A ripe harvest

Chapters

A caring heart
Celestial bodies
A bushel of apples
John Carter of Equestria

A caring heart

Author's Note

This is my first attempt at any type of fanfiction, so far i have pretty much the entire story roughdrafted on paper. Im currently typing it up and adding parts in here and there as inspiration hits. So far i have 30+ chapters rough drafted. But anyway any comments or critism is greatly appreciated

A caring heart

Chapter 1
A CARING HEART

It was dark. I knew that much. I couldnt hear or feel anything. But i was concious; at least somewhat. I tried opening my mouth but my mind wasnt sending the signals needed to move. I started to become aware of a sensation akin to floating, as well as a growing pressure in my chest and head.
The pain in my chest and head grew greater by the second and i willed my eyes to open.
It was still dark but i could make out my arms and legs as well as a faint light from far above in the night sky. Where was i? Why was i hovering in the darkness? A sharp pain in my ribs brought my pondering to a close. I flailed my limbs, though the movements were sluggish.
Then my instincts realized what my still hazy mind had not yet processed. I was underwater! And the sharp jabs in my chest were painful reminders that i was slowly drowning!
Adrenaline and survival instincts kicked in and used my arms and legs to propel myself towards the light above. It seemed as if time was passing slower with each stroke of my arms. My chest began to burn and my head felt like it would burst.
My brain now alert was demanding i take a breathe and it took all my willpower to ignore it. Finally when the urge to breathe was too great to ignore i felt my head break the surface of the water.
The cool air invaded my lungs and i had never tasted anything sweeter.
As my body calmed i began to take in my surroundings. The light above me was the light of a full moon, the cloudless sky littered with stars. Had i been an astronomer i would have noticed the distinctly alien constellations. As it was i noticed nothing amiss.
I was floating in the middle of a large body of water, a pond or lake perhaps. Trees surrounded me on all sides.
Suddenly i became aware of a new sensation. I was freezing cold. As if my chattering teeth werent sign enough. I aimed for what i judged to be the closest shore and swam with the little strength i had.
Not soon enough my feet hit silt and i began trudging through the freezing water and mud. Upon reaching the shore i literally threw myself on the bank too tired to move. But i knew to lay there would result in hypothermia. I needed to get warm and fast.
I forced myself up and drug my feet towards the woods ahead of me. The trees were tall and it struck me how unusual it was for so many diffrent species of tree to be in one forest. Brushing the though from my mind i searched for something anything to warm myself.
But who was i fooling? Here i was in the middle of a forest, with no idea where i was or how i got there. In my panic i didnt realize i was suddenly walking up hill, and then eventually i was practically crawling up the steep landmass.
Upon reaching the top i managed to stand gasping and out of breath and still freezing. I gazed out upon the land below and hope found me. There were lights littered about below! I could make out small structures in the dark.....houses!
An in my excitment i began running down the hill as the trees began to thin out. But my adrenaline was not enough to propel me for long and my sprint slowed to a walk then a crawl and then......stillness.
The cold was paralyzing and i barely could reach my arm towards the warm light of the town barely a half a mile away.
My last thought was *please dont let me die like this* and then i closed my eyes and thought no more....

* .....it was summer, i was back home basking in the cool river with my sister and brother. On the bank my family was cooking and i realized how hungry i was . My little sister and brother were already swimming towards the bank and waving for me to hurry.*
*I swam towards the shallow waters and as my foot hit muddy earth i began to take another step.*
*As my foot landed i felt it sinking, each consequetive step found me sinking deeper and deeper until i was up to my chin as i yelled out for help the ground closed up around me.....*

....light shone under my closed eyelids and roused me from my nightmare....i was alive!?
I opened my eyes. Bright light streamed down upon me. I was wrapped in a thick blanket and i was layed upon a firm mattress of some kind. A cot? No more like a bed you would find in a hospital.

A lightly opaque curtain surrounded me and i could see people walking about speaking to one another.
I was alive! The thought registered again. Someone must have found me and brought me to a hospital.
"Hello?" I asked to noone in particular. The talking stopped abruptly and i tried again. "Hello?". All of a sudden someone began lightly banging a hammer against something. The tapping got slightly louder as a figure approached the curtain.
A hand pulled the curtain asided and a woman in a nurses outfit stepped into the space. She beamed at me before she spoke "Ah finally awake? And how are we feeling?"
As i began to respond her face came into focus for the first time.
The first thing that caught my attention was the bright pink hair style, which was trimmed to just below her jawline. Next was he baby blue eyes. Her eyes themselves were larger than my own but in no way were they disproportionate to her facial features. Her skin was also an odd color, a light pink with grayish hues.
The ears though, that threw me for a helluva loop. Large equinesque ears protruded slightly through her hair. But her overall face was nearly indistinguishible from a human womans, in fact she was quite attractive.
As she walked around to look at my charts i heard the light tapping again. As she approached closer to the bedside i looked downwards my eyes stopping to rest first on what appeared to be a long flowing tail? Like a horses almost but lighter and fuller and styled and....pink....like her hair. "What the fuck?" I murmered to myself.
Her legs were long and toned and instead of shoes, hooves formed just above where her ankles should be.
"Wh....where am i?!" I shouted without meaning too. "Wh...what the hell are you!?"
The....woman?..... frowned slightly. "Theres no need for language like that, as for WHO i am, my name is nurse Redheart, and i am a pony of course" she stated matter of factly.
So that was it then. Of course she was a pony. I mean certainly i hadnt been abducted by some alien species that looked like humanoid horses. No that was silly i was simply under the care of a bipedal human pony......that could speak and apparently had a nursing degree no less.
"I get it right? I really did drown and i died and went too?....heaven? No...hell? maybe? Vegas?" She watched me talk to myself obviously concerned for my sanity.
"You are a patient at Ponyville urgent care, located in suprisingly enough ponyville which is a small town in Equestria"
Equestria? So my whole alien abduction wasnt so far off apparently. She was eyes me with interest. After looking me over she asked nervously "i dont mean to offend but ive never seen somepony like you before? Wh...what type of being are you?" Mirroring my own question but in a much more civil manner.
"You dont know? You abducted me from Earth and dont know what i am?" I asked in disbelief
"Nopony here has abducted you" she replied calmly. "Rainbowdash found you almost frozen to death outside of town. Nopony here has ever seen somepony like yourself" i could tell that this nurse....Redheart was sincere. I calmed myself while she continued "This earth you spoke of is that your home?"
"Yes earth is the world im from, im a human its where all humans come from" i replied. "How did you end up here then?" She asked softly. "I dont know" i replied. "I dont remember anything right before i woke up underwater"
"Poor dear you may have a mild case of amnesia, can you remember your name?" She asked.
I though for a moment afraid of what it would mean if i couldnt remember. Fortunately i recalled my name quickly enough.
"Kayleb, but everyone calls me Kay, and you are the craziest hallucination ive ever seen" not saying much since she was my first hallucination ever.
Nurse Redheart smiled and extended her hand as she spoke "Its nice to meet you Kay and I assure you i am quite real".
I hesitated before taking her hand. Her hands were soft and mosly human like, five fingers, opposable thumbs, even finger nails (painted pink, of course), the only difference was a very soft felt fur, barely noticeable to the touch that covered her hands and arms and probably by extension her whole body. Speaking of bodies, i realized that i hadnt took any notice of my own.
A quick look around and i quickly discovered that i was naked, only a thin sheet thrown over me.
"I...ummm where are my clothes?" I asked. Nurse Redheart blushed slightly. "Oh my im afraid i completely forgot to tell you, your clothes have been washed and dryed, i can bring them to you if you wish"
"Yea please" i replied.
Nurse Redheart turned with a swish of her long tail and departed through the curtains leaving me to my thoughts. Not long after i heard whispered voices outside the curtain, Nurse Redheart and another female voice where talking.
"How is the creature?" The unknown voice queried.
"You mean Kayleb? He is recovering, and, by the way he is male" Redheart replied.
"Male? How can you be sure? Weve never seen anypony like this before."
"When i...ummm removed his clothes i recieved a rather good look at his....umm maleness" Redheart stated i could swear i felt the heat of her blush through the curtain.
"He is an alien here, who knows if his appendages serve the same function as a stallion, i say its a female" the unknown voice was starting to piss me off. Female? Fucking really?
"Hes shaped much the same as a stallion although from what ive seen quite a bit bigger" Redheart replied, in an almost husky sounding tone.
"Let me see!" The other voice exclamed.
"Shhhhhhh!! Tenderheart be quiet. This isnt the place and you are still on duty. Besides the princesses will be here any moment to see him" Redheart said.

