The Wonders of a Rainbowby Rainbow SavvyChaptersChapter One: The Pink OneChapter Two: The Purple One TooChapter Three: Yellow Makes Three And Three Is Always a CrowdChapter 4: Orange You Glad I Didn't Say Four?...Oh WaitChapter One: The Pink OneThe Wonders of a Rainbow Chapter One: The Pink One You feel lightheaded and dizzy. You look up trying to recapture your vision and the thoughts of the situation. You see broken glass on your lap and look up to see smoke spewing out in front of you. You are not sure what had happened, but feel like you could vomit at any moment. You think to yourself, ‘What the hell is going on?’ You finally can see clear enough to know that you have been in a car accident. Still dazed and confused, you try to get out of the vehicle. Palms are shaky and you are feeling queasy at the sight. You cling on to the side of the vehicle coughing, and calling out to see if anyone is there. No one seems to be in sight. You start screaming as loud as you can at the possibility of anyone hearing you. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to have any effect. You feel like you have been punched in the gut really hard. You start to walk out into the forest. It is a little foggy, but you see a path that seems to lead somewhere out of your predicament. The thought suddenly occurs to you, ‘Where is my cellphone?’ You reach back to the car to find it and to see it laying on the floorboard with a cracked screen. Your first instinct is to dial 911, but unfortunately there is no signal. You stumble back to the trail you have found. You start to walk down it and finding a peculiar smell. As you walk down it, the smell is getting stronger. Eventually, you come across a swamp with yellow greenish liquid flowing through it. You have the sudden urge to get out of there as quickly as possible to see that there is only one possible way, which is through the path of the swamp. You start to run, when all of the sudden… “HI THERE!” You jump at the sudden movement of a pink pony right in front of your face. “Name’s Pinkie Pie, what’s yours?!” You hesitate to answer and are unsure of what you are looking at. “Uhm…I uhh…” “Come on, don’t be shy. That’s what Fluttershy is for.” You still have a hard time answering, but you muscle up the courage to do so. “My name is John. Who are you?” You think to yourself, ‘Is this a dream?’ “Name is Pinkie Pie. I’m from Ponyville. And, no silly, this is not a dream. How can this possibly be a dream? At least, I like to think I’m real.” She starts looking at herself up and down. “Okay then, how do I get out of here. Is there a police station nearby or someone I can call?” you say with a sense of urgency. “Follow me, I’ll take you back to Ponyville. Although, I don’t know what a police station is, but I’m sure we can find someone to help you,” she says joyfully. So, you both start walking together with a little spring in her step and a little half-step in yours. “So…,” you say. “So what?” “So, how did you find me?” “I didn’t, you found me, silly.” “Okay then, why did you approach me like that?” “Well, you look like someone in distress and I wanted to help you,” saying with a smile on her face. You start to think to yourself, ‘Here I am talking to a crazy talking pink pony with balloons on her ass. If this isn’t a dream, then I don’t know what is.’ “The balloons on my ass represents my cutie mark. It resembles who I am and what I am capable of doing.” “So you’re capable of making party balloons?” You ask quizzically. “No silly, I’m capable of throwing parties for those I care about and share the laughter and enjoyment of them.” “Uh huh and they brand this on you?” Now you’re really curious. “No, more like it appears when you find your special talent in something you love doing. And I just love making people happy,” she says with a bright smile showing all her teeth. “So what brings you to the Evergreen Forest?” You are unsure how to answer that. You cannot remember how you got here. All you know is that you crash landed here in whatever the hell this place is. “I was in an accident.” She gasps. “Are you okay? Do you need to go to the doctor? Was anyone hurt?” She asks in a panic. “No, I’m fine. No more than a couple of bruises and, as far as I can tell, no one else was with me.” “That’s good to know.” You start to think, ‘Maybe I can just skip that question without her noticing.’ “So, you still didn’t answer my question.” ‘Nope.’ “Well, I sort of dropped in unexpectedly and found myself here,” you lie to her hoping you can cause less confusion than there already is at this point. “So, you got lost? Where do you live?” She asks without missing a beat. “I live in Bakerstown, California near the beach.” "Ooo… The beach, I would just love to go to the beach someday.” “Yeah, it’s nice. I get to swim in the ocean anytime I want without a care in the world. So, you said that the cutie mark appears, you mean magically?” You say that wondering how did you even come up with a question like that. “Well, yeah, duh. Everything we do around here is magic.” You think to yourself, ‘I think I’m just going to leave that one alone and just play along as I go.’ “WE’RE HERE!” She says with excitement in her voice bouncing up and down along the way. You look around and everything looks like a typical town, but something just seems a bit off. It seems to be a bit too perfect. For instance, the weather seems to be lovely, but you don’t recall the forecast being this nice. Last time you checked, it was winter with a storm brewing. Everyone or every pony is so...so happy. This…this doesn’t seem like reality at all. “COME ON! I got to let you meet my friends,” she says still bouncing along the way. “That’s great and all, but I was hoping for some medical attention.” “Nein, you said all you had were a couple of bruises. I’m sure you’ll be fine,” she said with determination. “I will not stand for this maltreatment. I think I have a bit of amnesia from the fall,” you say with concern. “Fine, I’ll get you over to Nurse Redheart. She’ll know what to do.” With something positive going your way, you follow Pinkie over to the hospital. Inside the hospital, you see a bunch of doctors and nurses running around in a frantic and you wonder what is going on to cause such a commotion. But with that aside, you still needed medical attention, so you ask the nurse politely, “Can I get a nurse to look at me? I just recently fell and was wondering if I can get someone to look at me.” Nurse Redheart says, “Sure, as soon as one of us is free. We’re having a little trouble with one of our patients today, but I will gladly be of assistance. What is your name?” “John, John Loman.” “Okay, Mr. Loman, please fill this paperwork and fill out any medical issues and allergies. Be sure to sign and date before you return the forms.” “Thanks,” you say as you walk into the waiting room. In there, there are a bunch of ponies who some look worse than you do while others seem okay and are just patiently waiting. The room seems small for such a large hospital. Almost every pony are busy looking through magazines, while others are just staring at you quizzically. You start to think, ‘Has none of these people seen a person before? Am I the only human in this world of ponies?’ Pinkie suddenly says, “Yep, you’re the only one.” “That’s great,” you say sarcastically. You finish filling out the paperwork and hand it back to the nurse. After a long while, the nurse comes back to see you and calls your name. “So, tell me what is bothering you today. I see the bruises on your face and forearms. Tell me exactly how that happened,” Nurse Redheart says. “I fell, I’m not worried about the scrapes and bruises as much as I am with my head. I can’t seem to recall what happened after I woke up from my fall.” “Sounds like you have amnesia. We’ll run a brain scan and see if anything is wrong, but first let me look at your body.” She starts to help you take off your shirt. You are not exactly comfortable with your body. Not that it's bad looking, you just simply don’t like people seeing you exposed. She looks at you more closely with the stethoscope and says, “I don’t see anything out of the ordinary, but we will definitely do a scan. I’ll have the doc come in and we will go from there. Okay?” “Okay.” Moments later, the doctor walks in the room and fills you in the details of the scan. You ask, “How much is this going to cost exactly?” He says, “We have free medical care here, covered by the donations of the upper class over in Canterlot.” You say to yourself, ‘Hmm, sounds good enough to me.’ So, you go through the scan and the doctor comes back with the medical results. “Well, good news, everything came out okay. No concussions or internal bleeding. The slight amnesia you have should wear off eventually, if at all. You should drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest for the next couple of days.” "That's good to hear.” “See Johnny, you were worried for nothing,” Pinkie says. “Yeah, I guess you’re right after all. Still, I would like to know how I got here,” you say with a worried look. Pinkie asks, “What’s wrong?” “Nothing, it’s nothing. It will be fine. Come on let me meet your friends,” you say wondering, if this pony is like this, what the others will be like. Chapter Two: The Purple One TooChapter 2: The Purple One Too “Are you going to tell me what’s been bothering you?” Pinkie asks while on your way to her friends’ place. “Well, I’m just not sure about opening up to you right now,” wanting her to move off topic. “It’s okay to open up your feelings once in awhile even if we just met.” “Says the pony with balloons on her butt to tell her what her life goals are,” you say without thinking. “Sorry, I just don’t feel like talking about it okay,” you say sternly. “Listen, I won’t tell anyone about it. It will be just between us. I Pinkie Promise. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” She says this all the while crossing her heart, making a bird with her hands, and sticking an actual cupcake in her eye. Making you wonder, where the hell did she get a cupcake? What did she do, pull it out of her ass? “Okay then, I’ll tell you if you want to know so badly. I’m a little worried about…,” you trail off. “About…,” she eggs you on. “About my family. I have a great mom and dad whom both love me dearly. I don’t want to lose them and I’m sure they miss me,”you start looking towards the ground in a blank stare. “It will be alright. We will figure this out, that is why I want you to meet my friends. If anything, I know Twilight might have some answers. She has all the book smarts.” “I hope you’re right. Tell me exactly, who your friends are?” She starts telling you just that and when she gets to Fluttershy you ask, “Wait, is that the one you mentioned earlier when we first met?” “Yep, like I said she’s shy. But once you get to know her, she will come around. She knows all the animals and communicates very well with them.” ‘A shy pony who can communicate well with animals. Sounds like a desperate cat lady or pony or whatever.’ “Well, I’m sure I will enjoy getting to know them.” You arrive at what seems to be a very large tree castle. You both go through the front door as Pinkie Pie calls for Twilight. You can’t help but admire the décor. For ponies, they sure do have good taste. A purple pony with dark and light purple mane walks out into the hallway and greets you. “Hi, my name is Twilight Sparkle. What’s your name?” Pinkie answers for you, “He’s John Loman, we met at the Evergreen Forest.” “What were you doing in the Evergreen Forest?” Twilight asks. “I was stopping by Zecora’s place to have lunch when I stumbled upon him. I came here looking for you to see if you could help him out.” Pinkie leans in to whisper in her ear, “He’s a bit of a drama queen.” "Well, hmm…what seems to be the problem?" Twilight says. “Why don’t we sit down and I will tell you all about it,” you say. So you all sit down around a round crystalized table and proceed to tell how you got here. Twilight offers a glass of water, but you politely refuse. Twilight asks, “So, how do you think you end up here?” “Well, it doesn’t really matter as I'm sure this all a dream.” They start looking at you weird. “I mean, this is all a dream, right? I mean, there is no way I’m talking to a bunch of colorful ponies unless I’m high or something, right? Please, tell me I’m right?” You say. “I told you I’m as real as they come didn’t I?” Pinkie Pie answered. “Yes, I’m sorry, but I still don’t believe in a world of magical crazy talking ponies. If this is not a dream then pinch me,” you say holding out your arm while the two ponies are giving weird looks. “Go ahead, pinch me. Oh right, hooves. Look, take your two hooves and squeeze my skin like this,” you show them using your fingers. “Now try it.” Twilight proceeds to move forward while Pinkie Pie disrupts and says, “Okay.” Giving the hardest pinch you ever felt. “Owe, what the hell man!?” You say with a furious expression. “Sorry, just wanted to help,” Pinkie says with a smile. "Help, my ass. Wait a minute, if this is all realty then what the hell is going on!? How is it possible you’re able to talk to me!?” You say with a confusing expression. “Just calm down and relax-,“ Twilight says. You slam the table and start walking around. "Calm down, don't tell me to calm down! I just realized that I’m trapped in a world full of talking ponies. Back at home, I had a great life. I was driving around in a nice car and had a nice family. I was going places and now you want me to flippin’ calm down!” You say with bitterness. "I told you, drama queen,” Pinkie whispers Twilight once again. “Well, just relax and first we’ll discuss how everything works then eventually we will figure it all out,” Twilight says. She proceeds to tell you how everyone has their place and how the magic works, which is when you ask, “So let me get this straight, you use magic instead of laws of physics? How does everything remain on the surface of the planet, does someone do that too?” “No, no, there’s still the laws of physics, but we use our magic to distort them and to create an environment we all can enjoy. With alicorns and unicorns, along with some earth ponies and pegasi, keep the seasons and weather in line with what needs to be done, such as fall or spring and rain or snow…you get the picture,” Twilight says while moving her hoof in a circular motion. "Sounds painfully tedious,” you say. “Eh, you get the hang of it. Also, everything here costs in bits, so you probably going to have to find a job to earn some bits. I can hook you up with Applejack.” “Yeah, I kind of figured that when earlier I tried handing a stallion a twenty dollar bill,” you show her the bill, “ and he looked at me like I had three heads.” “Yes, well, she’s an earth pony who has a farm not too far from here,” Twilight says before being interrupted. “Oo. Oo. Pick me, pick me,” says Pinkie waving her arm about. “Yes, Pinkie,” says Twilight. “I think I know how he got here. Remember the port-“ “Nope, never happened,” says Twilight shaking her head. “Yes it did. Remember, you went in first and-,“ says Pinkie. “Like I said, NEVER HAPPENED. It wasn't a thing,” says Twilight giving her a hard stare. "But-" “Nope” “But-“ “Nah, ah” “What is she talking about?” You ask Twilight. She sighs and says, “Please, don't ask.” she whispers to Pinkie, "Pinkie, don't you have somewhere to be?” “No, not to my knowledge,” says Pinkie. “Yes, you do.” “Nope.” “For Celestia’s sake, can you take a hint?” Says Twilight annoyed. “Oh, right. Sorry, gotta go,” says Pinkie as she walked out the door in a hurry. “Thanks for everything,” you try to say before she went out the door, but are unsure if she heard it. “Sorry about that. Anyways, where was I? Oh right, how are you with farm work?” Asks Twilight. “I think I can manage. As long as Applejack can show me what to do. I like to think I’m good at following directions,” you answer. “That’s good. She can be real strict at first, but once you get to know her, she is very sweet and pleasant. Also, what’s it like in the human world? Do they have magical kingdoms and have alicorns who rule and reign over you?” asks Twilight. “Eh, well-“ you start to say but then start to hear something in the background. “Uhmm, I think I could help out with that…” Chapter Three: Yellow Makes Three And Three Is Always a CrowdCh. 3 The Yellow Makes Three And Three is Always a Crowd A yellow pony with a pink mane and flowers for a cutie mark appears out of the darkness. Her hair covering one side of her face. She seems to have a harmless demeanor. As she appears out, Twilight response is, “Gah! Fluttershy, what are you doing here? When did you come in?” “I came in when Pinkie-,” Fluttershy started to say in a soft tone. “Why are you standing in the dark? And since when do you know anything about the human race?” Asks Twilight in a haste. Twilight looks at you with a confusing look and you respond with a shrug. “Remind me to not lend out keys to the castle anymore,” she says with a facehoof. “Well, I have been standing here for a while, waiting for my place to chime in. You really ought to add some lighting in here. Also, my parents always shared stories about the humans. They have always been fascinating to me and I just couldn’t believe when I saw one. I never saw a human before,” Fluttershy says with quiet and soothing voice. “None of us have. Which is why I ask is how your parents know anything about them. They never set hoof in Equestria before,” says Twilight. “It’s actually foot,“ you say. “Whatever,” says Twilight with an eye roll. “Well, they always told me that humans, along time ago, have been here. The reasons on how they left are beyond us, but they were well cared for and, in turn, respected the ponies of Equestria,” says Fluttershy. “How come I never heard of them before nor have any books about them?” Asks Twilight putting a hoof to her chin. “Legend has it, they only spoke to earth ponies and pegasi alike because they were afraid of the alicorns and unicorns could use their magic against them. Make them to their own personal slaves or worse. They would depend on other ponies to supply them with homes and land and in return, they would give us food from their crops. When they were here, us pegasi, unicorn and earth ponies, had our own battles against each other, as you recall the times it was like before Hearth’s Warming Eve, and