Coyote in Equestriaby Coyotek4ChaptersChapter 1: Lost in the ForestChapter 2: Ire and RainChapter 4: ConfessionsChapter 5: a Night of UnicornsChapter 6: a Quiet ReunionChapter 7: Off the RailsChapter 8: Puzzles, Purpose, and Pumping IronChapter 9: Let Nature Take Its CourseChapter 10: Deep SleepChapter 11: New BeginningEPILOGUEChapter 3: The VultureChapter 1: Lost in the ForestAuthor's Note In 1999, I wrote the first of what would eventually be over 50 'self-insert' fanfics related to "Beast Wars". (These stories are now lost to dead links on the 'Net.) Now that I have developed in interest in FIM, I decided to take my character from those stories and insert him into the ponyverse. I selected 'crossover' as a category, but no knowledge of that show will be required to understand anything that happens in these stories.) Chapter 1: Lost in the Forest Deep within the Everfree forest, a lone coyote wakes from an unconscious state. … *groan* How long have I been out? Wait … where am I? Looks like a forest. Odd … I don’t remember running in a forest. I was running … I think. Then some flash … came out of nowhere, and then … The coyote hops to his feet and takes in the scenery. All around is undergrowth, with thin dirt paths from all directions leading to deeper within. May as well get a better look around. “Coyotek, MAXIMIZE!” … Wha? Nothing? What the heck? “Coyotek, MAXIMIZE!” … Still nothing. Something must’ve broke from within. Great, I’m stuck in animal mode until I can get back to base. That is, if I can figure out how to get out of this forest. I don’t even remember there being a forest nearby. How did I end up here? What’s the best way to— A rustling from bushes behind causes the coyote to spin around. What was that? Someone’s coming? Something? What … IS … that? A creature emerges from the bushes. Looks like a wolf … but, it’s made of … living wood??? The coyote shakes his head in disbelief. I must be dreaming. This can’t be real. Two more timber wolves emerge from the bushes. Another wood wolf … and a third. Dream or not, this isn’t how I want to wake up. The three wolves begin to circle the coyote, then pause and poise themselves for a strike. Can’t transform, can’t fight, not much to do but … In an instant, the coyote leaps over one of the wolves are scurries off into the woods. The three wolves give chase, but quickly lose him. The coyote does not notice, as he continues a frantic dash for many minutes. * * * * *huff* … *gasp* … I think I lost them. The coyote stops to catch his breath, then looks around at the forest. Darkness is setting in on the area. An owl can be heard hooting amongst the foliage. Not that it’s gonna do me much good. I’m more lost than ever now. And this is not a place I want to spend a night in. Gotta keep moving … there’s got to be some way out of this forest. The coyote begins to walk again, but then pauses at the sight of a unique blooming of orange and yellow flowers. There isn’t much natural about these. I wonder if they’re poisonous. Waitaminute … *sniff* … smells like someone’s been through here not too long ago. Maybe someone who can help ... … Ten minutes pass as the coyote follows a scent along a more-worn trail. He stops at the sight of a tree that resembles some sort of residence. Is that … a window, in a tree? Does someone live here? What the heck IS this place? Walking around the tree, the coyote comes to a door. Well, here goes nothing. The coyote uses his right-front paw to knock on the door. Shortly thereafter, the door opens. Maybe I can get some answers now … “Who are you … and how do you do?” … or more questions. The interior, it looks like a witch’s living room, and my host is … a zebra? Whatever … be nice … “Hi … uh … I seem to be lost, and …” The zebra looks the coyote over. “You do seem confused; right now, I’m not amused.” “Oh … sorry, still getting my bearings. Can you tell me where I am?” “The Forest of Everfree is what you now see. But is all of this new, to someone like you?” “ ‘Forest of Everfree’? I’m sorry, I’ve never even heard of such a place. I woke up in a daze, got chased by some sort of wolves made of wood … none of this is making sense to me.” “Timberwolves were chasing you? Lucky that you made it through.” What is with all the rhyming? “In any case, you seem okay. You can spend the night, if you wish to stay.” “I can? Thank you, thank you, thank you.” The coyote is most gracious to his host as he enters the residence, which prominently features a cauldron in the center of the main chamber. “I really can’t thank you enough, miss … uh …” “Zecora is my name. Now, if I may ask you the same.” “My name is Coyotek. As you might guess from my appearance, I’m not an actual coyote.” Zecora gives a quizzical look, then walks around the coyote, looking for anomalies. She then motions towards a mirror leaning against a wall. “Perhaps you should look into a mirror, so your personal appearance would then be clearer.” Admittedly, I haven’t had a chance to see myself since I woke up. May as well see what I look like now … The coyote stares into the reflection for some time, processing what he sees. What in the … what have I become? I don’t even have … “You do seem confused, and mentally bruised.” “… Zecora, this isn’t me. I mean, it IS me, I guess, but I don’t remember looking like this. I look like … a common, brown coyote.” “This is correct, but what did you expect? “That’s just it. I’m not a coyote. I’m a robot. A ‘maximal’, to be specific. I was part of a group that was trying to stop … an evil-doer. But I’m not just another four-legged creature. At least … at least, I wasn’t …” Think back. Before I woke up here, I was running. There was some sort of flash. I ran into … “Zecora, forgive me if this sounds too weird but … I don’t think I’m from this world.” “A wanderer from another dimension? My belief must undergo suspension.” “I’m not lying to you. And I’m not crazy. And I’m NOT used to seeing four-legged mammals with speech capabilities.” “You are really not one to talk, as one who uses four legs to walk.” … she’s right. If I am just a common coyote, then why can I still talk? Or think? “Let us assume that you don’t deceive. I still find this quite hard to believe. Perhaps you can try to recall, exactly what started this all.” “I was … I was running. But in a field, not a forest. There was … there was a rift. A tear in the sky. As if the world was on a canvas, and someone sliced it open. From the tear, there was a dazzling blue hue. I was going too fast, and my momentum carried me into the fissure. I lost consciousness. And then I woke up … in this forest.” Zecora ponders this information before responding. “A most fascinating turn of events. But little of this makes any sense. From where have you been hurled? How to get you back to your world?” “Would you have any ideas as to how this all happened? You appear to be rather well-versed in the magical arts.” ‘Magical arts’? I can’t believe I’m even considering this … but after all I’ve seen so far, what else can I believe? “As much as I would like to aid your task, I’m afraid I’m not the one to ask.” “But … but what about all this? Surely, you must--” “My potions and brews can do much, but what you ask? Not as such.” Great, so I’m stuck here in this … this … “Zecora, is there a name for this place? Not just the forest, but this whole area. Where am I, exactly?” “This entire area is known as Equestria.” “Equestria? As in, horses?” “Horses and zebras are not the norm. Most who live here, take pony form.” So … tiny horses. OK then. I’m in a world with tiny horses. Anything else I should know? “So Zecora … do you think that one of these, uh, ponies, can help me get back home?” “If I may be so forthright, I suggest you seek out Twilight.” Twilight? Weird name. “You think this ‘Twilight’ can help me.” “I believe this to be case, indeed, that Twilight is most likely to succeed. But whether or not all ends well, that, simply, I cannot tell. But for now it would be best, if both of us got some rest. In the morning you can go, and use all that you now know.” Zecora then motions to a couch off to the side. “Well once again, you’ve been most gracious and helpful. Thank you.” Zecora starts to walk to her private room, when the coyote interjects: “Before you go, one last thing. I have to ask … do you always speak in rhyme?” Zecora smiles slightly before responding: “Many moons ago I was given a curse, so now I must always speak in verse. By now I could probably find a cure, but to bother to do so, I’m not so sure.” Zecora walks away, leaving the coyote to ponder all that has transpired this evening. What to make of all this? What is this place? Will I ever get back home. How did I get here? Is it possible that all this is just a dream? And if so … when will I wake up? … So many questions … so few answers … Chapter 2: Ire and RainSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 4: Confessions“… It’s been three days now, but I can’t shake what that vulture said to me.” “ ‘Go back for what?’ He makes a convincing argument. After all, what am I really leaving behind? Coworkers? It was a rag-tag group, great bots and all … but I wasn’t part of their regular group, either. Not at first, anyway.” “I was only with that group for about a month, before getting captured. I was able to escape, only to end up … here. Out of the frying pan and into … dare I say, ‘paradise’? I still wonder if all this isn’t a dream.” “Dreams … that’s the really weird part. When I was a maximal … that is, in my robotic form, I still had visions of an alternate life. I chalked it all up to unique programming. How I had visions of living on a planet of humanoids. I know, you wouldn’t know what a ‘humanoid’ is. But all that … felt real, for so long. Like I lived a whole life in a matter of weeks, before waking up in a whole new place, with a whole new identity.” “And now? Now, I feel like I have to start over. Live my whole existence was just another dream. Unless, of course, this is the dream. But this feels so real, so right … I just don’t know what to think.” “So, any thoughts?” … “Uhhh … we’re primarily experts with cutie marks,” replied the small yellow pony with the red mane and magenta bow.” ‘Maybe you should talk to the Cutie Mark Crusaders’, she said. Could’ve warned me they were only foals, Twilight. The coyote sits up from the couch he was lying on. “I’m sorry, maybe this was just a mistake to see you three. Not that I don’t appreciate you listening to my ramblings; I do thank you for that.” “ ‘Sorry’? That was an AWESOME story!” replied a brown pegasus with tiny wings. “Yeah,” added a white unicorn with a styled mane and tail. “I’m seeing why Miss Cheerilee suggested pony psychology for a possible occupation.” “Come on, you two,” urges the yellow foal, who then turns to the coyote. “Well, the way you say it, it sounds like that vulture did want to be friends.” “I’m sorry, maybe I didn’t make myself clear. He. Was trying. To destroy me.” “And did he attack you when he saw you the other day?” “Well, no, but—“ “Did he threaten to attack you?” “I guess not, but then—“ “Did he vow revenge on you for everything you—“ “OK, OK! I get it! Look … ‘Apple Bloom’, right? … so maybe he has changed. But that doesn’t mean that either of us belongs here.” “Why is it such a big deal that you don’t ‘belong’ here,” the brown pegasus asks. “What does that even mean?” “We’re not from this world, Scootaloo. Our very presence could have unforeseen, even catastrophic consequences.” “Like what?” the white unicorn innocently asks. “Like … well Sweetie Belle, that’s why they’re ‘unforeseen’. I can’t predict what effect my being here will have on this world.” “Are you plotting to take over Equestria?” Apple Bloom offers. “Well no, of course not.” “Are you a crazed lunatic who could go on a rampage at any moment?” Scootaloo proposes. “NO!” I sure hope not, anyway. “Are you a mad scientist with wild inventions?” Sweetie Belle inquires. “That wasn’t really my thing either, no.” “Then why does it matter how or why you came here?” Apple Bloom restates. … Well … “I … I don’t know. Maybe it doesn’t matter. It just feels so … so unnatural, everything I’ve seen here.” “I’ll tell you what’s ‘strange’,” Scootaloo counters, “that world you talk about.” Sweetie Belle continues, “Were there really no towns or villages where you came from?” “It was just a peaceful planet. Kinda like this world, but with two moons. There were forests, plains, deserts, mountains … but only animals. Not animals that could talk or think like we do; more like the animals that Fluttershy looks after.” “So, squirrels and rabbits?” “Not just those types, Sweetie Belle. Big animals too. Apes, cheetahs, rhinos, rats … I was only a coyote because that’s what was scanned when I woke up from stasis.” Apple Bloom is puzzled. “What’s ‘stasis’?” “Basically a hibernation of sorts. I must have been offline … well, ‘sleeping’ … for a couple months. And in that time, I lived an entirely different life. Of a world similar to this one.” “So this would be what, a third life for you?” Scootaloo asks. “I suppose this would be, yes.” “Good things do seem to come in threes, don’t they?” Sweetie Belle asserts. “Yeah, just look at us!” agrees Apple Bloom. All three foals grin at the comment. “You’re adorable, all of you. And this world is so … peaceful, and serene. Is it always like this?” Sweetie Belle is first to respond: “Mostly … buuuut, we have had the occasional bugbear attack.” “Bugbear?” “Yeah, but there ain’t much to say about that,” Apple Bloom assures. “Not compared to the rabbit stampede, anyway.” “I’m sorry, a ‘rabbit’ stampede?” “Ate everything in its path.” Scootaloo adds: “And don’t forget the time that Snips and Snails lured an Ursa Minor to Ponyville.” “Ursa what?” “How about the parasprites?” adds Apple Bloom. “Don’t remind me!” moans Sweetie Belle. “My sister’s place was ruined by those things!” “The whole town was destroyed,” corrects Scootaloo. “Whoa, whoa, whoa … the whole town of Ponyville was destroyed?” “Took our barn out, too,” adds Apple Bloom. “Then again, the barn’s been destroyed and rebuilt so many times, I’ve lost track.” “But those are just isolated incidents,” Sweetie Belle reassures. “Minor things, actually.” “They don’t sound minor.” At this, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle take turns identifying ‘major’ things: “You want major? How about Nightmare Moon blocking the sun from rising?” “Or the changelings crashing the royal wedding.” “Don’t forget King Sombra trying to reclaim the Crystal City.” “And how about Tirek siphoning the powers of every pony in Equestria?” “And then there’s Discord!” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle concur in unison: “Yeah, Discord!” “WHOA-WHOA-WHOA!!! ‘Blocking the sun?’ ‘Siphoning power?’ What the heck goes on in … wait, did you say ‘Discord’?” “He was one of the first,” Apple Bloom states. “Turned all of Ponyville upside-down and inside-out.” “But he’s good now,” adds Sweetie Belle. “Although he did betray his friends that one time.” Scootaloo echoes the sentiment: “Selling out to that monster Tirek? Yeah, ain’t nopony gonna fully trust Discord after that.” “Girls … er, fillies, wait,” the coyote interrupts. “Discord’s name came up a couple days ago, as possibly creating the rift that brought me here. Do you think he’s actually capable of doing that?” “From what we’ve seen? He’s probably capable of anything,” Apple Bloom states. The other two nod in agreement. Can any individual really yield so much power, in any universe? Remarkable … … After a pause, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo again try to appeal to the peaceful nature of their town: “… but overall, it’s very pleasant here.” “Yeah, I can’t see why you’d want to return to a world with no towns and a life of war.” … When you put it that way … “You three have certainly given me a lot to ponder on. You’re all wise beyond your years.” “Hey, it’s what we do,” answers Apple Bloom. Sweetie Belle continues: “It’s how we earned our cutie marks … even if you don’t actually have one.” Yeah, about that … “Actually, I’ve been meaning to ask someone about those. What exactly is a ‘cutie mark’. Seems like every pony in town has one. What are they, some form of tattoo?” Scootaloo is puzzled. “What’s a tattoo?” “They’re markings that one puts on one’s body,” answers Sweetie Belle. “I think Zecora has some.” Apple Bloom continues: “Well, a cutie mark comes naturally. It indicates what your destiny in life is gonna be.” I’m not gonna pretend like I understand that, but I don’t think I want to belabor the issue either. “I see. And I take it that only ponies get these marks.” “So far as anyone here knows. Why? Did you have a cutie mark before?” “Well no … at least, not by that name. But I did have an insignia, in a similar location on the body. It resembled a canine’s skull, I guess. It basically signified that I was a maximal.” Scootaloo looks over the coyote. “I don’t see any markings on you.” “Exactly; that was the first thing I noticed when I came to this world. It was the first proof that … I’m no longer a maximal. I’m basically just a coyote. I won’t lie; I’m still not used to it.” “After all we went through to get our cutie marks, I couldn’t imagine losing mine,” Sweetie Belle states. The other two foals nod in agreement, then Apple Bloom continues. “Well, take it from those who went so long without: it really is just a mark. It doesn’t define who you are. From what we’ve all seen, you’re a decent guy; you don’t need some ‘insignia’ to tell the world that.” Scootaloo chuckles. “Wow … listen to us now. We needed to tell ourselves that years ago.” “You know, I think this conversation really helped. Thank you again. Well … it is getting late. Guess I should be returning to the barn.” “If we’re done here, could you help me return the couch to my sister Rarity. I still haven’t told her that I joined an after-school crochet group, and she’ll probably need it.” Well, that would explain the ball of yarn on the ground. But why is it glowing all of a sudden … Without warning, the yarn quickly unwinds from its ball shape and wraps around the coyote, bounding him to the couch. At the same time, a black circle forms at the entrance to the treehouse, growing in size until it completely blocks access to the outside. The three foals scream in terror as the couch hovers off the floor and flies into the circle. WHAT‘S HAPPENING? WHERE AM I … Wait, I know this place. How did I get here? And who is THAT? The coyote, still bound to the hovering couch, looks around Fluttershy’s main foyer. Seated on the sofa in the room are Fluttershy and … “Who … what … are …” “Oh I’m sorry, did I catch you at a bad time. Were you all ‘tied up’ at the moment?” “Now Discord,” Fluttershy calmly addresses the creature, “what have I said about treating friends like that?” So that’s Discord. Aptly named, I suppose. “He’s not my friend, now is he.” The draconequus turns to the bound coyote. “After all, friends don’t accuse other friends of dragging them from their own universe!” “I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT!” “Oh, I told Twilight Sparkle that this wasn’t a good idea?” Discord turns to Fluttershy: “Wait, this was her idea?” He then turns back to the coyote: “Well then, perhaps I overreacted a bit.” A bit??? “I didn’t think you would do such a thing,” Fluttershy assures Discord, “but … it’s just that … well, you ‘could’ do such a thing.” “Fluttershy, could I have a few minutes alone with this individual?” “Well … yes, of course. I need to feed the animals anyway. Promise you won’t harm him.” “I promise.” “Well all right then. I’ll be back in a jif.” Wait, you’re not just gonna leave me alone with this guy are you? ARE YOU??? Fluttershy leaves the tree, closing the door behind her. Discord turns his attention to the coyote, still bound to the hovering couch. The draconequus addresses the coyote … “I must ask for your apology, I really thought this was your accusation.” Oh! … oh … well, that was surprising. “If I say ‘apology accepted’, would you untie me and let me go?” “Oh, good heavens no … but I will send you back to where I got you and let you go there. But since you’re here anyway, I did want to speak to you about your recent … trip?” “Well it’s not like I’m going anywhere soon. I’m listening.” “Excellent. Now, Fluttershy tells me that Twilight Sparkle told her that you told Twilight Sparkle that you’re from … another dimension?” “Uh … yes?” “And you’re wondering exactly how it came to be that you arrived here, correct?” “The thought has crossed my mind.” “And it occurred to Twilight Sparkle and the rest of the pony-be-gooders that I was responsible for the rift that opened up into your world.” “Actually, it was Applejack that proposed the idea.” “Ah yes, our down-home country lass. I shall have to speak to her about that.” “Well judging by me hanging off the ground, tied to a couch and pulled from another location via some portal … I can’t say I disagree with her.” D’OH! … yeah, great job ‘Tek: antagonize the demigod! Unfazed by the comment, Discord continues: “My omnipotent powers notwithstanding, I swear by Fluttershy’s friendship that I had nothing to do with your being here!” Wow. That really sounds … sincere. “… I believe you.” Discord lets out an audible sigh, then continues in a serious tone. “So long as you’re here, can I confide in you a little secret?” “Uh, sure, why not?” “The other ponies here … don’t trust me. They believe that I betrayed them all. That I sided with Tirek in order to rule over Equestria by his side.” “So I’ve heard.” “IT’S A LIE!” The words come out of Discord forcefully and passionately. The coyote feels a lump in his stomach as Discord continues. “I never betrayed those ponies, OR Equestria! Everything thing I did, I did for them. But they can never know this.” The coyote, still bound by Discord’s magic, is not sure what to believe regarding this diatribe. “I really don’t know any details, so I can’t judge. But I trust Twilight and the others. Even Fluttershy believes you to have betrayed them.” “Did they mention how it was I who steered them towards finding the Keys to five of the six Locks?” “… I honestly have no idea what you’re talking abou—“ “They know that part, of course. They conveniently forget that part, but they know that to be true. What they don’t know is, I knew they needed that sixth Key. Twilight’s Key. I knew she needed to earn that Key, and I knew that would require a test of her beliefs on friendship.” He seems rather passionate about all this. What to believe? “So when Tirek approached me with an offer to betray my friends, I knew what I had to do. To ensure that Twilight would earn that sixth Key. I had to test her. And I knew she would pass. She passed with flying colors! A truly remarkable pony, she is!” Wow … what do I say to a demigod who’s pouring his heart and soul out to me? “OK, but if all this is true, why not just let everyone know? Why keep a secret?” “Oh, they’d never believe me. But more importantly, they shouldn’t believe me. When Twilight forgave me, she did so with all the sincerity that one would need show to someone who truly betrayed her. She can never know that it was all an act … NEVER. This secret … must follow me to the ever-after.” A small tear forms from Discord’s left eye. The coyote is frozen in thought to match his physical boundedness. Eventually, he utters … “As long as I am in this world, I swear to you that your secret is safe with me.” “Thank you.” Discord laughs a bit before continuing: “I’ve been harboring that for so long, it just feels so good to get it off my chest. There is nopony in this world that I would trust with this information; It was most fortunate for me that one such as yourself were brought here, even if not by your own design.” “So … theoretically, if you could bring me into this world, then you probably could send me back to my home world, right?” Discord laughs harder now. “Have you any idea how many worlds there are in existence? Try infinity to the power of infinity. I really wouldn’t know where to begin. I suppose I could send you to another world, but to ‘your’ world. Highly unlikely, to say the least.” So much for that. “Well … do you have any idea how I got here, then?” “Twilight and her friends are so focused on what I’m capable of; they should look to one of their own, instead.” “One of their own?” Before Discord can elaborate, Fluttershy re-enters the tree. “I’m back, everyone.” “Oh, perfect timing,” Discord comments cheerfully. “Our guest was just leaving.” Discord waves a paw; immediately, the couch-bound coyote is sent back through the portal, ending up back in the CMC’s treehouse. The couch lands gently on the ground, and the yarn untangles itself and rewinds back into a ball. After a moment of stunned silence, the CMCs approach the coyote. “Are you OK?” Sweetie Belle asks. “Where’d you go?” adds Scootaloo. “Oh, nowhere in particular, just popped into Fluttershy’s place to say ‘Hi’ to Discord.” “DISCORD???” all three foals exclaim in unison. “Well … seeing is believing, I guess.” Apple Bloom is surprised by the coyote’s calm demeanor. “You don’t seem particularly phased by all this.” “I guess I’m just … gaining experience with this world. So, you still need help with the couch, Sweetie Belle?” “Just in case I drop it.” The unicorn’s horn glows and the couch levitates, wobbling in the air. “Still getting the hang of this.” Yeah, same here. Sweetie Belle and the coyote depart the treehouse, hovering couch in tow. “OK, is there anything else that I should be aware of with this world?” “Well, we do have a lot of singing here.” Yeah … maybe not while I’m around. Chapter 5: a Night of UnicornsThe door to the Carousel Boutique opens, with a white unicorn foal levitating a couch in front of her and a chatty coyote following. “They’re dress models,” Sweetie Belle insists. “I don’t see what the big deal is.” “The whole motif to this boutique is a carousel; it looks like you’re jamming rods through ponies. You really don’t see that as macabre?” “Maca-what?” “Creepy.” “Did you talk this much before you got here?” “Sweetie Belle, is that you?” Rarity enters from the kitchen area. “Oh good, you brought the couch back.” “I said I would. Don’t you trust me to do anything?” Sweetie Belle lowers the couch to the ground as Rarity inspects it. “OH MY … why are the feet covered in mud?” “Well, I may have dropped it on the way back. But only a couple times. And it’s not like I dropped it into the river or anything.” Rarity’s horn glows as a washcloth levitates and floats to the feet to wipe away the grime. “Well, no real harm done, I suppose. I know I need to trust you more, but you simply must be patient with me. You know how I get with details.” “Do you always use unicorn magic to just move objects about?” the coyote asks. “Well how else would the job get done, then?” Admittedly, hands with opposable thumbs are out of the question. “I know Applejack and her whole clan use their mouths to hold things,” the coyote offers. “Which is perfectly acceptable for those who lack the powers that some of us have,” Rarity counters. “We all have our strengths and weaknesses here, of course; I wouldn’t have the strength to toil away with the physical tasks that working on a farm requires. To be honest, dear, I’m surprised you’re able to help out all that much.” “Well, it’s not like I’m doing the heavy-lifting. Mostly, I assist Apple Bloom with her chores. I gotta say, the kids here are mature beyond their years.” “What, do you mean the goats?” “Uh, no, I mean kids like Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.” Sweetie Belle protests, “I’m not a goat!” Rarity then corrects the coyote: “Perhaps you mean ‘foals’ when you say ‘kids’. Little goats are ‘kids’.” “Oh … yeah, sorry. I’m still getting used to the proper terminology around here.” Note to self: use ‘pony’ instead of ‘body’ for everything. “I do thank you for keeping Sweetie Belle company on the trip back. I hope that your consultation with the Cutie Mark Crusaders went well.” “You know, I really think that helped clear my mind. I’d still like some answers as to how I got here, of course. I’m still processing my meeting with Discord.” “DISCORD???” Oops, didn’t mean to alarm her. “Relax, nothing terrible happened. We just had a brief conversation regarding what brought me here.” “Really. Did he admit to causing this mess?” “He swears he had nothing to do with it. And I believe him.” “I wouldn’t believe a word that deranged draconequus says. Reformed or not, he simply cannot be trusted. Especially since Tirek’s return.” Don’t say a word; you made a promise. Maybe change the conversation. “So, I take it you do good business here?” “Hmm? Oh … yes, I do rather well for myself. I’ve even opened up a branch in Canterlot, and will have a third location soon in Manehattan.” “So there’s that much demand for dresses … but everywhere I look, all the ponies around here walk around with no clothes at all.” Rarity is quick to address this concern. “Dresses are for special occasions, and we certainly have many such occasions in Equestria. Do you mean to tell me that your world had no such occasions?” “For the month or so I was in action, there was no civilization. Just battles and skirmishes. Before that, I have no recollections of the home world I … ‘supposedly’ came from. But the dreams I had while in that world … the inhabitants there wore clothing all the time.” “Hmmm, this ‘dream world’ you speak of. I wonder if there’s any similarity to the world Twilight has visited.” Wait, what? “Twilight Sparkle has been to another world?” “A parallel universe, as it were. But only a couple times, and only for emergency circumstances. Those are stories in and of themselves.” Sweetie Belle adds to this: “Yeah, it’d probably take about an hour plus for each of those stories. More if you needed to take a break every now and then.” Paying little attention to her sister’s comment, Rarity continues on: “She hasn’t visited that world in over a year now. I and the others have been really curious to see what it’s like, but Twilight warns us that there are parallels of all of us in that world, and no one knows what would happen if one of us met our double.” Just when I think I’ve heard everything I needed to hear about this place! Before another word can be uttered, the bell above the front door jingles. Rarity begins speaking as she turns to the prospective customer: “Welcome to Canterlot Bou-- … you! What do you want?” Wow, did Rarity ice over in a hurry! And what’s with the getup on this one? I know about the unicorn magic here and all, but this seems over the top, what with the cone hat and matching cape. “THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE … has a hole in her cape. Is there a chance you can have it fixed by tomorrow?” “Oh. Well, let me take a closer look.” Huh. She seems calmer now. What’s the history with these two? “Yes, I can fix this quickly enough. Just leave the cape here overnight and come by tomorrow at eleven.” “THE GREAT AND … Uh, Trixie thanks you.” “Excuse me for asking, but do you always talk in the third-pony?” Trixie turns to the coyote. “Trixie hasn’t seen you around here before. And you don’t seem like the type to frequent a business such as this. Trixie is curious; who are you?” “I came to Ponyville about a week ago, from … out of town.” “Indeed. And have you heard the stories regarding the Great and Powerful Trixie?” “Uh … do you mean ‘you’? And if so … no, I have not.” Sweetie Belle fake-coughs “Ursa Minor!” “What was that?” “What? Oh nothing, just clearing my throat.” Trixie stares daggers at Sweetie Belle, then turns back to the coyote. “Trixie needs to grab some dinner. Would you care to join me?” “Me? Uh, sure, I could eat. Still getting used to the diet around here.” Rarity quickly addresses the coyote: “Oh, I was about to fix something up for Sweetie Belle and myself; you could dine with us if you like.” Is Rarity trying to stop me from joining this pony? “I appreciate the offer, Rarity, but it wouldn’t hurt for me to meet new ponies while I’m here. But thank you anyway.” Trixie and Rarity are staring daggers at each other again; this is getting awkward. “Well gee, look at the time, the sun is gonna go down any moment, guess we should head out.” “Trixie agrees. Let us go.” Trixie and the coyote leave, leaving the two sisters alone. “What’s the big deal, sis? Trixie’s reformed, isn’t she?” “So is Discord, but I wouldn’t trust either one of them.” * * * * After a filling dinner and dessert, Trixie and the coyote walk down the Mane Street. I can definitely get used to the vegan-dessert lifestyle. Getting used to eating without hands, though, is another matter. “Trixie is less than impressed with your dining habits.” “Hey, I’m still getting used to this.” “Getting used to what?” Oops. “Uh, nothing. Say, I need to ask you. Are you and Rarity … enemies?” Trixie’s response is quiet. “… Trixie has many enemies, especially in Ponyville.” “Why is that? Seems to me that the very notion of ‘enemy’ is a foreign concept in this world.” “Trixie is confused. What do you mean by ‘in this world’?” Dangit, I did it again! “Oh, uh, I just meant that I haven’t experienced a lot of ponies that hold grudges here.” “Trixie … that is, I have made some mistakes in the past.” She used ‘I’! Whatever these mistakes were, they seem serious. “They couldn’t have been that bad … could they?” “Perhaps you’ve noticed that … ‘I’ … like to refer to myself when speaking.” “The thought has occurred to me, yes.” “My ego has gotten the best of me in the past. Not once, but twice. And after those incidents, it’s been hard to find redemption in this town.” “Well, couldn’t you start over in another town? I assume there are other places to live than this.” “My reputation has followed me across Equestria. I am an outcast wherever I may go. And I have changed. I may still have moments of … weakness … but I truly have change my ways. But I need to convince others to have any real peace of mind. And it must start here in Ponyville, where all my troubles began.” “Hey … I can understand. The truth is, there’s someone I need to apologize to as well. Wherever he is.” Or wherever that vulture’s flown off to, anyway. “And as far as the way you speak, that’s nothing new to me. I knew a wasp who spoke the same way.” The comment catches Trixie by surprise. “A wasp? As in, a tiny insect? No insect that Trixie is aware of is like that.” “Oh, I meant a large insect that … that …” “Is there something you’re not telling Trixie?” Now you’ve done it! No hiding this any longer. “… that’s from another world, like I am! Trixie, I’m not just a stranger to Ponyville; I’m a stranger to this universe.” Trixie gives off an air of shock, followed by great anger. “What? That’s just … ridiculous! Trixie is insulted at this farcical tale! How dare you!” “It’s the truth! I swear it! I wouldn’t lie to you!” “Oh sure, everyone in Ponyville gets to mock the Great and Powerful Trixie! Even the non-ponies!” “I WOULD NEVER INSULT A FRIEND!” “Oh, sure you … what?” The anger quickly dissipates, replaced by pure confusion. “It doesn’t matter where I’m from, just like it doesn’t matter what you’ve done. You’ve been nothing but kind to me since I met you, and I consider you a true friend.” Trixie starts to tear up. “I’m … I’m …” She then gives the coyote a hug. “I’m sorry for attacking you like that.” “I’m sorry I didn’t come clean sooner. We’re not so different, you and I.” “Trix-- … I consider you a true friend as well.” The two separate, each glad that the brief rift in their friendship is behind them. “So Trixie … you seem good with magic. Know any inter-dimensional spells?” Trixie laughs, causing the coyote to join in. “Trixie thinks you’re a funny guy.” Yeah … funny … “I don’t even know your name.” “It’s Coyotek. Admittedly, not as fitting a name as it once was.” “Come to my house-stage; I have someone to introduce you to.” * * * * “I’m impressed with this set-up, Trixie.” “It took many moons for me to get back to where I once was. Still a work-in-progress, I must admit. Oh, there she is!” Must be my night for unicorns. First Rarity, then Trixie, and now … “Starlight Glimmer, I’d like you to meet Coyotek. He’s ‘passing through town’, as it were.” The mauve pony walks up to the twosome. “How do you do?” “It’s a pleasure to meet you. So Trixie says you two recently became friends.” “Yeah … maybe to Twilight’s chagrin, but hey, everyone deserves a second chance, right?” Does everypony know everypony else around here? “Excuse me, you know Twilight Sparkle?” “Yeah, we go back just over a year. We had … differences, once upon a time. But again ... ‘second chances’, right?” “Don’t you mean ‘third’ chances?” Trixie chuckles. Starlight Glimmer glares at Trixie for a minute. “I take it there was some bad blood between you two.” “It’s a long story. I’m not sure you’d even believe me.” Trixie bursts out laughing at Starlight’s comment, causing the latter to become rather irate. “What’s gotten into you?” “Go ahead, Coyotek. Tell her.” Starlight turns to the coyote. “Tell me what?” Really, Trixie? *sigh* OK then … “You wouldn’t believe me, Starlight.” Starlight’s response: “You first.” “OK then … I’m from another universe and got pulled into this world by means of a dimensional rift, landed in the Everfree Forest about a week ago, made friends with an exotic zebra and all sorts of technicolor ponies, had a conversation with a former vulture enemy who flew off, bared my soul to three foals, got portaled into a meeting with a draconequus demigod, had dinner with Trixie and just met you.” “WHOA … Trixie paid for your dinner?” Starlight turns to Trixie. “What? My last show’s turnout exceeded expectations. Anyway, it’s not like this one’s pulling down bits right now.” “So OK then,” the coyote continues, “ ‘Starlight Glimmer’ … top that!” Starlight smiles as she starts: “When you put it that way … my best friend was taken any from me at an early age, causing me to have such hatred for Cutie Marks that I took over a village where I stole the Cutie Marks from every pony I met, then stole the Cutie Marks from Twilight and her friends, only to have my plans thwarted by them, so I went into seclusion for six moons, then returned with a spell that let me go back in time to break up Twilight’s friendships, but that caused rifts in the timeline of this world, leading to one horrific future after another, until I witnessed a barren wasteland firsthand, causing me to realize that I was responsible for the end of the world, then asking for forgiveness so now I have Twilight herself as a mentor while I try to redeem my past transgressions and … you OK?” OK, she wins. That was a lot to take in, and then some, but … wait a minute … Trixie addresses the coyote: “You seem lost in thought, Coyotek.” Starlight adds: “Is everything all right?” “Starlight … that spell you used to go back in time? Do you know of any possible side effects that spell might have had?” Starlight ponders for a minute. “To be honest, no I don’t.” “It’s just that, with all the changes made to the timeline of this world … is it possible that maybe, just maybe, you inadvertently caused the rift that brought me here?” “NO … I mean, I don’t think that’s possible. But honestly, I never read much beyond the general nature of that spell; who knows what that spell is also capable of.” “Well, is there anyone in Equestria who might know?” Starlight pauses before answering: “… I have somepony in mind.” Chapter 6: a Quiet ReunionA train departs from Ponyville Station; the passenger manifesto includes two characters on a mission … “Starlight, why is there only one rail on this line?” “I dunno.” “I mean, is this the only train in Equestria? Are there separate rails farther down that allow for two trains to pass? And if so, why build those out of the town?” “I don’t know.” “And for that matter, how do trains even exist here? Don’t you need electricity, or power lines, or—“ “Did you talk this much in your universe?” Starlight’s tone is one of annoyance. “What? Oh … sorry. Just seems like every day there’s something new to process here.” Starlight replies in a friendlier tone. “It’s probably best to just accept things as they are; you’ll live a happier life. I take it you haven’t spent much time around Pinkie Pie.” “Can’t say that I have; I only saw her briefly, in my visit to Twilight’s castle … and on the way to Sweet Apple Acres.” “Those who know Pinkie well know about her … shall we say, ‘eccentricities’. And from what Twilight told me, trying to rationalize Pinkie Pie will lead you to insanity. Just keep that in mind, in case you spend any significant time in her company.” With all the crazy I’ve already seen, how much crazier can one pony really be? “I’ll keep it in mind. So tell me about this ‘Crystal City’.” Starlight explains: “It’s actually the Crystal Empire. For a long time, the place was a frozen wasteland. Now, under the watchful eye of Princess Cadence, the city has been restored to its former glory. The city even hosted the Equestria Games not too long ago.” “ ‘Frozen wasteland’?” “It’s a long story … and if you think the trains here are too much to comprehend, it’s probably best to leave it at that. At least for now. You’ve only been here about a week, you know.” “Fair point. So, why are we going there?” “Remember that ‘somepony’ I had in mind? His name is Sunburst, and he was my close friend a long time ago.” “The one who was taken from you?” “The same. We’ve since caught up on old times. He has a knowledge of magic that eclipses anypony in Equestria, including Twilight. If he doesn’t have an idea as to what could have caused the rift in your world, nopony does.” “He sounds like one intelligent pony.” “He is. And he’s one of the nicest ponies you’ll meet. Hopefully he can provide a solution. But we’re a ways away, so let’s just relax and enjoy the scenery as it rolls by.” The coyote stares out the window at the passing scenery. Slowly, he drifts away to sleep. * * * * “ ‘Tek! Yo, ‘Tek! Dude, get up!” A figure crawls off a suspended makeshift cot, before it dawns on him that he’s standing on two feet. Wha … who’s calling … “Man, you were out for a while there. Good to see you’re coming around.” Who’s that … wait … is it? It can’t be … “Cheetor??? Is that you?” The bipedal robot with cheetah markings replies, “Who were you expecting?” “It is you. Then, that means …” Coyotek inspects his form … he sees that he, too, is robotic in nature, but with a coyote head from his alternate form appearing at his chest. “Man, did that vulture get you good! Nothing that a couple hours in the CR chamber couldn’t fix, though, right?” Coyotek is still in a daze from recent revelations. “I’m … back at the base?” “Man, you really are out of it! Good thing we got to you when we did, or else we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now.” “What about the rift?” Cheetor is confused at the question. “What do you mean, ‘a rift’?” “The rift! The rift into the fabric of our world that I … that I …” “Whoa, dude. Maybe you need some more rest. Or maybe you just need to dial down those ‘subconscience processors’ of yours. Were you having more dreams about humanity?” “No … not humans. Something else. Something very … odd.” Cheetor’s response is stern: “The boss monkey is right; you need to reformat that part of your system. It’s not safe for you, or any of us for that matter.” “I’m … I’ll be fine,” Coyotek meekly responds. “Just give me a few minutes to myself, and I’ll join you and the others in a cycle.” “Sure thing. I’ll check on you in a bit, just in case you hit the hay again.” “ ‘Hay’? What’s that about hay?” Cheetor takes another look at Coyotek, shakes his head, then reverts to his cheetah form and bolts out the door, which closes behind him. So was all that … just another dream? The zebra? All those ponies? More figments of my imagination? It just felt so real. I guess all dreams do, though. Just like those dreams of humanity. Heck, those felt so real that I thought those were the reality. Jeez, how long was I out? Guess I was banged up pretty badly. Well, it doesn’t matter now, I suppose. A knock on the door snaps Coyotek out of his thoughts. “Yeah, I’ll be out in a minute,” he calls out, before reverting to his coyote form and turning to the door … An explosion from the hallway blasts the door to the back of the room and sends Coyotek flying backwards, crashing into a wall. Amidst the rubble, a shadowy figure approaches the prone coyote. “EMERGENCY!!! WE’RE UNDER ATTACK!!! MAXIMALS, COME QUICKLY!!!” “We’re here … Coyotek, we’re here …” The figure emerges from the smoke … it’s Starlight Glimmer. “Wake up … we’re here.” The coyote blinks … and suddenly, he’s on a train with many brightly-colored ponies. Starlight appears worried. “Is everything OK? You looked like you were ready to scream.” “I’m OK, I just … had a strange dream.” … I think. * * * * “OK, explain to me exactly why that little dragon with the crush on Rarity has his own statue here.” “It was before my time,” Starlight replies, “but Spike has performed quite a few heroic deeds here in the Empire. He told me all about them the last time I was here.” “Really! Care to fill me in?” “Maybe on the train ride back, but we shouldn’t delay. After all, you’re the one who wants answers, right?” More than you can possibly know. “Yeah, you’re right. So, how much further?” “Not far. That’s his place up ahead.” The two approach a stately cottage. Starlight knocks on the door, which then opens. An orange, spectacled pony greets them. “Starlight! It’s wonderful to see you again!” “It’s great to see you again too, Sunburst. It’s nice to meet where there isn’t a catastrophe in the works.” “Catastrophe?” the coyote asks. “Well, last time I was here, the empire was nearly thrust into another ice age after Flurry Heart shattered the Crystal Heart.” “Aaand, ‘Flurry Heart’ would be …” “Princess Cadence and Shining Armor’s alicorn baby.” “I see.” Don’t ask, don’t ask, don’t ask, … Sunburst turns to the coyote. “So who is your companion? Some sort of familiar?” Familiar? “Actually, he’s the real reason I’m here today. We have a few questions regarding a particular spell.” “Hopefully I can help. Follow me.” Sunburst leads the others into his study. Bookshelves of tomes filled with ancient and mystical lore line the walls. “Impressive,” the coyote remarks. “It’s like a miniature library in here.” “Well, don’t get too impressed; I’m better at researching spells than actually casting them.” “Don’t sell yourself so short, Sunburst. Or have you forgotten how you saved the empire.” Another savior of the world? Who’ve I made friends with, the League of Extraordinary Ponies? Starlight continues: “Certainly, Princess Cadence hasn’t forgotten your deeds.” “And Flurry Heart is such a treasure,” Sunburst adds. “Things have worked out well for me since you came back into my life, I must say. So … what spell did you have in mind?” “You might remember my little … ‘tirade’ … last time. And you might remember that time-travel spell I cast.” “I do. Surely you haven’t been—“ “No, not at all. I’ve learned my lesson from that. But about that spell. I must admit that I did not study up as much on that spell as, perhaps, I should have. Do you know if that spell has any particular side effects?” “ ‘Side effects’? Like what?” The coyote answers Sunburst’s query: “Like tearing a rift in the fabric of another universe, creating a portal that would allow someone to travel between dimensions?” Sunburst turns again to the coyote, inspecting him more closely now. “You’re not from this world?” “No. And that’s what I’m trying to figure out. How did I get here? What brought me here? And is it possible for me to return to where I belong?” Sunburst muses for a minute. “Interesting. So tell me: how long have you been in our world?” “About a week, I think. Not longer.” “So the spell that Starlight used could not possibly have been the cause,” Sunburst concludes. “She had used that spell weeks ago. Even if there were some latent effects, I don’t see how those would cause any …” Sunburst suddenly goes into quiet contemplation. Starlight breaks the silence: “Sunburst? Is everything OK?” “We’re all friends here, right? And by that, I include Princesses Cadence and Twilight.” “Twilight? What does Twilight have to do with any of this?” “Nothing by herself,” Sunburst continues, “but Cadence has been tapping my brain regarding information Twilight shared with her. Information gained from Sunset Shimmer.” Twilight Sparkle? Starlight Glimmer? And now Sunset Shimmer? So when do I meet Daybreak Twinkle? “I’m afraid you’ll have to fill in some details,” Starlight asserts. “I don’t remember any Sunset Shimmer.” “Nor will you meet her these days. Not in this world, anyway.” Waitaminute … this must be the world that Rarity alluded to yesterday. “So there IS a portal to another world.” “Cadence has shared this little secret with me, but if you’re friends with Twilight, then you’d probably find out eventually, anyway. Yes, there is a portal to a parallel universe. And Twilight has been to that world. The stories she has shared with us … are probably too fantastic to even begin to describe.” The dreams I’ve had say otherwise. Starlight inquires: “So who is this Sunset Shimmer.” “A former protégé of Princess Celestia, much the same as Twilight once was. But her ego and sense of entitlement got the best of her, and she was eventually exiled to this alternate dimension. There is much to say regarding what she has done and been through; suffice to say, she has since come around and is now a well-respected member of her community and adopted world. It was a recent event in that world that gives me pause.” The coyote now inquires: “This ‘event’ … you think it could explain what happened to me.” “It’s highly improbable … but Sunset Shimmer related a story regarding the Twilight Sparkle from that world. That Twilight is as much the bookworm that our Twilight always has been, and somehow created a magic-absorbing amulet. That amulet reached a point of critical mass, and released a powerful magic that began tearing at the very reality of that world. Sunset and many others from that world could actually SEE our own world, through pockets of rifts in space.” Sunburst turns to the coyote. “Does that sound familiar?” “It … it does. But I don’t get it. If these rifts occurred in the parallel universe, how did I end up in this one?” “The rifts were openings into this world. It’s conceivable that some of the magic released by Twilight’s amulet … that world’s Twilight … ended up in Equestria. And if any of that magic combined with any residue from the time-travel spell; well … I don’t think anypony could truly know the full effects.” Sunburst turns away before continuing: “But I must admit that this is mostly conjecture on my part. I could only speculate on the details of what happened in that universe. The only ones who could really shine a light on things are those in that world.” The coyote is forthright and bold with his next comment: “So if I want to get back to my world, I would have to … enter that world.” … There is a brief pause, after which both ponies in the room burst into laughter. What’s so funny? I was being serious. Sunburst responds: “Do you know what Spike turned into when he entered that world?” “Spike entered that world?” “Yes, and he became a dog. A dog! And Spike’s from our world. Who knows what would happen if you tried to go in there! Besides, the portal is a heavily guarded secret. The only reason Twilight knew about it was because Sunset re-entered our world to steal one of the Elements of Harmony.” Elements of Harmony? Sunburst continues: “… and the only reason I know about all this is that I’m now a trusted confidant for Princess Cadence. As you are both friends with Twilight, I felt safe confiding in both of you. But the mere thought of you traveling to that world … at least for now, there’s just no way.” I guess when you put it that way … “I suppose it was foolish to bring up the possibility.” “I am sure that you want to return from whence you came. But so far as I can tell, that is simply not possible. It’s a wonder that you’re here at all, but I’m afraid all I can suggest is that you make the most of it.” “I understand. And I do thank you for your insight into all this. I guess we should be going now.” Starlight disagrees: “What, so soon? We just got here.” Sunburst agrees: “Hey, there’s a café I’ve never tried before that I’ve been meaning to go to. What say we all grab a bite?” * * * * Nighttime has come. Starlight and the coyote are on a red-eye train heading back to Ponyville. “Trixie was right; you do have poor eating habits.” “I used to have hands. I know, it’s a foreign concept for the ponies in this world.” “You still had a coyote form. I’m sure you ate better even in that form in your world.” “Hey, it’s not like we had restaurants and corner cafés to go to … or anything else, for that matter.” “Coyotek … that sounds like a pang of regret.” “Does it? The fact is, I think back to what I’ve left behind and … I’m not so sure I really want to go back.” Starlight is caught off-guard by the comment. “What about not belonging here?” “I don’t even think I belonged there. Honestly, I don’t know where I truly belong now. Maybe I was destined to be here all along.” Starlight smiles. “You could do a lot worse than Equestria, I’m sure.” The coyote stares out the window at the moonlit passing scenery. “I’m sure I was, Starlight. I’m sure of that much, anyway.” Chapter 7: Off the RailsIt wasn’t all of Ponyville that came out to witness the wreckage; it just seemed as such. And “wreckage” was far too strong a term. No ponies were harmed, and there was no massive destruction. Nevertheless, several dozen ponies gathered around the train that derailed coming into the station that morning. The locomotive and first passenger car were on their side, while the remaining cars remained upright. The handful of ponies in the first passenger car were helped out by numerous pegasi; all others were able to walk away, shaken up but otherwise OK. Starlight Glimmer and the coyote come from near the back of the train and meet up with Trixie upon walking the remaining distance to the station’s platform. Like all the others, Trixie is shaken at the turn of events. “Are you two OK? “A little on edge,” Starlight replies, “but we’re both fine. Did you see what caused this?” “Trixie did not see anything. Applejack is currently scoping out the scene.” “Wait,” the coyote interrupts, “Applejack is a trained investigator for accidents like this?” The two unicorns turn to the coyote. Starlight responds: “Ponyville doesn’t need ‘investigators’: nothing like this has ever happened before.” Trixie recounts the scene: “Applejack and the others were waiting for the train, just as Trixie was. We all saw it happen; the loco jumped a rail and fell to the side, taking the first car with it. Fortunately, the train was traveling at such a slow speed that no further damage took place. Immediately after the accident, Applejack sprang into action.” “I can see Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy assisting as well,” Starlight notes. “Looks like they might have just gotten the last of the trapped ponies out of that car.” The coyote ponders the information taken in. My first train trip in this world, and the train derails. And for the first time ever, apparently. Coincidence? What to make of all this. The crowd starts to dissipate as it becomes more obvious that no major damage or injury resulted from the train wreck. The threesome spot Twilight Sparkle, who strains to use her levitation magic to right the fallen loco and passenger car. Sure enough, both cars are soon realigned with the track; several other ponies gather to inspect the vehicles. “Some ‘welcome home’ greeting this turned out to be,” Starlight quips. “Well, Trixie hopes that your trip to the Crystal Empire wasn’t all for nothing.” “It was nice to meet up with Sunburst again, but sadly, no firm answers. Looks like our little coyote friend is stuck here, at least for now.” “Looks like nothing more to see here, either. Trixie needs to set up for tomorrow night’s performance. Would you be willing to assist?” “Sure thing. Coyotek, want to come along?” “Thanks, but I’d like to stick around and maybe find out what happened here.” “Trixie hopes to see you for tomorrow’s performance!” “I’ll be there.” The coyote then turns and leaves the company of the two unicorns. He walks over to Applejack, who is now conversing with Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy. Dash is particularly incredulous at the preliminary results. “You’re kidding! A couple apples caused all this?” “More like a bushel,” Applejack corrects. “Actually … it was a bushel. I just sold a bushel of apples to ‘Little Miss Scatterbrain’; looks like Derpy dropped it flying back home, and it landed right in front of the train.” “Not the first time she’s caused some havoc,” Twilight remarks. “Yes, but she is very nice to everypony,” Fluttershy counters. “AND she makes really tasty muffins!” The others all turn to Pinkie Pie, bouncing in place and smiling as wildly as ever. Where did she come from? “So who else’s muffins do we want to talk about? Rarity’s? Cause she makes delicious muffins. And Sweetie Belle tries so hard too, even if her muffins come out like molten lava.” Twilight interrupts Pinkie’s stream of consciousness: “Pinkie Pie, did you see what happened here?” “Sure I did: I saw our new coyote friend run up to join in the conversation. Funny that he hasn’t said anything yet. Maybe the cat got his tongue, but I think Opal’s still with Rarity back at her boutique.” “Before that!” Applejack pleads exhaustingly. “Didn’t you see the train derailment?” “Oh that! I’m sure that was just a metaphor.” The coyote is not sure what to make of that comment. “What? ‘Metaphor’? Pinkie, what do you mean by—“ Rainbow Dash suddenly breaks into the conversation: “Say Pinkie: think you can beat me to Sugar Cube Corner? Last one pays for snacks!” “Oh, you are so on!” Pinkie bounds off at a surprisingly incredible rate of speed. Dash then turns to the coyote. “Don’t mind Pinkie Pie. She’s always been a bit on the weird side. Best to just let her ramble on about whatever’s on her mind and go about your business.” With those words spoken, Dash then soars off to catch up with Pinkie Pie. The coyote turns to the remaining three. “Uh, is all this ‘normal’ to you ladies?” Applejack is first to respond: “Shoot, I can’t remember a time when Pinkie ever took things seriously.” Twilight adds, “Still, there’s usually method in her madness.” “But what did she mean by ‘metaphor’?” “Over the years,” Twilight continues, “I’ve learned not to try to figure out that which cannot be figured out. Pinkie is a one-of-a-kind. It’s probably best not to pry too deep.” “Yep. She’s a mystery wrapped in a puzzle wrapped in a cotton-candy-colored coat.” Strange. Starlight Glimmer warned me as much yesterday, too. ”OK, point taken. But then what about Rainbow Dash.” “What about her?” Applejack asks. “The first time I met all of you, in the Castle of Friendship, it seemed like Rainbow Dash was trying to stop Pinkie Pie from telling me certain things.” “Oh, that’s just Rainbow Dash’s nature,” Fluttershy remarks. “She can be … controlling? No, that’s not the right word. Insistent? No, that doesn’t sound right either.” “Well, the two of them do have a lot in common,” Twilight notes. “They both have a penchant for practical jokes, for one.” “And they both traveled to Gryffinstone that one time,” Applejack adds. It’s more than that. I’m sure of it. “Well, I feel like I want to do some more exploring of Ponyville. Looks like I might be here for a while, after all; may as well get to know the town better.” “We’ll save your usual spot in the barn for when ya get back.” “Thanks again.” It’s probably best that they don’t ask where I’m going. Now, where is this ‘Sugar Cube Corner’? … * * * * Whatever the time and place, there’s just no comparison to that first whiff of freshly baked desserts! Seriously, all this stuff smells great! Pity I got no money on me. At some point, I guess I have to figure out how to earn a living here. Focus, ‘Tek. That’s not why you’re here. Not now, anyway. No sign of either of them. Maybe the proprietor can help me. The coyote notes who he believes to be the proprietor of the shop. “Excuse me, Miss …” “Cake. Mrs. Cake. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you here before.” “I’m new to Ponyville. I was just wondering; have you seen a pink or blue pony come by here recently?” “Normally I’d ask you to be more specific … but I assume you mean Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash.” “Oh, you know them?” “Pinkie works here. Actually, she lives right upstairs. In fact, she and Rainbow Dash just went up—“ “Oh, hey!” Rainbow Dash, upon hearing the conversation down below, comes down to converse with the coyote, whose appearance has now stirred up feelings of anxiety within the pegasus. “So … what brings you here?” “Actually, I had a few questions for Pinkie Pie.” Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Um, I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.” “Why not? Rainbow Dash, is there something you’re not telling me?” “Hey, look at the time. Getting late, eh?” “It’s two in the afternoon.” “Well I’m sure Luna’s raising the moon somewhere, right? I mean, long day! What with the train derailment and all.” The coyote’s demeanor shifts towards anger. “Yeah, about that. Pinkie Pie said something about a ‘metaphor’. Seems odd to me …” “Hey, she’s always odd. It’s who she is.” Tiny beads of sweat form on Rainbow Dash’s forehead. “… But what’s really odd to me is that you felt compelled to send Pinkie away after she made that remark.” Rainbow Dash continues to perspire. “I … I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “And it’s not the first time you’ve interrupted her since I got here, either. You know something. Do you know how I got here? Does Pinkie know? Are the two of you responsible???” “OF COURSE NOT!” ”Then what are you two hiding???” Rainbow Dash shakes her head, gets her bearings, puts a wing around the coyote, and escorts him to a distant corner of the shop, away from anypony’s ears. Her words are quiet, so as not to let Mrs. Cake or anypony else hear her. “I’m telling you, in no uncertain terms: do not ask Pinkie Pie what’s going on. Just enjoy what you have here, and move on with your life.” I don’t believe it! These two have the answers I’m looking for! “I don’t know what it is the two of you are hiding from me … but I want the truth.” “You can’t handle the truth!” Pinkie Pie shouts from above: “I HEARD WHAT YOU DID JUST NOW!” Rainbow Dash shakes her head and speaks solemnly. “There are things that some beings were never meant to know. I’ve said all I’m going to say, and I won’t stop you now. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She then steps aside, allowing the coyote to walk over to the stairway and head up. As he enters Pinkie’s loft, the coyote notices that she appears to be reading a tome of some sort. “Hey Pinkie. So, what’cha reading?” Pinkie looks up and smiles broadly. “Coyotek! I had no idea you were so well-known.” “Excuse me?” “Look at you, all modest and coy. Oh wait, “coyote” starts with “coy”. Isn’t that hilarious?” “Can I … see that book for a second?” “Sure!” The coyote walks over to the tome and inspects the title. ‘Beyond the Matrix’? What the heck is this? “So what is a ‘matrix’, anyway?” Pinkie inquires. The coyote begins reading a passage: “ ‘… Gazing at the computer screen, Nightscream said to Coyotek …’ … Pinkie, where did you get this?” “I find things. It’s what I do.” “I thought ‘parties’ was what you do.” “That too. I do all sorts of things.” The coyote scans more of the pages in the tome. “Some of these names are familiar to me, but some of these … I never heard of many of these characters.” He puts down the book and turns to face Pinkie. “Is this … Pinkie, are these events supposed to take place in my future? Does this book’s existence indicate that I will get back to my world?” Pinkie falls onto her back, laughing uncontrollably. “Oh, that’s hysterical! You are too funny!” The laughter only serves to anger the coyote, but he maintains his poise. They warned me about her. No going back now. The coyote points to the tome as he speaks: “Well how else am I supposed to interpret … this.” “It’s fiction, silly. It’s a story of what your life could be. Don’t take it so seriously! You should see what happens to me in some stories!” “You’ve read stories that have you in them?” “Me, Twilight … pretty much everyone in Ponyville. All of Equestria, even.” “But who’s writing these stories? Are there well-known authors in Ponyville, or elsewhere in Equestria?” “Nopey-dopey,” Pinkie cheerfully replies. “These stories come from somewhere else.” “So where are you getting them?” Pinkie stretches out her right-front hoof … and half of it disappears into a glimmering blob that mysteriously appears and floats in space. WHAT IN THE NAME OF— Pinkie then retracts her hoof, which is now clutching another book. The coyote stares at the hovering, glimmering blob in stunned silence. “From here!” Pinkie inspects the title of the book. “Oopsie, I already read this one.” Pinkie shoves her hoof back into the blob, only to retract it a moment later, bereft of text. This recent series of events has completely shaken the coyote’s sanity. He stammers as he speaks. “Pinkie Pie … did you cause me to come to this world?” “What? No, of course not, silly. Like I’d be capable of transporting ponies and coyotes and other creatures into other universes.” “But you know how I got here.” “Well that’s obvious, isn’t it?” “WHAT? NO, IT’S NOT ‘OBVIOUS’!!! TELL ME!!!” “You act so serious … but that’s what makes you so funny! You’re gonna be great here! Whatever you got planned, I wanna be along for the ride!” The coyote is at his wit’s end. ”YOU’RENOTMAKINGANYSENSE!!!” Pinkie calmly reaches into the blob one last time, pulling out a red book. “Here, take a look.” The coyote peruses the title of this book. “ ‘Coyote in Equestria’ ... What’s this?” “This is us, in this world.” “ ‘Us’? As in, you and me?” “As in, this whole world.” The coyote begins reading through the book. The beginning summarizes my appearance in the Everfree Forest. My meeting with Zecora. It has … it has my thoughts??? The coyote turns to Pinkie. “I don’t understand. Has someone been following me around since I got here?” “Nah, this is just your story.” “I can see that I’m being featured here, but why?” “No, I mean you’re writing this story.” “ME???” “Well, who else? By the way, what’s with the ‘4’ in your name?” “Waitaminute … what do you mean I’m writing the story!!? I’m not a writer. And even if I was, I’ve been spending my whole time in Equestria trying to figure out how I got here and how I can get back home. I haven’t had time to write an autobiography.” “Well not ‘you’ you, of course! You’re just an avatar.” “A what?” “You’re only here because the author wants to be here. I can’t blame him; Ponyville really is a great place to live, with so many friends and fun adventures. Say, did you ever hear about—“ “PINKIE! What are you telling me? That my whole life is just a story? That I’m just a figment of some guy’s imagination?” “Hey, don’t take that the wrong way. As far as you know, your life is what you’ve made of it. So why does it really matter?” “ ‘As far as I know’? But you just told me—“ “Funny thing is, there doesn’t appear to be anything after this conversation. What do you think that means?” The coyote turns back to the book and skips ahead, reading through the end of Chapter 7, ‘Off the Rails’: ‘The coyote turns back to the book and skips ahead, reading through the end of ...’ … There’s nothing else here. It just stops. But that would mean … “I’m … not … future … gone? …” … The coyote can only muster a handful of random words before collapsing into a pile of despair and confusion. Seconds later, Rainbow Dash re-enters the room. She takes a look at the canine on the ground and sighs. “You had to tell him, didn’t you.” “Oh, he’ll probably wake up and chalk it all up to a weird dream. From what I’ve read, that’s one of his ‘things’.” Dash inspects the body on the ground. “I dunno; he looks really bad.” “Hey, you’d be too if all your stories garnered only a handful of looks. Cut the guy some slack, huh Dash?” “Whatever. I gotta get back to work. Catch ya later!” “Hey, before you go, you wanna help me stuff Coyotek into my party cannon?” “Why do you want to do that?” “Did you see what he had us go through in Fillydelphia?” Dash ponders for a moment. “… you grab his hind legs.” Author's Note For the record, there IS a Beast Wars fanfic that can still be accessed, which contains 'my' character. It was written by a friend who I've lost touch with. Chapter 8: Puzzles, Purpose, and Pumping IronMmmm … how long have I been out. Where am I … and why is it so cramped in here? “RISE AND SHINE!” Pinkie Pie points her party cannon out the window of her loft above Sugar Cube Corner and fires the coyote into the air; he lands in a crumpled pile in the middle of the road. Sore all over, the coyote gets to his feet and shakes off the feelings of pain and confusion; at the same time, Rainbow Dash flies in from above. “You must have been exhausted after that train trip; you crashed right in Pinkie’s place right after walking in.” Crashed? I fell asleep? Strange, I didn’t feel tired. What happened after I got back. Think back … met Pinkie Pie in her loft, she was reading a book, we started talking about— Dash interrupts the coyote’s train of thought: “You OK?” “Sorry, didn’t realize it was morning already.” The coyote looks up. “And as it appears that I was just blown out of a confetti cannon, it’s probably best not to dwell on last night any more. “Glad to hear it. Applejack harvested a good haul yesterday and could use some help transporting all the produce to market.” “Yeah … sure thing. Just point me in the right direction; I’m still a little woozy. And hard of hearing.” * * * * Applejack and the coyote are pulling a pair of produce-laden wagons to market. One of the two is having a harder time of things than the other. “Greatly appreciate the help … but you struggle more than Apple Bloom when it comes to pullin’ wagons.” “I’ll be sure to hit the gym at some point,” the coyote replies. “Um, does Ponyville have a gym?” “I know a pegasus who just might be able to help, if’n you want it. He works at the spa that Rarity frequents.” “Good to know.” I think. “Anyway, we’re here. Thanks again.” Applejack and the coyote reach the market area and unhitch themselves from the wagons. “You think you might do better at sellin’ fruit versus pullin’ it?” “Would you buy food from a coyote you never met?” Applejack shoots the coyote a curious glance. “I don’t see why that would have anything to do with things. You’re not the only non-pony in town, you know.” “So far I’ve seen a baby dragon assistant, a married donkey couple, a zebra who lives in the woods, and a mule. To say nothing about me not being from this world.” “You still goin’ on about that. Look here: it’s not about what you are. It’s about what you do. You just gotta figure out some special talent to offer the town, and you’ll do fine.” “If you’re referring to those … ‘cutie marks’ …” that still feels awkward to say out loud … “… remember that I’m not destined to be getting one.” “You sound just like my little sister did. Anyway, if you’re gonna be like that, maybe you shouldn’t try sellin’ produce. Why don’t you just take a walk around for a bit and clear your head. From what Rainbow Dash told me, you had a long day yesterday.” “Fair point. I’ll be back when you’re done here. Should be easier to get the empty wagons back.” “Don’t forget, I need to pick up some construction supplies before heading back to the farm. Upkeep doesn’t just happen, you know.” “You know an alicorn who possesses the ability to fix everything up by magic, right?” Applejack gets agitated at the suggestion. “Do you know how friendship works? ‘Cause friendship doesn’t mean askin’ your friends for ev’ry little thing. Besides, we prefer gettin’ stuff done the old-fashioned way, without magic. It’s been workin’ for us ever since Granny Smith helped found this town.” “OK OK, you made your point. Didn’t mean to cause an argument or anything.” “Apology accepted. Looks like I got customers, if you’ll excuse me.” Applejack begins to ply her wares as the coyote walks away. His legs carry him past the spa, and he spots Rarity and Fluttershy leaving the premises. The former warmly greets the coyote. “Well ‘good morning’ to you Coyotek. What brings you to this area?” The coyote sighs. “Oh, nothing in particular. Just wandering around, taking everything in.” “Well you seem out of sorts. Why don’t you go in for a session yourself; they’ll treat you right.” “Spa? Me? I’m sorry, I’m not the ‘spa’ type.” “Oh, everypony can be the ‘spa’ type. You just have to give it a shot. I find the treatment most invigorating; it helps me seize the day; it inspires me to create.” “It’s also very relaxing,” Fluttershy timidly adds. “I dunno …” “Well if nothing else, it can help clear the cobwebs out of your head. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have inspiration in my head and need to get designs laid out before it disappears.” “And I’ve got animals waiting for me back home. Take care.” The two ponies head off, leaving the coyote alone in front of the spa. Maybe a clearer mind can help me think of some way to contribute to this world. I guess it can’t hurt to at least take a look … wait, Applejack mentioned that someone works here who specializes in weight training. I wonder if this place is a combo spa-gym. Maybe there just isn’t much demand for gyms here. The coyote heads into the spa and walks up to the front desk. A pony is there to greet him. “Hello, my name is Aloe. I haven’t seen you here before. First time?” Guess I’ll hear that a lot. “Yes, it is. Um … I heard that someone here might be able to help me with weight-training.” Aloe is excited by the request. “Oh my. Why I don’t believe we’ve had anypony ask for Bulk before.” “Well how about ‘anycoyote’?” The coyote chuckles half-heartedly, while Aloe shows no emotion to the comment. “Yeah, well …” “Straight down the hall, then take a right, and it’s the third door on the left,” Aloe instructs. “I believe he’s currently giving a muscle massage, but he should be done in just a bit.” The coyote follows Aloe’s directions, and he soon finds himself in a small room with various weightlifting equipment. Not much of a gym; guess there isn’t much demand. I suppose I shouldn’t expect much for a guy who works in a massage parlor. Probably some svelte pony who focuses on tone. The door bursts open, and a large, white horse with tiny pegasus wings stands at the doorway. “YOU WANNA LIFT WEIGHTS!!?” … Ohdeargawd … “Uh … I could, uh, stand to gain some muscle …” “ALL RIGHT!!! I’M BULK BICEPS; LET’S GET YOU SOME DUMBBELLS!!!” * * * * Hours later, the coyote walks slowly out of the spa, his legs trembling with each step. He collapses to the dirt road just as the CMCs stroll by. “Whoa, what happened to you?” Scootaloo asks. “Total … body … workout …” Apple Bloom is giddy at the news: “Hey, it looks like Bulk Biceps got a customer!” “He must be so thrilled,” adds Sweetie Belle. I’m sooo happy for him. “So what got you to see Bulk?” Scootaloo asks. “I thought I’d … clear my head …” Apple Bloom inspects the coyote. “By killing your body?” “Hey … so I’m a little … out of … shape …” Sweetie Belle feels compelled to ask: “Apple Bloom, exactly how is he helping on the farm?” “Well he doesn’t get in the way or anything. Mostly, he keeps me company when you two aren’t around.” “Seriously, Coyotek, you can’t just lie on the ground here,” Scootaloo scolds. The coyote strains to get back on his feet. “I’ll be … fine. Just needed … a few minutes. I’m good now … I think.” Sweetie Belle now asks: “So why would you need to clear your head, anyway?” “Well … as it looks like I’ll be here for a while, I really need to find something to do with my life.” “Well that shouldn’t be too hard.” “Apple Bloom, did you forget how long it took us to get our cutie marks?” “This isn’t about us, Scootaloo.” Sweetie Belle continues: “So what do you feel passionate about?” “Honestly? I have no idea. I’m still adjusting to being here. Haven’t had time to think about much more than getting through the day.” “You could be anypony … er, anyone you want,” Scootaloo offers. “Could I?” … Could I have been, a pastry chef assistant Could I have been, a soaring pegasus Could I have been, lost somewhere in Canterlot Could I have been, your kid brother Could I have been, tending carrot gardens Could I have been, selling gems for lumber Could I have been, anyone other than me Could I have been, anyone … I walk all around town, fur is matted, tongue is dangling Could I have been a magical raccoon? Could I have been anyone other than me? Then I … Look up at the sky, and look around, and I think, what’s my reason for being what’s my reason for dealing with all that’s happening to me … . . . “… You’re no Pinkie Pie,” asserts Sweetie Belle. “You’re no Cheese Sandwich, either,” adds Scootaloo. “Maybe you should stick to non-singing monologues,” suggests Apple Bloom. Everyfoal’s a critic. “Is there anything you do enjoy? I hope it’s not singing.” “Or bodybuilding.” “Or workin’ on the farm.” “I guess ‘spa’ stuff isn’t your thing either.” I GET IT! So … what do I enjoy … The coyote mulls ideas over, before … “Well … I like puzzles.” “You mean, like jigsaw puzzles?” Apple Bloom inquires. “No, I like logic puzzles.” The threesome look at each other with confusion. Scootaloo asks, “What’s a logic puzzle?” The coyote ponders for a moment. “OK, here’s an example. In the distant reaches of Equestria, there are two villages, Unitown and Pegatown.” “I never heard of those places,” Apple Bloom remarks. “I’m just making up names for the villages; they’re not real. Anyway … the unicorns from Unitown tell the truth and the pegasi from Unitown lie.” Scootaloo protests: “Hey, I don’t lie!” “This is just hypothetical.” “Hippo-what?” “Hypothetical. That just means I’m making it up for the purpose of the puzzle.” “… I guess.” The coyote continues. “Meanwhile, the pegasi from Pegatown tell the truth and the unicorns from Pegasi lie.” Now Sweetie Belle protests: “Hey!” “It’s just hippo-thetical,” Scootaloo reminds the unicorn foal. “… OK.” “What about earth ponies?” Apple Bloom inquires. “They could tell the truth or lie, but for this puzzle it doesn’t matter. Now then: while walking towards their villages, you come across a unicorn and a pegasus. Each comes from one of the two towns.” Scootaloo innocently asks, “How do you know they’re not just visiting inlaws?” “For the sake of this puzzle, just assume they’re each from one of the two towns.” “I like visiting my inlaws,” Apple Bloom remarks, “though we usually just have ‘em over at our place for special occasions.” “In any case: The unicorn says ‘Both of us are from the same village,’, and the pegasus says ‘No, we’re not.’ Which village does each of them come from?” There is a pause, before Sweetie Belle asks: “… That’s it?” “That’s it.” Scootaloo then asks, “So, we’re supposed to know which town each of them is from.” “You can deduce it. That’s what makes this a logic puzzle.” The three foals go silent for another minute. Suddenly, Apple Bloom responds excitedly: “I got it! They’re both from Unitown!” “How would you know that?” Scootaloo asks. “Since the two contradict each other, one must be lying and the other must be telling the truth.” “OK, I see that,” Sweetie Belle concurs. Apple Bloom continues: “Since one is a unicorn and one is a pegasus, they must be from the same village. If they agreed with each other, they would have to be from different villages.” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle nod in agreement. Apple Bloom concludes: “Since they’re from the same town, the unicorn told the truth. That means the unicorn is from Unitown, and so is the pegasus.” The coyote is impressed. “Excellently done, Apple Bloom! You solved it!” “That was pretty cool,” Apple Bloom admits. “Pretty simple, too,” Sweetie Belle adds. “Oh, it can get much harder. It all depends on the puzzle.” “Well, it was OK, I guess,” Scootaloo states. “Don’t think I’d use ‘cool’ to describe it, though.” Apple Bloom notes a clock hanging from a nearby storefront. “Hey, look at the time. I got dance lessons soon.” “I gotta go, too,” Sweetie Belle admits. Scootaloo echoes the sentiment. “See you both at school tomorrow.” The three CMCs go their separate ways, leaving the coyote alone. Well that was a fun diversion. Guess I should get back to the market to help Applejack with the wagons … *oof* … if I can. * * * * The next morning finds the coyote trying his paws at apple bucking … with little success. “Face facts, Coyotek. You just don’t have the legs for buckin’.” “Hey, I did get one apple out of the tree. That counts for something, right?” At a nearby tree, Big MacIntosh bucks a tree and causes three buckets to overflow with apples. “I know, I know … ‘nnnope!’ “ The brother-sister combo chuckle. They make it look so dang easy, too. Before the coyote can take another kick at the tree, Apple Bloom comes racing up to them. “Coyotek! You gotta come to the school!” Apple Bloom’s pleas worry her sister. “What’s goin’ on? Is everything OK?” “Miss Cheerilee caught the pony pox. She’s gonna be out for a few days. We need a substitute.” Wait, she means me? “I’ve never taught before. I wouldn’t know where to start. Heck, I’m not even a pony.” “Miss Cheerilee left plans for in case she got sick,” Apple Bloom reassures the coyote. “But then why me? Why not some other pony?” “Everypony else in town’s got other stuff to do. Besides, in case you get stuck, you could always share more of those puzzles.” “But … well I guess I could … aren’t I needed on the farm?” Applejack and Big Mac are quick with their unison response: “Nnnope!” Thanks for the vote of confidence. “I guess I can try. Lead the way.” … Minutes later, Apple Bloom and the coyote are at the school. A number of other foals are standing around the entrance. “Everypony,” Apple Bloom announces, “I found us a substitute for Miss Cheerilee. At least until she gets better.” The other foals murmur to each other in confusion. Soon, a purple filly speaks up. “He’s going to be our teacher? He’s not even a pony!” “Well-spotted, miss …” “Diamond Tiara. So what are you then?” The coyote smiles as he responds: “Biologically, I’m a coyote. In truth, I’m new to this town. And for today anyway, I’m your teacher.” “So now what do we do?” Sweetie Belle innocently asks. Good question … what would Cheerilee do in my position … “Let’s start with a little ‘arts and crafts’ project …” * * * * The chiming of the bell signifies the end of the school day, but an unexpected visitor shows up before anypony is able to leave. The crowd of foals shouts in unison: “MISS CHEERILEE!!!” “I see you still had class today,” their regular teacher replies. “That’s wonderful.” Apple Bloom runs up to her teacher. “Miss Cheerilee, we have a surprise for you.” The rest of the class motions to a corner of the classroom, where a large ‘Get Well Soon’ poster adorned with lace, glitter, and many small hoofprints sits for the recipient. Cheerilee is overjoyed, if not speechless. “Why, this is incredible! Thank you all so very much!” The class then files out, with most foals giving their regular teacher a big hug. Soon, all that remain in the room are Cheerilee, the CMCs, and the substitute for the day. “So how are you feeling, Miss Cheerilee?” Sweetie Belle asks. “Much better now. It wasn’t the pony pox after all, just a mild cold. I should be fine for tomorrow.” Cheerilee turns to the coyote. “I’m sorry, I don’t think we’ve met.” “My name is Coyotek. I moved here about a week ago. Apple Bloom suggested I fill in for you today.” “Well from what I’ve seen, it looks like she chose well.” “Well, to be fair, we really spent most of the day on the poster. And the rest of the time was spent with me giving puzzles to the class.” “Puzzles?” “They’re logic puzzles,” Scootaloo offers. “They’re a little weird, but they really make you think.” “Yeah, I kinda like them,” Sweetie Belle adds, “even if I don’t get all the answers right.” Apple Bloom cannot help but admit, “I got all the answers right.” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle give Apple Bloom a disapproving glare for that comment. “Well it sounds like you really struck a chord with the little ponies. Perhaps you’d like to pop in from time to time with more of these puzzles.” “Uh, sure, sounds great. It’ll keep me busy while I figure out how to make my presence known around here.” Apple Bloom corrects the coyote: “Looks to me like you already have.” Huh. Maybe she’s right about that. Cheerilee’s curiousity is piqued. “So, could you give me an example of one of these ‘logic puzzles’?” “Yeah, sure, I’d love to. So anyway: In the distant reaches of Equestria, there are two villages, Unitown and Pegatown.” “You really have to come up with better names for villages,” Scootaloo reminds the coyote. Hey, it’s a work in progress! “Anyway, the unicorns from Unitown tell the truth and the pegasi from Unitown lie. Meanwhile in Pegatown …” Author's Note The 'song' midway through this chapter is a brief parody of 'Dancing Nancies' by DMB. Chapter 9: Let Nature Take Its CourseA steady shower falls over the western outskirts of Ponyville. From the edge of the city proper, a coyote watches the rain fall. He needs no umbrella, though. Fluttershy, returning home from a day trip for pet supplies, notices the coyote seemingly lost in thought. “Hello there, Coyotek. What are you doing out here?” The coyote sighs before responding. “It just isn’t natural.” “What isn’t natural?” The coyote sticks a paw out in front of him. It proceeds to get doused in rainwater, as if he were at a faucet. He retracts his paw and continues his thought. “I’ve been sitting here for 30 minutes. That rain’s been falling all this time, in one place. Never moving towards town, never moving away. I can sit here, literally a paw’s distance away from the downpour, secure in the knowledge that I won’t get wet.” “Well … what’s so unusual about that?” “That’s just not how weather works where I’m from. Clouds physically move on their own. They don’t rely on sentient creatures to perform their duties … I wouldn’t expect you or anyone else around here to understand; you all grow up with this being the norm.” “But how could you plan for outdoor events or activities if you couldn’t control the weather?” “You didn’t. You made plans, and adjusted for the weather if necessary. Admittedly, there wasn’t so much to ‘plan’ where I came from, but still …” “Well that sounds awful. What if we had a charity auction to benefit woodland creatures, and it rained on the evening we planned it? All that time and effort, for nothing? Oh, those poor animals.” “Uh, forget about the animals for a minute, the point I’m trying to make is—“ “How can I forget about those poor animals? Who takes care of them, huh?” Twilight approaches from behind and sees her agitated friend. “Fluttershy, what’s wrong?” “Coyotek has no concern for the plight of defenseless chipmunks and squirrels!” “What?” The coyote pleads innocence to Twilight. “I was only commenting on the weather. Fluttershy’s the one who got lost in her own hypothetical situation.” Fluttershy shakes her head and regains her composure. “Sorry. I just didn’t like the thought of neglecting all those cute critters, all due to bad weather.” “OK, clearly I missed some key part of the conversation. Could someone fill me in.” Before the coyote can respond, the downpour abruptly stops. A vibrant rainbow forms in the sky, bringing smiles to the faces of nearby ponies who are otherwise going about their business. “THIS is what I’m talking about,” the coyote grouses. “Rain turns on and off here like a light switch.” “What’s a ‘light switch’?” Twilight asks. “Sorry, forgot where I was. My point is, I can’t get used to physical beings controlling the weather.” “You make it sound like it’s so fantastic.” “It IS!” the coyote insists. “Not to anypony I know,” Twilight admits, “but what’s so wrong with that? You’re saying you’d prefer sudden thunderstorms, or even tornados?” “No, I’m not saying that. It’s just … it’s just not real to me. Believe me, I’m happy if forces of nature are not a problem in this world; from what I’ve heard, there’s enough to worry about from time to time. But for someone who’s used to seeing the sun rise and set on its own, to have the seasons change as a natural order of the cosmos … it’s jarring.” The coyote sighs again, as Twilight offers a suggestion. “Well if you feel so strongly about such things, you could always return to the Everfree forest. Zecora has made that place her home, and she seems content.” “I remember what that first night was like; I’m not about to create a living trying to dodge strange creatures while I forage for food.” Twilight’s frustration cannot be contained. “Then I really don’t know how to help. It’s not like the weather ponies here are going to just stop working, or that Princesses Celestia and Luna are going to stop raising and setting the sun and moon.” “I know,” the coyote responds meekly, “and I am sorry if I come off as irritating. I suppose all I’d like is … well, a taste. Of what nature is capable of, without anypony’s assistance.” “Well, why not take a walk through the forest in the morning. You can leave before nightfall, and maybe the trek will help clear your conscience.” Hey, now there’s a thought! “Yeah … I like that idea. Long walk through the woods, get back before dark, get a chance to return to the nature I’m used to. That’s a great idea. Thanks, Twilight.” Fluttershy, listening in on the entire conversation, finally speaks. “Well if you’d like some company, I could join you in that walk.” “I’d love the company; thank you, Fluttershy. Twilight, would you be interested?” “Sorry, I can’t make it. But maybe Spike would like to tag along.” “That sounds great. Well, we’ll meet at your place tomorrow morning, then.” * * * * Daybreak comes to Ponyville, and a trio make their way from Fluttershy’s cottage into the Everfree Forest. One has more of a story to tell than the others. “… so there we were, the scepter within reach. Just me, Ember, Garble, Twilight and Rarity. Then Garble made a move towards our friends, but then Ember stopped Garble and allowed me to grab the scepter first.” “Wow,” Fluttershy replies. “that is such an incredible story. I would love to have been there, but … actually, no, I’m glad I wasn’t. All those big, mean dragons.” “You stared down a dragon and got him to leave a nearby mountain, remember?” “Well, yes, but I don’t know if that would work on every dragon. Some of the ones you’ve described in your tales—“ “Oh please, you could have Garble wrapped around your hoof if you wanted to.” “I don’t think I would want to, after the way you described him. He sounds horrible.” “Hey Coyotek,” Spike notes, “you’ve been awfully quiet since we started this hike.” “I’ve just been taking in your stories about your time with the dragons. Is there any relation between those stories and the statue of you in the Crystal Empire?” “Nah, that’s a whole other story.” “Oh, I would love to hear that story,” Fluttershy remarks. “I’ve never heard the details from Twilight before.” “Well, remember that I followed Twilight into Sombra’s castle. We then …” Before Spike can continue, a small shower begins to fall on the trio. “Oh dear, maybe we should turn around and try this again tomorrow.” The coyote turns to Fluttershy. “Why? For a little rain?” Spike points to the sky. “I don’t think it’s going to be ‘little’ for long. The skies are getting really dark. It might get dangerous.” “Why don’t we just go back to my place? I’ll put on some tea, and we can wait out the storm and try again later. This is just unfortunate timing.” The coyote is incredulous, bordering on the fanatical. “ ‘Unfortunate’? I think it’s great. This is what I’m talking about! Rain comes down, because nature dictates that it does, not some weather pegasus.” Spike and Fluttershy look at each other through the raindrops. Spike then turns to the coyote. “Maybe downpours weren’t common where you came from, but I’d rather not catch a cold hanging around out here.” “Fine then. Be that way.” The coyote turns away from the others and bolts into the woods. “Wait,” Spike calls out, “you shouldn’t be heading deeper in there on your own!” His words are heeded only by the trees. “I could fly up and try to track him.” “The forest is too thick for you to see anything from above, and the rain’s coming down harder now. We should get out of here.” “And leave Coyotek alone? In the Everfree Forest?” By now, the shower has turned into a steady downpour. Thunder can be heard. “We go after him now, we may need others to find us. Look, Zecora isn’t too far from here; let’s just wait with her until this blows over, then try to find him.” Fluttershy reluctantly agrees, and the two turn around and head back the way they came. * * * * OK, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. The skies grow dark as the coyote runs down a narrow path. The storm is relentless, and thunder booms from the sky at regular intervals. One bolt of lightning hits a tree, causing a spark but no fire, as the area is saturated from the heavy rain. Soon, the path widens into a circular clearing. The dirt in the clearing has long since turned to mud, and small rocks dot the area. Must be some sort of campground. Well, no better place to go now than right here. As the rain continues to fall, the coyote is resolute in his desire to wait things out. He paces around the clearing, pausing periodically to shake the water from his face. An hours’ time feels like an eternity, but eventually the rain eases. The darkness once again gives way to the sun, shining down from the sky … and a faint rainbow forms. The view excites the coyote. That’s what I wanted to see. Such beauty. Pure, natural beauty. “Was it worth it?” The voice from a tree behind him causes the coyote to spin around. He eyes a vulture perching in the branches. “You!” “I have a name, you know.” “Sorry, I never asked.” The vulture flies down from his branch and lands next to the coyote. “It’s Vultor. So … was it worth hanging out in the downpour?” The coyote turns back to the rainbow, which is already fading away to nothingness. “I think so. It may not be as rich or long-lasting as all the other rainbows in this world, but it’s not manufactured. I feel like I can appreciate this one more than anyone else in this world, knowing how it was formed.” “ ‘Tek, do you even know how rainbows are usually formed?” The coyote chuckles. “No, not really. I guess these aren’t natural to where we came from, either. And I only saw a couple while on that remote planet we were fighting on.” By this point, the rainbow has disappeared completely. The coyote turns back to the vulture. “You were right, I guess. There really isn’t anything for us to return to, is there.” “Sense of duty, perhaps?” the vulture suggests. “Not that I felt much loyalty to a group that I knew for all of, what, a couple days? I was brought out of my protoform not long before we went through that rift, but in the time I was around, there was little to get excited over. Working for a megalomaniac, bent on world domination. That type of individual never succeeds over the long run.” “What about the camaraderie one forms with those you work with. I was only with Optimus, Cheetor, and the other maximals for a brief time, but I felt like I made real connections.” “Fair enough,” the vulture replies, “but what about the connections you’ve made here? Are those any different?” “They feel different. Back there, I was part of a group with a purpose. A focus. Here, I’m with others who honestly care about my well-being, but there’s no sense of priority or urgency to work off of. I have total freedom here, but I don’t know what to do with it.” “I hear you.” The vulture sighs before continuing. “I’ve flown around much of this world now. I’ve witnessed lands of dragons and gryphons, ponies in both cities and small towns, climates ranging from icy mountains to deserts … but there’s little for me here, either. It’s peaceful and serene, but there’s little challenge here.” The coyote is surprised by the comments. “So what are you saying, that you would want to return now?” “Oh, definitely not! I’ll take peaceful and purposeless over violent and purposeless any day. And while you may have fond memories of colleagues, I don’t share that sentiment. All of them were crazy. Especially that spider-guy, Tarantulas; if I never see that one again, it’ll be too soon.” “I must admit to not knowing the predacons as well as you. What’s so special about this ‘Tarantulas’?” “The guy was just mad. Mad scientist. Mad lust for power. I could tell from the moment I got to the predacon base that he had his own agenda. I don’t know what, and will probably never know now, but that was one being that couldn’t be trusted. Even more so than Megatron himself.” The vulture then laughs before continuing, “Not our problem now, is he.” “I suppose not,” the coyote replies. By now, daylight begins to fade from the area. “Well, I should probably start heading back. I’ve been in this forest once after dark, and don’t have any desire to do so again.” “I’m off too, then. There’s still much learn from this place.” “You could stay in Ponyville. The two of us are strangers here; we might do well to stick together.” “Sorry, but Ponyville is not where I belong. I don’t know where I do belong, but I’ll find something. Don’t worry about me.” “Well, I guess this is ‘goodbye’ again. Take care … friend.” The vulture smiles. “See you around, bud.” He then shoots off into the sky, flying off to parts unknown. As long as he’s in this world, I guess I’m not alone. The coyote leaves the clearing, on his way out of the forest. Chapter 10: Deep SleepThe morning sun shines down on Sweet Apple Acres, and the Apple foursome, after a hearty breakfast, discuss matters around the table. “So Coyotek’s wanted again this morning? That’s three times since last week. Sounds like he’s makin’ his presence felt.” “Don’t I know it, sis,” Apple Bloom responds. “There’s talk of an after-school ‘logic lovers’ group, if he’s willing to be a part of it. Given his interest in the subject, that seems like a formality now.” “So does this mean he might be lookin’ to findin’ his own place?” Granny Smith asks. “Not that I’m in a hurry to get him off the farm, but he has been in Ponyville for a good couple o’ weeks now. Might be the right time for him to move along.” Big Mac nods in agreement. “Eeyup.” “Well,” Applejack begins, “the truth is that he has been checkin’ out vacancies around Ponyville. He hopes to be out on his own within a month, maybe sooner if his skills continue to be in demand.” “Well good for him,” Granny Smith acknowledges. “Even if he is something less than helpful on the farm.” This is greeted by another “Eeyup.” from Big Mac. “I gotta get ready for school. Catch y’all later.” Apple Bloom excuses herself and heads off. “I’ll go check the barn and see what’s keeping the canine. Not like him to miss a meal; that guy can eat like a horse.” Applejack, after receiving dirty glances from the others, leaves the dining area to check in on the coyote. Minutes later, Apple Bloom trots over to the barn to check in on things. She walks in, and sees that Applejack is visibly shaken. The coyote lies prone on the floor, lifeless. “Apple Bloom, you wait here with Coyotek. I gotta get Twilight.” * * * * “So he was fine last night?” Twilight asks. “Fine and dandy,” Applejack responds. “He was lookin’ forward to spendin’ another day at the school. He didn’t meet us for breakfast, so I popped in to check on him. Found him just like this.” Twilight uses her magic to lift the coyote’s head slightly. She reaches her head close to the coyote’s snout and mouth, and can feel slight breaths. “It looks like he’s in a trance. Something is keeping him from waking up.” “Any idea as to what coulda caused this?” “Nothing comes to my mind … but a hypnotic state is similar to a deep sleep. If I’m right, I know one pony who can probably help: Princess Luna.” “But even if he’s in a dream state, does Luna have any experience getting into the dreams of non-ponies?” “I don’t know,” Twilight admits, “but I can’t think of anypony else who can help. I’ll fly to Canterlot; she should be able to reach into his mind from there. You and Spike stay here in case he wakes up.” “Good luck to you and Luna, Twilight. I’ll be right here if ya need me.” * * * * Once in Canterlot’s throne room, Twilight proceeds to tell Princesses Celestia and Luna about the coyote. She is caught off-guard by Celestia’s initial reaction: “Yes, I am aware of our canine friend from another dimension. I’m only surprised that I didn’t hear that news from you first. Instead, I got this information third-hoof, from Princess Cadence through Sunburst, of all ponies. Honestly, Twilight, I’m disappointed that you didn’t feel it necessary to share this information with me first-hoof.” “Well, he genuinely seemed interested only in figuring out how he came here, and how to get back to his world. And he certainly doesn’t seem like a threat to Equestria.” “Nevertheless, this information should have been brought to my attention from the start. Though his actions and beliefs may be well-intentioned, there may be more to fear from his arrival than meets the eye. Now then, you seem agitated by recent events; please share.” “This morning,” Twilight starts, “Applejack found Coyotek lying in the barn. He’s in a hypnotic state and can’t be woken. Basically a deep sleep. None of us know how that happened, as he seemed fine last night. We’re concerned for his well-being … and after what you just said, Princess Celestia, I’m concerned with what else this might signify.” Twilight and Celestia turn to Luna. “I see what I must do, but I do not know what to expect from entering the dreams of one foreign to our lands. It could be quite bizarre. I shall report my findings once my foray into his mind is complete.” Luna closes here eyes and goes into a trance … * * * * Luna opens her eyes to a rocky terrain. The sky is cloudless and the air is clear. In the distance, she eyes a patch of forest. She hovers in the air as she sees a figure approaching from the distance. She recognizes the figure as a coyote, who soon reaches a pile of boulders. To her surprise, the coyote changes form to that of a robotic humanoid. He begins to speak into a device on his wrist. “Coyotek to base, do you read me?” Luna is unable to hear the responses from the wrist, and continues to listen to half the conversation. “I’m at checkpoint Alpha-7. Looks like these communication devices Rhinox created work like a charm … No sign of predacon activity. Where exactly did the protoform pod land? … Understood. Coyotek out.” The robot transforms back into coyote form and runs off towards the forest. Luna realizes the implications of what she is witnessing … This isn’t a dream. I’m seeing Coyotek’s memories. Why? Undaunted, Luna tracks the coyote on the ground as he enters the wooded area. After ten minutes of following, she observes the coyote stop and revert to robotic form. Not far off, she eyes what she believes to be the goal of this trek: a vessel that appears to have crashed from the sky. In the trees, she also spots a trio of black birds, perched and observing. “Coyotek to base, come in … I’ve located the pod. Looks like it hasn’t activated yet; it may have been damaged upon re-entry … OK, but you’re gonna have to talk me through this. I haven’t performed a manual activation sequence before.” The coyote-robot walks over to the pod. Before he is able to reach, laser fire explodes at his feet. Two other robots reveal themselves from behind various trees. The coyote takes a position behind a nearby tree, pulls out a laser gun and returns fire as he shouts into his comm. device. “IT’S A TRAP! I’M ENGAGED WITH SCORPONOK AND TERRORSAUR! THEY GOT HERE FIRST! I NEED BACKUP! REPEAT, I NEED—“ Another blast blows the covering tree apart and sends Coyotek flying backwards. He lands in a heap, offline and out of commission. Luna observes as the scene around her blurs into nothingness. … The images around her reform into the interior of a laboratory, with herself hovering near the ceiling of a far corner. She sees the coyote, still in robotic form, tied down by steel cables to an operating table. Another robot, with large spider legs protruding from his body, is at a desk working on a device. “Finished,” the spider-robot comments in a raspy, mechanical voice. He turns to the still figure on the table. “Time for you to be my little scout.” Luna observes the spider-robot attach a device to behind the coyote head’s ear. “If you and your maximal friends find any rich sources of energon on this planet, I’ll know about it before Megatron. And in case you become a liability …” He laughs at the thought of potential consequences. A voice over a loudspeaker addresses the spider-robot: “Tarantulas, are you done interrogating the prisoner? Tarantulas walks over to a wall and pushes a button before responding: “He seems to know nothing, but give me a few more clicks.” He returns to the still-lifeless body on the table. “What they don’t know won’t hurt me. Now then … got to make this looks good.” He then undoes the binds holding down the coyote-robot. Pulling out a blaster and pointing it at the prisoner with his right hand, his left hand held behind him in a fist, he then emits a high-frequency pulse. Luna hears nothing, but observes the coyote-robot coming to. “It appears that you are of no further use to the predacons. You know what that means …” Tarantulas’s left hand appears to move slightly; a sudden explosion blows apart a wall to the lab and sends the two flying backwards toward the other wall. Luna is unaffected physically by the blast, noticing the open fields beyond the rubble. Sirens blare as the coyote-robot, seizing an opportunity, reverts to his animal mode and runs from the lab. Luna flies after the coyote, being careful not to be seen. From behind, she spots a vulture giving chase. The vulture passes her, then transforms in flight to a humanoid form. He begins shooting at the coyote, who attempts to evade the blasts by zigzagging his path. In the distance, Luna sees a flash of lightning; a hole forms in the air just above the ground, ever-widening. She watches the coyote and vulture run straight into the void and follows. She suddenly observes and feels as if she is traveling through a wormhole, accelerating faster, until the environment around her goes completely white. … Luna observes her surroundings; she sees the operating table, with Coyotek still bound by steel cables, but everywhere else is an endless nothingness. No walls, no sky … just whitespace. She approaches the table, and sees that the robotic form’s eyes are unlit. Her horn lights up and fires a blast at one of the cables, which snaps. Instinctively, the robot’s eyes light up. “Who is that? What are you doing?” “I’m getting you out of these binds. Now hold still.” “NO! LEAVE ME HERE!” There is terror and anguish in Coyotek’s voice as he pleads with Luna. “I will do no such thing,” Luna responds as she shoots off another charge. A second cable cracks from the shock. “I MUST STAY HERE! I CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORLD’S END!” “You’re incoherent! This is just another nightmare you’re having. Now one more, and you’ll be free!” “YOU’LL DOOM EQUESTRIA!!! PLEASE STOP!!!” One more charged shot severs the final cable. The coyote-robot and operating table explode upon impact; the force sends Luna flying head over hooves backwards, somersaulting over and over until she suddenly crashes into a wall, knocking her unconscious. … “Princess Luna! Wake up! Please, wake up!” Luna wearily opens her eyes. Twilight is standing over her, tears flowing from her eyes, as she pleads for the princess to regain consciousness. Celestia stands behind Twilight, stoic in her appearance; her façade gives way as she sees Luna coming to. “Sister! How are you feeling?” “Such fear … it bore into my soul …” Luna looks to her sister. “Tell me … how long …” “Minutes, dear sister. Mere minutes.” “You were just sitting there,” Twilight adds, “and then you were thrown back to the wall, as if an explosive had gone off right in front of you.” “What did you see, Luna?” “I saw memories,” Luna begins … but before she can continue, a missive spontaneously appears with a bang. Celestia begins to read the message. Her eyes dilate at the words … * * * * “Sis, you think Coyotek is gonna be OK? He’s just been lyin’ there for an hour now.” “Whatever is going on in that head of his, I’m sure Luna will—“ “NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!” The sudden cry of anguish from the coyote shatters the eerie calm. The coyote springs to his feet and inspects his surroundings. He frantically paws at his ears. “No. Not here. Can’t be here.” he says to nopony in particular. “What’s not here? What happened to you? What’s goin’ on?” The coyote ignores Applejack and turns to Spike. “Where’s Twilight?” “She’s in Canterlot with Princesses Celestia and Luna. We were hoping—“ “Can you send a message to them?” “Uh, sure, but—“ “Tell Twilight to come to the Everfree Forest at once. And you better round up all your friends.” “Coyotek, what’s going on?” Apple Bloom asks. “Remember our first conversation? When I mentioned ‘unforeseen, even catastrophic consequences’?” “Yeah?” “Let’s just pray it’s only the first.” The coyote suddenly bolts out of the barn and runs off to the forest. Chapter 11: New BeginningThis is as good a place as any. The coyote paces around in a clearing in the Everfree Forest, the same location where he witnessed a rainbow and talked with the vulture. I know he’s coming. I wish I knew what to do when he does come. Damn, I feel so naked in this form. A rustling from the edges causes the coyote to spin around quickly. Princess Celestia emerges from the undergrowth, followed by Twilight and the rest of the Mane Six. The coyote instinctively bows, then addresses the group: “I’ve been regaled with your stories about the ‘power of friendship’. For the sake of this world, I hope that power will work now.” “Mind tellin’ us all what’s goin’ on?” Applejack brusquely asks. “Princess Luna’s still shaken up from what she experienced goin’ through your head.” “I wish she didn’t do that,” the coyote responds sullenly. “It would have been better for everyone here not to get involved.” Rainbow Dash angrily confronts the coyote. “Now look! We’ll deal with whatever it is you think is gonna happen, but what we need now are answers. What’s got you so worked up?” “Tarantulas. He’s coming. And it should only be a matter of minutes, now.” “So what is this ‘Tarantulas’?” Rarity inquires. “Some sort of large spider? That doesn’t sound so harmful.” “Tarantulas is a predacon from my world.” “I don’t understand,” Twilight states. “How could anyone from your world get here? You don’t know how you got here.” “Princess Luna triggered my memory of events. I was captured while on a mission. Held prisoner in Tarantulas’s laboratory. He inserted a tracking device ...”, the coyote paws at behind his ear, “… in here.” “But why the hypnotic trance, then? What purpose was that for?” “I don’t know.” “Then take a guess,” Rainbow Dash insists. “I don’t know! Maybe … maybe that device lay dormant because Tarantulas was searching across dimensions to find it. Maybe locking on to its location caused it to operate again. Maybe the tracker requires my neural pathways to remain active, and a fail-safe mechanism inside of me activated, causing me to power down.” “News flash,” Dash persists, “you’re not a robot anymore!” “Not on the outside, but inside? Again, I just don’t have the answers.” “Then try another question,” Twilight continues. “How could this ‘Tarantulas’ follow you across dimensions?” “The technology from our world is advanced enough to allow for travel through time. It’s not a stretch to assume that Tarantulas figured out a way to expand on that technology.” “OK, this is just getting more ridiculous,” Dash protests. “All right. Let’s suppose that this ‘Tarantula’ guy does know how to get here. Won’t he come into our world the same as you? Couldn’t we just step on him and be done with it?” “I really hope you’re right in that regard … but he’s intelligent enough to design ways to block such transformations before entering this world.” Rarity then offers an observation: “Well … if he’s coming, then where is he? For that matter, how do you even know he’s coming at all?” The coyote paws at his head again. “I can feel it, pulsing within me. I’ve felt it since I was snapped out of my trance.” The coyote turns away from the others and resumes pacing around the clearing, waiting for the inevitable. The others just look at each other. “Well this was a fun little anecdote in our lives, but I really need to get back to the bakery. See you all later!” Pinkie grins and hops away back through the forest. “I got work that needs to be done, too,” Applejack adds. She is joined by Fluttershy, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash. Twilight turns to Celestia. “I’m sorry for dragging you out here. We should head back and check on Princess Luna.” “Twilight, if I may have a word with you in private.” Celestia beckons Twilight to a spot away from the coyote, who continues to pace and shake his head. After a brief exchange of words, Twilight bows before flying off. Celestia then approaches the coyote, still pacing around muttering to himself. He looks up and sees that the others have left. “The threat is real,” the coyote pleads. “That’s why I ran out here … to keep the danger away from Ponyville. I don’t want to see any horrors befall this place. I don’t want to be responsible for any of that.” “I understand completely. And I assure you that whatever may come into this world, I and all of Equestria will be prepared to defend.” “… I’m not crazy. I know what I saw.” “I shall see you again soon.” With those words, the princess flies off, heading back towards Canterlot. The coyote is alone again, but remains resolute. Just show up already, Tarantulas. I know you’re coming. Just get it over with. Show your hand. Come out and fight. Time passes. The minutes turn to hours as the coyote continues to pace around the clearing. He looks up to witness the occasional bird or pegasus pass by from above, but then refocuses on the imminent arrival of an old foe. What is taking you so long? What are you waiting for? Just get over here, already! Day gives way to nightfall, and drowsiness starts to settle in. The coyote attempts to fight through the fatigue. Is that your plan? Wait ‘til I fall asleep, and then strike? COWARD! Fight with honor! COME ON! Get over here and let’s settle this. We’re ready for you. We’re ready … for … The coyote stops pacing, gasping to maintain consciousness. NO! Fight the urge! You can’t be out when he comes. The forest is quiet, save for the occasional owl. The coyote lies on the ground, head up, resilient to not go down. He resumes pacing around the clearing, stopping periodically to shake his head and keep alert. Nighttime slowly gives way to dawn. The coyote struggles to stay awake. Got to fight this. Got to be ready. Got to … be stoic … got … The coyote puts his head down on the ground. * * * * The crackling sounds of lightning arouse the coyote from his slumber; he opens his eyes to a swirling-black portal. Trees sway in the gale-force winds. Though the sun is high in the sky, the area all around is dark. A figure emerges from the portal. The coyote immediately recognizes the spider-leg torso and features of the predacon Tarantulas, still in his robotic form. He holds a blaster in his right hand, aimed at the coyote’s head. The coyote stands up and holds firm, staring down his foe. “So this is where you’ve been hiding from me all this time. Not much to look at, I must say.” “What do you want?” “I came for you …” Tarantulas feels a sudden jolt of electricity, causing him to stagger. “… but you are no longer worthy of my time. What I want now is this world. I can feel the endless energy all around.” “I won’t let you take over this world.” “You? BAH! What are you going to do to stop my conquest of this place?” The coyote feels a surge of adrenaline within him, and he pounces at the predacon … and proceeds to bounce off Tarantulas’s chest, crashing to the ground. He shakes his head, still ringing from the contact with metal. Tarantulas holsters his weapon before readdressing the coyote. “As I thought. You’re just a worthless animal here, unworthy of my time.” The coyote gets on his feet and turns to the predacon, unable to speak. His bows his head in morbid acceptance. “The residents of this world will not let you defeat them,” the coyote insists, “and I will do what I can to assist them.” “You’re of no concern to me, any more than you are of use to the ponies in this world.” The comment catches the coyote off guard. “How do you … how do you know about the ponies?” “HE DOESN’T!” A blast of energy from the sky strikes Tarantulas; in a flash of light and amidst the sound of an explosion, the predacon disappears instantaneously. Another blast strikes the portal, causing it to vanish as well. Immediately, the swirling winds die down and daylight floods the clearing. The coyote looks up and sees Princess Luna hovering above; she floats down to the ground. “I’ve seen you before, in my vision.” “Just as you are seeing me now.” All around, the woodland scenery around the two melts away. Soon, everywhere around is white and empty. “I’m dreaming again. Is nothing in my life real?” “You will find your answers shortly, but before I go, I feel it necessary to remind you: your life has meaning and purpose, the same as for all who reside in this world. Never forget this.” Luna’s image fades into nothingness, leaving the coyote alone. A sound from behind causes him to spin around … and he finds himself on top of a bed in a hospital room. Princess Celestia, having just entered the room, closes the door behind her. “How is your head?” The coyote feels behind his head, and perceives stitches behind an ear. “What happened to me?” “Look on the nightstand.” The coyote turns to his side and notices a pebble the size of a marble. Taking a closer look, he sees intricate engravings etched all around the stone. He turns back to Celestia. “Is that …” “The tracking device you saw in your memories. Tangible proof that you perhaps had some reason to fear … and proof that you have nothing to fear.” The coyote turns again to the pebble. “It didn’t survive the trip here, any more than my previous form.” He turns back to Celestia. “I caused a lot of trouble today, didn’t I.” “You acted with the best interests of Equestria in mind. No one will hold you responsible for your behavior.” “So what happens to me now?” “Now?” Celestia chuckles. “Now, my little coyote, you can move on with the rest of your life.” Content that all is well, Celestia leaves the room. Minutes later, another pony enters the room. “And here Trixie thought she had an inflated sense of self!” “Excuse me?” “ ‘Everypony is in peril! I must sacrifice myself to save Equestria!’ ” Trixie laughs; the coyote turns away in shame. “Oh come now, can’t Trixie show a little sarcasm every now and then?” The coyote turns back towards Trixie. “I’m not proud of the way I acted. I certainly didn’t mean to drive everyone else crazy.” Trixie laughs again. “Hang around this town long enough, and everypony will drive you to insanity at some point.” She notes the dour face on the coyote. “It’s more than that, isn’t it?” “I just feel … so insignificant here.” “Why so?” “Everyone I’ve met here seems to have done wondrous deeds. The stuff of legends. And for a brief moment, I actually thought … I might add to that lore.” “You realize that there are hundreds of ponies and other inhabitants in Ponyville alone, to say nothing of the numbers in all of Equestria. I don’t think everypony has his or her own story being passed down through the ages. But so what? What is so wrong with just living your life to the best of your ability and being content?” “I dunno. Nothing, I guess” “And listen: just because your life may not turn into the ‘stuff of legends’ doesn’t mean you can’t leave your mark on this world. Your life can have meaning and purpose; it’s all up to you.” “… I’ll get there. It may take some time, but I’ll get there.” “Trixie looks forward to the day. Now get out of that bed. There’s a firefly exhibit early this evening, and Trixie has plans to incorporate some of them into her next performance. Maybe you have some ideas you’d like to share.” EPILOGUE“Remember: all three ponies are cloaked so any of them could be a unicorn, pegasus, or earth pony. The first pony says ‘Two of us are from Unitown.’ The second pony says ‘At least two of us are liars.’ The third pony says ‘I am a pegasus’. If I give you the added information that—“ The sound of the bell indicates the end of the school day. “Oh, guess I lost track of time. Next time I’m around, we’ll finish this puzzle.” The colts and fillies file out of the classroom, leaving the coyote and Cheerilee alone to reflect on the day. “The ponies are really liking these puzzles, Coyotek.” “Yeah, I’m happy to see that. Well, same time next week?” “Actually, I wanted to ask: I’ll be going on vacation to Rainbow Springs for a week, and need someone to sub for the week. Are you able to do that?” “A chance to long-term sub? Cheerilee, you can’t be serious?” From outside, Pinkie Pie pops her head into a window. “Hey, I’m watching you pal!” The coyote turns back to Cheerilee. “What I mean is, I’d love to.” “Wonderful. I’ll have lesson plans ready for you, but feel free to go your own way if you like.” “Thank you, and enjoy your vacation.” The coyote leaves the school, where Pinkie is waiting for him. “So my sister Maud wants to see your tracking pebble. She thinks it can keep Boulder company.” “Uh … yeah, sure, no problem. Heck, she can keep it if she wants.” Pinkie gasps. “Maud can keep Tracker? THIS WILL BE THE BEST GIFT EVER!!!” “Well, if it makes somepony happy … that ‘thing’ didn’t do much for me.” “What, you mean become-lodged-against-your-brain-after-a-couple-weeks-so-that-you’d-think-it-activated-a-homing-device-causing-your-mind-to-believe-you-needed-to-shut-down-to-keep-the-big-bad-predacon-from-finding-you-then-convincing-everypony-that-he-was-coming-to-take-over-Equestria-but-really-just-falling-asleep-so-Twilight-could-magically-haul-your-carcass-to-the-hospital-to-surgically-remove-Tracker-from-your-head?” *GASP* “… That’s not the first time you’ve uttered a stream of consciousness, is it?” “It’s who I am! And hey, now that you’re living across the street from Sugar Cube Corner, you can pop over whenever you like?” “That’s nice of you to offer, Pinkie. But, what would we do?” “I dunno? Read stories? I just got done this one story, where …” Chapter 3: The Vulture‘Wait right here’, she says. OK … hope this won’t take too long. Fun little town we walked through on the way here. So much for everyone living in trees. Gotta wonder how all those structure ever got built without opposable thumbs; I guess it’s mostly done with ‘pony magic’ or something. And that burned-out husk that used to be a library? Probably best to ask about that some other time. Must be one heck of a story there. And then there’s this. So this castle was just created out of … thin air? Too weird. And that’s just the architecture! To say nothing about the residents of this place! Not like every wolf or bear or giraffe looks the same, but GEEZ … for a while I thought I was gonna go into epileptic shock. So. Many. Colors. And what’s with the tattoos on all these ponies? Some sort of coming-of-age ritual? So many questions … but right now, I got one thing on my mind: getting back home. The door opens and a creature half the size of the ponies beckons: “You can come in now.” “Huh? YOU’RE not a pony!” The small, purple dragon rolls his eyes. “What tipped you off?” “Sorry, didn’t mean to … I just wasn’t expecting a non-pony in here. Who are you?” “No problem. Name’s Spike. Come on in.” This must be some sort of war-room. Weird; I wouldn’t think there to be any such need in this universe. But what else TO believe, what with a map of their world in the center of a table with six thrones … oh wait, seven … around it. And I see the two ponies who brought me here. And four others. All just standing there … well, except the blue one, who’s hovering. Be respectful, Tek. The coyote bows. “Ladies? Your Highness?” The six ponies look at each other, then five of them start laughing. The white pony is not amused by their spectacle. “Really now, is it such a joke to show respect. “Aw, come on Rarity,” Rainbow Dash retorts. “ ‘Your Highness’? That’s hilarious!” The coyote picks his head up. “I … don’t understand. You are a princess, am I right?” “It’s mostly a title,” the purple alicorn replies. “None of my friends refer to me as a princess.” “I see … but what about strangers.” “Well you’re stranger than most that we see ‘round here,” the orange pony answers. “Rainbow Dash tells us that you’re from … another world?” “Uh, yes. I believe I am.” Rainbow Dash addresses the orange pony’s question: “I didn’t believe it myself, at first. But unless this guy’s been living under a rock for so many years, he really knows nothing about this world.” “How could anyone live under a rock? Well, bugs I guess, since they’re so tiny and creepy-crawly, but a big-ol’ dog? Unless it was a really big rock. And I’ve seen some really big rocks. Of course, I’m sure Maud has seen even bigger rocks. Maybe rocks that a whole TOWN could live under.” … Uh … what? “Maybe some introductions are in order,” the alicorn continues. “I’m Twilight Sparkle, and I know you’ve already met Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. And these three are Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie. And this is my assistant, Spike. These are my closest friends.” “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Coyotek, and I’m a … that is, I used to be … well, right now I’m just a coyote.” “Well, as long as you’re here, you’re welcome to experience all that our little town has to offer.” “I appreciate the offer … but I was told that perhaps you could help me return to my home world.” “I don’t know if I can. The truth is, we’ve never had anyone come to our world from another dimension before.” “What about the thousands of stories that—“ *Pinkie … ixnay on the ory-stays,* Dash whispers to Pinkie. Huh? Twilight continues: “Do you remember anything about how you got here?” “No more than I’ve already told Zecora and Rainbow Dash. I was running in a field … I forget why … and a tear in my world just opened up in front of me. I ran in, lost consciousness, and woke up in that forest.” “There is probably much regarding the Everfree Forest that we do not know,” Rarity states. “Nothing would surprise me in there.” “But even for that place, this sounds unnatural,” Applejack adds. “If you ask me, I think it was someone who caused this.” Applejack turns to Fluttershy; the other ponies follow suit, while the coyote just stands there confused. Her? “M … me?” “Not you,” Rainbow Dash states, “your ‘correspondent’.” “Oh, no … Discord wouldn’t just open up new worlds like that.” “He opened a rift during the last Gala just to separate you from Tree Hugger,” Twilight reminds Fluttershy. “Well yes, but he learned his lesson from that. He wouldn’t do that again.” “And just what do you base that statement on?” Rarity inquires. “Past experience?” “I know he still makes mistakes, but he’s getting better. And I don’t think he’s the type to do that anymore.” Twilight persists: “But even you must admit that he’s at least capable of something like this. At the least, could you bring this up to him the next time you see him?” “I’ll see him again in a few days. Oh, I hope he doesn’t take this the wrong way. You know how he gets when he feels insulted.” The coyote finally speaks: “Uh, forgive me for asking but … who, or what, is ‘Discord’.” Twilight answers: “Discord is the living embodiment of chaos, a draconequus who has incredible powers and is capable of much … including, perhaps, opening a rift into your world.” “Wait, he’s capable of opening up pathways to new dimensions?” “AND chocolate rain.” Pinkie sighs. “We haven’t had chocolate rain in so long.” … Twilight continues: “Well, I’ll look through my spells and see if I can find anything that might get you back home … but for now, I think you’re stuck here. At least for a few days.” “I appreciate any help you can give. Thank you again.” “We made a new friend,” Pinkie happily asserts. “You know what this calls for … a PARTY!” What is she … HIT THE DECK!!! The coyote hits the floor, eyes closed and paws over his ears. A large explosion makes him shutter for a moment, then dead calm. … After a few seconds, the coyote removes his paws from his ears and opens his eyes. Confetti and streamers are strewn around the room. “WHAT WAS THAT???” “Oh nothing,” Rarity answers. “Just Pinkie’s party cannon.” The coyote stammers to ask: “You got … you got a CANNON? That shoots confetti?” “Well, duh! What kind of party planner would I be if I didn’t have the right tools?” “Don’t mind Pinkie,” Dash consoles the coyote. “You’ll get used to her.” “Uh, yeah, sure. To be honest … I actually feel like I owe you all for your hospitality and generosity. While I’m here, is there anything I can do to help out?” Applejack replies: “Well shoot, if you’re lookin’ for stuff to do, I could always use some help around the farm.” “So you’re a farmer?” “Indeed. Me and my family run Sweet Apple Acres. There’s four of us here full-time, but we get the job done. We don’t usually seek out help, but in your case we’ll make an exception. At least for a little bit.” Fresh, country air? Wide-open spaces? Sign me up! “That sounds great.” “Then it’s a deal. Glad to have ya aboard. Oh, and Fluttershy, can you come back with us too? I got something that you need to see.” “Oh? What is it?” “There’s a bird on our property now that’s been eating our apples. The scarecrow keeps most of ‘em away, but this one don’t seem to care about that.” “Oh dear, I hope this isn’t like that vampire fruit bat problem.” “Nah, nothin’ like that. I just want your expertise on the subject. I never knew vultures to eat fresh fruit before.” Vulture? “I never knew vultures to even be around this part of Equestria. Are you sure it wasn’t a crow or something else?” “Surer than sure. This bird flew in last night and is just hangin’ around the apple trees. I ain’t worried ‘bout the harvest, at least not yet, but this fella don’t seem natural.” During the conversation between Applejack and Fluttershy, Rarity notices that the coyote is now lost in thought. “Is everything all right, dear?” The ponies (and dragon) all turn to the coyote. Spike tries to get his attention: “Hello? Equestria to Coyotek!” “Huh?” The coyote shakes his head violently, as if to get his bearings. “You checked out on us for a minute,” Dash states. “What’s wrong?” “Applejack, you said a bird flew in last night. A vulture? That’s not natural to this part of Equestria?” “Yeah, so?” “I know that vulture.” * * * * “Here we are. Home sweet home.” “This does look very idyllic,” the coyote responds to Applejack. “You say this farm was the start of the whole town.” “Yes, indeed-y.” “I still don’t know why we all had to come,” Dash grouses. “Oh, I don’t mind,” Fluttershy retorts. “It’s always so nice here.” “So, how do you know this bird?” Twilight asks the coyote. Immediately, Rainbow Dash starts in again. “And that’s another thing; why didn’t he tell us about that bird back at the castle? Why wait until right before he meets that bird?” “Hel-LO??? What kind of drama or tension would be had from going through that backstory there? Don’t you ever read—“ *Hey-hey, Pinkie, cut it out! What’d I tell you ‘bout doing that?* *Oh. Sorry.* Pinkie grins. The coyote takes brief notice, then turns back to Twilight to answer her question. “He’s a vulture. And he was chasing me … in my world. That’s why I was running; I broke out of the preda- … uh, the bad guys’ stronghold, and he was pursuing me. I remember now: I was sprinting back to my base while he was blasting at me … oh wait, you probably don’t know what I mean by ‘blasting’.” “If you mean firing shots of pure energy, you clearly haven’t seen Twilight in battle,” Applejack counters. Really? Wow, unicorn magic is more powerful than I thought. “Anyway, that’s my last recollection. And he’s probably just as confused as I am. I need to speak with him … alone.” “But darling, you don’t want to get … ‘blasted’, by him, do you?” “If he’s like me, Rarity, he’s just a vulture now. I should be safe.” “Well, do what you can. And thanks for the help.” The coyote nods his head at Applejack and the others, then heads through an opening in the fence and into the patch of apple trees, heading to the rear as the barn’s sight becomes obscured by all the trees. He eventually comes to a particular tree where a vulture is perched on a high branch, finishing off eating an apple. The vulture notices the coyote approaching and addresses him “Ah, so you finally woke up! Tell me, how was your night in the forest?” “What’re you doing here?” “If you mean ‘in the tree’, I’m having lunch. If you mean ‘in this world’, I’d ask the same about you.” “Let’s stay with the latter thought for a sec. What do you remember?” The vulture scratches below his beak with a wing. “Well lesse … flying after you, shooting at you, seeing a rift in space, following you into the great unknown, flailing, falling … and waking up in a tree in that forest. As a bird. Not a predacon. Not a robot. Just an normal, everyday vulture … or at least, as ‘normal’ as one could get in this world. Oh, and with a taste for stuff other than carrion.” “… That doesn’t make any sense.” “Hey, these apples are too good pass up.” “That’s not what I meant!” “Oh, but it really is, isn’t it.” The vulture’s demeanor turns serious. “Have you seen what you look like?” “I’ve looked at a few mirrors here.” “No, I mean ‘have you really seen what you look like?’ You think that’s normal?” The coyote thinks for a moment. “For a coyote? … Yeah, sure, why not.” “Pfft! You must be visually impaired, but whatever. OK then, how about this: have you had a taste for mice or other small creatures?” Come to think of it … “Well … no.” “All part of a coyote’s diet, right. But not yours.” “Fine, so we both have a new-found appreciation for fresh fruit. So what?” “And how about this,” the vulture continues, “do YOU know how that town got built?” “Well … that question did cross my mind while walking through the town.” “You got no answers for that, do you.” “Well of course not. I’ve only been here a day.” “EXACTLY!” the vulture asserts triumphantly. “Face it: we’re strangers in a foreign land now, my friend. And we’re not going back. It’s time to acclimate and adapt.” “Friend? You were trying to vaporize me!” “Of course I was. You and all your comrades were my enemies. But look now. There’s no ‘good’ or ‘evil’ between us anymore. We’re not on opposite sides of some ‘Great Cause’. We’ve hit the reset button, and it’s time to start over. And I, for one, plan on enjoying this.” “But what about getting back to our world?” The vulture’s response is cold and emotionless, catching the coyote off guard: “Go back for what, war? Dissention? Battles? One skirmish after another? Maybe you’re interested in that, but me? I’m done with it.” “We don’t belong here!” “So what? We’re here now, aren’t we? I say, make the most of it. And besides … what do YOU have to look forward to upon returning?” Again, the coyote is taken aback. “Well … I … …” “I thought so. Look: the past is done. Whether we ‘belong’ here or not doesn’t matter. We’re here. Get used to the idea.” The vulture softens his tone. “Now then, if you’ll excuse me, I intend to see what else this world has to offer.” “WAIT … what if I do find a way back?” “You find a way back, you take that trip alone. Don’t bother looking for me. Enjoy yourself; I know I will.” The vulture takes to the sky and flies away, disappearing into the horizon. The coyote is left alone in the apple patch to contemplate the conversation. Author's Note The vulture was another self-creation from my old fanfics.
Chapter 1: Lost in the ForestAuthor's Note In 1999, I wrote the first of what would eventually be over 50 'self-insert' fanfics related to "Beast Wars". (These stories are now lost to dead links on the 'Net.) Now that I have developed in interest in FIM, I decided to take my character from those stories and insert him into the ponyverse. I selected 'crossover' as a category, but no knowledge of that show will be required to understand anything that happens in these stories.) Chapter 1: Lost in the Forest Deep within the Everfree forest, a lone coyote wakes from an unconscious state. … *groan* How long have I been out? Wait … where am I? Looks like a forest. Odd … I don’t remember running in a forest. I was running … I think. Then some flash … came out of nowhere, and then … The coyote hops to his feet and takes in the scenery. All around is undergrowth, with thin dirt paths from all directions leading to deeper within. May as well get a better look around. “Coyotek, MAXIMIZE!” … Wha? Nothing? What the heck? “Coyotek, MAXIMIZE!” … Still nothing. Something must’ve broke from within. Great, I’m stuck in animal mode until I can get back to base. That is, if I can figure out how to get out of this forest. I don’t even remember there being a forest nearby. How did I end up here? What’s the best way to— A rustling from bushes behind causes the coyote to spin around. What was that? Someone’s coming? Something? What … IS … that? A creature emerges from the bushes. Looks like a wolf … but, it’s made of … living wood??? The coyote shakes his head in disbelief. I must be dreaming. This can’t be real. Two more timber wolves emerge from the bushes. Another wood wolf … and a third. Dream or not, this isn’t how I want to wake up. The three wolves begin to circle the coyote, then pause and poise themselves for a strike. Can’t transform, can’t fight, not much to do but … In an instant, the coyote leaps over one of the wolves are scurries off into the woods. The three wolves give chase, but quickly lose him. The coyote does not notice, as he continues a frantic dash for many minutes. * * * * *huff* … *gasp* … I think I lost them. The coyote stops to catch his breath, then looks around at the forest. Darkness is setting in on the area. An owl can be heard hooting amongst the foliage. Not that it’s gonna do me much good. I’m more lost than ever now. And this is not a place I want to spend a night in. Gotta keep moving … there’s got to be some way out of this forest. The coyote begins to walk again, but then pauses at the sight of a unique blooming of orange and yellow flowers. There isn’t much natural about these. I wonder if they’re poisonous. Waitaminute … *sniff* … smells like someone’s been through here not too long ago. Maybe someone who can help ... … Ten minutes pass as the coyote follows a scent along a more-worn trail. He stops at the sight of a tree that resembles some sort of residence. Is that … a window, in a tree? Does someone live here? What the heck IS this place? Walking around the tree, the coyote comes to a door. Well, here goes nothing. The coyote uses his right-front paw to knock on the door. Shortly thereafter, the door opens. Maybe I can get some answers now … “Who are you … and how do you do?” … or more questions. The interior, it looks like a witch’s living room, and my host is … a zebra? Whatever … be nice … “Hi … uh … I seem to be lost, and …” The zebra looks the coyote over. “You do seem confused; right now, I’m not amused.” “Oh … sorry, still getting my bearings. Can you tell me where I am?” “The Forest of Everfree is what you now see. But is all of this new, to someone like you?” “ ‘Forest of Everfree’? I’m sorry, I’ve never even heard of such a place. I woke up in a daze, got chased by some sort of wolves made of wood … none of this is making sense to me.” “Timberwolves were chasing you? Lucky that you made it through.” What is with all the rhyming? “In any case, you seem okay. You can spend the night, if you wish to stay.” “I can? Thank you, thank you, thank you.” The coyote is most gracious to his host as he enters the residence, which prominently features a cauldron in the center of the main chamber. “I really can’t thank you enough, miss … uh …” “Zecora is my name. Now, if I may ask you the same.” “My name is Coyotek. As you might guess from my appearance, I’m not an actual coyote.” Zecora gives a quizzical look, then walks around the coyote, looking for anomalies. She then motions towards a mirror leaning against a wall. “Perhaps you should look into a mirror, so your personal appearance would then be clearer.” Admittedly, I haven’t had a chance to see myself since I woke up. May as well see what I look like now … The coyote stares into the reflection for some time, processing what he sees. What in the … what have I become? I don’t even have … “You do seem confused, and mentally bruised.” “… Zecora, this isn’t me. I mean, it IS me, I guess, but I don’t remember looking like this. I look like … a common, brown coyote.” “This is correct, but what did you expect? “That’s just it. I’m not a coyote. I’m a robot. A ‘maximal’, to be specific. I was part of a group that was trying to stop … an evil-doer. But I’m not just another four-legged creature. At least … at least, I wasn’t …” Think back. Before I woke up here, I was running. There was some sort of flash. I ran into … “Zecora, forgive me if this sounds too weird but … I don’t think I’m from this world.” “A wanderer from another dimension? My belief must undergo suspension.” “I’m not lying to you. And I’m not crazy. And I’m NOT used to seeing four-legged mammals with speech capabilities.” “You are really not one to talk, as one who uses four legs to walk.” … she’s right. If I am just a common coyote, then why can I still talk? Or think? “Let us assume that you don’t deceive. I still find this quite hard to believe. Perhaps you can try to recall, exactly what started this all.” “I was … I was running. But in a field, not a forest. There was … there was a rift. A tear in the sky. As if the world was on a canvas, and someone sliced it open. From the tear, there was a dazzling blue hue. I was going too fast, and my momentum carried me into the fissure. I lost consciousness. And then I woke up … in this forest.” Zecora ponders this information before responding. “A most fascinating turn of events. But little of this makes any sense. From where have you been hurled? How to get you back to your world?” “Would you have any ideas as to how this all happened? You appear to be rather well-versed in the magical arts.” ‘Magical arts’? I can’t believe I’m even considering this … but after all I’ve seen so far, what else can I believe? “As much as I would like to aid your task, I’m afraid I’m not the one to ask.” “But … but what about all this? Surely, you must--” “My potions and brews can do much, but what you ask? Not as such.” Great, so I’m stuck here in this … this … “Zecora, is there a name for this place? Not just the forest, but this whole area. Where am I, exactly?” “This entire area is known as Equestria.” “Equestria? As in, horses?” “Horses and zebras are not the norm. Most who live here, take pony form.” So … tiny horses. OK then. I’m in a world with tiny horses. Anything else I should know? “So Zecora … do you think that one of these, uh, ponies, can help me get back home?” “If I may be so forthright, I suggest you seek out Twilight.” Twilight? Weird name. “You think this ‘Twilight’ can help me.” “I believe this to be case, indeed, that Twilight is most likely to succeed. But whether or not all ends well, that, simply, I cannot tell. But for now it would be best, if both of us got some rest. In the morning you can go, and use all that you now know.” Zecora then motions to a couch off to the side. “Well once again, you’ve been most gracious and helpful. Thank you.” Zecora starts to walk to her private room, when the coyote interjects: “Before you go, one last thing. I have to ask … do you always speak in rhyme?” Zecora smiles slightly before responding: “Many moons ago I was given a curse, so now I must always speak in verse. By now I could probably find a cure, but to bother to do so, I’m not so sure.” Zecora walks away, leaving the coyote to ponder all that has transpired this evening. What to make of all this? What is this place? Will I ever get back home. How did I get here? Is it possible that all this is just a dream? And if so … when will I wake up? … So many questions … so few answers …