A few seconds later she walked in and before the curtain closed i caught a glimpse of another nurse peering from behind, she looked identical to Redheart but with green hair and oddly enough pale bluish skin and magenta colored eyes.
"Here are your clothes Kayleb" Redheart said handing them to me. "Thanks" i said
"Ummm mind if i change?" I asked. "Certainly" Redheart said without turning around. I saw here eyes wander to my crotch and a small blush lit her cheeks. I cleared my throat rather obviously and she jumped and spun around quickly.
"Im so sorry! my mind was on.....its ummm, its been a long day" she stammered.
I chuckled to myself as i pulled on the simple black tee shirt i had been wearing followed my faded bluejeans and the wheat colored boots i always wore.
I guess since im telling this story i should at least describe myself. Im average height at 5'10. My hair is short and jet black which contrasts to my green eyes. I have some facial hair and an athletic body due too playing football in college and being a dedicated gym member.
Also i have a few tattoos. In fact my entire chest and left arm where covered. As i finished pulling on my boots i stood and raised both arms stretching until my back popped.
It wasnt until then that i realized how short Redheart was. The top of her head barely reached my chin. She had to be 5'1, 5'2 tops.
"Why do you have so many cutie marks?" She asked absentmindedly touchingthe tattoos on my arm. I was about to ask her just what in the hell a cutie mark was when i heard another voice this one deeper.
"Nurse Redheart?" Another person stuck thier head through the curtain, judging from his voice and the hair on his chin this 'pony' was a male.
"Ye...yes!?" She asked jumping and quickly removing her hand.
"Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are here to see the creature" he said before withdrawing
"Oh my well wait here please Kay, ill be right back" Redheart said flustered as she left behind the man?....stallion?
"Wait? What? Princesses?" I askes no one in particular
....just where in the hell had i landed myself afterall

Celestial bodies

Author's Note

I wanted Luna and Celestia to be imposing, so i made them MUCH larger than the average pony (or human for that matter).
Chapter 3 and 4 are finished. Since i work from home im trying to post at least 2 chapters a day. I already have a sequel in the works if this story geys favorable reviews

Celestial bodies

Chapter 2
CELESTIAL BODIES

I stood there pondering about the 'princesses' that had come to meet with me. Apparently Equestria was under the rule of some sort of Monarchy.
I wondered if perhaps they would know of a way to get me back home. And what did i do when they appeared? Bow? Kneel? Curtsey? I tried to imagine what some debonair gentleman would do. Like 007, or that Dos Equis guy. You know the real interesting one.
I was still deep in my thoughts when i heard Redhearts voice approaching accompanyed by another, very prim and proper sounding voice. I was also aware of Redhearts light tapping footsteps....erm hoofsteps, in addition to a much heavier sounding set.
Three silhouttes stood just outside the curtains. One much smaller than the other two.
Redheart stuck her head through the curtain. "Kay? The princesses are here to see you" she said as she drew back the curtains.
"Holy shit..." i murmered.
If Redhearts appearance had come as a shock then this was a lightning bolt to the face.
Standing just inside the curtains on either of Redheart where the two tallest beings id ever seen.
Both stood well over 8ft tall. Thier overall apearance wasnt much different than Redhearts. They were tall yet slim and lithe, one had white skin, snow white, with a head of long flowing hair of a odd shade of green and blue, her tail too. Perhaps it was the light but her hair seemed to sparkle.
The other was her complete opposite, dark skin, a dark navy blue, almost purplish and her hair and tail a lighter blue. Like the white pony (yeah ill get used to using that term im sure) her hair and tail sparkled reminding me of the night sky.
Each sported a delicately made tiara. The white pony a gold one with turqoise jewels. The darker pony a light blue with silver insets.
But the biggest difference was the large set of wings each had folded behind thier backs and the large spiraled horn that protruded from thier foreheads.
Everything i had thought of to say was lost as i took in thier appearance. I was struck by a sense of authority and power and yet also strangely i felt comfort and peace.
The white mare? Stepped forward, towering over me by a good 3 and a half feet. My head just barely reached to the bottom of her very large breasts. She spoke first.
"You must be Kay" she said extending her hand to me. "Welcome to Equestria, i am princess Celestia". She gripped my hand and i was made aware of her insanely strong grip. Nevertheless i pulled her in slightly and kissed her delicate yet powerful hand.
"A pleasure to meet you princess" i said as a small blush spread across her cheeks.
The darker mare made a small noise in her throat "ahem".
Celestia straightned herself, her white gown clinging to her toned body. "This" she said motioning to her companion "is my sister, princess Luna"