that is probably why they left,” says Fluttershy. “But we, alicorns and unicorns, would never do that. Our whole principal is the magic of friendship. Since when have we have ever used magic against-,” says Twilight stopping herself upon the realization, in the past, a certain alicorn used her magic against her own sister all those years ago. “Oh right, how easily I can forget.” “I know that’s not how it is today, but our past was very horrifying and that is why we can redeem ourselves with this one,” says Fluttershy pointing towards you. “We can show that we have changed and that things are better now. Sure, there are times, the times where we have to fight for what’s right, but the good always wins out and we can prove that here and now.” Twilight turns to you and looks at you discerningly. “You’re right Fluttershy. But, that still doesn’t answer my questions I had before.” You speak up, “I can easily answer them for you. The answer is no. Our social dynamic, depends on whole entirely different entity, money not magic. Money equals power, at least in my home country's that is, and the one who has the most wins. Not all believe that, of course, but to most, it is the the thing that consumes us. It takes over our daily lives and we lose the things we hold dear the most, family. We stress over it constantly and don’t have anything to show for it. Every day it is a fight to the top and if you don’t, you get pushed aside without any hesitation. If you don’t have money, then you are looked upon with despair and are seem weak. You are treated like dirt and if you don’t like it, then it is your own personal problem and no one else will give a flying flip. Don’t get me wrong. I loved my home country and still do. It makes me a part of who I am and I am very grateful. I was awarded with endless possibilities and what you do with them is entirely up to you. That is why I want to get back home. To see my family and live the life that I want to live. To show to people, that money can’t buy happiness, but the way you live your life can. To not go by what you can see, but, by faith, go by what you can’t see. Look, I don’t care what happened in the past. The past is the past. From what I have seen so far, you all seem very pleasant to be around and look forward to getting to know you, but this is why you have to find a way home for me.” “Well, thank you, but wow. I mean, we do have the difference in economic classes here, too, but not to the extent where others are pushed aside, mostly just ponies who are snooty. So, if you don’t have magic, then how do you control sun and moon or keep enemies from infiltrating your kingdom?” Says Twilight. “We sort of just wing it. Let Mother Nature do it’s thing. As far as enemies go, we use guns and the best military,” you say. “Sounds…reckless,” says Twilight. “Eh, you get used to it. Besides, it’s not exactly like we have magical talking ponies to control it for us. Well, this has been a hectic day and it is getting late. Uhm, I’m not sure where I would sleep tonight. Per our discussion, I don’t think the hotels will take my currency,” you say. “Oh, You can sleep here until you get back on your feet,” says Twilight. “Uhm, Twilight can I talk to you privately for a sec,” says Fluttershy. “Sure,” Twilight gives Fluttershy a nod and Fluttershy takes her out into the hallway leaving you in the room by yourself. You start to walk around the room taking it all in. You look out the window seeing the night sky. Then, you start to hear mumbling coming from outside the door. You put your ear up to the door to listen in. “Listen, I just don’t think it would be a good idea for him to stay here,” says Fluttershy. “And why is that?” Asks Twilight. “Well, the humans have always been very critical towards alicorns and I just don’t think you two should be staying under the same roof,” says Fluttershy. “So what? He seems to feel very safe with me now, doesn’t he?” Says Twilight. “Yes, but…” “But what?” “But, I understand them better whereas you don’t,” says Fluttershy nervously. “You saying I’m incompetent?” says Twilight. “No…no, I just think I could get along with him better and communicate with him more. He would feel more comfortable around me. Plus, this is where our base is located and I don’t think he should around when we are conducting missions and planning stuff out. It’s not safe,” says Fluttershy. “Good point. But, I must warn you the dangers of keeping unknown species around even if you have background historical information on them,” says Twilight. “I know. I’ll be careful,” says Fluttershy. "Good." You hear them start to walk towards the door. You quickly start to move back to your seat, but all of the sudden trip and fall. “What are you doing?” Asks Twilight. “Uh, uh, I dropped a uh…a uh,” you stutter at trying to come up with a lie. “Forget it. We changed our minds. You can stay at Fluttershy’s house and, in the meantime, for rent, you can help her out by feeding the animals,” says Twilight. “Uh, thanks. I always did like animals,” you say grudgingly. “Alright, I guess we can get going,” says Fluttershy. “Alright, see ya,” says Twilight. You and Fluttershy start walking to her house. You can’t help, but look around the town and see how primitive it is compared to the home life. Homes built like cottages. Horse drawn buggies instead of cars filling the street. Everything seems like it was from the 1800’s or older. “Fluttershy, what year is it?” You ask. “2016, why do you ask?” Says Fluttershy. “Well, back at home, we would call this place something out of the 17th, 16th century. Our technology seems to be more advance than yours.” You say. “Hmm, you should probably talk to Twilight about that. She would know more about those things than I do,” says Fluttershy. “I see. I heard you take care of animals,” you say. “Why yes, I love to. I help them out when in need and they, in return, give me comfort,” says Fluttershy with a smile. Not thinking much else to talk about, You and Fluttershy enjoy the peace and quiet night walk to her house. When you arrive to her house, you see a tree with a door built into. She unlocks the door and asks you to come on in. You get in the house and, for someone who says she loves keeping animals, the house actually looks pretty clean. Everything is neatly placed and smells pleasant even. Fluttershy asks you if you have eaten anything and you reply with a no. A bunny comes out and starts making you salad. Making you wonder, ‘A bunny making me a salad, I thought I never said see the day.’ You and Fluttershy finish your meals and you ask, “What was that about the castle being a base?” “It’s nothing. Don’t you worry your pretty little head about it. Also, it’s not polite to eavesdrop on someone else’s conversation,” she says. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I was just curious, that’s all,” you say. ‘Pretty little head? Figures you wouldn’t get much out of her about it since they were secretive about it in the first place,’ you think. Fluttershy reminds you of like a sweet innocent child. Fluttershy shows you to your room and you both say goodnight and you thank her for the hospitality. You crawl into bed and start thinking about the past day you had. The moment from walking out of that car wreck to the moment you said you said goodnight to Fluttershy. You couldn’t help but get the feeling Twilight has been holding back, even if she said she didn’t know about humans preexistence in Equestria. You figure it was something she would have mention if it was important, but still. Like she knows more than what she had let on. You keep on tossing and turning lying awake. You get up out of bed and start staring out the window, thinking about the ones who you care about. You pull out your phone and start to scroll through the pictures. You come across your parents and then the pet dog. You can’t help but notice the one person missing from all those pictures. The one you grew up your whole childhood with and yet hasn’t spoken to her in years. The one you care most about, your sister. Chapter 4: Orange You Glad I Didn't Say Four?...Oh WaitChapter 4: Orange You Glad I Didn’t Say Four?...Oh Wait, I Did “Hey, honey.” You hear a very familiar voice. “Mom? Is that you?” You say as you try to make out the figure in the distance. “Don’t worry baby. Everything is going to be okay,” she says as she starts fading towards the light. “Mom, where are you going? Don’t leave me! I want to go with you. I…I…I love you,” you say frantically. “I love you,” her voice becoming distant. “Mom!” You jump up. Your heart pounding against your chest. You look around to see that you’re still in the same bedroom that Fluttershy showed you last night. “It was just a dream, but yet it felt so real,” you say to yourself. You look at the time, which read 4:00 AM. You lie awake for a few minutes trying to gather your thoughts. You figure it’s best to get back to sleep if you’re ever going to wake up in the morning. You try going back to sleep, but it’s hard when you have something so mesmerizing going through the the brain. You finally rest your eyes. Then, what seem to be the next minute was actually a couple of hours, you hear a slight knock on the door. When you