Chapter 2: Ire and RainSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 4: Confessions“… It’s been three days now, but I can’t shake what that vulture said to me.” “ ‘Go back for what?’ He makes a convincing argument. After all, what am I really leaving behind? Coworkers? It was a rag-tag group, great bots and all … but I wasn’t part of their regular group, either. Not at first, anyway.” “I was only with that group for about a month, before getting captured. I was able to escape, only to end up … here. Out of the frying pan and into … dare I say, ‘paradise’? I still wonder if all this isn’t a dream.” “Dreams … that’s the really weird part. When I was a maximal … that is, in my robotic form, I still had visions of an alternate life. I chalked it all up to unique programming. How I had visions of living on a planet of humanoids. I know, you wouldn’t know what a ‘humanoid’ is. But all that … felt real, for so long. Like I lived a whole life in a matter of weeks, before waking up in a whole new place, with a whole new identity.” “And now? Now, I feel like I have to start over. Live my whole existence was just another dream. Unless, of course, this is the dream. But this feels so real, so right … I just don’t know what to think.” “So, any thoughts?” … “Uhhh … we’re primarily experts with cutie marks,” replied the small yellow pony with the red mane and magenta bow.” ‘Maybe you should talk to the Cutie Mark Crusaders’, she said. Could’ve warned me they were only foals, Twilight. The coyote sits up from the couch he was lying on. “I’m sorry, maybe this was just a mistake to see you three. Not that I don’t appreciate you listening to my ramblings; I do thank you for that.” “ ‘Sorry’? That was an AWESOME story!” replied a brown pegasus with tiny wings. “Yeah,” added a white unicorn with a styled mane and tail. “I’m seeing why Miss Cheerilee suggested pony psychology for a possible occupation.” “Come on, you two,” urges the yellow foal, who then turns to the coyote. “Well, the way you say it, it sounds like that vulture did want to be friends.” “I’m sorry, maybe I didn’t make myself clear. He. Was trying. To destroy me.” “And did he attack you when he saw you the other day?” “Well, no, but—“ “Did he threaten to attack you?” “I guess not, but then—“ “Did he vow revenge on you for everything you—“ “OK, OK! I get it! Look … ‘Apple Bloom’, right? … so maybe he has changed. But that doesn’t mean that either of us belongs here.” “Why is it such a big deal that you don’t ‘belong’ here,” the brown pegasus asks. “What does that even mean?” “We’re not from this world, Scootaloo. Our very presence could have unforeseen, even catastrophic consequences.” “Like what?” the white unicorn innocently asks. “Like … well Sweetie Belle, that’s why they’re ‘unforeseen’. I can’t predict what effect my being here will have on this world.” “Are you plotting to take over Equestria?” Apple Bloom offers. “Well no, of course not.” “Are you a crazed lunatic who could go on a rampage at any moment?” Scootaloo proposes. “NO!” I sure hope not, anyway. “Are you a mad scientist with wild inventions?” Sweetie Belle inquires. “That wasn’t really my thing either, no.” “Then why does it matter how or why you came here?” Apple Bloom restates. … Well … “I … I don’t know. Maybe it doesn’t matter. It just feels so … so unnatural, everything I’ve seen here.” “I’ll tell you what’s ‘strange’,” Scootaloo counters, “that world you talk about.” Sweetie Belle continues, “Were there really no towns or villages where you came from?” “It was just a peaceful planet. Kinda like this world, but with two moons. There were forests, plains, deserts, mountains … but only animals. Not animals that could talk or think like we do; more like the animals that Fluttershy looks after.” “So, squirrels and rabbits?” “Not just those types, Sweetie Belle. Big animals too. Apes, cheetahs, rhinos, rats … I was only a coyote because that’s what was scanned when I woke up from stasis.” Apple Bloom is puzzled. “What’s ‘stasis’?” “Basically a hibernation of sorts. I must have been offline … well, ‘sleeping’ … for a couple months. And in that time, I lived an entirely different life. Of a world similar to this one.” “So this would be what, a third life for you?” Scootaloo asks. “I suppose this would be, yes.” “Good things do seem to come in threes, don’t they?” Sweetie Belle asserts. “Yeah, just look at us!” agrees Apple Bloom. All three foals grin at the comment. “You’re adorable, all of you. And this world is so … peaceful, and serene. Is it always like this?” Sweetie Belle is first to respond: “Mostly … buuuut, we have had the occasional bugbear attack.” “Bugbear?” “Yeah, but there ain’t much to say about that,” Apple Bloom assures. “Not compared to the rabbit stampede, anyway.” “I’m sorry, a ‘rabbit’ stampede?” “Ate everything in its path.” Scootaloo adds: “And don’t forget the time that Snips and Snails lured an Ursa Minor to Ponyville.” “Ursa what?” “How about the parasprites?” adds Apple Bloom. “Don’t remind me!” moans Sweetie Belle. “My sister’s place was ruined by those things!” “The whole town was destroyed,” corrects Scootaloo. “Whoa, whoa, whoa … the whole town of Ponyville was destroyed?” “Took our barn out, too,” adds Apple Bloom. “Then again, the barn’s been destroyed and rebuilt so many times, I’ve lost track.” “But those are just isolated incidents,” Sweetie Belle reassures. “Minor things, actually.” “They don’t sound minor.” At this, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle take turns identifying ‘major’ things: “You want major? How about Nightmare Moon blocking the sun from rising?” “Or the changelings crashing the royal wedding.” “Don’t forget King Sombra trying to reclaim the Crystal City.” “And how about Tirek siphoning the powers of every pony in Equestria?” “And then there’s Discord!” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle concur in unison: “Yeah, Discord!” “WHOA-WHOA-WHOA!!! ‘Blocking the sun?’ ‘Siphoning power?’ What the heck goes on in … wait, did you say ‘Discord’?” “He was one of the first,” Apple Bloom states. “Turned all of Ponyville upside-down and inside-out.” “But he’s good now,” adds Sweetie Belle. “Although he did betray his friends that one time.” Scootaloo echoes the sentiment: “Selling out to that monster Tirek? Yeah, ain’t nopony gonna fully trust Discord after that.” “Girls … er, fillies, wait,” the coyote interrupts. “Discord’s name came up a couple days ago, as possibly creating the rift that brought me here. Do you think he’s actually capable of doing that?” “From what we’ve seen? He’s probably capable of anything,” Apple Bloom states. The other two nod in agreement. Can any individual really yield so much power, in any universe? Remarkable … … After a pause, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo again try to appeal to the peaceful nature of their town: “… but overall, it’s very pleasant here.” “Yeah, I can’t see why you’d want to return to a world with no towns and a life of war.” … When you put it that way … “You three have certainly given me a lot to ponder on. You’re all wise beyond your years.” “Hey, it’s what we do,” answers Apple Bloom. Sweetie Belle continues: “It’s how we earned our cutie marks … even if you don’t actually have one.” Yeah, about that … “Actually, I’ve been meaning to ask someone about those. What exactly is a ‘cutie mark’. Seems like every pony in town has one. What are they, some form of tattoo?” Scootaloo is puzzled. “What’s a tattoo?” “They’re markings that one puts on one’s body,” answers Sweetie Belle. “I think Zecora has some.” Apple Bloom continues: “Well, a cutie mark comes naturally. It indicates what your destiny in life is gonna be.” I’m not gonna pretend like I understand that, but I don’t think I want to belabor the issue either. “I see. And I take it that only ponies get these marks.” “So far as anyone here knows. Why? Did you have a cutie mark before?” “Well no … at least, not by that name. But I did have an insignia, in a similar location on the body. It resembled a canine’s skull, I guess. It basically signified that I was a maximal.” Scootaloo looks over the coyote. “I don’t see any markings on you.” “Exactly; that was the first thing I noticed when I came to this world. It was the first proof that … I’m no longer a maximal. I’m basically just a coyote. I won’t lie; I’m still not used to it.” “After all we went through to get our cutie marks, I couldn’t imagine losing mine,” Sweetie Belle states. The other two foals nod in agreement, then Apple Bloom continues. “Well, take it from those who went so long without: it really is just a mark. It doesn’t define who you are. From what we’ve all seen, you’re a decent guy; you don’t need some ‘insignia’ to tell the world that.” Scootaloo chuckles. “Wow … listen to us now. We needed to tell ourselves that years ago.” “You know, I think this conversation really helped. Thank you again. Well … it is getting late. Guess I should be returning to the barn.” “If we’re done here, could you help me return the couch to my sister Rarity. I still haven’t told her that I joined an after-school crochet group, and she’ll probably need it.” Well, that would explain the ball of yarn on the ground. But why is it glowing all of a sudden … Without warning, the yarn quickly unwinds from its ball shape and wraps around the coyote, bounding him to the couch. At the same time, a black circle forms at the entrance to the treehouse, growing in size until it completely blocks access to the outside. The three foals scream in terror as the couch hovers off the floor and flies into the circle. WHAT‘S HAPPENING? WHERE AM I … Wait, I know this place. How did I get here? And who is THAT? The coyote, still bound to the hovering couch, looks around Fluttershy’s main foyer. Seated on the sofa in the room are Fluttershy and … “Who … what … are …” “Oh I’m sorry, did I catch you at a bad time. Were you all ‘tied up’ at the moment?” “Now Discord,” Fluttershy calmly addresses the creature, “what have I said about treating friends like that?” So that’s Discord. Aptly named, I suppose. “He’s not my friend, now is he.” The draconequus turns to the bound coyote. “After all, friends don’t accuse other friends of dragging them from their own universe!” “I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT!” “Oh, I told Twilight Sparkle that this wasn’t a good idea?” Discord turns to Fluttershy: “Wait, this was her idea?” He then turns back to the coyote: “Well then, perhaps I overreacted a bit.” A bit??? “I didn’t think you would do such a thing,” Fluttershy assures Discord, “but … it’s just that … well, you ‘could’ do such a thing.” “Fluttershy, could I have a few minutes alone with this individual?” “Well … yes, of course. I need to feed the animals anyway. Promise you won’t harm him.” “I promise.” “Well all right then. I’ll be back in a jif.” Wait, you’re not just gonna leave me alone with this guy are you? ARE YOU??? Fluttershy leaves the tree, closing the door behind her. Discord turns his attention to the coyote, still bound to the hovering couch. The draconequus addresses the coyote … “I must ask for your apology, I really thought this was your accusation.” Oh! … oh … well, that was surprising. “If I say ‘apology accepted’, would you untie me and let me go?” “Oh, good heavens no … but I will send you back to where I got you and let you go there. But since you’re here anyway, I did want to speak to you about your recent … trip?” “Well it’s not like I’m going anywhere soon. I’m listening.” “Excellent. Now, Fluttershy tells me that Twilight Sparkle told her that you told Twilight Sparkle that you’re from … another dimension?” “Uh … yes?” “And you’re wondering exactly how it came to be that you arrived here, correct?” “The thought has crossed my mind.” “And it occurred to Twilight Sparkle and the rest of the pony-be-gooders that I was responsible for the rift that opened up into your world.” “Actually, it was Applejack that proposed the idea.” “Ah yes, our down-home country lass. I shall have to speak to her about that.” “Well judging by me hanging off the ground, tied to a couch and pulled from another location via some portal … I can’t say I disagree with her.” D’OH! … yeah, great job ‘Tek: antagonize the demigod! Unfazed by the comment, Discord continues: “My omnipotent powers notwithstanding, I swear by Fluttershy’s friendship that I had nothing to do with your being here!” Wow. That really sounds … sincere. “… I believe you.” Discord lets out an audible sigh, then continues in a serious tone. “So long as you’re here, can I confide in you a little secret?” “Uh, sure, why not?” “The other ponies here … don’t trust me. They believe that I betrayed them all. That I sided with Tirek in order to rule over Equestria by his side.” “So I’ve heard.” “IT’S A LIE!” The words come out of Discord forcefully and passionately. The coyote feels a lump in his stomach as Discord continues. “I never betrayed those ponies, OR Equestria! Everything thing I did, I did for them. But they can never know this.” The coyote, still bound by Discord’s magic, is not sure what to believe regarding this diatribe. “I really don’t know any details, so I can’t judge. But I trust Twilight and the others. Even Fluttershy believes you to have betrayed them.” “Did they mention how it was I who steered them towards finding the Keys to five of the six Locks?” “… I honestly have no idea what you’re talking abou—“ “They know that part, of course. They conveniently forget that part, but they know that to be true. What they don’t know is, I knew they needed that sixth Key. Twilight’s Key. I knew she needed to earn that Key, and I knew that would require a test of her beliefs on friendship.” He seems rather passionate about all this. What to believe? “So when Tirek approached me with an offer to betray my friends, I knew what I had to do. To ensure that Twilight would earn that sixth Key. I had to test her. And I knew she would pass. She passed with flying colors! A truly remarkable pony, she is!” Wow … what do I say to a demigod who’s pouring his heart and soul out to me? “OK, but if all this is true, why not just let everyone know? Why keep a secret?” “Oh, they’d never believe me. But more importantly, they shouldn’t believe me. When Twilight forgave me, she did so with all the sincerity that one would need show to someone who truly betrayed her. She can never know that it was all an act … NEVER. This secret … must follow me to the ever-after.” A small tear forms from Discord’s left eye. The coyote is frozen in thought to match his physical boundedness. Eventually, he utters … “As long as I am in this world, I swear to you that your secret is safe with me.” “Thank you.” Discord laughs a bit before continuing: “I’ve been harboring that for so long, it just feels so good to get it off my chest. There is nopony in this world that I would trust with this information; It was most fortunate for me that one such as yourself were brought here, even if not by your own design.” “So … theoretically, if you could bring me into this world, then you probably could send me back to my home world, right?” Discord laughs harder now. “Have you any idea how many worlds there are in existence? Try infinity to the power of infinity. I really wouldn’t know where to begin. I suppose I could send you to another world, but to ‘your’ world. Highly unlikely, to say the least.” So much for that. “Well … do you have any idea how I got here, then?” “Twilight and her friends are so focused on what I’m capable of; they should look to one of their own, instead.” “One of their own?” Before Discord can elaborate, Fluttershy re-enters the tree. “I’m back, everyone.” “Oh, perfect timing,” Discord comments cheerfully. “Our guest was just leaving.” Discord waves a paw; immediately, the couch-bound coyote is sent back through the portal, ending up back in the CMC’s treehouse. The couch lands gently on the ground, and the yarn untangles itself and rewinds back into a ball. After a moment of stunned silence, the CMCs approach the coyote. “Are you OK?” Sweetie Belle asks. “Where’d you go?” adds Scootaloo. “Oh, nowhere in particular, just popped into Fluttershy’s place to say ‘Hi’ to Discord.” “DISCORD???” all three foals exclaim in unison. “Well … seeing is believing, I guess.” Apple Bloom is surprised by the coyote’s calm demeanor. “You don’t seem particularly phased by all this.” “I guess I’m just … gaining experience with this world. So, you still need help with the couch, Sweetie Belle?” “Just in case I drop it.” The unicorn’s horn glows and the couch levitates, wobbling in the air. “Still getting the hang of this.” Yeah, same here. Sweetie Belle and the coyote depart the treehouse, hovering couch in tow. “OK, is there anything else that I should be aware of with this world?” “Well, we do have a lot of singing here.” Yeah … maybe not while I’m around.
Chapter 5: a Night of UnicornsThe door to the Carousel Boutique opens, with a white unicorn foal levitating a couch in front of her and a chatty coyote following. “They’re dress models,” Sweetie Belle insists. “I don’t see what the big deal is.” “The whole motif to this boutique is a carousel; it looks like you’re jamming rods through ponies. You really don’t see that as macabre?” “Maca-what?” “Creepy.” “Did you talk this much before you got here?” “Sweetie Belle, is that you?” Rarity enters from the kitchen area. “Oh good, you brought the couch back.” “I said I would. Don’t you trust me to do anything?” Sweetie Belle lowers the couch to the ground as Rarity inspects it. “OH MY … why are the feet covered in mud?” “Well, I may have dropped it on the way back. But only a couple times. And it’s not like I dropped it into the river or anything.” Rarity’s horn glows as a washcloth levitates and floats to the feet to wipe away the grime. “Well, no real harm done, I suppose. I know I need to trust you more, but you simply must be patient with me. You know how I get with details.” “Do you always use unicorn magic to just move objects about?” the coyote asks. “Well how else would the job get done, then?” Admittedly, hands with opposable thumbs are out of the question. “I know Applejack and her whole clan use their mouths to hold things,” the coyote offers. “Which is perfectly acceptable for those who lack the powers that some of us have,” Rarity counters. “We all have our strengths and weaknesses here, of course; I wouldn’t have the strength to toil away with the physical tasks that working on a farm requires. To be honest, dear, I’m surprised you’re able to help out all that much.” “Well, it’s not like I’m doing the heavy-lifting. Mostly, I assist Apple Bloom with her chores. I gotta say, the kids here are mature beyond their years.” “What, do you mean the goats?” “Uh, no, I mean kids like Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.” Sweetie Belle protests, “I’m not a goat!” Rarity then corrects the coyote: “Perhaps you mean ‘foals’ when you say ‘kids’. Little goats are ‘kids’.” “Oh … yeah, sorry. I’m still getting used to the proper terminology around here.” Note to self: use ‘pony’ instead of ‘body’ for everything. “I do thank you for keeping Sweetie Belle company on the trip back. I hope that your consultation with the Cutie Mark Crusaders went well.” “You know, I really think that helped clear my mind. I’d still like some answers as to how I got here, of course. I’m still processing my meeting with Discord.” “DISCORD???” Oops, didn’t mean to alarm her. “Relax, nothing terrible happened. We just had a brief conversation regarding what brought me here.” “Really. Did he admit to causing this mess?” “He swears he had nothing to do with it. And I believe him.” “I wouldn’t believe a word that deranged draconequus says. Reformed or not, he simply cannot be trusted. Especially since Tirek’s return.” Don’t say a word; you made a promise. Maybe change the conversation. “So, I take it you do good business here?” “Hmm? Oh … yes, I do rather well for myself. I’ve even opened up a branch in Canterlot, and will have a third location soon in Manehattan.” “So there’s that much demand for dresses … but everywhere I look, all the ponies around here walk around with no clothes at all.” Rarity is quick to address this concern. “Dresses are for special occasions, and we certainly have many such occasions in Equestria. Do you mean to tell me that your world had no such occasions?” “For the month or so I was in action, there was no civilization. Just battles and skirmishes. Before that, I have no recollections of the home world I … ‘supposedly’ came from. But the dreams I had while in that world … the inhabitants there wore clothing all the time.” “Hmmm, this ‘dream world’ you speak of. I wonder if there’s any similarity to the world Twilight has visited.” Wait, what? “Twilight Sparkle has been to another world?” “A parallel universe, as it were. But only a couple times, and only for emergency circumstances. Those are stories in and of themselves.” Sweetie Belle adds to this: “Yeah, it’d probably take about an hour plus for each of those stories. More if you needed to take a break every now and then.” Paying little attention to her sister’s comment, Rarity continues on: “She hasn’t visited that world in over a year now. I and the others have been really curious to see what it’s like, but Twilight warns us that there are parallels of all of us in that world, and no one knows what would happen if one of us met our double.” Just when I think I’ve heard everything I needed to hear about this place! Before another word can be uttered, the bell above the front door jingles. Rarity begins speaking as she turns to the prospective customer: “Welcome to Canterlot Bou-- … you! What do you want?” Wow, did Rarity ice over in a hurry! And what’s with the getup on this one? I know about the unicorn magic here and all, but this seems over the top, what with the cone hat and matching cape. “THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE … has a hole in her cape. Is there a chance you can have it fixed by tomorrow?” “Oh. Well, let me take a closer look.” Huh. She seems calmer now. What’s the history with these two? “Yes, I can fix this quickly enough. Just leave the cape here overnight and come by tomorrow at eleven.” “THE GREAT AND … Uh, Trixie thanks you.” “Excuse me for asking, but do you always talk in the third-pony?” Trixie turns to the coyote. “Trixie hasn’t seen you around here before. And you don’t seem like the type to frequent a business such as this. Trixie is curious; who are you?” “I came to Ponyville about a week ago, from … out of town.” “Indeed. And have you heard the stories regarding the Great and Powerful Trixie?” “Uh … do you mean ‘you’? And if so … no, I have not.” Sweetie Belle fake-coughs “Ursa Minor!” “What was that?” “What? Oh nothing, just clearing my throat.” Trixie stares daggers at Sweetie Belle, then turns back to the coyote. “Trixie needs to grab some dinner. Would you care to join me?” “Me? Uh, sure, I could eat. Still getting used to the diet around here.” Rarity quickly addresses the coyote: “Oh, I was about to fix something up for Sweetie Belle and myself; you could dine with us if you like.” Is Rarity trying to stop me from joining this pony? “I appreciate the offer, Rarity, but it wouldn’t hurt for me to meet new ponies while I’m here. But thank you anyway.” Trixie and Rarity are staring daggers at each other again; this is getting awkward. “Well gee, look at the time, the sun is gonna go down any moment, guess we should head out.” “Trixie agrees. Let us go.” Trixie and the coyote leave, leaving the two sisters alone. “What’s the big deal, sis? Trixie’s reformed, isn’t she?” “So is Discord, but I wouldn’t trust either one of them.” * * * * After a filling dinner and dessert, Trixie and the coyote walk down the Mane Street. I can definitely get used to the vegan-dessert lifestyle. Getting used to eating without hands, though, is another matter. “Trixie is less than impressed with your dining habits.” “Hey, I’m still getting used to this.” “Getting used to what?” Oops. “Uh, nothing. Say, I need to ask you. Are you and Rarity … enemies?” Trixie’s response is quiet. “… Trixie has many enemies, especially in Ponyville.” “Why is that? Seems to me that the very notion of ‘enemy’ is a foreign concept in this world.” “Trixie is confused. What do you mean by ‘in this world’?” Dangit, I did it again! “Oh, uh, I just meant that I haven’t experienced a lot of ponies that hold grudges here.” “Trixie … that is, I have made some mistakes in the past.” She used ‘I’! Whatever these mistakes were, they seem serious. “They couldn’t have been that bad … could they?” “Perhaps you’ve noticed that … ‘I’ … like to refer to myself when speaking.” “The thought has occurred to me, yes.” “My ego has gotten the best of me in the past. Not once, but twice. And after those incidents, it’s been hard to find redemption in this town.” “Well, couldn’t you start over in another town? I assume there are other places to live than this.” “My reputation has followed me across Equestria. I am an outcast wherever I may go. And I have changed. I may still have moments of … weakness … but I truly have change my ways. But I need to convince others to have any real peace of mind. And it must start here in Ponyville, where all my troubles began.” “Hey … I can understand. The truth is, there’s someone I need to apologize to as well. Wherever he is.” Or wherever that vulture’s flown off to, anyway. “And as far as the way you speak, that’s nothing new to me. I knew a wasp who spoke the same way.” The comment catches Trixie by surprise. “A wasp? As in, a tiny insect? No insect that Trixie is aware of is like that.” “Oh, I meant a large insect that … that …” “Is there something you’re not telling Trixie?” Now you’ve done it! No hiding this any longer. “… that’s from another world, like I am! Trixie, I’m not just a stranger to Ponyville; I’m a stranger to this universe.” Trixie gives off an air of shock, followed by great anger. “What? That’s just … ridiculous! Trixie is insulted at this farcical tale! How dare you!” “It’s the truth! I swear it! I wouldn’t lie to you!” “Oh sure, everyone in Ponyville gets to mock the Great and Powerful Trixie! Even the non-ponies!” “I WOULD NEVER INSULT A FRIEND!” “Oh, sure you … what?” The anger quickly dissipates, replaced by pure confusion. “It doesn’t matter where I’m from, just like it doesn’t matter what you’ve done. You’ve been nothing but kind to me since I met you, and I consider you a true friend.” Trixie starts to tear up. “I’m … I’m …” She then gives the coyote a hug. “I’m sorry for attacking you like that.” “I’m sorry I didn’t come clean sooner. We’re not so different, you and I.” “Trix-- … I consider you a true friend as well.” The two separate, each glad that the brief rift in their friendship is behind them. “So Trixie … you seem good with magic. Know any inter-dimensional spells?” Trixie laughs, causing the coyote to join in. “Trixie thinks you’re a funny guy.” Yeah … funny … “I don’t even know your name.” “It’s Coyotek. Admittedly, not as fitting a name as it once was.” “Come to my house-stage; I have someone to introduce you to.” * * * * “I’m impressed with this set-up, Trixie.” “It took many moons for me to get back to where I once was. Still a work-in-progress, I must admit. Oh, there she is!” Must be my night for unicorns. First Rarity, then Trixie, and now … “Starlight Glimmer, I’d like you to meet Coyotek. He’s ‘passing through town’, as it were.” The mauve pony walks up to the twosome. “How do you do?” “It’s a pleasure to meet you. So Trixie says you two recently became friends.” “Yeah … maybe to Twilight’s chagrin, but hey, everyone deserves a second chance, right?” Does everypony know everypony else around here? “Excuse me, you know Twilight Sparkle?” “Yeah, we go back just over a year. We had … differences, once upon a time. But again ... ‘second chances’, right?” “Don’t you mean ‘third’ chances?” Trixie chuckles. Starlight Glimmer glares at Trixie for a minute. “I take it there was some bad blood between you two.” “It’s a long story. I’m not sure you’d even believe me.” Trixie bursts out laughing at Starlight’s comment, causing the latter to become rather irate. “What’s gotten into you?” “Go ahead, Coyotek. Tell her.” Starlight turns to the coyote. “Tell me what?” Really, Trixie? *sigh* OK then … “You wouldn’t believe me, Starlight.” Starlight’s response: “You first.” “OK then … I’m from another universe and got pulled into this world by means of a dimensional rift, landed in the Everfree Forest about a week ago, made friends with an exotic zebra and all sorts of technicolor ponies, had a conversation with a former vulture enemy who flew off, bared my soul to three foals, got portaled into a meeting with a draconequus demigod, had dinner with Trixie and just met you.” “WHOA … Trixie paid for your dinner?” Starlight turns to Trixie. “What? My last show’s turnout exceeded expectations. Anyway, it’s not like this one’s pulling down bits right now.” “So OK then,” the coyote continues, “ ‘Starlight Glimmer’ … top that!” Starlight smiles as she starts: “When you put it that way … my best friend was taken any from me at an early age, causing me to have such hatred for Cutie Marks that I took over a village where I stole the Cutie Marks from every pony I met, then stole the Cutie Marks from Twilight and her friends, only to have my plans thwarted by them, so I went into seclusion for six moons, then returned with a spell that let me go back in time to break up Twilight’s friendships, but that caused rifts in the timeline of this world, leading to one horrific future after another, until I witnessed a barren wasteland firsthand, causing me to realize that I was responsible for the end of the world, then asking for forgiveness so now I have Twilight herself as a mentor while I try to redeem my past transgressions and … you OK?” OK, she wins. That was a lot to take in, and then some, but … wait a minute … Trixie addresses the coyote: “You seem lost in thought, Coyotek.” Starlight adds: “Is everything all right?” “Starlight … that spell you used to go back in time? Do you know of any possible side effects that spell might have had?” Starlight ponders for a minute. “To be honest, no I don’t.” “It’s just that, with all the changes made to the timeline of this world … is it possible that maybe, just maybe, you inadvertently caused the rift that brought me here?” “NO … I mean, I don’t think that’s possible. But honestly, I never read much beyond the general nature of that spell; who knows what that spell is also capable of.” “Well, is there anyone in Equestria who might know?” Starlight pauses before answering: “… I have somepony in mind.”