Luna stepped forward extending her hand "a pleasure to meet thee, we are the mistress of the night as our name implies, please thou art free to call us Luna" she sure had a odd way of speaking. I kissed her hand as well and uttered a similiar greeting. She was certainly more stoic acting than the white mare.
"Please if i may be so bold, where did you say you had come from?" Celestia asked.
I sighed inwardly how many times was i gonna have to explain things?
"I come from a world called earth, i....i dont know how i came to this planet.....Equestria?" I responded.
"Oh Equestria is not the name of this world merely the land in which our kingdoms seat is" Celestia explained.
"So what is your planet called?" I queried.
Luna spoke up "Our world doest have its own name, however that is privy only to itself".......so uh i was on some nameless world? Great.
"What, praytell, sort of being art thou?" Luna inquired.
"Im a human, um my people are from earth, we have societies very similiar to yours from what ive seen. We have hospitals and even royalty, princes and princesses, kings and queens" i replied.
"Do none of your people have wings?"
"What about horns?"
"Canst thou preform magic"
"What sort of sustenance maintains thy form?"
"How did you recieve so many cutiemarks?"
The two royal sisters bombarded me with questions as i held up my hands to slow them down.
"Whoa whoa your hignesses i will ansewer any questions. No none of my people have wings, but we do fly using machines called airplanes or helicopters. We donot have horns, at least ive never seen another human with one. We cant do magic although there are some people that call themselves magicians its really just tricks and illusion. Ummm i can eat pretty much anything, humans eat vegetables, fruits, meat" at this last word, Luna gasped and Celestia covered her mouth.
"You are a predator?" Slight fear permeating from her voice.
"We hunt meat yes, but not all of us, some live soley on food that can be grown. I myself eat meat but not often" i replied.
"Does your world have ponies?" Celestia asked nervously.
"Yes, and bigger versions we call horses. But they walk on all fours, they only haves hooves and they donot talk or have wings or horns. And NO we donot eat them. They are pets they help us with tasks we couldnt preform alone. We keep them safe from the REAL predators and feed and clean them"
They were amazed at my description of the equines of Earth and also in thier partnership with Humans. They asked many more questions and i ended up giving a thorough history (as far as i knew) of man and horses (particularly ponies) ties with eachother.
"So thou art a protector of weaker creatures?" Luna asked.
I rubbed the back of my neck sheepishly. I hadnt meant to imply anything like that, but i just decided to go with it.
"Ummm....yeah i guess so" i responded.
Celestia brightened and even Luna smiled somewhat at that. "Uh princess Celestia....princess....erm i mean Luna, i would really like to get home.....if theres anyway id be more than willing to pay you back somehow." I stammered.
She looked down upon me with kind motherly eyes. "I promise you we will do all in our power to return you to your own world Kay" Luna nodded in agreement behind her. Celestia frowned slightly.
"However while you were asleep i patrolled the Everfree forest and there is only one portal that i am aware of. Its very erratic and unstable located at the bottom of a lake, a lake that was specifically dug to mask the portals presence" with this said she began pacing about the room.
"The fact is few ponies are even aware of the portals exsistence and i myself am unaware of how and why it opened from your world to ours. The last time the portal opened was 1000 years ago when a dark evil entered and waged war on Equestria, it was opened for days, long enough for his army to march through"
Luna spoke now "However it would appear the portal was opened only long enough to allow thine entry into our midst".
I took time to swallow this information. "So.....so its closed? Im trapped here?" I questioned the black mare.
"So it would appear" she replied. My stomach dropped..... my brother, my sister, my family.....lost to me for god knows how long. Worrying about me, probably going crazy. I wanted to cry, in any other circumstance i would have, but the calm peaceful aura radiating from Celestia kept me hopeful instead of despairing at how hopeless it all seemed.
Celestia noticed how crestfallen i must have looked and placed a hand on my shoulder and smiled "thats not to say we wont do everything in our power to reopen the portal or perhaps even find another one that leads to your home. But it will take time weeks at least, possibly months. In that time you are welcome to stay here in ponyville....in fact i know just the place!" She exclamed looking excited.
Luna walked up to her sister and whispered in her ear.
"Oh yes i almost forgot. You said that magic didnt exsist in your world, so please indulge me but how did you earn so many cutiemarks?" Celestia asked her head tilted. There was that word 'cutiemark' again
"Well thier called tattoos where im from and i didnt really earn them i just went to a shop and paid for them" i said.
Both Luna and Celestia exchanged flabbergasted looks.
"You bought them?" Celestia asked disbelievingly.
"yes"
"Are they not a mark of thine talents?"
"No, not really thier just.....like a decoration" i explained. Both Celestia and Luna began tracing thier fingers over my arm.
"They are so realistic, even though some of these symbols and creatures ive never seen before, how were they applied if not by magic?" Celestia asked.
At this i went into a long explanation of tattoos, the inks, the needles, the healing process, basically giving them a crash course in body art.
"Did the needle in thy flesh not hurtest thou"? Luna asked "tis' most barbaric sounding"
"No it stung some but nothing too bad, some humans deal with it better than others".
.....i had to ask "so what are cutiemarks? nurse Redheart mentioned them too".
"They are a symbol of a ponies special talent and in some cases magical ability. Here they are sacred and not shown to just anypony only friends and family and loved ones, but in your world these 'tattoos' are used as art.....fascinating" Celestia mused.
"So what are your talents?" I asked curiously
Celestia laughed "while i do not know you well enough to show you my mark, i raise and lower the sun every day and i sort the daydreams of everypony and my sister commands the stars and moon as well as dreams"
I stood there no doubt looking stupid. Then i laughed "no way the sun? The moon? Stars? Dreams? Thats impossible" i said still chuckling.
"Perhaps one day we will grace thee with a demonstration, but we assure thee 'tis no laughing matter" Luna sounded offended. I made to apologize but Celestia spoke up
"Now now sister his world is different, magic doesnt exsist there he said. Perhaps the dominion of celestial bodies falls to other circumstamces"
"Yes....i....i apologize for laughing" i said feeling like an ass.
"No need, tho we appear not so diffrent clearly our cultures are and i am interested in learning more about yours" Celestia said.
"What would you like to know?" I asked.
Celstia chuckled "it is getting late perhaps another time?"
"Yes princess anytime...i....i am in your debt" i said bowing slightly and somewhat sheepishly.
To my suprise she bowed back. "Now all we need is for nurse Redheart to give you a clean bill of health and we will show you where you will be staying for the duration of your time here"
Luna placed a hand on Celestias back "thou must handle this alone sister, we must prepare to raise the moon and her siblings for the coming night" she then turned to me
"twas quite interesting meeting thee, perhaps our paths shall intertwine again, i bid thee farewell and pleasant dreams" she said she then turned and a purplish glow settled about her form and then she faded out of my vision.....she was just gone!
"What the hell" i murmered to myself.
Celestia smiled "i told you things were different here"
She called for nurse Redheart who came and assured her i was fine to leave. Redheart even hugged me and told me she hoped i made it home. I returned her hug awkwardly and thanked her for taking care of me.
Celestia placed her palm on my forehead. "Ready to go?" She asked.
"Sure thing" i responded attempting a braver tone than i felt.
Suddenly i felt warm, but not in a way that heat would warm you, it was a contented feeling. Then i saw a yellowish light surround us, only it wasnt light
...it was tangible. Like living energy or an electrical charge but it was far from unpleasant....
.....and then the hospital room faded away and different surroundings took shape. Grass under my feet and open skies, the sun still high, trees, even a slight breeze. We were now on top of a hill. Looking down i saw a large farm with trees for miles and miles.

I looked up at Celestia. She mustve sensed me staring as if to ask where were we.

She looked down at me and smiled
" i hope you like apples" she said smiling as she began the descent towards the farm.

......apples huh? Sure i loved apples

A bushel of apples

Author's Note

Sooo i tryed my best to capture the country mannerisms of applejack and her family. Hopefully when you read thier dialogue, the country accent will seem believable and not forced. Anyway please review and comment

A bushel of apples

Chapter 3
A BUSHEL OF APPLES

As we walked i noticed that in addition to a large farm house there was also an even larger barn behind.
We passed a chicken coop and a pig pen. In a field to our left sheep wandered around lazily.
In a large pecan tree there was what appeared to be a dilapidated tree house.
And trees as far as the eye could see. Apples in brilliant shades of ruby and emerald and gold hung from thier branches.
"Princess Celestia, what is this place?" I asked.
"Sweet apple acres, the best apple orchard in equestria, home to some of the nicest ponies you could meet anywhere". She replied.
I looked around, a farm of this size has to be full of workers, but i saw nobody.
"Who runs all this?" I asked
" Granny Smith, her grandson Big Mac and granddaughters Applejack and Applebloom" she replied.
I stopped in my tracks. And looked up at Celestia incredously.
"Just four people run ALL this?"
"Well three now, Applebloom is off in Baltimare at college" she replied.
At this my jaw dropped. Celestia looked down at me sheepishly.
"Remember, ponies here have magic, and Granny smith and her grandchildren are all earth ponies, thier magic is directly tied to the ground and anything that grows out of it. Farming is the Apple families passion, its hardly work to them"
I had to agree, for three people to farm this much land ,magic must be involved and no small amount of passion.
Another thought crossed my mind "wait, do they even know im coming to stay? Will they be ok with that?" I asked.
"Of course they will be, why would it be a problem" she looked nonplussed at me.
"Hell, they dont know me from Adam" i replied.
"Who?" She asked looking confused.
"Erm...nobody, i mean wont they think i look wierd or you know be scared of me?"
"Of course not your hardly the strangest or most dangerous creature to appear here out of thin air" she said resuming her walk.
Well shit i said to myself.
"The apples are known for thier hospitality, and Applejack has a special gift for telling if somepony is lying or not....if you have malicious intent you will not hide it from her". Celestia stated

So this was a test to see if i really was some sort of predator out for raw pony flesh, as much as a genuine offer of shelter and help.
"Im no threat to anyone here princess, noone here has been anything but kind to me.....kindness like this is rare where im from, damn near impossible to find, your people have done so much for me already i....i would never harm anyone ive met"
Celestia smiled "i understand Kay, and i believe you, and the aura of destiny is around you, but just the same Applejack has a magic that even i donot possess, i can hardly allow a being to live among my people without knowing without a doubt thier intentions"
Well i couldnt argue with that logic.
As we reached the porch to the farm house, Celestia turned to me
"I will speak with them first if thats alright?" She asked
"Of course" i responded. No doubt she would want to ease them into this unexpected meeting.
I sat down on the front steps and rubbed my fingers through my hair. It sure had been a long, confusing and awkward day. I took the time to look around. This place sure did give me a bad case of nostalgia.
It reminded me of my grandpas farm, minus the apple trees. I used to spend almost everyday there, helping with the animals, learning to ride the mares (no pun intended), learning to shoot, swimming in the river behind his house. Then i got older and started partying and then i went off to college and got used to the big city; the lights and crowds.
It was kinda nice being back out in the wide open outdoors, nevermind the fact i was on some alien planet.
As i daydreamed i heard a very familiar sound. Barking! In the distance i saw a small animal rushing towards the farm house. As it got closer i could clearly see it was an actual dog (go fucking figure huh?), a collie by the looks of it, a typical farmyard breed. The animal got too within about 3 feet of me when i stopped and resumed barking.