return with nothing in response wanting to get some more sleep, you hear the door creek open. Then you hear a quiet voice, “Uhm, Loman, it’s time to get up. We got a big day today.” “Mmmm…” You mutter something incoherently. “John, you want to make a good impression on Applejack, right?” Fluttershy says. “But I don’t wanna go to work. I want to stay home and bake cookies with you,” you say still half asleep. She starts to pull the covers off and that’s when you say, “Hey! Hey! Hey! I’m up.! I’m up!” Slightly embarrassed because you normally sleep with only your underwear on. “I made breakfast and after breakfast, I figured we could feed the chickens. Then, go to Applejack’s,” says Fluttershy. “Sounds good. Now, can I have the room to myself so I can get dress,” you say with a raised voice. “Oops, yeah, sorry,” says Fluttershy who then turns to walk out. “Is it me, or is she like mothering me?” You say to yourself. You get dressed and then head down to the breakfast nook. Fluttershy is there with pancakes and eggs. The delightful smell reminds you of grandma’s house when she would fix you breakfast in the mornings. You take a seat and Fluttershy sits the plate of pancakes and eggs down. You thank her for the meal. She sits down with you as you begin to eat. She keeps staring at you with her big blue-green eyes. “What?” “Oh, I don’t mean to stare. I just think how fascinating it is to finally meet what my parents told me was all a myth,” says Fluttershy. “Same here. I mean, I always thought that unicorns and pegasi were not only a myth, but also they couldn’t speak,” you say. “Huh, so your parents told you about us as mythical creatures as well?” Says Fluttershy. “Well, mostly in books. My parents would never talk about them. Mythology is not their cup of tea,” you reply. “Oh, why is that?” She asks. “Oh, I don’t know,” you lie not really wanting to get into your parent’s religious ways. You polish off your breakfast and Fluttershy picks up your dishes. You thank her for the meal and she shows you to the hen house. “You have to feed them corn twice a day. When you run out, just let me know. Okay?” “Alright.” You finish up feeding the chickens and when you’re done, you go with Fluttershy over to Applejack’s farm. The farm is full of apple trees with ripe red apples looking ready to be picked. You smell the delicious warm apple pie being cooled off on the window sill. You see an elder green pony with a white mane sitting on the front porch. “This is Granny Smith, she runs the farm,” says Fluttershy. “Nice to meet ya,” says Granny. “Nice to meet you, too. Name’s John,” you say as you gesture for a handshake. Three other ponies walk up to you as you talk with Granny Smith. One is orange with light yellow mane, another is smaller orange with red mane, and the other is a massive tall red pony with orange mane. “This here is Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Big Mac,” she points to them respectively, “They’ll show ya around the farm and help ya out while I bake my pies.” “I couldn’t help, but notice the delicious smell coming from your house,” you say. “Well, thank ya,” says Granny. “While that’s sweet of ya’ll to chit chat and all, but we got work to do. So, come on and I’ll show ya around,” says Applejack as she leads you over to the barn. “Here’s the bucket we use to pick the apples. We have to pick ‘em all before the harvest goes bad. I don’t know how fast ya are at pickin’, but we can use all the help we can get.” “Uhm, John, I gotta run some errands. Here’s a copy of the key to the house in case you get done working before I get home,” says Fluttershy as she reaches in her saddlebag and gives you a key. You reply with a thanks as you turn around to follow Applejack. “Can’t ya just get Twilight to help ya out like she did that one time. Remember how she could pick several trees at a time with her magic,” says Apple Bloom. "We can’t use her all the time. Besides, we like doin’ things the traditional ways, ain’t that right Big Mac?” Says Applejack. “Yep,” says Big Mac. “So, by traditional, ya mean the hard way,” says Apple Bloom. “Ya know what I mean. We like doin’ this as a family, right?” Says Applejack. “Yep,” says Big Mac. “But, I thought Twilight was family,” says Apple Bloom. Applejack groans, “I meant our blood related family. We can’t go around askin’ for our friend’s help all the time, cause they got other things to do. Ya got me. Now, quit arguin’ with me in front of John here.” “Sorry AJ,” says Apple Bloom. “So, I want ya to go over yonder to ‘em trees and start pickin’ apples and drop ‘em in this here bucket, a’ight?” Says Applejack to you. “Alright.” You start to go over to one the trees with a bucket in one hand and a ladder in the other. You set the ladder up and start to climb up realizing that you are afraid of heights and can’t go another step without the feeling of falling over. You try to reach the apples from the height you are comfortable with only to realize that you can’t reach. “What’s the hold up? Get your ass up there and pick some dern apples!” Says Applejack yelling at you from the barn. “God dammit, what’s taking him so long?” She says to herself. “Lemme handle this,” says Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom starts walking over to you. “It’s okay, I was afraid of heights, too, my first time. You’ll get the hang of it when ya do it over and over again. I’ll hold the ladder for ya.” “Thanks,” you say to her realizing this is going to be a long day. You start picking apples and before you know it, you are done with the first tree. “Ya see, it’s not that bad,” Apple Bloom says. “You’re right, it’s not that bad when you get the hang of it,” you say. “’Nuff chit chat, more work,” says Applejack. When Applejack is far enough away you whisper, “Say, what’s up with your sister?” “Oh, it’s nothin’. I have to deal with it all the time,” Apple Bloom says. She starts to whisper, “Thing is, it’s that time of the month. She gets a real attitude. Plus, she just broke up with her boyfriend.” “Oh yeah,” you say with curiosity. “Yeah, he was a Pegasus named Thunderlane who was a recruit for the Wonderbolts. He was home most of the time ‘cause they only used him when they needed him as a last resort. When they finally did needed him to help save the Wonderbolts from an evil villain, it took a toll on the relationship. Applejack was worried a lot and when he came back home, he wasn’t the same stallion he used to be,” says Apple Bloom. “How so and also, help me out here, who are the Wonderbolts?” You ask. “He started havin’ episodes where he thought he was in war, somethin’ ‘bout post traumatic stress disorder, I think they called it. Anyways, the Wonderbolts are our self-defenses when trouble comes,” says Apple Bloom. “Oh, so you all do have like a military,” you say “Yeah, I guess,” says Apple Bloom. “That’s good to know,” you say. “Your brother doesn’t seem to be the talker.” “Yeah, sometimes I think all he knows is the word, yep, until the occasional sentence ya get out of him,” she says. "SOUPS ON EVERYPONY!" Yells out Granny Smith while ringing a bell. You walk with Apple Bloom back towards the house realizing all the trees you already picked. Apple Bloom shows you to the table and and you take a seat. Granny gives you a plate of apple fritters. You all start eating in silence and you feel awkward because of it. You try to break the silence, “So how was your day? Did you have a good day today or bad day today? Let’s talk about your day,” you say in a quick goofy fashion. “It was a’ight I guess,” says Applejack. You look towards Apple Bloom and she just shrugs. “Well, what all did you do?” You ask. “Just stayed here helping most of the time. All it seems like I do is work, work, work,” she says as she stares into her bowl swiveling the spoon around with her hoof. “Well, what about the rest of the day?” You ask. “We’re suppose ta go to Rarity’s for a get together. Apparently, she’s hostin’ her new clothin’ line for the next Gala,” she says. “You don’t sound amused,” you say. “I’m not big on fashion stuff. I’m more of a simple gal. Just give me my hat and boots and Imma rarin’ to go,” she says. “Just give me my cane, social security, food stamps, Medicare, and Medicaid and I don’t need no help from nobody,” Granny interrupts and quickly tilts her head back to sleep. A sudden thought pops in your head, ‘Livin’ in the PJ’s, low rent, high rise y’all.’ “So, why go?” You ask. “Well, she’s my friend and I support her, even if I do find it rather borin’,” she says. “Plus, it will take your mind off Thunderlane,” Apple Bloom adds. “What?” Apple Jack asks with a stern look. “Nothin’, Nothin’,” she quickly replies. “Anyways, I think I’ll go back to work,” you say heading out. “Listen, why don’t ya take the rest of the day off. We can handle it from ‘ere,” Applejack says. “Really? Are you sure?” You say suprisingly. “Yeah, really, you did a good job out there today and I like a stallion who works hard,” she says. “Yeah, thanks, except I’m a man, not a stallion,” you say. “Stallion, man, whatever. Now, get on over to Rarity’s and we’ll meet you over there. You could use a good sprucin’ up. Now get, before I change my mind,” she says. “Yes ma’am,” you say strolling out the door. "He has no idea what’s comin’ to him does he,” says Applejack. “Nope,” says Big Mac.