Chapter 6: a Quiet ReunionA train departs from Ponyville Station; the passenger manifesto includes two characters on a mission … “Starlight, why is there only one rail on this line?” “I dunno.” “I mean, is this the only train in Equestria? Are there separate rails farther down that allow for two trains to pass? And if so, why build those out of the town?” “I don’t know.” “And for that matter, how do trains even exist here? Don’t you need electricity, or power lines, or—“ “Did you talk this much in your universe?” Starlight’s tone is one of annoyance. “What? Oh … sorry. Just seems like every day there’s something new to process here.” Starlight replies in a friendlier tone. “It’s probably best to just accept things as they are; you’ll live a happier life. I take it you haven’t spent much time around Pinkie Pie.” “Can’t say that I have; I only saw her briefly, in my visit to Twilight’s castle … and on the way to Sweet Apple Acres.” “Those who know Pinkie well know about her … shall we say, ‘eccentricities’. And from what Twilight told me, trying to rationalize Pinkie Pie will lead you to insanity. Just keep that in mind, in case you spend any significant time in her company.” With all the crazy I’ve already seen, how much crazier can one pony really be? “I’ll keep it in mind. So tell me about this ‘Crystal City’.” Starlight explains: “It’s actually the Crystal Empire. For a long time, the place was a frozen wasteland. Now, under the watchful eye of Princess Cadence, the city has been restored to its former glory. The city even hosted the Equestria Games not too long ago.” “ ‘Frozen wasteland’?” “It’s a long story … and if you think the trains here are too much to comprehend, it’s probably best to leave it at that. At least for now. You’ve only been here about a week, you know.” “Fair point. So, why are we going there?” “Remember that ‘somepony’ I had in mind? His name is Sunburst, and he was my close friend a long time ago.” “The one who was taken from you?” “The same. We’ve since caught up on old times. He has a knowledge of magic that eclipses anypony in Equestria, including Twilight. If he doesn’t have an idea as to what could have caused the rift in your world, nopony does.” “He sounds like one intelligent pony.” “He is. And he’s one of the nicest ponies you’ll meet. Hopefully he can provide a solution. But we’re a ways away, so let’s just relax and enjoy the scenery as it rolls by.” The coyote stares out the window at the passing scenery. Slowly, he drifts away to sleep. * * * * “ ‘Tek! Yo, ‘Tek! Dude, get up!” A figure crawls off a suspended makeshift cot, before it dawns on him that he’s standing on two feet. Wha … who’s calling … “Man, you were out for a while there. Good to see you’re coming around.” Who’s that … wait … is it? It can’t be … “Cheetor??? Is that you?” The bipedal robot with cheetah markings replies, “Who were you expecting?” “It is you. Then, that means …” Coyotek inspects his form … he sees that he, too, is robotic in nature, but with a coyote head from his alternate form appearing at his chest. “Man, did that vulture get you good! Nothing that a couple hours in the CR chamber couldn’t fix, though, right?” Coyotek is still in a daze from recent revelations. “I’m … back at the base?” “Man, you really are out of it! Good thing we got to you when we did, or else we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now.” “What about the rift?” Cheetor is confused at the question. “What do you mean, ‘a rift’?” “The rift! The rift into the fabric of our world that I … that I …” “Whoa, dude. Maybe you need some more rest. Or maybe you just need to dial down those ‘subconscience processors’ of yours. Were you having more dreams about humanity?” “No … not humans. Something else. Something very … odd.” Cheetor’s response is stern: “The boss monkey is right; you need to reformat that part of your system. It’s not safe for you, or any of us for that matter.” “I’m … I’ll be fine,” Coyotek meekly responds. “Just give me a few minutes to myself, and I’ll join you and the others in a cycle.” “Sure thing. I’ll check on you in a bit, just in case you hit the hay again.” “ ‘Hay’? What’s that about hay?” Cheetor takes another look at Coyotek, shakes his head, then reverts to his cheetah form and bolts out the door, which closes behind him. So was all that … just another dream? The zebra? All those ponies? More figments of my imagination? It just felt so real. I guess all dreams do, though. Just like those dreams of humanity. Heck, those felt so real that I thought those were the reality. Jeez, how long was I out? Guess I was banged up pretty badly. Well, it doesn’t matter now, I suppose. A knock on the door snaps Coyotek out of his thoughts. “Yeah, I’ll be out in a minute,” he calls out, before reverting to his coyote form and turning to the door … An explosion from the hallway blasts the door to the back of the room and sends Coyotek flying backwards, crashing into a wall. Amidst the rubble, a shadowy figure approaches the prone coyote. “EMERGENCY!!! WE’RE UNDER ATTACK!!! MAXIMALS, COME QUICKLY!!!” “We’re here … Coyotek, we’re here …” The figure emerges from the smoke … it’s Starlight Glimmer. “Wake up … we’re here.” The coyote blinks … and suddenly, he’s on a train with many brightly-colored ponies. Starlight appears worried. “Is everything OK? You looked like you were ready to scream.” “I’m OK, I just … had a strange dream.” … I think. * * * * “OK, explain to me exactly why that little dragon with the crush on Rarity has his own statue here.” “It was before my time,” Starlight replies, “but Spike has performed quite a few heroic deeds here in the Empire. He told me all about them the last time I was here.” “Really! Care to fill me in?” “Maybe on the train ride back, but we shouldn’t delay. After all, you’re the one who wants answers, right?” More than you can possibly know. “Yeah, you’re right. So, how much further?” “Not far. That’s his place up ahead.” The two approach a stately cottage. Starlight knocks on the door, which then opens. An orange, spectacled pony greets them. “Starlight! It’s wonderful to see you again!” “It’s great to see you again too, Sunburst. It’s nice to meet where there isn’t a catastrophe in the works.” “Catastrophe?” the coyote asks. “Well, last time I was here, the empire was nearly thrust into another ice age after Flurry Heart shattered the Crystal Heart.” “Aaand, ‘Flurry Heart’ would be …” “Princess Cadence and Shining Armor’s alicorn baby.” “I see.” Don’t ask, don’t ask, don’t ask, … Sunburst turns to the coyote. “So who is your companion? Some sort of familiar?” Familiar? “Actually, he’s the real reason I’m here today. We have a few questions regarding a particular spell.” “Hopefully I can help. Follow me.” Sunburst leads the others into his study. Bookshelves of tomes filled with ancient and mystical lore line the walls. “Impressive,” the coyote remarks. “It’s like a miniature library in here.” “Well, don’t get too impressed; I’m better at researching spells than actually casting them.” “Don’t sell yourself so short, Sunburst. Or have you forgotten how you saved the empire.” Another savior of the world? Who’ve I made friends with, the League of Extraordinary Ponies? Starlight continues: “Certainly, Princess Cadence hasn’t forgotten your deeds.” “And Flurry Heart is such a treasure,” Sunburst adds. “Things have worked out well for me since you came back into my life, I must say. So … what spell did you have in mind?” “You might remember my little … ‘tirade’ … last time. And you might remember that time-travel spell I cast.” “I do. Surely you haven’t been—“ “No, not at all. I’ve learned my lesson from that. But about that spell. I must admit that I did not study up as much on that spell as, perhaps, I should have. Do you know if that spell has any particular side effects?” “ ‘Side effects’? Like what?” The coyote answers Sunburst’s query: “Like tearing a rift in the fabric of another universe, creating a portal that would allow someone to travel between dimensions?” Sunburst turns again to the coyote, inspecting him more closely now. “You’re not from this world?” “No. And that’s what I’m trying to figure out. How did I get here? What brought me here? And is it possible for me to return to where I belong?” Sunburst muses for a minute. “Interesting. So tell me: how long have you been in our world?” “About a week, I think. Not longer.” “So the spell that Starlight used could not possibly have been the cause,” Sunburst concludes. “She had used that spell weeks ago. Even if there were some latent effects, I don’t see how those would cause any …” Sunburst suddenly goes into quiet contemplation. Starlight breaks the silence: “Sunburst? Is everything OK?” “We’re all friends here, right? And by that, I include Princesses Cadence and Twilight.” “Twilight? What does Twilight have to do with any of this?” “Nothing by herself,” Sunburst continues, “but Cadence has been tapping my brain regarding information Twilight shared with her. Information gained from Sunset Shimmer.” Twilight Sparkle? Starlight Glimmer? And now Sunset Shimmer? So when do I meet Daybreak Twinkle? “I’m afraid you’ll have to fill in some details,” Starlight asserts. “I don’t remember any Sunset Shimmer.” “Nor will you meet her these days. Not in this world, anyway.” Waitaminute … this must be the world that Rarity alluded to yesterday. “So there IS a portal to another world.” “Cadence has shared this little secret with me, but if you’re friends with Twilight, then you’d probably find out eventually, anyway. Yes, there is a portal to a parallel universe. And Twilight has been to that world. The stories she has shared with us … are probably too fantastic to even begin to describe.” The dreams I’ve had say otherwise. Starlight inquires: “So who is this Sunset Shimmer.” “A former protégé of Princess Celestia, much the same as Twilight once was. But her ego and sense of entitlement got the best of her, and she was eventually exiled to this alternate dimension. There is much to say regarding what she has done and been through; suffice to say, she has since come around and is now a well-respected member of her community and adopted world. It was a recent event in that world that gives me pause.” The coyote now inquires: “This ‘event’ … you think it could explain what happened to me.” “It’s highly improbable … but Sunset Shimmer related a story regarding the Twilight Sparkle from that world. That Twilight is as much the bookworm that our Twilight always has been, and somehow created a magic-absorbing amulet. That amulet reached a point of critical mass, and released a powerful magic that began tearing at the very reality of that world. Sunset and many others from that world could actually SEE our own world, through pockets of rifts in space.” Sunburst turns to the coyote. “Does that sound familiar?” “It … it does. But I don’t get it. If these rifts occurred in the parallel universe, how did I end up in this one?” “The rifts were openings into this world. It’s conceivable that some of the magic released by Twilight’s amulet … that world’s Twilight … ended up in Equestria. And if any of that magic combined with any residue from the time-travel spell; well … I don’t think anypony could truly know the full effects.” Sunburst turns away before continuing: “But I must admit that this is mostly conjecture on my part. I could only speculate on the details of what happened in that universe. The only ones who could really shine a light on things are those in that world.” The coyote is forthright and bold with his next comment: “So if I want to get back to my world, I would have to … enter that world.” … There is a brief pause, after which both ponies in the room burst into laughter. What’s so funny? I was being serious. Sunburst responds: “Do you know what Spike turned into when he entered that world?” “Spike entered that world?” “Yes, and he became a dog. A dog! And Spike’s from our world. Who knows what would happen if you tried to go in there! Besides, the portal is a heavily guarded secret. The only reason Twilight knew about it was because Sunset re-entered our world to steal one of the Elements of Harmony.” Elements of Harmony? Sunburst continues: “… and the only reason I know about all this is that I’m now a trusted confidant for Princess Cadence. As you are both friends with Twilight, I felt safe confiding in both of you. But the mere thought of you traveling to that world … at least for now, there’s just no way.” I guess when you put it that way … “I suppose it was foolish to bring up the possibility.” “I am sure that you want to return from whence you came. But so far as I can tell, that is simply not possible. It’s a wonder that you’re here at all, but I’m afraid all I can suggest is that you make the most of it.” “I understand. And I do thank you for your insight into all this. I guess we should be going now.” Starlight disagrees: “What, so soon? We just got here.” Sunburst agrees: “Hey, there’s a café I’ve never tried before that I’ve been meaning to go to. What say we all grab a bite?” * * * * Nighttime has come. Starlight and the coyote are on a red-eye train heading back to Ponyville. “Trixie was right; you do have poor eating habits.” “I used to have hands. I know, it’s a foreign concept for the ponies in this world.” “You still had a coyote form. I’m sure you ate better even in that form in your world.” “Hey, it’s not like we had restaurants and corner cafés to go to … or anything else, for that matter.” “Coyotek … that sounds like a pang of regret.” “Does it? The fact is, I think back to what I’ve left behind and … I’m not so sure I really want to go back.” Starlight is caught off-guard by the comment. “What about not belonging here?” “I don’t even think I belonged there. Honestly, I don’t know where I truly belong now. Maybe I was destined to be here all along.” Starlight smiles. “You could do a lot worse than Equestria, I’m sure.” The coyote stares out the window at the moonlit passing scenery. “I’m sure I was, Starlight. I’m sure of that much, anyway.”
Chapter 7: Off the RailsIt wasn’t all of Ponyville that came out to witness the wreckage; it just seemed as such. And “wreckage” was far too strong a term. No ponies were harmed, and there was no massive destruction. Nevertheless, several dozen ponies gathered around the train that derailed coming into the station that morning. The locomotive and first passenger car were on their side, while the remaining cars remained upright. The handful of ponies in the first passenger car were helped out by numerous pegasi; all others were able to walk away, shaken up but otherwise OK. Starlight Glimmer and the coyote come from near the back of the train and meet up with Trixie upon walking the remaining distance to the station’s platform. Like all the others, Trixie is shaken at the turn of events. “Are you two OK? “A little on edge,” Starlight replies, “but we’re both fine. Did you see what caused this?” “Trixie did not see anything. Applejack is currently scoping out the scene.” “Wait,” the coyote interrupts, “Applejack is a trained investigator for accidents like this?” The two unicorns turn to the coyote. Starlight responds: “Ponyville doesn’t need ‘investigators’: nothing like this has ever happened before.” Trixie recounts the scene: “Applejack and the others were waiting for the train, just as Trixie was. We all saw it happen; the loco jumped a rail and fell to the side, taking the first car with it. Fortunately, the train was traveling at such a slow speed that no further damage took place. Immediately after the accident, Applejack sprang into action.” “I can see Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy assisting as well,” Starlight notes. “Looks like they might have just gotten the last of the trapped ponies out of that car.” The coyote ponders the information taken in. My first train trip in this world, and the train derails. And for the first time ever, apparently. Coincidence? What to make of all this. The crowd starts to dissipate as it becomes more obvious that no major damage or injury resulted from the train wreck. The threesome spot Twilight Sparkle, who strains to use her levitation magic to right the fallen loco and passenger car. Sure enough, both cars are soon realigned with the track; several other ponies gather to inspect the vehicles. “Some ‘welcome home’ greeting this turned out to be,” Starlight quips. “Well, Trixie hopes that your trip to the Crystal Empire wasn’t all for nothing.” “It was nice to meet up with Sunburst again, but sadly, no firm answers. Looks like our little coyote friend is stuck here, at least for now.” “Looks like nothing more to see here, either. Trixie needs to set up for tomorrow night’s performance. Would you be willing to assist?” “Sure thing. Coyotek, want to come along?” “Thanks, but I’d like to stick around and maybe find out what happened here.” “Trixie hopes to see you for tomorrow’s performance!” “I’ll be there.” The coyote then turns and leaves the company of the two unicorns. He walks over to Applejack, who is now conversing with Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy. Dash is particularly incredulous at the preliminary results. “You’re kidding! A couple apples caused all this?” “More like a bushel,” Applejack corrects. “Actually … it was a bushel. I just sold a bushel of apples to ‘Little Miss Scatterbrain’; looks like Derpy dropped it flying back home, and it landed right in front of the train.” “Not the first time she’s caused some havoc,” Twilight remarks. “Yes, but she is very nice to everypony,” Fluttershy counters. “AND she makes really tasty muffins!” The others all turn to Pinkie Pie, bouncing in place and smiling as wildly as ever. Where did she come from? “So who else’s muffins do we want to talk about? Rarity’s? Cause she makes delicious muffins. And Sweetie Belle tries so hard too, even if her muffins come out like molten lava.” Twilight interrupts Pinkie’s stream of consciousness: “Pinkie Pie, did you see what happened here?” “Sure I did: I saw our new coyote friend run up to join in the conversation. Funny that he hasn’t said anything yet. Maybe the cat got his tongue, but I think Opal’s still with Rarity back at her boutique.” “Before that!” Applejack pleads exhaustingly. “Didn’t you see the train derailment?” “Oh that! I’m sure that was just a metaphor.” The coyote is not sure what to make of that comment. “What? ‘Metaphor’? Pinkie, what do you mean by—“ Rainbow Dash suddenly breaks into the conversation: “Say Pinkie: think you can beat me to Sugar Cube Corner? Last one pays for snacks!” “Oh, you are so on!” Pinkie bounds off at a surprisingly incredible rate of speed. Dash then turns to the coyote. “Don’t mind Pinkie Pie. She’s always been a bit on the weird side. Best to just let her ramble on about whatever’s on her mind and go about your business.” With those words spoken, Dash then soars off to catch up with Pinkie Pie. The coyote turns to the remaining three. “Uh, is all this ‘normal’ to you ladies?” Applejack is first to respond: “Shoot, I can’t remember a time when Pinkie ever took things seriously.” Twilight adds, “Still, there’s usually method in her madness.” “But what did she mean by ‘metaphor’?” “Over the years,” Twilight continues, “I’ve learned not to try to figure out that which cannot be figured out. Pinkie is a one-of-a-kind. It’s probably best not to pry too deep.” “Yep. She’s a mystery wrapped in a puzzle wrapped in a cotton-candy-colored coat.” Strange. Starlight Glimmer warned me as much yesterday, too. ”OK, point taken. But then what about Rainbow Dash.” “What about her?” Applejack asks. “The first time I met all of you, in the Castle of Friendship, it seemed like Rainbow Dash was trying to stop Pinkie Pie from telling me certain things.” “Oh, that’s just Rainbow Dash’s nature,” Fluttershy remarks. “She can be … controlling? No, that’s not the right word. Insistent? No, that doesn’t sound right either.” “Well, the two of them do have a lot in common,” Twilight notes. “They both have a penchant for practical jokes, for one.” “And they both traveled to Gryffinstone that one time,” Applejack adds. It’s more than that. I’m sure of it. “Well, I feel like I want to do some more exploring of Ponyville. Looks like I might be here for a while, after all; may as well get to know the town better.” “We’ll save your usual spot in the barn for when ya get back.” “Thanks again.” It’s probably best that they don’t ask where I’m going. Now, where is this ‘Sugar Cube Corner’? … * * * * Whatever the time and place, there’s just no comparison to that first whiff of freshly baked desserts! Seriously, all this stuff smells great! Pity I got no money on me. At some point, I guess I have to figure out how to earn a living here. Focus, ‘Tek. That’s not why you’re here. Not now, anyway. No sign of either of them. Maybe the proprietor can help me. The coyote notes who he believes to be the proprietor of the shop. “Excuse me, Miss …” “Cake. Mrs. Cake. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you here before.” “I’m new to Ponyville. I was just wondering; have you seen a pink or blue pony come by here recently?” “Normally I’d ask you to be more specific … but I assume you mean Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash.” “Oh, you know them?” “Pinkie works here. Actually, she lives right upstairs. In fact, she and Rainbow Dash just went up—“ “Oh, hey!” Rainbow Dash, upon hearing the conversation down below, comes down to converse with the coyote, whose appearance has now stirred up feelings of anxiety within the pegasus. “So … what brings you here?” “Actually, I had a few questions for Pinkie Pie.” Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Um, I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.” “Why not? Rainbow Dash, is there something you’re not telling me?” “Hey, look at the time. Getting late, eh?” “It’s two in the afternoon.” “Well I’m sure Luna’s raising the moon somewhere, right? I mean, long day! What with the train derailment and all.” The coyote’s demeanor shifts towards anger. “Yeah, about that. Pinkie Pie said something about a ‘metaphor’. Seems odd to me …” “Hey, she’s always odd. It’s who she is.” Tiny beads of sweat form on Rainbow Dash’s forehead. “… But what’s really odd to me is that you felt compelled to send Pinkie away after she made that remark.” Rainbow Dash continues to perspire. “I … I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “And it’s not the first time you’ve interrupted her since I got here, either. You know something. Do you know how I got here? Does Pinkie know? Are the two of you responsible???” “OF COURSE NOT!” ”Then what are you two hiding???” Rainbow Dash shakes her head, gets her bearings, puts a wing around the coyote, and escorts him to a distant corner of the shop, away from anypony’s ears. Her words are quiet, so as not to let Mrs. Cake or anypony else hear her. “I’m telling you, in no uncertain terms: do not ask Pinkie Pie what’s going on. Just enjoy what you have here, and move on with your life.” I don’t believe it! These two have the answers I’m looking for! “I don’t know what it is the two of you are hiding from me … but I want the truth.” “You can’t handle the truth!” Pinkie Pie shouts from above: “I HEARD WHAT YOU DID JUST NOW!” Rainbow Dash shakes her head and speaks solemnly. “There are things that some beings were never meant to know. I’ve said all I’m going to say, and I won’t stop you now. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She then steps aside, allowing the coyote to walk over to the stairway and head up. As he enters Pinkie’s loft, the coyote notices that she appears to be reading a tome of some sort. “Hey Pinkie. So, what’cha reading?” Pinkie looks up and smiles broadly. “Coyotek! I had no idea you were so well-known.” “Excuse me?” “Look at you, all modest and coy. Oh wait, “coyote” starts with “coy”. Isn’t that hilarious?” “Can I … see that book for a second?” “Sure!” The coyote walks over to the tome and inspects the title. ‘Beyond the Matrix’? What the heck is this? “So what is a ‘matrix’, anyway?” Pinkie inquires. The coyote begins reading a passage: “ ‘… Gazing at the computer screen, Nightscream said to Coyotek …’ … Pinkie, where did you get this?” “I find things. It’s what I do.” “I thought ‘parties’ was what you do.” “That too. I do all sorts of things.” The coyote scans more of the pages in the tome. “Some of these names are familiar to me, but some of these … I never heard of many of these characters.” He puts down the book and turns to face Pinkie. “Is this … Pinkie, are these events supposed to take place in my future? Does this book’s existence indicate that I will get back to my world?” Pinkie falls onto her back, laughing uncontrollably. “Oh, that’s hysterical! You are too funny!” The laughter only serves to anger the coyote, but he maintains his poise. They warned me about her. No going back now. The coyote points to the tome as he speaks: “Well how else am I supposed to interpret … this.” “It’s fiction, silly. It’s a story of what your life could be. Don’t take it so seriously! You should see what happens to me in some stories!” “You’ve read stories that have you in them?” “Me, Twilight … pretty much everyone in Ponyville. All of Equestria, even.” “But who’s writing these stories? Are there well-known authors in Ponyville, or elsewhere in Equestria?” “Nopey-dopey,” Pinkie cheerfully replies. “These stories come from somewhere else.” “So where are you getting them?” Pinkie stretches out her right-front hoof … and half of it disappears into a glimmering blob that mysteriously appears and floats in space. WHAT IN THE NAME OF— Pinkie then retracts her hoof, which is now clutching another book. The coyote stares at the hovering, glimmering blob in stunned silence. “From here!” Pinkie inspects the title of the book. “Oopsie, I already read this one.” Pinkie shoves her hoof back into the blob, only to retract it a moment later, bereft of text. This recent series of events has completely shaken the coyote’s sanity. He stammers as he speaks. “Pinkie Pie … did you cause me to come to this world?” “What? No, of course not, silly. Like I’d be capable of transporting ponies and coyotes and other creatures into other universes.” “But you know how I got here.” “Well that’s obvious, isn’t it?” “WHAT? NO, IT’S NOT ‘OBVIOUS’!!! TELL ME!!!” “You act so serious … but that’s what makes you so funny! You’re gonna be great here! Whatever you got planned, I wanna be along for the ride!” The coyote is at his wit’s end. ”YOU’RENOTMAKINGANYSENSE!!!” Pinkie calmly reaches into the blob one last time, pulling out a red book. “Here, take a look.” The coyote peruses the title of this book. “ ‘Coyote in Equestria’ ... What’s this?” “This is us, in this world.” “ ‘Us’? As in, you and me?” “As in, this whole world.” The coyote begins reading through the book. The beginning summarizes my appearance in the Everfree Forest. My meeting with Zecora. It has … it has my thoughts??? The coyote turns to Pinkie. “I don’t understand. Has someone been following me around since I got here?” “Nah, this is just your story.” “I can see that I’m being featured here, but why?” “No, I mean you’re writing this story.” “ME???” “Well, who else? By the way, what’s with the ‘4’ in your name?” “Waitaminute … what do you mean I’m writing the story!!? I’m not a writer. And even if I was, I’ve been spending my whole time in Equestria trying to figure out how I got here and how I can get back home. I haven’t had time to write an autobiography.” “Well not ‘you’ you, of course! You’re just an avatar.” “A what?” “You’re only here because the author wants to be here. I can’t blame him; Ponyville really is a great place to live, with so many friends and fun adventures. Say, did you ever hear about—“ “PINKIE! What are you telling me? That my whole life is just a story? That I’m just a figment of some guy’s imagination?” “Hey, don’t take that the wrong way. As far as you know, your life is what you’ve made of it. So why does it really matter?” “ ‘As far as I know’? But you just told me—“ “Funny thing is, there doesn’t appear to be anything after this conversation. What do you think that means?” The coyote turns back to the book and skips ahead, reading through the end of Chapter 7, ‘Off the Rails’: ‘The coyote turns back to the book and skips ahead, reading through the end of ...’ … There’s nothing else here. It just stops. But that would mean … “I’m … not … future … gone? …” … The coyote can only muster a handful of random words before collapsing into a pile of despair and confusion. Seconds later, Rainbow Dash re-enters the room. She takes a look at the canine on the ground and sighs. “You had to tell him, didn’t you.” “Oh, he’ll probably wake up and chalk it all up to a weird dream. From what I’ve read, that’s one of his ‘things’.” Dash inspects the body on the ground. “I dunno; he looks really bad.” “Hey, you’d be too if all your stories garnered only a handful of looks. Cut the guy some slack, huh Dash?” “Whatever. I gotta get back to work. Catch ya later!” “Hey, before you go, you wanna help me stuff Coyotek into my party cannon?” “Why do you want to do that?” “Did you see what he had us go through in Fillydelphia?” Dash ponders for a moment. “… you grab his hind legs.” Author's Note For the record, there IS a Beast Wars fanfic that can still be accessed, which contains 'my' character. It was written by a friend who I've lost touch with.