"Whoa, whoa easy boy" i said standing and approaching the small dog. The animal showed no signs of hostility so i inched closer and reached out my hand. As my hand hovered above its head it growled slightly.
"Calm down, im not gonna hurt you boy" i said as i rested my hand on his head and rubbed gently. At this he began to wag his tail and his tongue lolled out. "Whats your name? Huh boy?" His ears perked up. "Whats your name buddy?" I asked again.
"Winona" i heard a Southern sounding voice behind me. "An shes a lady not a gent". I stopped rubbing 'winona' and stood up and turned around to see Celestia standing with three ponies.
The one that had spoken was a deep yellow with emerald eyes. Under a worn out cowboy hat long blonde hair spilled out. She wore a cutoff red flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up and the bottom tied just beneath a pair of large but perky breasts. (Seriously did all 'women' here have racks to die for?)
Her stomach was tight and toned. She wored tight blue jean daisy dukes that hugged her muscled legs and thighs. A hole was cut out at the back for her long blonde tail. Her outfit was finished off by a pair of worn out cowboy boots, styled to fit her hooves.
Beside her stood a red stallion with hair and a brown tail. He wore a whife tanktop and blue jeans. What struck me was his height (tall, but nowhere near as tall as Celestia or Luna, but a few inches taller than me, putting him somewhere around 6'2). He was huge as well like a young Arnold Shwartzeneggar. His arms were crossed in front of his massive chest.
In front of them both stood and older, light brown mare. Her white hair and tail in a bun. Smile lines framed her eyes and lips. She was not unattractive, despite her age and in her younger years had probably been quite the beauty.
I smiled sheepishly "sorry about that" i said extending my hand to the yellow mare. She took it and smiled "aww shoot, dont ye worry 'bout it none partner, names Applejack, but ya'll can just call me AJ" she said.
"Im Kay, nice to meet you as well, princess Celestia told me alot about you all" i replied
Aj rubbed the back of her neck with a goofy smile "all good things ah hope" she said flashing her perfect teeth.
"Yeah, all good" i assured her.
Next the Red stallion stepped forward extending his hand. "Mac, nice 't meetcha"
Damn he was strong, my fingers felt like twigs in his grip.
The last unknown pony (which i assumed had to be Granny smith) came forward. I automatically reached my hand out, but she suprised me by wrapping her arms around me and pulling me into a tight hug. "Ahm Granny smith, ya'll just call me Gran"

"Uhmm thanks" i said awkwardly still taken back by her show off affection.
"Ahve never seen Winona take to a stranger like that before" Aj said. "Well i grew up around dogs, i guess im just good with animals" i said smiling down at winona who was still curled up at my feet.
"So what brings ya'll all the way out here" Aj asked.

Celestia proceeded to let them all in on my arrival, including what kind of creature i was. Aj was especially interested in my tattoos and the fact that i was an omnivore; apparently something that was unheard of in Equestria. Either you were herbivore or carnivore.
They also asked; of all things, about the apples from my world and if we had something called Zap apples.
"Whoo boy ya'll sure are inerestin'" Aj said clapping me on the back.
"Ahm sure sorry ya'll are stranded so far from home, it must be awful frightenin' " Granny smith said.
"Well shoot if'n ya'll need a place to hunker down till ya'll get home we sure got space" Aj said enthusiatically. "Aint that right Mac" she said turning to her brother.
"Eeyup" he said simply nodding.
Amazing! Celestia really had them pegged. "Thats actually what i came to speak to you about" the princess said speaking to Granny smith.
"Well he seems to be a straight forward gent, ah see no reason why we cant put 'em up fer a while" Granny smith said smiling warmly at me. "Big Mac, ya'll run upstairs and set 'em up in Blooms old room" she said motioning to her huge grandson. He nodded with a "yessum" and headed into the house.

"Granny sm.....uhm Gran i appreciate this i really do but i wouldnt feel right staying here for free so im more than willing to help out on the farm"i said
"That sounds like a deal ta me" she said.
"Yessir bucking season starts tommar, ah sure could use a strong pair o' legs" Aj said eyeing my legs and thighs in a manner i hope i was only imagining was lustfully.
I wasnt sure what she meant by 'bucking season' or what that had to do with legs but i had volunteered and i wasnt gonna back out.
Celestia clapped her hands together beaming "well that worked out perfectly! Kay i promise we will talk more soon, but I must be going now Luna will throw a fit if im late lowering the sun again" and with that she simply faded out of my sight and was gone.
A small silence followed broken by Applejack.
"As tall as ya'll are and all musclely im sure bucking trees'll be a snap" she said "we do get up a mite bit early i hope it dont bother ya'll none" she said.
"No problem" i said smiling "anything i can do to help is fine"
"Are ya'll hungry dear?" Granny smith asked. As if on cue my stomach rumbled loudly and i realized i hadnt eaten all day.
"Ah'll take that as a yessum" she said. "Aj be a sweetheart and scrounge 'em some grub, ahm gonna go see whats taking Big mac so long"
"Sure thing Gran" Aj said before turning to me "Ya'll follow me sweetie" she turned with a swish of her tail and a jiggle of her well formed...flanks? Ass? Either way it was a hell of a sight.
As i stepped into the huge farm house it actually reminded me of my grandpas, rustic and homey feeling. I was suprised when we stepped into the kitchen and there were many of the same appliances we used on Earth. Microwave, a huge stove, and massive refrigerator, and 2 deep freezers side by side. The was even a coffemaker on the island in the middle of the the spacious kitchen.

