Copter. I was a bit worried as I climbed into it. I didn't know whether it's balance of by buttons. Inside, was controls of a helicopter, good thing too because I took lessons on flying helicopters. Well, it was a simulator, but I think it still counts.
"Gah! What the fuck?"
I felt my ass get bitten by something. I looked and saw a bunch of those attack toys that Bowser keeps. I completely forgot about them. I soon set them down and finally lifted up into the air and straight towards the runaway train. I soon see that the last car disconnected from the group and slowly going further away from the rest. With determination, I head towards the separated car and hovered over it. I then deployed a giant claw that soon grabbed the car and lifted it in the air as I flew away. The buffalos and ponies that were on the other cars look on shocked as I got out of their view and disappeared into the clouds.
"Welp... mission accomplished."
"What the heck is happening?!!"
Realization came to me as I completely forgot that not only is the apple tree was in the car, but the purple sidekick known as Spike was also onboard. With a sigh, I changed course and headed back to home base. I gently lowered the separate train car onto the wide main deck and land on the clown copter onto the helipad. I hopped out of my vehicle and trotted to the train car. I opened the door and saw Spike holding onto the small apple tree or 'Bloomberg' while holding a pillow as a shield.
"W-who are you?!" Spike says shaking.
"I've been named by a lot in my life, but you will call me the Paint Master... or Toby if you like." I say as I soon dropped the seriousness in my voice.
"Where are we, and what are you going to do to me?"
"We are currently over 3000 ft. in the air in my personal airship which is also my home/ride aside from the clown copter behind you."
Spike then walked over to the railing and leaned over. I nearly laughed on the look on Spike's face.
"What I'm going to do to you... well, I planned on taking the tree, Bloomberg, and negotiate with the buffalos and the citizens of Applepaloosa. I guess since your here, you could chill with me on my airship till tomorrow."
"How do I know I could trust you."
"Spike, if I wanted to hurt you, I would of done it by now."
"I guess you have a point, hey wait. Who do you know my name, and the tree's?"
"Let's just say, you and your friend are famous were I come from."
"Really?"
"Yeah, there's fans out there that admire you all."
"Cool!"
"Well, it's getting late. You could bunk with me tonight. It's not safe to wonder at night." I say as we started to walk to my quarters.
"Gee, thanks. Say, isn't the train station going to need that missing caboose back?"
I stopped mid-way through the door and looked at the missing vehicle.
"*Sigh* Spike, help me get Bloomberg out of the train car."
With that, we got the apple tree out of the car and told Spike that there are some movies and cider he could watch and drink. Don't worry, they're non-alcoholic, never going to touch any alcohol in my life. Anyway, I took off in my clown copter with the caboose in tow to the nearest train station. Which was at Applepaloosa, great. When I got there, I see the train was still their with the Mane 6 and the sheriff, but no Buffalos. I guess they gave up and retreated. I soon came into view and was now the center of attention. I quickly, but gently put the caboose back onto the tracks with the rest of the cars. I then land my copter and hopped out.
"Hey! Your the one who took the train car!" Rainbow Dash says as she points a hoof at me.
"Yep, that's me." I say with a grin.
"Who are you and what did you did with Spike?!" Twilight says scolds.
"And where is Bloomberg?!!" Applejack yells in anger.
"Relax there cowgirl, My name is Paint Master, or Toby if you like to call me that. For Spike and Bloomberg, they're safe in my airship. I just came back to return the caboose."
"Well Mr. Paint, as sheriff of this town, I want you to return Miss Applejack's property-"
"Bloomberg is not property! He's family!" Applejack yells.
"...er, in any case please return Bloomberg and Spike immediately."
"I would, but my clown copter over there is nearly out of fuel. I can only make a one-way trip at this point. If you want, you all can sleepover at my place for the night."
"How can we trust you?" Twilight asks.
I closed my eyes. "I, Paint Master or Toby, Pinkie Promise that I will not hurt anypony."
"Ooh, he even knows the Pinkie Promise!!" Pinkie Pie says happily.
"Say, how do you know the Pinkie Promise? If you don't mind me asking that is." Fluttershy asks nervously.
"The same answer I gave Spike, you are all famous where I come from."
The Mane 6 wasn't really convinced, but with no other choice, they nob and climbed aboard the clown copter after Applejack told her cousin that she and the girls will be staying with me. Once we gotten in view of the airship, the girls were speechless. With a smirk, I landed the copter on the helipad where it will recharge.
"Well girl, welcome to my home base." I say as we get out of the copter.
"Where's Spike and Bloomberg?" Pinkie ask.
"They're in my quarters maybe watching movies."