Chapter One: The Pink OneThe Wonders of a Rainbow Chapter One: The Pink One You feel lightheaded and dizzy. You look up trying to recapture your vision and the thoughts of the situation. You see broken glass on your lap and look up to see smoke spewing out in front of you. You are not sure what had happened, but feel like you could vomit at any moment. You think to yourself, ‘What the hell is going on?’ You finally can see clear enough to know that you have been in a car accident. Still dazed and confused, you try to get out of the vehicle. Palms are shaky and you are feeling queasy at the sight. You cling on to the side of the vehicle coughing, and calling out to see if anyone is there. No one seems to be in sight. You start screaming as loud as you can at the possibility of anyone hearing you. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to have any effect. You feel like you have been punched in the gut really hard. You start to walk out into the forest. It is a little foggy, but you see a path that seems to lead somewhere out of your predicament. The thought suddenly occurs to you, ‘Where is my cellphone?’ You reach back to the car to find it and to see it laying on the floorboard with a cracked screen. Your first instinct is to dial 911, but unfortunately there is no signal. You stumble back to the trail you have found. You start to walk down it and finding a peculiar smell. As you walk down it, the smell is getting stronger. Eventually, you come across a swamp with yellow greenish liquid flowing through it. You have the sudden urge to get out of there as quickly as possible to see that there is only one possible way, which is through the path of the swamp. You start to run, when all of the sudden… “HI THERE!” You jump at the sudden movement of a pink pony right in front of your face. “Name’s Pinkie Pie, what’s yours?!” You hesitate to answer and are unsure of what you are looking at. “Uhm…I uhh…” “Come on, don’t be shy. That’s what Fluttershy is for.” You still have a hard time answering, but you muscle up the courage to do so. “My name is John. Who are you?” You think to yourself, ‘Is this a dream?’ “Name is Pinkie Pie. I’m from Ponyville. And, no silly, this is not a dream. How can this possibly be a dream? At least, I like to think I’m real.” She starts looking at herself up and down. “Okay then, how do I get out of here. Is there a police station nearby or someone I can call?” you say with a sense of urgency. “Follow me, I’ll take you back to Ponyville. Although, I don’t know what a police station is, but I’m sure we can find someone to help you,” she says joyfully. So, you both start walking together with a little spring in her step and a little half-step in yours. “So…,” you say. “So what?” “So, how did you find me?” “I didn’t, you found me, silly.” “Okay then, why did you approach me like that?” “Well, you look like someone in distress and I wanted to help you,” saying with a smile on her face. You start to think to yourself, ‘Here I am talking to a crazy talking pink pony with balloons on her ass. If this isn’t a dream, then I don’t know what is.’ “The balloons on my ass represents my cutie mark. It resembles who I am and what I am capable of doing.” “So you’re capable of making party balloons?” You ask quizzically. “No silly, I’m capable of throwing parties for those I care about and share the laughter and enjoyment of them.” “Uh huh and they brand this on you?” Now you’re really curious. “No, more like it appears when you find your special talent in something you love doing. And I just love making people happy,” she says with a bright smile showing all her teeth. “So what brings you to the Evergreen Forest?” You are unsure how to answer that. You cannot remember how you got here. All you know is that you crash landed here in whatever the hell this place is. “I was in an accident.” She gasps. “Are you okay? Do you need to go to the doctor? Was anyone hurt?” She asks in a panic. “No, I’m fine. No more than a couple of bruises and, as far as I can tell, no one else was with me.” “That’s good to know.” You start to think, ‘Maybe I can just skip that question without her noticing.’ “So, you still didn’t answer my question.” ‘Nope.’ “Well, I sort of dropped in unexpectedly and found myself here,” you lie to her hoping you can cause less confusion than there already is at this point. “So, you got lost? Where do you live?” She asks without missing a beat. “I live in Bakerstown, California near the beach.” "Ooo… The beach, I would just love to go to the beach someday.” “Yeah, it’s nice. I get to swim in the ocean anytime I want without a care in the world. So, you said that the cutie mark appears, you mean magically?” You say that wondering how did you even come up with a question like that. “Well, yeah, duh. Everything we do around here is magic.” You think to yourself, ‘I think I’m just going to leave that one alone and just play along as I go.’ “WE’RE HERE!” She says with excitement in her voice bouncing up and down along the way. You look around and everything looks like a typical town, but something just seems a bit off. It seems to be a bit too perfect. For instance, the weather seems to be lovely, but you don’t recall the forecast being this nice. Last time you checked, it was winter with a storm brewing. Everyone or every pony is so...so happy. This…this doesn’t seem like reality at all. “COME ON! I got to let you meet my friends,” she says still bouncing along the way. “That’s great and all, but I was hoping for some medical attention.” “Nein, you said all you had were a couple of bruises. I’m sure you’ll be fine,” she said with determination. “I will not stand for this maltreatment. I think I have a bit of amnesia from the fall,” you say with concern. “Fine, I’ll get you over to Nurse Redheart. She’ll know what to do.” With something positive going your way, you follow Pinkie over to the hospital. Inside the hospital, you see a bunch of doctors and nurses running around in a frantic and you wonder what is going on to cause such a commotion. But with that aside, you still needed medical attention, so you ask the nurse politely, “Can I get a nurse to look at me? I just recently fell and was wondering if I can get someone to look at me.” Nurse Redheart says, “Sure, as soon as one of us is free. We’re having a little trouble with one of our patients today, but I will gladly be of assistance. What is your name?” “John, John Loman.” “Okay, Mr. Loman, please fill this paperwork and fill out any medical issues and allergies. Be sure to sign and date before you return the forms.” “Thanks,” you say as you walk into the waiting room. In there, there are a bunch of ponies who some look worse than you do while others seem okay and are just patiently waiting. The room seems small for such a large hospital. Almost every pony are busy looking through magazines, while others are just staring at you quizzically. You start to think, ‘Has none of these people seen a person before? Am I the only human in this world of ponies?’ Pinkie suddenly says, “Yep, you’re the only one.” “That’s great,” you say sarcastically. You finish filling out the paperwork and hand it back to the nurse. After a long while, the nurse comes back to see you and calls your name. “So, tell me what is bothering you today. I see the bruises on your face and forearms. Tell me exactly how that happened,” Nurse Redheart says. “I fell, I’m not worried about the scrapes and bruises as much as I am with my head. I can’t seem to recall what happened after I woke up from my fall.” “Sounds like you have amnesia. We’ll run a brain scan and see if anything is wrong, but first let me look at your body.” She starts to help you take off your shirt. You are not exactly comfortable with your body. Not that it's bad looking, you just simply don’t like people seeing you exposed. She looks at you more closely with the stethoscope and says, “I don’t see anything out of the ordinary, but we will definitely do a scan. I’ll have the doc come in and we will go from there. Okay?” “Okay.” Moments later, the doctor walks in the room and fills you in the details of the scan. You ask, “How much is this going to cost exactly?” He says, “We have free medical care here, covered by the donations of the upper class over in Canterlot.” You say to yourself, ‘Hmm, sounds good enough to me.’ So, you go through the scan and the doctor comes back with the medical results. “Well, good news, everything came out okay. No concussions or internal bleeding. The slight amnesia you have should wear off eventually, if at all. You should drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest for the next couple of days.” "That's good to hear.” “See Johnny, you were worried for nothing,” Pinkie says. “Yeah, I guess you’re right after all. Still, I would like to know how I got here,” you say with a worried look. Pinkie asks, “What’s wrong?” “Nothing, it’s nothing. It will be fine. Come on let me meet your friends,” you say wondering, if this pony is like this, what the others will be like.