"Well ah know ya'll eat meat and veggies but we sure dont have no flesh laying about, but anything else ahm sure we got somewhere or other" Applejack said.
"Anything is fine" i assured her.
She shook her head her long hair swaying, "Nossiree ya'll is company ahm gonna set ya up right nice" and at that she went to work heating up and fixing all manner of foods. I really should have just picked something but you know how it is being a stranger in somebody else's home.
I certainly had never seen so many dishes constructed around apples. Apple pie, apple fritters, apple danishe's, apple soup, sauteed apples, apple and cheese sandwiches, apple salad, in addition to a huge bowl or cornbread, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, sweet carrots, corn on the cob, stewed potatoes and collards. To drink there was sweat tea, a jug of cool water, orange juice, apple juice (of course) and cold milk.
There was enough to feed a small army and that had just come from the fridge.
"Theres also some homemade hard apple cider, ifn ya'll feel like catchin a buzz" she said grinning toothily.
Alchohol? Go figure i said mentally shrugging.
"No thanks, this is all fine, it all looks delicious" i said my mouth watering.
Aj looked on happily as i dug in trying to sample some of everything and it was all indeed delicious beyond anything id ever eaten on Earth.
I was soon gorged and uncomfortably full, but food in my belly was welcome regardless.
"Well damn it all, ya'll sure was hungry" Aj said a slight grin on her face. "Ah guess ya'll aint got room for desert" she said and once again i hoped i only imagined the innuendo.
"Oh no, i cant eat another bite" i said exhaling loudly.
"Too bad" i heard Aj mutter under her breath.
As i stood up to help clear the table i heard Granny smith yell from upstairs. "Applejack! Ya'll send Kay up so he can get settled!"
"Yessum Gran!" Applejack shouted back. "Ya'll go on ahead" she said. "I should help clean up" i said not moving yet.
"Dont be silly now, ya'll are company, besides Gran would tan my hide, if'n she saw me lettin company help clean" she said shooing me upstairs.
As i reached the 2nd floor there was a long hallway with doors lining both sides. The last one at the end was where Granny smith stood ushering to me.
"Ya'll come on in and get settled" she said.
As i reached the doorway i was shocked. The room was huge, much bigger than any bedroom id ever slept it. The high ceilings had a skylight where the moon shown through and the stars were visible. A queen sized bed was in one corner a dresser on its left and nightstand on its right. There was a huge walk in closet and a door that led out to a balcony.
"Sorry it took so long, Big mac figured ya'll wouldnt feel manly sleeping in a room with posters of stallions and whatnot so he was just taking all Appleblooms old pictures down" Granny smith explained.
"Thanks Mac" i said to the red stallion. That really had been thoughtful.
"Eeyup" he replied heading out the door.
"Now i know Celestia said you didnt have no belongings with ya'll, so after work tommorow we'll head on into town and get ya'll some more threads, and while were gone ill have Mac see if'n he can find Appleblooms old tv to bring up" Granny smith said.
I had never witnessed such genuine hospitality before. And i soon found myself hugging Granny smith around the neck and thanking her thoroughly.
"Dont ya'll mention it" she replied. "Now heres a towel and a wash rag, the washrooms the third door on ya'lls right, im gonna call it a night, ah hope ya'll sleep well and we'll see ya'll tommar" she said walking out.
"Thank you again, and goodnight" i said as she smiled and walked back down stairs.
After a good long hot shower i dryed off and looked at my reflection in the mirror. Id have to pick up some razors tommorow, if they sold such a thing here. After going back to my room i laid across the soft mattress and stared up at the skylight.
I wondered if maybe one of those stars was my star, if Earth was revolving around it. If it was night back home. If my family was asleep so they wouldnt be worrying about me. I found myself unable to get comfortable in the extremely comfortable bed i was laying on and knew i was the sleeplessness that comes from an unfamiliar house and an unfamiliar bed.
Eventually though my tired body and overexerted mind demanded rest and i slowly and reluctantly drifted off and thought no more.....

John Carter of Equestria

Author's Note

This chapters a little longer. I had alot i needed to get done, i also wanted to try to explore the world of Equestria in a little more detail, also tryed to fixed capitilization and punctuation errors.As always please read and review

John Carter of Equestria

Chapter 4
JOHN CARTER OF EQUESTRIA

A knock at my bedroom door roused me from my sleep all too soon. I groggily opened my eyes and stared up through the sky light. The stars and moon were still bright but the sky itself was beginning to take on a lighter hue.
I heard the door creak open and Applejacks face appeared in the doorway. "Ya'll up?" She asked quietly. For a split second I considered ignoring her, but instead I replied with a yawn and forced myself to sit up and stretch.
"Yeah im up" I responded. "Well ya'll get dressed and come down stairs for a bite, then we'll hit the orchards" she said disappearing down the hall way. I fumbled around in the dark looking for my jeans and shirt, I didnt have the heart to assault my eyes by turning on the light.
Once i was fully dressed I made a bee line for the bathroom. All that sweet tea had my bladder about to bust. I had to piss like a race horse (yeah I had to say it). I leaned my head back as I relieved myself, sighing in contentment.
Then I jumped slightly when I heard the bathroom door open and Applejack walked nonchalantly in, she froze when she saw me. "Holy hay! Ya'll scared me!" she said turning around. Then she did a double take her eyes traveling to my nether regions. "...sweet celestia..." I heard her mumble, before a blush crept across her face and she hurriedly left me in peace.
Needless to say I was a little flabbergasted, but i finished up, washed my hands and headed downstairs.
Applejack was at the dinner table, her face hidden behind a newspaper. I could almost feel her blush through the paper.
There was a pot of coffee on the table and biscuits and jelly. I helped myself to some and as I sat eating, she broke the awkward silence.
"Ummm...ahm sorry 'bout that partner, I thought ya'll might still be in bed, ah shouldve knocked...." she trailed off clearly embarrassed.
"Dont worry about it, shit happens" I said smiling. "Thanks for breakfast" I said as an afterthought.
"Dont mention it" she said smiling sheepishly and rubbing the back of her neck. Then in a whisper "seriously ya'll dont mention it to Gran, she'll have my ace in a stirrup"
"Dont worry Aj, its our secret" I said chuckling. She let out an exasperated sigh and rested her head in her hands.
"So ya'll ever bucked apples before?" She asked. When I replied that I'd never even heard of apple bucking she smiled understandably.
"Ah guess we'll both learn alot from eachother, being from diffrent homesteads and all" she said
"Wheres Mac and Gran?" I asked looking around.
"They left early this mornin', headin into poneyville to make deliveries, just me and you all morning partner" she responded sounding absolutely thrilled.
"Okay, sounds cool" I said, how bad could it be. Just me and some voluptous, incredibly gorgeous female, never mind her being another species, alone. All morning.
God help me
Aj stood up, yawned and stretched, kicking her chair under the table.
"Whelp, ya'll ready to get this here day done?" She asked.
I stood up as well, saluted and said "hell yeah!" Aj laughed. "Thats what ah like ta hear partner".
The morning air was crisp as we stepped outside and I shivered a little, but it wasnt unpleasantly chilly.
Aj had on a pair of tight jeans and a tight white tank top that barely covered her midriff. Instead of her cowboy hat, her hair was in a ponytail (hehe) and wrapped in a red bandana.
Instead of her cowboy boots she was barefoot, er barehoof.
We walked down the dirtpath to the apple orchards, with Winona prancing along behind us. Aj was lively, almost annoyingly so. As for myself I was still waking up.
We finally reached the orchard. "Alright partner, ahm gonna give ya'll a crash course in apple bucking" Aj anounced. She raised her arms over her head stretching, her breasts rising with her. Then she touched her toes, her equally amazing ass poking out. I literally had to force myself to look away.
Once she was done she brushed a loose strand of hair over her ear. "Alright, lets get started" she said approaching a particularly large tree.
She started feeling the trunk, running her fingers almost sultrily across the bark, she rubbed her hooves in the soil directly around the base of the tree.
I had no idea in hell what she was doing.
"Okey dokey this'n here looks ready" she said confidently.
"Ready for what? What was all that?" I asked.
"Well I was making sure that this here tree was ripe for bucking" she said matter of factly.
"How? Im just a little confused" I said chuckling.
Applejack straightened her self and cleared her throat. "Well Earthponies like mahself can feel the vibrations and auras comin' offa tha trees. Kinda like a fruitbat ah guess. It helps us sense when the trees ready ta be bucked an where to aim fer, ta get tha maximum amount of apples per buck"
I was amazed. She actually sounded all scientific like she knew what she was talking about, even if it did seem farfetched and impossible. Vibrating trees? Plant auras?