As we opened the door, I see Spike watching the ending of Harry Potter part 1 (which is pony-fied), while Bloomberg is sitting next to my bed.
"Spike! Bloomberg!" Twilight and Applejack said at the same time.
"Oh, don't worry Bloomberg. Momma's never going to let you out of her sight again." Applejack says as she uh... comforts the apple tree?
"Spike, are you okay?" Twilight asks.
"I'm fine Twilight. Toby's been a real welcome wagon. It's just a big misunderstanding. He just wanted to take Bloomberg." Spike says as he drinks another glass of cider.
"Now hold on a nail-picken minute!" Applejack said. "You mean that you were trying to kidnap Bloomberg?!"
"No, you got the wrong idea. I was only trying to save uh... Bloomberg from the buffalos back on the train. I mean, would you rather have them get away with Bloomberg?" I defended.
"Well, I guess you have a point."
"Yes, I believe that those ruffians won't be a bother anymore. Also, I must say that this painting is quite marvelous." Rarity says as she looks at the painting of the Equestrian Flag.
"Thank you, also, I know that what those buffalos did was something not to take lightly, but they did have a reason." I say as I pour myself some cider.
"What do you mean, Toby?" Twilight asks curious.
"I mean is that the buffalos were here in this land first before the citizens did. Now the apple trees that they planted is in the way of buffalo's trail. They wanted to take Bloomberg because they didn't want anymore apple trees in the way."
"Well, why not have a negotiation and solve it." Asked Rainbow Dash as she relaxes on the massage chair.
"I was planning on doing that when I realized that Spike was onboard the caboose. I had to make a change of plans. Well, I'll explain the rest in the morning, right now, it's getting late."
"But where will we sleep, if you don't mind me asking." Fluttershy asks.
"You girls will sleep in my king size bed."
The mares all blushed from that comment.
"Don't worry, I'm going to be sleeping on the massage chair."
"No way, I call dibs on this awesome chair." Rainbow Dash says.
"Dash! That's his chair!" Twilight protested.
"It's alright, I can make another one."
The girls and Spike included looked confused as I pull out my brush. I swayed the bush in a cursive b formation and made a second chair appear. I turned around and see the shocked faces of my guests.
"How in the name of Celestia did you do that?!" Twilight asked stoked.
"It's my magic paint brush that did it."
"That is so awesome! You can have anything you want! Imagine all the parties you can have!" Pinkie happily say as she bounces.
"Well, I only summon things if I need them. For food, I'm going to have to earn it with bits"
"Well, why don't you just make some bits with that brush?" Rainbow asks.
"Uh, I'm pretty sure Celestia wouldn't appreciate anypony making counter-fitting money in her land."
"Then how will you gets some bits then?"
"I was planning on selling paintings to some ponies. As you all can see that painting on the wall over there, I think ponies will love my quality pictures."
"Maybe you can sell your pretty arts to the ponies in Ponyville!" Pinkie chimes in.
"I was planning onto anyway when this whole thing blows over." I say as I started writing on a parchment.
"What are you doing?" Twilight asks.
"I'm sending a message to the buffalos that I would like to meet them and have a talk."
I roll the parchment up and whistled. Soon came a blue phoenix that was slightly bigger than Celestia's. (Yes, I made a pet Phoenix. DEAL WITH IT!) Everpony looked at it with wonders.
"What is that?" Fluttershy asks excitedly.
"That's a phoenix Fluttershy! They are known for bursting into flame when they renew themselves, but this one's a blue one. They are the most rarest to find. Where did you find it?!" Twilight asks loudly.
I pointed at my large brush that was floating in my white aura.
"Oh, right..." She says as she blushes.
"Anyway, everypony and dragon, I would like to introduce you all to my pet phoenix, Meta Night." Meta Night squawks with pride of his name. "He's my personal message carrier." I say as I let him take the parchment. "Take this to the buffalo tribe."
He nobs and flies out the opened ceiling window.
"I will wait for a reply tomorrow in the morning. Anyway, like I said before. It's getting late, so let's settle in for the night."
The girls agree and gotten themselves on the large soft mattress. I also created a basket for Spike since me and dash got the massage chairs. Applejack though, finally finished telling Bloomberg a story. Alright, she may be cool and all, but come on. It's just an apple tree. Anyway, we all said goodnight to each other was we all fall asleep.
Later on, Meta Night nudges my head and shows me the parchment. It says the buffalos would like to have an audience with me in their tribe in the morning. Everything was going as planned. I turned and smiled as I see the girls sleep peacefully on the mattress with the moonlight shining through the ceiling window. Tomorrow will be another day with of fun.