Chapter Two: The Purple One TooChapter 2: The Purple One Too “Are you going to tell me what’s been bothering you?” Pinkie asks while on your way to her friends’ place. “Well, I’m just not sure about opening up to you right now,” wanting her to move off topic. “It’s okay to open up your feelings once in awhile even if we just met.” “Says the pony with balloons on her butt to tell her what her life goals are,” you say without thinking. “Sorry, I just don’t feel like talking about it okay,” you say sternly. “Listen, I won’t tell anyone about it. It will be just between us. I Pinkie Promise. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” She says this all the while crossing her heart, making a bird with her hands, and sticking an actual cupcake in her eye. Making you wonder, where the hell did she get a cupcake? What did she do, pull it out of her ass? “Okay then, I’ll tell you if you want to know so badly. I’m a little worried about…,” you trail off. “About…,” she eggs you on. “About my family. I have a great mom and dad whom both love me dearly. I don’t want to lose them and I’m sure they miss me,”you start looking towards the ground in a blank stare. “It will be alright. We will figure this out, that is why I want you to meet my friends. If anything, I know Twilight might have some answers. She has all the book smarts.” “I hope you’re right. Tell me exactly, who your friends are?” She starts telling you just that and when she gets to Fluttershy you ask, “Wait, is that the one you mentioned earlier when we first met?” “Yep, like I said she’s shy. But once you get to know her, she will come around. She knows all the animals and communicates very well with them.” ‘A shy pony who can communicate well with animals. Sounds like a desperate cat lady or pony or whatever.’ “Well, I’m sure I will enjoy getting to know them.” You arrive at what seems to be a very large tree castle. You both go through the front door as Pinkie Pie calls for Twilight. You can’t help but admire the décor. For ponies, they sure do have good taste. A purple pony with dark and light purple mane walks out into the hallway and greets you. “Hi, my name is Twilight Sparkle. What’s your name?” Pinkie answers for you, “He’s John Loman, we met at the Evergreen Forest.” “What were you doing in the Evergreen Forest?” Twilight asks. “I was stopping by Zecora’s place to have lunch when I stumbled upon him. I came here looking for you to see if you could help him out.” Pinkie leans in to whisper in her ear, “He’s a bit of a drama queen.” "Well, hmm…what seems to be the problem?" Twilight says. “Why don’t we sit down and I will tell you all about it,” you say. So you all sit down around a round crystalized table and proceed to tell how you got here. Twilight offers a glass of water, but you politely refuse. Twilight asks, “So, how do you think you end up here?” “Well, it doesn’t really matter as I'm sure this all a dream.” They start looking at you weird. “I mean, this is all a dream, right? I mean, there is no way I’m talking to a bunch of colorful ponies unless I’m high or something, right? Please, tell me I’m right?” You say. “I told you I’m as real as they come didn’t I?” Pinkie Pie answered. “Yes, I’m sorry, but I still don’t believe in a world of magical crazy talking ponies. If this is not a dream then pinch me,” you say holding out your arm while the two ponies are giving weird looks. “Go ahead, pinch me. Oh right, hooves. Look, take your two hooves and squeeze my skin like this,” you show them using your fingers. “Now try it.” Twilight proceeds to move forward while Pinkie Pie disrupts and says, “Okay.” Giving the hardest pinch you ever felt. “Owe, what the hell man!?” You say with a furious expression. “Sorry, just wanted to help,” Pinkie says with a smile. "Help, my ass. Wait a minute, if this is all realty then what the hell is going on!? How is it possible you’re able to talk to me!?” You say with a confusing expression. “Just calm down and relax-,“ Twilight says. You slam the table and start walking around. "Calm down, don't tell me to calm down! I just realized that I’m trapped in a world full of talking ponies. Back at home, I had a great life. I was driving around in a nice car and had a nice family. I was going places and now you want me to flippin’ calm down!” You say with bitterness. "I told you, drama queen,” Pinkie whispers Twilight once again. “Well, just relax and first we’ll discuss how everything works then eventually we will figure it all out,” Twilight says. She proceeds to tell you how everyone has their place and how the magic works, which is when you ask, “So let me get this straight, you use magic instead of laws of physics? How does everything remain on the surface of the planet, does someone do that too?” “No, no, there’s still the laws of physics, but we use our magic to distort them and to create an environment we all can enjoy. With alicorns and unicorns, along with some earth ponies and pegasi, keep the seasons and weather in line with what needs to be done, such as fall or spring and rain or snow…you get the picture,” Twilight says while moving her hoof in a circular motion. "Sounds painfully tedious,” you say. “Eh, you get the hang of it. Also, everything here costs in bits, so you probably going to have to find a job to earn some bits. I can hook you up with Applejack.” “Yeah, I kind of figured that when earlier I tried handing a stallion a twenty dollar bill,” you show her the bill, “ and he looked at me like I had three heads.” “Yes, well, she’s an earth pony who has a farm not too far from here,” Twilight says before being interrupted. “Oo. Oo. Pick me, pick me,” says Pinkie waving her arm about. “Yes, Pinkie,” says Twilight. “I think I know how he got here. Remember the port-“ “Nope, never happened,” says Twilight shaking her head. “Yes it did. Remember, you went in first and-,“ says Pinkie. “Like I said, NEVER HAPPENED. It wasn't a thing,” says Twilight giving her a hard stare. "But-" “Nope” “But-“ “Nah, ah” “What is she talking about?” You ask Twilight. She sighs and says, “Please, don't ask.” she whispers to Pinkie, "Pinkie, don't you have somewhere to be?” “No, not to my knowledge,” says Pinkie. “Yes, you do.” “Nope.” “For Celestia’s sake, can you take a hint?” Says Twilight annoyed. “Oh, right. Sorry, gotta go,” says Pinkie as she walked out the door in a hurry. “Thanks for everything,” you try to say before she went out the door, but are unsure if she heard it. “Sorry about that. Anyways, where was I? Oh right, how are you with farm work?” Asks Twilight. “I think I can manage. As long as Applejack can show me what to do. I like to think I’m good at following directions,” you answer. “That’s good. She can be real strict at first, but once you get to know her, she is very sweet and pleasant. Also, what’s it like in the human world? Do they have magical kingdoms and have alicorns who rule and reign over you?” asks Twilight. “Eh, well-“ you start to say but then start to hear something in the background. “Uhmm, I think I could help out with that…”
Chapter Three: Yellow Makes Three And Three Is Always a CrowdCh. 3 The Yellow Makes Three And Three is Always a Crowd A yellow pony with a pink mane and flowers for a cutie mark appears out of the darkness. Her hair covering one side of her face. She seems to have a harmless demeanor. As she appears out, Twilight response is, “Gah! Fluttershy, what are you doing here? When did you come in?” “I came in when Pinkie-,” Fluttershy started to say in a soft tone. “Why are you standing in the dark? And since when do you know anything about the human race?” Asks Twilight in a haste. Twilight looks at you with a confusing look and you respond with a shrug. “Remind me to not lend out keys to the castle anymore,” she says with a facehoof. “Well, I have been standing here for a while, waiting for my place to chime in. You really ought to add some lighting in here. Also, my parents always shared stories about the humans. They have always been fascinating to me and I just couldn’t believe when I saw one. I never saw a human before,” Fluttershy says with quiet and soothing voice. “None of us have. Which is why I ask is how your parents know anything about them. They never set hoof in Equestria before,” says Twilight. “It’s actually foot,“ you say. “Whatever,” says Twilight with an eye roll. “Well, they always told me that humans, along time ago, have been here. The reasons on how they left are beyond us, but they were well cared for and, in turn, respected the ponies of Equestria,” says Fluttershy. “How come I never heard of them before nor have any books about them?” Asks Twilight putting a hoof to her chin. “Legend has it, they only spoke to earth ponies and pegasi alike because they were afraid of the alicorns and unicorns could use their magic against them. Make them to their own personal slaves or worse. They would depend on other ponies to supply them with homes and land and in return, they would give us food from their crops. When they were here, us pegasi, unicorn and earth ponies, had our own battles against each other, as you recall the times it was like before Hearth’s Warming Eve, and that is probably why they left,” says Fluttershy. “But we, alicorns and unicorns, would never do that. Our whole