She noticed my musings and giggled lightheartedly. "Here lemme show ya'll". She went back to inspecting the tree murmering to herself, and then nodded.
What happened next was awe inspiring to say the least. She took a deep breath then raised her right leg and the 5'4 mare spartan kicked the tree so hard, it litterally shook and the branches above rattled, dropping copious amounts of apples all over the ground in our immediate vicinity.
I stood there dumbstruck, my mouth slightly agape. She brushed her pants off and smiled widely. "Nothing too it partner"
"Damn Aj, your strong! Like freakishly strong" I said.
"Awww aint ya'll sweet" she said throwing an arm around me, the side of her perfect left breast pushing into my side. "Welp how bout ya'll take a wack at it, I'll find ya'll a good tree"
At that she wandered about feeling and listening to diffrent trees. I was still reeling from her show of colossal strength, when she shouted my name.
"Over here Kay! I found tha perfect one for ya'll"
I reluctantly trudged over. Kicking trees full force wasnt high up on the list of things humans are good at.
"Applejack, I've never done anything like this before, how bout I just pick up the apples that fall down?" I said hopefully.
"C'mon partner look at how big ya'll is, this'll be easier'n wrangling Flutters when shes all hot n bothered" she said. Having no idea what kind of analogy she was trying to make, I dropped my head in defeat.
I determined to only give a half hearted go at applebucking, I mean I didnt intend on fracturing my foot after just surviving near drowning and hypothermia.
I stood in front of the large apple tree, which seemed even larger and even slightly intimidating (how does that work?). I mirrored Ajs motions from before, brought my foot to my chest and gingerly kicked outwards, heel to bark.
There was a shudder and a groan as the tree rocked backwards and a sizable amount of apples fell to the ground.
"Holy shit" I said astonished. I hadnt felt any resistance. It was almost like kicking cardboard. I wouldve thought I was hallucinating if not for Applejack hooting in my ear and clapping me on my back. "Not bad partner!" She said.

"I...I, thanks" I said unable to formulate a more coherent response.
Applejack looked up at the branches.
"Theres still quite a few ripe un's up there hows about ya'll give it another go? But a lil harder this time?" She said. I simply nodded and repeated the process this time applying all the force I could muster.
There was a loud crack and the sound of dirt and bark flying about as the tree was uprooted and fell over into another tree, this one quite smaller, causing it to be crushed under the one I'd just demolished with a kick.
At this both me and Aj were speechless.
"Damn it all, I had no idea ya'll were that strong! Only pony ahm ever seen do that is Big mac and it took a few kicks. Ya'll did it in two" she said wide eyed.
"Shit! Im sorry Aj" I said worried she'd be mad. "No worries partner ah just had no idea ya'll was that strong" she said.
"Yeah me either" I replied. She looked at me sideways. "Whada ya'll mean?"
"I was never that strong back on my world. I mean humans are pretty strong I guess, but not enough to kick over a tree"
"Maybe ya'll picked up some kinda magic when ya fell through the portal?" Aj offered.
"Yeah maybe....." I said. I didnt know whether to be ecstatic or disconcerted at my apparent super strength.
"Hey! Ah know somepony that may have an ansewer as to why ya'lls so damned strong" she said snapping her finger.
"Who?"
"A friend o' mine, after were done here Gran told me to take ya'll into town, ahm sure we could stop by her place, she's all bookwormy and stuff ahm sure she'd know whats going on with ya'll"
"Sounds good to me Aj"
"Alright let get on back to work, just...uh take it easy, dont need no more trees demolished" she said winking at me
I laughed "okay deal"....

.....the rest of the day went by fairly quick. Aj was a firm believer in hardwork, but it was fun too. We told stories, laughed alot and at the end of the day cleared out almost a quarter of an orchard, something she confided that it usually took the entire apple family to accomplish.
It was mid afternoon when we'd both finished up for the day and showered up. my clothes werent too dirty but I definitly needed some more. I was a little selfconscious about walking through town dirty. I mentioned this to Applejack but her response was that I should be proud to be dirty, that it would "let folks know ya'll put in a hard days workin'" as she'd put it.
The sun was still high in the sky and a nice breeze was blowing. The walk to town itself was about a 3 mile hike, but there was a well beaten path and no uphill walking so it wasnt really strenous in any way. Kinda relaxing actually.
I hadnt expected much in the way of sheer size and the town didnt dissapoint. It was small but cozy, shops pretty much packed right next to eachother. The town square was a open area, the ground inlaid in brick. Vendors sold thier wares and ponies hustled and bustled about what i assumed were their daily routines.
As soon as I had followed Aj past the first couple of shops, heads started turning in our direction. I guess being at least half a foot taller than almost everybody else in town stuck out. There were shocked stares and whispers, of course, but nothing in the way of disgust or fear. A little apprehension maybe but nothing overtly negative.
I had assumed that the population was like earths an equal mix of male and female. But from what I could see, there were many more mares than stallions. Like there were three mare to any one stallion. Also apparently not all stallions were built like Big mac, and none of the ones I saw in town were as tall as me.
But this was also a small town, so I was just generalizing on my experiences thus far. I made a mental note to ask Aj about it later.
"So where first partner?" Aj questioned. Snapping out of my haze I shrugged. "I dont really know, where is there to go?" I asked.
"Well, we can stop by the boutique and get ya'll fitted for some new duds; my friend owns the place she's some kinda fancy shmancy designer. Or we could head on over to tha Library and see if Twi can help us out with ya'lls super powers, or we can get something sweet at sugarcube corner"
I looked down and my dirt stained shirt and pants, I had washed and there was no bodyodor but still first impressions are everything.
"Clothes, definitely clothes" I responded. Motioning for me to follow her she walked towards a large and rather lavish looking building. The words Carisol Boutique in extravagent lettering framed the doorway.
A small set of steps led to the glass double doors, which I followed Aj through into the boutique itself. A jingle rang across the tiled floor and high ceilings. Delicate tapping announced the arrival of another mare.
"Applejack! Darling, it has been ages hasnt it!" She exclaimed throwing her arms around Aj.
Aj grimaced "For Celestia's sake Rarity, ah just seen ya'll 3 days ago" but she returned the hug whole heartedly. I took the oppurtunity to observe the new female.
'Rarity' was a couple inches taller than Applejack, although the addition of blue stilleto heels put her at my height. Whereas Applejack had a very toned slightly muscular body, this mare was slender. Her breasts were smaller yet perky. Her waist and hips were more slender, but in no way was she just skin and bones. Her hair was longer than Aj's and was blue like her stilleto's. It was styled as was her long blue tail. A long spiraled horn, much like Celestia's poked through her immaculate mane. Her coat was white and she wore a black cocktail dress. A large ornate silver necklace and silver hoop earings finished off her ensemble. Her large blue eyes sparkled as she laughed daintily
"Pishposh darling, to what do i owe this pleasure?" Rarity inquired.
"Well ah gotta new farmhand, hes not from around these parts and he needs some new threads" Aj responded pulling me forward.
Rarity let out an exageratted gasp, and brought her hand to her mouth. "Who is this?" She asked Applejack, trying to sound normal.
"This here is Kay, he stayin with us and helping out on the farm, ah was hoping you could size him up for me".
"Yeah, Applejack's been telling me how your the best fashion designer in Equestria, she didnt say how attractive you were" I said shamelessly flirting to break the ice. Luckily it seemed to be the kind of stuff this mare lived for.
She immediately softened up and put on a dazzling smile.
"Oh Darling you simply must stop teasing me so" she said twirling a finger in her blue locks. "She is quite right however"
She extended her hand which I accepted. "My name is Rarity, owner and proprietor of the Carousal Boutique"
I kissed her hand and replied "Im Kay, a pleasure to meet you Lady Rarity" she blushed slightly as my lips met her soft hands. She brough her free hand to her mouth again. "My my such a gentlecolt, and in the company of Applejack no less, I'm shocked to see her in such refined company" she teased.
"Awright, awright if ya'll are done making googly eyes, can we get down to buisness?" Applejack huffed.
"Darling you must lighten up" Rarity teased. "This way" she said motioning for me to follow. Applejack closed in behind us as we set foot in a large and opulent dressing room. "Sweetie! We have a customer" Rarity called.
A few moments later another white mare came into the dressing room. Her hair too was styled and curled but instead of blue it was a two toned color of light purple and pink. Her eyes were green and she too sported a horn. She was shorter than either Aj or Rarity, probably around 5'0 but she was shaped much like Rarity.
"This is Sweetiebelle" Rarity announced. "My best employee and sibling"
Sweetiebelle grimaced "I'm the only one of both".
After Sweetiebelle arrived they went right to work measuring me, turns out the only real difference in designing was that I didnt need a tail hole or pants fitted for hooves. As they measured me they both asked questions about what I was, where I was from, how I got here, nothing I hadnt heard in the last couple of days.
I regailed them with the same practiced explanation. Sweetiebelle was especially interested in my tattoos. She too mistook them for cutiemarks, saying how jealous she was that I had so many and that it had taken her and her friends alot longer than most to get theirs.
I learned quite a bit about ponies in general. Apparently 3 human years equalled to 1 pony year. Sweetiebelle was a young adult at 19 years old, but in human years she wouldve been considered a senior. Rarity was 25 (My age) and Applejack was 23. I also learned that my original assumption was correct and that mares outnumbered stallions almost 3 to 1.
I knew Applejack and her family were all Earthponies. I also learned, as if the horn in the middle of thier foreheads wasnt obvious enough, Rarity and her sister were Unicorns. Thier magic was pretty impressive. Some kind of telekinesis I guessed. They could move and manipulate objects so well it made me wonder why they even had hands.
They also explained to me that the princesses were Alicorns, the rarest and most powerful of all ponies, and generally the defacto leaders of Equestria. Apparently they were so rare that only three exsisted, but they were all very ancient, Celestia the oldest being nearly 4,000 years old.
"And dont forget to tell him about pegasi while your at it" Sweetiebelle said.
"Oh yes Darling one of our very best friends is a pegasus, thier quite brilliant fliers in addition to controlling the weather" Rarity remarked Idly closing her tape measure.
This opened a whole new discussion and i heard an oddly familiar name mentioned.
"Rainbowdash.....she's the one that saved me" I said. "Oh yeah she sure is a pistol that mare" Aj said.
"I really wanna thank her for that" I said.
"she's off in Cloudsdale for a weather convention darling, but yes you two should become better acquainted, she's quite the tomcolt, but noone in equestria can outfly her" Rarity responded.
After the fitting was done Rarity promised to have me a new wardrobe in a week or so. She also refused any kind of payment, telling me it was a gift. After thanking her I reached for her hand and instead she pulled me into a hug and kissed both my cheeks. Sweetiebelle shook my hand and smiled.
As Aj and I walked out Rarity called after me
"Dont be a stranger dear! Stop by any time you get the chance to chat!" She shouted. I smiled, assuring her I would.
"Well Rarity sure took to ya'll quickly. Just tell her she's Celestia's gift to Ponies and she'll be yer bestfriend" she chuckled.
"Yeah" I agreed "She's something else, but she seems sincere, her and Sweetiebelle"
"Yer just lucky ya'll werent around when Sweetiebelle and Applebloom and Dashes sister Scootaloo where younger, whoo them fillies were something else" Applejack exclaimed. I laughed as she told me some of thier more unbelievable exploits.
"Damn Applebloom sounds alot like you Aj" I teased. Aj laughed in response "Ah reckon she got it honest, never met a stranger that filly, always wild as a hungry manticore but friendly as can be".
"Tell me about it, I remember my little sister used to......" I paused. Id tryed to keep home out off my mind, but it always would creep up on me.
Applejack noticed my frown and smiled understandably.
"Hey ah know it must be hard, lets just not talk about it" she said.

"Thanks Aj" i said. We walked in silence for a while.
Suddenly Aj perked up. "Hey ah almost forgot to take ya'll to go see Twilight!" She said.
"Who?"
"Remember the nerdy mare ah told ya'll about?" She prodded.

"Oh yeah, ok sounds good" I replied.
With that we were off hopefully to find some ansewers....

As we walked I asked Aj why everybody was so.....unbothered by my difference of appearance. Her response was pretty much the same as Celestia's. I wasnt the strangest looking creature to just randomly appear here. Also, apparently ponies were just naturally nicer and more accepting than humans, at least based on what I'd seen so far.
I voiced this theory to Aj, but she assured me that there were some ponies that were prejudiced. She told me the story of how a pony like being named Zecora (she was a Zebra) had appeared in the everfree foresta few years back and how everyone had acted like she was a leper.
In fact according to Aj, only her younger sister Applebloom had been willing to try to befriend the strange mare. She had succseeded and now, although she still lived in her hut in the forest, she was well known and respected.
Soon we came to a large tree. Well I think it was a tree, it had windows and a door. I guess this was a more literal interpretation of treehouse.
"Here we are" Aj announced. "Where is here?" I asked. "This here is Twilights house, and ponyvilles library" she responded. "Oh ok, guess you werent joking about the nerd part" I said. Aj chuckled and knocked on the door.
First let me just say that I had been in Equestria a couple of days so the whole pony thing was becoming pretty common place. What I mean to say is that the shock value had worn off. So I wouldnt have batted an eye when Aj's friend ansewered the door. However it wasnt a mare that opened the door. It wasnt even a pony. The being in question was short, even by pony standards.
It was probably the size of young filly or colt. Instead of a pastel colored coat, purple scales seemed to cover its body. Green spikes formed a mohawk of sorts. It sported a tail, alligator in shape. It wore a white collared shirt and khaki pants. Its bare feet displayed three toes ending in rather sharp looking claws.
"Hey Applejack" it said smiling. It had a highpitched male voice like it had just reached puberty.
"Heya Spike, is Twi round abouts" Aj asked. Ok Spike huh? had to be a guy, but what kind was the big question.
"Sure" he said eyeing me suspiciously. "Come on in" he said holding the door open. Me and Aj squeezed by and as he shut the door behind us, the inevitable question arose. "Whose your friend?"
Aj clapped me on the back "This heres mah new farmhand, Kay, the only hooman in equestria" she said. "Human" I corrected her. She ignored me and continues "this is Spike, Twilights assistant and only Dragon in ponyville". Spike smiled and extended his hand.
I didnt respond rightaway. Had Aj really just said 'Dragon'?. I mean sure he was reptilian in nature. But really a dragon?. Maybe the pony definition was a little different than the human one.

Aj cleared her throat and I snapped back to reality. "Sorry, nice to meet you Spike" I said shaking his hand. His grin was still plastered on his face, probably forcefully so. "You just dont look like any dragon ive ever seen" I said sheepishly.
"Oh yeah? Well what kinda dragons have you seen?" He asked.
I stammered for a response but Aj spoke up "He's not from around here Spike, ah reckon dragons look a might bit different where hes from, just like ponies" she chuckled. "Can ya'll believe he said ponies in his world walk around on all fours? What a hoot!"
Spike laughed too. "Well ive never seen a hooman so I guess its all fair" Spike said shrugging.
He led us through the house which was quite a bit larger than it looked on the ouside.
The place was crammed with books. I mean literally shelves that reached to the roof. And there were no small volumes of literature. There were tomes and scrolls of various conditions of quality. Encyclopedias and dictionaries as big as a small child perched precariously on the top most shelves.
Finally Spike led us through to a small den like area. The walls still littered with shelves that were in turn crammed full of books. There was a couch and a recliner as well as a fireplace. And a small recaltangular table over which a purple pony was hunched.
"Heya Twi'" Aj said loudly. The purple mare jumped and turned around .
Nerd was definitely my first impression. She had on a overly large lab coat with the sleeves rolled up with a white t-shirt underneath. A pair of black khaki pants and a oversized pair of glasses. A notepad and pen was in her hand.
She was average pony height about thw same as Aj. Her coat was purple though. As was her long hair and tail. With a streak of darker purple and pink. A horn protruded from her hair, so she was onviously a unicorn like Rarity. Her purple eyes were wide and bloodshot.
She looked haggard like she hadnt slept in days.
"Oh my Aj, you scared me!" Her voice was highpitched and she spoke very fast. "I dont really have time to talk. So busy testing a theory for the princess. Could you come back later?. Maybe 4 am that'd be great bye!" She said turning around.
I shot Aj a questioningly look and she just shook her head and smiled as if to say 'just wait for it'. I didnt wait long as Twilight spun back around and rounded on me like a rabid dog. "Ooooooo you must be the hooman! Yes! Hmmmm no coat, no wings or horns or tail? She started lifting my arms and stuck a popsicle stick (which she conjured out of nothing apparently) into my mouth examing my teeth.
"Hmmmmm, yes i see the fangs Celestia mentioned but also teeth suited to a herbivore lifestlye....fascinating" she felt my shoulder blades "No signs of vestigal wings" she then proceeded to thump my forehead "no signs of a proto horn, but the skull seems quit dense". Then she ran her hand down my pants feeling around where my spine ended, "hmmmm no signs of a vestigal tail either" she proceeded to write all this down in her notepad, the whole time muttering to herself a mile a minute.
I was starting to be afraid she'd tell me too drop my pants and 'cough'. I dont think i was far off as she reached for my zipper in a swift motion. Luckily Aj saved the day as she slapped Twilights hand away laughing.
"Yes Twi he's the hooman ya'll heard about sheesh give the poor fella a chance to catch his breath". Twilight flushed a little and her wide eyes decreased to what i assumed was normal. At least they werent any bigger than Aj's.
"Im so so sorry please forgive me mr. Hooman" she said. I laughed "No harm done, and just call me Kay". "Kay? Like the letter K? Or maybe more like the slang version of the word Okay, which is a synonym for other words like 'alright' or 'sure'....." she trailed off again and i sighed to myself.