principal is the magic of friendship. Since when have we have ever used magic against-,” says Twilight stopping herself upon the realization, in the past, a certain alicorn used her magic against her own sister all those years ago. “Oh right, how easily I can forget.” “I know that’s not how it is today, but our past was very horrifying and that is why we can redeem ourselves with this one,” says Fluttershy pointing towards you. “We can show that we have changed and that things are better now. Sure, there are times, the times where we have to fight for what’s right, but the good always wins out and we can prove that here and now.” Twilight turns to you and looks at you discerningly. “You’re right Fluttershy. But, that still doesn’t answer my questions I had before.” You speak up, “I can easily answer them for you. The answer is no. Our social dynamic, depends on whole entirely different entity, money not magic. Money equals power, at least in my home country's that is, and the one who has the most wins. Not all believe that, of course, but to most, it is the the thing that consumes us. It takes over our daily lives and we lose the things we hold dear the most, family. We stress over it constantly and don’t have anything to show for it. Every day it is a fight to the top and if you don’t, you get pushed aside without any hesitation. If you don’t have money, then you are looked upon with despair and are seem weak. You are treated like dirt and if you don’t like it, then it is your own personal problem and no one else will give a flying flip. Don’t get me wrong. I loved my home country and still do. It makes me a part of who I am and I am very grateful. I was awarded with endless possibilities and what you do with them is entirely up to you. That is why I want to get back home. To see my family and live the life that I want to live. To show to people, that money can’t buy happiness, but the way you live your life can. To not go by what you can see, but, by faith, go by what you can’t see. Look, I don’t care what happened in the past. The past is the past. From what I have seen so far, you all seem very pleasant to be around and look forward to getting to know you, but this is why you have to find a way home for me.” “Well, thank you, but wow. I mean, we do have the difference in economic classes here, too, but not to the extent where others are pushed aside, mostly just ponies who are snooty. So, if you don’t have magic, then how do you control sun and moon or keep enemies from infiltrating your kingdom?” Says Twilight. “We sort of just wing it. Let Mother Nature do it’s thing. As far as enemies go, we use guns and the best military,” you say. “Sounds…reckless,” says Twilight. “Eh, you get used to it. Besides, it’s not exactly like we have magical talking ponies to control it for us. Well, this has been a hectic day and it is getting late. Uhm, I’m not sure where I would sleep tonight. Per our discussion, I don’t think the hotels will take my currency,” you say. “Oh, You can sleep here until you get back on your feet,” says Twilight. “Uhm, Twilight can I talk to you privately for a sec,” says Fluttershy. “Sure,” Twilight gives Fluttershy a nod and Fluttershy takes her out into the hallway leaving you in the room by yourself. You start to walk around the room taking it all in. You look out the window seeing the night sky. Then, you start to hear mumbling coming from outside the door. You put your ear up to the door to listen in. “Listen, I just don’t think it would be a good idea for him to stay here,” says Fluttershy. “And why is that?” Asks Twilight. “Well, the humans have always been very critical towards alicorns and I just don’t think you two should be staying under the same roof,” says Fluttershy. “So what? He seems to feel very safe with me now, doesn’t he?” Says Twilight. “Yes, but…” “But what?” “But, I understand them better whereas you don’t,” says Fluttershy nervously. “You saying I’m incompetent?” says Twilight. “No…no, I just think I could get along with him better and communicate with him more. He would feel more comfortable around me. Plus, this is where our base is located and I don’t think he should around when we are conducting missions and planning stuff out. It’s not safe,” says Fluttershy. “Good point. But, I must warn you the dangers of keeping unknown species around even if you have background historical information on them,” says Twilight. “I know. I’ll be careful,” says Fluttershy. "Good." You hear them start to walk towards the door. You quickly start to move back to your seat, but all of the sudden trip and fall. “What are you doing?” Asks Twilight. “Uh, uh, I dropped a uh…a uh,” you stutter at trying to come up with a lie. “Forget it. We changed our minds. You can stay at Fluttershy’s house and, in the meantime, for rent, you can help her out by feeding the animals,” says Twilight. “Uh, thanks. I always did like animals,” you say grudgingly. “Alright, I guess we can get going,” says Fluttershy. “Alright, see ya,” says Twilight. You and Fluttershy start walking to her house. You can’t help, but look around the town and see how primitive it is compared to the home life. Homes built like cottages. Horse drawn buggies instead of cars filling the street. Everything seems like it was from the 1800’s or older. “Fluttershy, what year is it?” You ask. “2016, why do you ask?” Says Fluttershy. “Well, back at home, we would call this place something out of the 17th, 16th century. Our technology seems to be more advance than yours.” You say. “Hmm, you should probably talk to Twilight about that. She would know more about those things than I do,” says Fluttershy. “I see. I heard you take care of animals,” you say. “Why yes, I love to. I help them out when in need and they, in return, give me comfort,” says Fluttershy with a smile. Not thinking much else to talk about, You and Fluttershy enjoy the peace and quiet night walk to her house. When you arrive to her house, you see a tree with a door built into. She unlocks the door and asks you to come on in. You get in the house and, for someone who says she loves keeping animals, the house actually looks pretty clean. Everything is neatly placed and smells pleasant even. Fluttershy asks you if you have eaten anything and you reply with a no. A bunny comes out and starts making you salad. Making you wonder, ‘A bunny making me a salad, I thought I never said see the day.’ You and Fluttershy finish your meals and you ask, “What was that about the castle being a base?” “It’s nothing. Don’t you worry your pretty little head about it. Also, it’s not polite to eavesdrop on someone else’s conversation,” she says. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I was just curious, that’s all,” you say. ‘Pretty little head? Figures you wouldn’t get much out of her about it since they were secretive about it in the first place,’ you think. Fluttershy reminds you of like a sweet innocent child. Fluttershy shows you to your room and you both say goodnight and you thank her for the hospitality. You crawl into bed and start thinking about the past day you had. The moment from walking out of that car wreck to the moment you said you said goodnight to Fluttershy. You couldn’t help but get the feeling Twilight has been holding back, even if she said she didn’t know about humans preexistence in Equestria. You figure it was something she would have mention if it was important, but still. Like she knows more than what she had let on. You keep on tossing and turning lying awake. You get up out of bed and start staring out the window, thinking about the ones who you care about. You pull out your phone and start to scroll through the pictures. You come across your parents and then the pet dog. You can’t help but notice the one person missing from all those pictures. The one you grew up your whole childhood with and yet hasn’t spoken to her in years. The one you care most about, your sister.