"We had some questions" Aj anounced. Twilight made a weird squealing noise and clapped her hands together as she jumped up and down "Oooooooo questions please sit sit sit!" She said ushering us to the couch as she sat in the recliner. "Spike!" She shouted.
The little dragon, quiet this whole time stepped forward. "Yes?" He asked. "Please bring us some refreshments" she said in a professional tone. "Sure thing" he said rolling his eyes as he walked out of the room. I chuckled at his indignation.
"Just let me get comfortable" Twilight said as she took of the huge labcoat and threw it unceremoniously behind the couch.

Nerdy and spazzed out as she may be the tight t-shirt and khakis she wore showed she too had a nice figure. It wasnt the super model figure of Rarity or Aj's athletic form, but i was well above average. Her breast were smaller than either Rarity or Aj's, but her things had more meat on them and were much wider than either of the other mares id become acquainted with.
She clasped her hands together and gazed at us intently "So? Questions? Fire away" she said leaning back. I was unsure of what to say or how to approach this eccentric mare. Luckily Aj saved me again. "Well Kay here's pretty damned strong, only only trouble is he says hoomans arent normally that strong where he's from"
"Hmmmmm" Twilight mused to herself. "How strong are we talking Applejack? Did you do any strength measurements?"
"Well uh nah, how in the hay would we even go about something like that Twi? Ya'llre the scienteest" Aj said rolling her eyes. "I did kick over a tree if that helps" i offered. I regretted speaking up as Twilight rounded on me again. "A tree you say? A big tree? Small tree? Oak? Pine? Ooooo was it a Maple? Do hooman normally kick over trees?" There she went talking like a pissed of latina again. She was also on the edge of her seat, pen at the ready.
"Uh it was a pretty decent sized tree, a apple tree, and no ive never known a human to kick one over" I said. She jotted down some notes. She asked more questions about human strength in general and asked for examples. Eventually Spike showed up with the refreshments and he sat down and listened with interest to the conversation.
From what I gleaned from Twilight, Earth ponies were the physically strongest. And the Apple family was considered exceptionally strong even among other Earthponies. Given that it took Big mac (the strongest of the Apples) several hard kicks to topple a similiarly sized tree as the one I kicked over, Twilight firmly put my strength in the 'super equine' category.

To get a more concrete reading she took us to her 'laboratory'. Machines and inventions of all types were scattered about. She brought us too one particular machine which consisted of a large pedastal which was connected to a hollow, metallic cylinder. The inside was padded and filled with blinking lights and sensors.
"This" Twilight announced proudly "is my patented, strength-o-meter 3000 mkII". Aj shook her head and murmered "Here we go". "How does it work?" I asked. "Simple!" She shouted. "You place your entire arm into the cylinder and push against it with all your strength and it measures the PSI and calculates it into a numerical value" she explained.
"The average Pegasi normally rates a 115, exeptions like Rainbowdash score upwards of 165. Unicorns average around 140. Earthponies average at 180, Aj here scored 248 and Big mac scored a 275"
"Whats about Alicorns?" I asked, my curiosity peaked. Aj and Spike looked curious as well. Twilights maniacle grin faltered a little. "Well its called the mkII for a reason. Princess cadence tested out the mark I and broke it, and shes the weakest princess....." she trailed off, leaving it to our imaginations I guess.
"So um...shall we? Twilight asked. I stepped forward and put my arm into the cylinder. "Now what?" I asked. "Just let me calibrate it" Twilight muttered
She pushed a few buttons and the machine hummed to life. "Ok whenever your ready push against the cylinder very gently" she instructed.
I nodded and applied a small amount of pressure. The machine beeped a few times. "138" Twilight read from the console. She wrote this number down "Again, a little more force this time".
I pushed a little harder, there was another series of beeps and another readout from Twilight. "193, go again please". This time I applied a good deal more force, more out of curiosity than anything else. The machine beeped again and this time Twilight got excited "Oh wow! 345! He blew your score outta the water!" She said turning to Aj.
Aj whistled "Whoo boy! No wonder ya'll bucked that tree slam over".
Twilight wrote this down in her notebook. "Well how about this time dont hold anything back" she said. "Are you sure? I dont wanna break anything" I said half turning towards her. "Dont worry! I reinforced it to survive an Alicorn im sure it can handle it"
I decided not to ask if she had actual tested the newer model on one of the princesses. Sighing, I gritted my teeth and pushed as hard as I could. Bolts creaked and the metal strained, but didnt give. I pushed with all my strength until the machine was actually starting to lean forward. Just when I thought I was going to tip it over completely, the machine started beeping. I relaxed and the mkII leaned back into its original position
I pulled my arm out and turned around to see Twilight and Aj with thier mouths open.
Spike was standing on his tiptoes trying to see the number. "So uh.....did i pass?" I asked lamely. Twilight snapped out of her trance and cleared her throat before ansewering "I...umm....yes uhh...983" she said in disbelief. "Whoa!" Spike said finally speaking up "Thats wayyyy higher than Mac and he's crazy strong!" The little dragon said in awe. "Yes 3.5 times stronger infact, and with less muscle mass it shouldnt be possible" Twilight said. Ouch! Shot to the ego.
"So uh any ideas why he's so strong?" Spike asked. Twilight was scribbling in her notepad at the speed of crazy. Without looking up she ansewered "Ummm there are wayyy to many variables to give a concrete ansewer....best guess? Maybe the residual magic of this world bonded with his molecular structure when he came out of the portal. Perhaps the gravity on his planet is greater than here, which could also account for increased strength. I really wont know for sure until I run some tests"
"Maybe another time" I said. "Its been a long day and im sure tommorow will be too" I said looking at Aj. "Hay yeah, its bucking season ahm planning on clearing a orchard a day with ya'lls help" she said clapping me on the back.
Twilight frowned "Well at least let me get a blood sample and I'll see what I can find out, but you should really see Celestia about it" then her eyes lit up and she snapped her fingers "I'll send her a letter! Now just sit tight while I find a syringe" she said scavenging through drawers. "Bingo!" She said pulling out a syringe with a rather large needle attached. "Hope your not scared of a little needle!" She said, that maniacle gleam in her eye returning.
I gulped. little needle huh? Yeah whats to be scared off?