Chapter 4: Orange You Glad I Didn't Say Four?...Oh WaitChapter 4: Orange You Glad I Didn’t Say Four?...Oh Wait, I Did “Hey, honey.” You hear a very familiar voice. “Mom? Is that you?” You say as you try to make out the figure in the distance. “Don’t worry baby. Everything is going to be okay,” she says as she starts fading towards the light. “Mom, where are you going? Don’t leave me! I want to go with you. I…I…I love you,” you say frantically. “I love you,” her voice becoming distant. “Mom!” You jump up. Your heart pounding against your chest. You look around to see that you’re still in the same bedroom that Fluttershy showed you last night. “It was just a dream, but yet it felt so real,” you say to yourself. You look at the time, which read 4:00 AM. You lie awake for a few minutes trying to gather your thoughts. You figure it’s best to get back to sleep if you’re ever going to wake up in the morning. You try going back to sleep, but it’s hard when you have something so mesmerizing going through the the brain. You finally rest your eyes. Then, what seem to be the next minute was actually a couple of hours, you hear a slight knock on the door. When you return with nothing in response wanting to get some more sleep, you hear the door creek open. Then you hear a quiet voice, “Uhm, Loman, it’s time to get up. We got a big day today.” “Mmmm…” You mutter something incoherently. “John, you want to make a good impression on Applejack, right?” Fluttershy says. “But I don’t wanna go to work. I want to stay home and bake cookies with you,” you say still half asleep. She starts to pull the covers off and that’s when you say, “Hey! Hey! Hey! I’m up.! I’m up!” Slightly embarrassed because you normally sleep with only your underwear on. “I made breakfast and after breakfast, I figured we could feed the chickens. Then, go to Applejack’s,” says Fluttershy. “Sounds good. Now, can I have the room to myself so I can get dress,” you say with a raised voice. “Oops, yeah, sorry,” says Fluttershy who then turns to walk out. “Is it me, or is she like mothering me?” You say to yourself. You get dressed and then head down to the breakfast nook. Fluttershy is there with pancakes and eggs. The delightful smell reminds you of grandma’s house when she would fix you breakfast in the mornings. You take a seat and Fluttershy sits the plate of pancakes and eggs down. You thank her for the meal. She sits down with you as you begin to eat. She keeps staring at you with her big blue-green eyes. “What?” “Oh, I don’t mean to stare. I just think how fascinating it is to finally meet what my parents told me was all a myth,” says Fluttershy. “Same here. I mean, I always thought that unicorns and pegasi were not only a myth, but also they couldn’t speak,” you say. “Huh, so your parents told you about us as mythical creatures as well?” Says Fluttershy. “Well, mostly in books. My parents would never talk about them. Mythology is not their cup of tea,” you reply. “Oh, why is that?” She asks. “Oh, I don’t know,” you lie not really wanting to get into your parent’s religious ways. You polish off your breakfast and Fluttershy picks up your dishes. You thank her for the meal and she shows you to the hen house. “You have to feed them corn twice a day. When you run out, just let me know. Okay?” “Alright.” You finish up feeding the chickens and when you’re done, you go with Fluttershy over to Applejack’s farm. The farm is full of apple trees with ripe red apples looking ready to be picked. You smell the delicious warm apple pie being cooled off on the window sill. You see an elder green pony with a white mane sitting on the front porch. “This is Granny Smith, she runs the farm,” says Fluttershy. “Nice to meet ya,” says Granny. “Nice to meet you, too. Name’s John,” you say as you gesture for a handshake. Three other ponies walk up to you as you talk with Granny Smith. One is orange with light yellow mane, another is smaller orange with red mane, and the other is a massive tall red pony with orange mane. “This here is Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Big Mac,” she points to them respectively, “They’ll show ya around the farm and help ya out while I bake my pies.” “I couldn’t help, but notice the delicious smell coming from your house,” you say. “Well, thank ya,” says Granny. “While that’s sweet of ya’ll to chit chat and all, but we got work to do. So, come on and I’ll show ya around,” says Applejack as she leads you over to the barn. “Here’s the bucket we use to pick the apples. We have to pick ‘em all before the harvest goes bad. I don’t know how fast ya are at pickin’, but we can use all the help we can get.” “Uhm, John, I gotta run some errands. Here’s a copy of the key to the house in case you get done working before I get home,” says Fluttershy as she reaches in her saddlebag and gives you a key. You reply with a thanks as you turn around to follow Applejack. “Can’t ya just get Twilight to help ya out like she did that one time. Remember how she could pick several trees at a time with her magic,” says Apple Bloom. "We can’t use her all the time. Besides, we like doin’ things the traditional ways, ain’t that right Big Mac?” Says Applejack. “Yep,” says Big Mac. “So, by traditional, ya mean the hard way,” says Apple Bloom. “Ya know what I mean. We like doin’ this as a family, right?” Says Applejack. “Yep,” says Big Mac. “But, I thought Twilight was family,” says Apple Bloom. Applejack groans, “I meant our blood related family. We can’t go around askin’ for our friend’s help all the time, cause they got other things to do. Ya got me. Now, quit arguin’ with me in front of John here.” “Sorry AJ,” says Apple Bloom. “So, I want ya to go over yonder to ‘em trees and start pickin’ apples and drop ‘em in this here bucket, a’ight?” Says Applejack to you. “Alright.” You start to go over to one the trees with a bucket in one hand and a ladder in the other. You set the ladder up and start to climb up realizing that you are afraid of heights and can’t go another step without the feeling of falling over. You try to reach the apples from the height you are comfortable with only to realize that you can’t reach. “What’s the hold up? Get your ass up there and pick some dern apples!” Says Applejack yelling at you from the barn. “God dammit, what’s taking him so long?” She says to herself. “Lemme handle this,” says Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom starts walking over to you. “It’s okay, I was afraid of heights, too, my first time. You’ll get the hang of it when ya do it over and over again. I’ll hold the ladder for ya.” “Thanks,” you say to her realizing this is going to be a long day. You start picking apples and before you know it, you are done with the first tree. “Ya see, it’s not that bad,” Apple Bloom says. “You’re right, it’s not that bad when you get the hang of it,” you say. “’Nuff chit chat, more work,” says Applejack. When Applejack is far enough away you whisper, “Say, what’s up with your sister?” “Oh, it’s nothin’. I have to deal with it all the time,” Apple Bloom says. She starts to whisper, “Thing is, it’s that time of the month. She gets a real attitude. Plus, she just broke up with her boyfriend.” “Oh yeah,” you say with curiosity. “Yeah, he was a Pegasus named Thunderlane who was a recruit for the Wonderbolts. He was home most of the time ‘cause they only used him when they needed him as a last resort. When they finally did needed him to help save the Wonderbolts from an evil villain, it took a toll on the relationship. Applejack was worried a lot and when he came back home, he wasn’t the same stallion he used to be,” says Apple Bloom. “How so and also, help me out here, who are the Wonderbolts?” You ask. “He started havin’ episodes where he thought he was in war, somethin’ ‘bout post traumatic stress disorder, I think they called it. Anyways, the Wonderbolts are our self-defenses when trouble comes,” says Apple Bloom. “Oh, so you all do have like a military,” you say “Yeah, I guess,” says Apple Bloom. “That’s good to know,” you say. “Your brother doesn’t seem to be the talker.” “Yeah, sometimes I think all he knows is the word, yep, until the occasional sentence ya get out of him,” she says. "SOUPS ON EVERYPONY!" Yells out Granny Smith while ringing a bell. You walk with Apple Bloom back towards the house realizing all the trees you already picked. Apple Bloom shows you to the table and and you take a seat. Granny gives you a plate of apple fritters. You all start eating in silence and you feel awkward because of it. You try to break the silence, “So how was your day? Did you have a good day today or bad day today? Let’s talk about your day,” you say in a quick goofy fashion. “It was a’ight I guess,” says Applejack. You look towards Apple Bloom and she just shrugs. “Well, what all did you do?” You ask. “Just stayed here helping most of the time. All it seems like I do is work, work, work,” she says as she stares into her bowl swiveling the spoon around with her hoof. “Well, what about the rest of the day?” You ask. “We’re suppose ta go to Rarity’s for a get together. Apparently, she’s hostin’ her new clothin’ line for the next Gala,” she says. “You don’t sound amused,” you say. “I’m not big on fashion stuff. I’m more of a simple gal. Just give me my hat and boots and Imma rarin’ to go,” she says. “Just give me my cane, social security, food stamps, Medicare, and Medicaid and I don’t need no help from nobody,” Granny interrupts and quickly tilts her head back to sleep. A sudden thought pops in your head, ‘Livin’ in the PJ’s, low rent, high rise y’all.’ “So, why go?” You ask. “Well, she’s my friend and I support her, even if I do find it rather borin’,” she says. “Plus, it will take your mind off Thunderlane,” Apple Bloom adds. “What?” Apple Jack asks with a stern look. “Nothin’, Nothin’,” she quickly replies. “Anyways, I think I’ll go back to work,” you say heading out. “Listen, why don’t ya take the rest of the day off. We can handle it from ‘ere,” Applejack says. “Really? Are you sure?” You say suprisingly. “Yeah, really, you did a good job out there today and I like a stallion who works hard,” she says. “Yeah, thanks, except I’m a man, not a stallion,” you say. “Stallion, man, whatever. Now, get on over to Rarity’s and we’ll meet you over there. You could use a good sprucin’ up. Now get, before I change my mind,” she says. “Yes ma’am,” you say strolling out the door. "He has no idea what’s comin’ to him does he,” says Applejack. “Nope,” says Big Mac.