Chapter 8: Puzzles, Purpose, and Pumping IronMmmm … how long have I been out. Where am I … and why is it so cramped in here? “RISE AND SHINE!” Pinkie Pie points her party cannon out the window of her loft above Sugar Cube Corner and fires the coyote into the air; he lands in a crumpled pile in the middle of the road. Sore all over, the coyote gets to his feet and shakes off the feelings of pain and confusion; at the same time, Rainbow Dash flies in from above. “You must have been exhausted after that train trip; you crashed right in Pinkie’s place right after walking in.” Crashed? I fell asleep? Strange, I didn’t feel tired. What happened after I got back. Think back … met Pinkie Pie in her loft, she was reading a book, we started talking about— Dash interrupts the coyote’s train of thought: “You OK?” “Sorry, didn’t realize it was morning already.” The coyote looks up. “And as it appears that I was just blown out of a confetti cannon, it’s probably best not to dwell on last night any more. “Glad to hear it. Applejack harvested a good haul yesterday and could use some help transporting all the produce to market.” “Yeah … sure thing. Just point me in the right direction; I’m still a little woozy. And hard of hearing.” * * * * Applejack and the coyote are pulling a pair of produce-laden wagons to market. One of the two is having a harder time of things than the other. “Greatly appreciate the help … but you struggle more than Apple Bloom when it comes to pullin’ wagons.” “I’ll be sure to hit the gym at some point,” the coyote replies. “Um, does Ponyville have a gym?” “I know a pegasus who just might be able to help, if’n you want it. He works at the spa that Rarity frequents.” “Good to know.” I think. “Anyway, we’re here. Thanks again.” Applejack and the coyote reach the market area and unhitch themselves from the wagons. “You think you might do better at sellin’ fruit versus pullin’ it?” “Would you buy food from a coyote you never met?” Applejack shoots the coyote a curious glance. “I don’t see why that would have anything to do with things. You’re not the only non-pony in town, you know.” “So far I’ve seen a baby dragon assistant, a married donkey couple, a zebra who lives in the woods, and a mule. To say nothing about me not being from this world.” “You still goin’ on about that. Look here: it’s not about what you are. It’s about what you do. You just gotta figure out some special talent to offer the town, and you’ll do fine.” “If you’re referring to those … ‘cutie marks’ …” that still feels awkward to say out loud … “… remember that I’m not destined to be getting one.” “You sound just like my little sister did. Anyway, if you’re gonna be like that, maybe you shouldn’t try sellin’ produce. Why don’t you just take a walk around for a bit and clear your head. From what Rainbow Dash told me, you had a long day yesterday.” “Fair point. I’ll be back when you’re done here. Should be easier to get the empty wagons back.” “Don’t forget, I need to pick up some construction supplies before heading back to the farm. Upkeep doesn’t just happen, you know.” “You know an alicorn who possesses the ability to fix everything up by magic, right?” Applejack gets agitated at the suggestion. “Do you know how friendship works? ‘Cause friendship doesn’t mean askin’ your friends for ev’ry little thing. Besides, we prefer gettin’ stuff done the old-fashioned way, without magic. It’s been workin’ for us ever since Granny Smith helped found this town.” “OK OK, you made your point. Didn’t mean to cause an argument or anything.” “Apology accepted. Looks like I got customers, if you’ll excuse me.” Applejack begins to ply her wares as the coyote walks away. His legs carry him past the spa, and he spots Rarity and Fluttershy leaving the premises. The former warmly greets the coyote. “Well ‘good morning’ to you Coyotek. What brings you to this area?” The coyote sighs. “Oh, nothing in particular. Just wandering around, taking everything in.” “Well you seem out of sorts. Why don’t you go in for a session yourself; they’ll treat you right.” “Spa? Me? I’m sorry, I’m not the ‘spa’ type.” “Oh, everypony can be the ‘spa’ type. You just have to give it a shot. I find the treatment most invigorating; it helps me seize the day; it inspires me to create.” “It’s also very relaxing,” Fluttershy timidly adds. “I dunno …” “Well if nothing else, it can help clear the cobwebs out of your head. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have inspiration in my head and need to get designs laid out before it disappears.” “And I’ve got animals waiting for me back home. Take care.” The two ponies head off, leaving the coyote alone in front of the spa. Maybe a clearer mind can help me think of some way to contribute to this world. I guess it can’t hurt to at least take a look … wait, Applejack mentioned that someone works here who specializes in weight training. I wonder if this place is a combo spa-gym. Maybe there just isn’t much demand for gyms here. The coyote heads into the spa and walks up to the front desk. A pony is there to greet him. “Hello, my name is Aloe. I haven’t seen you here before. First time?” Guess I’ll hear that a lot. “Yes, it is. Um … I heard that someone here might be able to help me with weight-training.” Aloe is excited by the request. “Oh my. Why I don’t believe we’ve had anypony ask for Bulk before.” “Well how about ‘anycoyote’?” The coyote chuckles half-heartedly, while Aloe shows no emotion to the comment. “Yeah, well …” “Straight down the hall, then take a right, and it’s the third door on the left,” Aloe instructs. “I believe he’s currently giving a muscle massage, but he should be done in just a bit.” The coyote follows Aloe’s directions, and he soon finds himself in a small room with various weightlifting equipment. Not much of a gym; guess there isn’t much demand. I suppose I shouldn’t expect much for a guy who works in a massage parlor. Probably some svelte pony who focuses on tone. The door bursts open, and a large, white horse with tiny pegasus wings stands at the doorway. “YOU WANNA LIFT WEIGHTS!!?” … Ohdeargawd … “Uh … I could, uh, stand to gain some muscle …” “ALL RIGHT!!! I’M BULK BICEPS; LET’S GET YOU SOME DUMBBELLS!!!” * * * * Hours later, the coyote walks slowly out of the spa, his legs trembling with each step. He collapses to the dirt road just as the CMCs stroll by. “Whoa, what happened to you?” Scootaloo asks. “Total … body … workout …” Apple Bloom is giddy at the news: “Hey, it looks like Bulk Biceps got a customer!” “He must be so thrilled,” adds Sweetie Belle. I’m sooo happy for him. “So what got you to see Bulk?” Scootaloo asks. “I thought I’d … clear my head …” Apple Bloom inspects the coyote. “By killing your body?” “Hey … so I’m a little … out of … shape …” Sweetie Belle feels compelled to ask: “Apple Bloom, exactly how is he helping on the farm?” “Well he doesn’t get in the way or anything. Mostly, he keeps me company when you two aren’t around.” “Seriously, Coyotek, you can’t just lie on the ground here,” Scootaloo scolds. The coyote strains to get back on his feet. “I’ll be … fine. Just needed … a few minutes. I’m good now … I think.” Sweetie Belle now asks: “So why would you need to clear your head, anyway?” “Well … as it looks like I’ll be here for a while, I really need to find something to do with my life.” “Well that shouldn’t be too hard.” “Apple Bloom, did you forget how long it took us to get our cutie marks?” “This isn’t about us, Scootaloo.” Sweetie Belle continues: “So what do you feel passionate about?” “Honestly? I have no idea. I’m still adjusting to being here. Haven’t had time to think about much more than getting through the day.” “You could be anypony … er, anyone you want,” Scootaloo offers. “Could I?” … Could I have been, a pastry chef assistant Could I have been, a soaring pegasus Could I have been, lost somewhere in Canterlot Could I have been, your kid brother Could I have been, tending carrot gardens Could I have been, selling gems for lumber Could I have been, anyone other than me Could I have been, anyone … I walk all around town, fur is matted, tongue is dangling Could I have been a magical raccoon? Could I have been anyone other than me? Then I … Look up at the sky, and look around, and I think, what’s my reason for being what’s my reason for dealing with all that’s happening to me … . . . “… You’re no Pinkie Pie,” asserts Sweetie Belle. “You’re no Cheese Sandwich, either,” adds Scootaloo. “Maybe you should stick to non-singing monologues,” suggests Apple Bloom. Everyfoal’s a critic. “Is there anything you do enjoy? I hope it’s not singing.” “Or bodybuilding.” “Or workin’ on the farm.” “I guess ‘spa’ stuff isn’t your thing either.” I GET IT! So … what do I enjoy … The coyote mulls ideas over, before … “Well … I like puzzles.” “You mean, like jigsaw puzzles?” Apple Bloom inquires. “No, I like logic puzzles.” The threesome look at each other with confusion. Scootaloo asks, “What’s a logic puzzle?” The coyote ponders for a moment. “OK, here’s an example. In the distant reaches of Equestria, there are two villages, Unitown and Pegatown.” “I never heard of those places,” Apple Bloom remarks. “I’m just making up names for the villages; they’re not real. Anyway … the unicorns from Unitown tell the truth and the pegasi from Unitown lie.” Scootaloo protests: “Hey, I don’t lie!” “This is just hypothetical.” “Hippo-what?” “Hypothetical. That just means I’m making it up for the purpose of the puzzle.” “… I guess.” The coyote continues. “Meanwhile, the pegasi from Pegatown tell the truth and the unicorns from Pegasi lie.” Now Sweetie Belle protests: “Hey!” “It’s just hippo-thetical,” Scootaloo reminds the unicorn foal. “… OK.” “What about earth ponies?” Apple Bloom inquires. “They could tell the truth or lie, but for this puzzle it doesn’t matter. Now then: while walking towards their villages, you come across a unicorn and a pegasus. Each comes from one of the two towns.” Scootaloo innocently asks, “How do you know they’re not just visiting inlaws?” “For the sake of this puzzle, just assume they’re each from one of the two towns.” “I like visiting my inlaws,” Apple Bloom remarks, “though we usually just have ‘em over at our place for special occasions.” “In any case: The unicorn says ‘Both of us are from the same village,’, and the pegasus says ‘No, we’re not.’ Which village does each of them come from?” There is a pause, before Sweetie Belle asks: “… That’s it?” “That’s it.” Scootaloo then asks, “So, we’re supposed to know which town each of them is from.” “You can deduce it. That’s what makes this a logic puzzle.” The three foals go silent for another minute. Suddenly, Apple Bloom responds excitedly: “I got it! They’re both from Unitown!” “How would you know that?” Scootaloo asks. “Since the two contradict each other, one must be lying and the other must be telling the truth.” “OK, I see that,” Sweetie Belle concurs. Apple Bloom continues: “Since one is a unicorn and one is a pegasus, they must be from the same village. If they agreed with each other, they would have to be from different villages.” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle nod in agreement. Apple Bloom concludes: “Since they’re from the same town, the unicorn told the truth. That means the unicorn is from Unitown, and so is the pegasus.” The coyote is impressed. “Excellently done, Apple Bloom! You solved it!” “That was pretty cool,” Apple Bloom admits. “Pretty simple, too,” Sweetie Belle adds. “Oh, it can get much harder. It all depends on the puzzle.” “Well, it was OK, I guess,” Scootaloo states. “Don’t think I’d use ‘cool’ to describe it, though.” Apple Bloom notes a clock hanging from a nearby storefront. “Hey, look at the time. I got dance lessons soon.” “I gotta go, too,” Sweetie Belle admits. Scootaloo echoes the sentiment. “See you both at school tomorrow.” The three CMCs go their separate ways, leaving the coyote alone. Well that was a fun diversion. Guess I should get back to the market to help Applejack with the wagons … *oof* … if I can. * * * * The next morning finds the coyote trying his paws at apple bucking … with little success. “Face facts, Coyotek. You just don’t have the legs for buckin’.” “Hey, I did get one apple out of the tree. That counts for something, right?” At a nearby tree, Big MacIntosh bucks a tree and causes three buckets to overflow with apples. “I know, I know … ‘nnnope!’ “ The brother-sister combo chuckle. They make it look so dang easy, too. Before the coyote can take another kick at the tree, Apple Bloom comes racing up to them. “Coyotek! You gotta come to the school!” Apple Bloom’s pleas worry her sister. “What’s goin’ on? Is everything OK?” “Miss Cheerilee caught the pony pox. She’s gonna be out for a few days. We need a substitute.” Wait, she means me? “I’ve never taught before. I wouldn’t know where to start. Heck, I’m not even a pony.” “Miss Cheerilee left plans for in case she got sick,” Apple Bloom reassures the coyote. “But then why me? Why not some other pony?” “Everypony else in town’s got other stuff to do. Besides, in case you get stuck, you could always share more of those puzzles.” “But … well I guess I could … aren’t I needed on the farm?” Applejack and Big Mac are quick with their unison response: “Nnnope!” Thanks for the vote of confidence. “I guess I can try. Lead the way.” … Minutes later, Apple Bloom and the coyote are at the school. A number of other foals are standing around the entrance. “Everypony,” Apple Bloom announces, “I found us a substitute for Miss Cheerilee. At least until she gets better.” The other foals murmur to each other in confusion. Soon, a purple filly speaks up. “He’s going to be our teacher? He’s not even a pony!” “Well-spotted, miss …” “Diamond Tiara. So what are you then?” The coyote smiles as he responds: “Biologically, I’m a coyote. In truth, I’m new to this town. And for today anyway, I’m your teacher.” “So now what do we do?” Sweetie Belle innocently asks. Good question … what would Cheerilee do in my position … “Let’s start with a little ‘arts and crafts’ project …” * * * * The chiming of the bell signifies the end of the school day, but an unexpected visitor shows up before anypony is able to leave. The crowd of foals shouts in unison: “MISS CHEERILEE!!!” “I see you still had class today,” their regular teacher replies. “That’s wonderful.” Apple Bloom runs up to her teacher. “Miss Cheerilee, we have a surprise for you.” The rest of the class motions to a corner of the classroom, where a large ‘Get Well Soon’ poster adorned with lace, glitter, and many small hoofprints sits for the recipient. Cheerilee is overjoyed, if not speechless. “Why, this is incredible! Thank you all so very much!” The class then files out, with most foals giving their regular teacher a big hug. Soon, all that remain in the room are Cheerilee, the CMCs, and the substitute for the day. “So how are you feeling, Miss Cheerilee?” Sweetie Belle asks. “Much better now. It wasn’t the pony pox after all, just a mild cold. I should be fine for tomorrow.” Cheerilee turns to the coyote. “I’m sorry, I don’t think we’ve met.” “My name is Coyotek. I moved here about a week ago. Apple Bloom suggested I fill in for you today.” “Well from what I’ve seen, it looks like she chose well.” “Well, to be fair, we really spent most of the day on the poster. And the rest of the time was spent with me giving puzzles to the class.” “Puzzles?” “They’re logic puzzles,” Scootaloo offers. “They’re a little weird, but they really make you think.” “Yeah, I kinda like them,” Sweetie Belle adds, “even if I don’t get all the answers right.” Apple Bloom cannot help but admit, “I got all the answers right.” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle give Apple Bloom a disapproving glare for that comment. “Well it sounds like you really struck a chord with the little ponies. Perhaps you’d like to pop in from time to time with more of these puzzles.” “Uh, sure, sounds great. It’ll keep me busy while I figure out how to make my presence known around here.” Apple Bloom corrects the coyote: “Looks to me like you already have.” Huh. Maybe she’s right about that. Cheerilee’s curiousity is piqued. “So, could you give me an example of one of these ‘logic puzzles’?” “Yeah, sure, I’d love to. So anyway: In the distant reaches of Equestria, there are two villages, Unitown and Pegatown.” “You really have to come up with better names for villages,” Scootaloo reminds the coyote. Hey, it’s a work in progress! “Anyway, the unicorns from Unitown tell the truth and the pegasi from Unitown lie. Meanwhile in Pegatown …” Author's Note The 'song' midway through this chapter is a brief parody of 'Dancing Nancies' by DMB.
Chapter 9: Let Nature Take Its CourseA steady shower falls over the western outskirts of Ponyville. From the edge of the city proper, a coyote watches the rain fall. He needs no umbrella, though. Fluttershy, returning home from a day trip for pet supplies, notices the coyote seemingly lost in thought. “Hello there, Coyotek. What are you doing out here?” The coyote sighs before responding. “It just isn’t natural.” “What isn’t natural?” The coyote sticks a paw out in front of him. It proceeds to get doused in rainwater, as if he were at a faucet. He retracts his paw and continues his thought. “I’ve been sitting here for 30 minutes. That rain’s been falling all this time, in one place. Never moving towards town, never moving away. I can sit here, literally a paw’s distance away from the downpour, secure in the knowledge that I won’t get wet.” “Well … what’s so unusual about that?” “That’s just not how weather works where I’m from. Clouds physically move on their own. They don’t rely on sentient creatures to perform their duties … I wouldn’t expect you or anyone else around here to understand; you all grow up with this being the norm.” “But how could you plan for outdoor events or activities if you couldn’t control the weather?” “You didn’t. You made plans, and adjusted for the weather if necessary. Admittedly, there wasn’t so much to ‘plan’ where I came from, but still …” “Well that sounds awful. What if we had a charity auction to benefit woodland creatures, and it rained on the evening we planned it? All that time and effort, for nothing? Oh, those poor animals.” “Uh, forget about the animals for a minute, the point I’m trying to make is—“ “How can I forget about those poor animals? Who takes care of them, huh?” Twilight approaches from behind and sees her agitated friend. “Fluttershy, what’s wrong?” “Coyotek has no concern for the plight of defenseless chipmunks and squirrels!” “What?” The coyote pleads innocence to Twilight. “I was only commenting on the weather. Fluttershy’s the one who got lost in her own hypothetical situation.” Fluttershy shakes her head and regains her composure. “Sorry. I just didn’t like the thought of neglecting all those cute critters, all due to bad weather.” “OK, clearly I missed some key part of the conversation. Could someone fill me in.” Before the coyote can respond, the downpour abruptly stops. A vibrant rainbow forms in the sky, bringing smiles to the faces of nearby ponies who are otherwise going about their business. “THIS is what I’m talking about,” the coyote grouses. “Rain turns on and off here like a light switch.” “What’s a ‘light switch’?” Twilight asks. “Sorry, forgot where I was. My point is, I can’t get used to physical beings controlling the weather.” “You make it sound like it’s so fantastic.” “It IS!” the coyote insists. “Not to anypony I know,” Twilight admits, “but what’s so wrong with that? You’re saying you’d prefer sudden thunderstorms, or even tornados?” “No, I’m not saying that. It’s just … it’s just not real to me. Believe me, I’m happy if forces of nature are not a problem in this world; from what I’ve heard, there’s enough to worry about from time to time. But for someone who’s used to seeing the sun rise and set on its own, to have the seasons change as a natural order of the cosmos … it’s jarring.” The coyote sighs again, as Twilight offers a suggestion. “Well if you feel so strongly about such things, you could always return to the Everfree forest. Zecora has made that place her home, and she seems content.” “I remember what that first night was like; I’m not about to create a living trying to dodge strange creatures while I forage for food.” Twilight’s frustration cannot be contained. “Then I really don’t know how to help. It’s not like the weather ponies here are going to just stop working, or that Princesses Celestia and Luna are going to stop raising and setting the sun and moon.” “I know,” the coyote responds meekly, “and I am sorry if I come off as irritating. I suppose all I’d like is … well, a taste. Of what nature is capable of, without anypony’s assistance.” “Well, why not take a walk through the forest in the morning. You can leave before nightfall, and maybe the trek will help clear your conscience.” Hey, now there’s a thought! “Yeah … I like that idea. Long walk through the woods, get back before dark, get a chance to return to the nature I’m used to. That’s a great idea. Thanks, Twilight.” Fluttershy, listening in on the entire conversation, finally speaks. “Well if you’d like some company, I could join you in that walk.” “I’d love the company; thank you, Fluttershy. Twilight, would you be interested?” “Sorry, I can’t make it. But maybe Spike would like to tag along.” “That sounds great. Well, we’ll meet at your place tomorrow morning, then.” * * * * Daybreak comes to Ponyville, and a trio make their way from Fluttershy’s cottage into the Everfree Forest. One has more of a story to tell than the others. “… so there we were, the scepter within reach. Just me, Ember, Garble, Twilight and Rarity. Then Garble made a move towards our friends, but then Ember stopped Garble and allowed me to grab the scepter first.” “Wow,” Fluttershy replies. “that is such an incredible story. I would love to have been there, but … actually, no, I’m glad I wasn’t. All those big, mean dragons.” “You stared down a dragon and got him to leave a nearby mountain, remember?” “Well, yes, but I don’t know if that would work on every dragon. Some of the ones you’ve described in your tales—“ “Oh please, you could have Garble wrapped around your hoof if you wanted to.” “I don’t think I would want to, after the way you described him. He sounds horrible.” “Hey Coyotek,” Spike notes, “you’ve been awfully quiet since we started this hike.” “I’ve just been taking in your stories about your time with the dragons. Is there any relation between those stories and the statue of you in the Crystal Empire?” “Nah, that’s a whole other story.” “Oh, I would love to hear that story,” Fluttershy remarks. “I’ve never heard the details from Twilight before.” “Well, remember that I followed Twilight into Sombra’s castle. We then …” Before Spike can continue, a small shower begins to fall on the trio. “Oh dear, maybe we should turn around and try this again tomorrow.” The coyote turns to Fluttershy. “Why? For a little rain?” Spike points to the sky. “I don’t think it’s going to be ‘little’ for long. The skies are getting really dark. It might get dangerous.” “Why don’t we just go back to my place? I’ll put on some tea, and we can wait out the storm and try again later. This is just unfortunate timing.” The coyote is incredulous, bordering on the fanatical. “ ‘Unfortunate’? I think it’s great. This is what I’m talking about! Rain comes down, because nature dictates that it does, not some weather pegasus.” Spike and Fluttershy look at each other through the raindrops. Spike then turns to the coyote. “Maybe downpours weren’t common where you came from, but I’d rather not catch a cold hanging around out here.” “Fine then. Be that way.” The coyote turns away from the others and bolts into the woods. “Wait,” Spike calls out, “you shouldn’t be heading deeper in there on your own!” His words are heeded only by the trees. “I could fly up and try to track him.” “The forest is too thick for you to see anything from above, and the rain’s coming down harder now. We should get out of here.” “And leave Coyotek alone? In the Everfree Forest?” By now, the shower has turned into a steady downpour. Thunder can be heard. “We go after him now, we may need others to find us. Look, Zecora isn’t too far from here; let’s just wait with her until this blows over, then try to find him.” Fluttershy reluctantly agrees, and the two turn around and head back the way they came. * * * * OK, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. The skies grow dark as the coyote runs down a narrow path. The storm is relentless, and thunder booms from the sky at regular intervals. One bolt of lightning hits a tree, causing a spark but no fire, as the area is saturated from the heavy rain. Soon, the path widens into a circular clearing. The dirt in the clearing has long since turned to mud, and small rocks dot the area. Must be some sort of campground. Well, no better place to go now than right here. As the rain continues to fall, the coyote is resolute in his desire to wait things out. He paces around the clearing, pausing periodically to shake the water from his face. An hours’ time feels like an eternity, but eventually the rain eases. The darkness once again gives way to the sun, shining down from the sky … and a faint rainbow forms. The view excites the coyote. That’s what I wanted to see. Such beauty. Pure, natural beauty. “Was it worth it?” The voice from a tree behind him causes the coyote to spin around. He eyes a vulture perching in the branches. “You!” “I have a name, you know.” “Sorry, I never asked.” The vulture flies down from his branch and lands next to the coyote. “It’s Vultor. So … was it worth hanging out in the downpour?” The coyote turns back to the rainbow, which is already fading away to nothingness. “I think so. It may not be as rich or long-lasting as all the other rainbows in this world, but it’s not manufactured. I feel like I can appreciate this one more than anyone else in this world, knowing how it was formed.” “ ‘Tek, do you even know how rainbows are usually formed?” The coyote chuckles. “No, not really. I guess these aren’t natural to where we came from, either. And I only saw a couple while on that remote planet we were fighting on.” By this point, the rainbow has disappeared completely. The coyote turns back to the vulture. “You were right, I guess. There really isn’t anything for us to return to, is there.” “Sense of duty, perhaps?” the vulture suggests. “Not that I felt much loyalty to a group that I knew for all of, what, a couple days? I was brought out of my protoform not long before we went through that rift, but in the time I was around, there was little to get excited over. Working for a megalomaniac, bent on world domination. That type of individual never succeeds over the long run.” “What about the camaraderie one forms with those you work with. I was only with Optimus, Cheetor, and the other maximals for a brief time, but I felt like I made real connections.” “Fair enough,” the vulture replies, “but what about the connections you’ve made here? Are those any different?” “They feel different. Back there, I was part of a group with a purpose. A focus. Here, I’m with others who honestly care about my well-being, but there’s no sense of priority or urgency to work off of. I have total freedom here, but I don’t know what to do with it.” “I hear you.” The vulture sighs before continuing. “I’ve flown around much of this world now. I’ve witnessed lands of dragons and gryphons, ponies in both cities and small towns, climates ranging from icy mountains to deserts … but there’s little for me here, either. It’s peaceful and serene, but there’s little challenge here.” The coyote is surprised by the comments. “So what are you saying, that you would want to return now?” “Oh, definitely not! I’ll take peaceful and purposeless over violent and purposeless any day. And while you may have fond memories of colleagues, I don’t share that sentiment. All of them were crazy. Especially that spider-guy, Tarantulas; if I never see that one again, it’ll be too soon.” “I must admit to not knowing the predacons as well as you. What’s so special about this ‘Tarantulas’?” “The guy was just mad. Mad scientist. Mad lust for power. I could tell from the moment I got to the predacon base that he had his own agenda. I don’t know what, and will probably never know now, but that was one being that couldn’t be trusted. Even more so than Megatron himself.” The vulture then laughs before continuing, “Not our problem now, is he.” “I suppose not,” the coyote replies. By now, daylight begins to fade from the area. “Well, I should probably start heading back. I’ve been in this forest once after dark, and don’t have any desire to do so again.” “I’m off too, then. There’s still much learn from this place.” “You could stay in Ponyville. The two of us are strangers here; we might do well to stick together.” “Sorry, but Ponyville is not where I belong. I don’t know where I do belong, but I’ll find something. Don’t worry about me.” “Well, I guess this is ‘goodbye’ again. Take care … friend.” The vulture smiles. “See you around, bud.” He then shoots off into the sky, flying off to parts unknown. As long as he’s in this world, I guess I’m not alone. The coyote leaves the clearing, on his way out of the forest.
Chapter 10: Deep SleepThe morning sun shines down on Sweet Apple Acres, and the Apple foursome, after a hearty breakfast, discuss matters around the table. “So Coyotek’s wanted again this morning? That’s three times since last week. Sounds like he’s makin’ his presence felt.” “Don’t I know it, sis,” Apple Bloom responds. “There’s talk of an after-school ‘logic lovers’ group, if he’s willing to be a part of it. Given his interest in the subject, that seems like a formality now.” “So does this mean he might be lookin’ to findin’ his own place?” Granny Smith asks. “Not that I’m in a hurry to get him off the farm, but he has been in Ponyville for a good couple o’ weeks now. Might be the right time for him to move along.” Big Mac nods in agreement. “Eeyup.” “Well,” Applejack begins, “the truth is that he has been checkin’ out vacancies around Ponyville. He hopes to be out on his own within a month, maybe sooner if his skills continue to be in demand.” “Well good for him,” Granny Smith acknowledges. “Even if he is something less than helpful on the farm.” This is greeted by another “Eeyup.” from Big Mac. “I gotta get ready for school. Catch y’all later.” Apple Bloom excuses herself and heads off. “I’ll go check the barn and see what’s keeping the canine. Not like him to miss a meal; that guy can eat like a horse.” Applejack, after receiving dirty glances from the others, leaves the dining area to check in on the coyote. Minutes later, Apple Bloom trots over to the barn to check in on things. She walks in, and sees that Applejack is visibly shaken. The coyote lies prone on the floor, lifeless. “Apple Bloom, you wait here with Coyotek. I gotta get Twilight.” * * * * “So he was fine last night?” Twilight asks. “Fine and dandy,” Applejack responds. “He was lookin’ forward to spendin’ another day at the school. He didn’t meet us for breakfast, so I popped in to check on him. Found him just like this.” Twilight uses her magic to lift the coyote’s head slightly. She reaches her head close to the coyote’s snout and mouth, and can feel slight breaths. “It looks like he’s in a trance. Something is keeping him from waking up.” “Any idea as to what coulda caused this?” “Nothing comes to my mind … but a hypnotic state is similar to a deep sleep. If I’m right, I know one pony who can probably help: Princess Luna.” “But even if he’s in a dream state, does Luna have any experience getting into the dreams of non-ponies?” “I don’t know,” Twilight admits, “but I can’t think of anypony else who can help. I’ll fly to Canterlot; she should be able to reach into his mind from there. You and Spike stay here in case he wakes up.” “Good luck to you and Luna, Twilight. I’ll be right here if ya need me.” * * * * Once in Canterlot’s throne room, Twilight proceeds to tell Princesses Celestia and Luna about the coyote. She is caught off-guard by Celestia’s initial reaction: “Yes, I am aware of our canine friend from another dimension. I’m only surprised that I didn’t hear that news from you first. Instead, I got this information third-hoof, from Princess Cadence through Sunburst, of all ponies. Honestly, Twilight, I’m disappointed that you didn’t feel it necessary to share this information with me first-hoof.” “Well, he genuinely seemed interested only in figuring out how he came here, and how to get back to his world. And he certainly doesn’t seem like a threat to Equestria.” “Nevertheless, this information should have been brought to my attention from the start. Though his actions and beliefs may be well-intentioned, there may be more to fear from his arrival than meets the eye. Now then, you seem agitated by recent events; please share.” “This morning,” Twilight starts, “Applejack found Coyotek lying in the barn. He’s in a hypnotic state and can’t be woken. Basically a deep sleep. None of us know how that happened, as he seemed fine last night. We’re concerned for his well-being … and after what you just said, Princess Celestia, I’m concerned with what else this might signify.” Twilight and Celestia turn to Luna. “I see what I must do, but I do not know what to expect from entering the dreams of one foreign to our lands. It could be quite bizarre. I shall report my findings once my foray into his mind is complete.” Luna closes here eyes and goes into a trance … * * * * Luna opens her eyes to a rocky terrain. The sky is cloudless and the air is clear. In the distance, she eyes a patch of forest. She hovers in the air as she sees a figure approaching from the distance. She recognizes the figure as a coyote, who soon reaches a pile of boulders. To her surprise, the coyote changes form to that of a robotic humanoid. He begins to speak into a device on his wrist. “Coyotek to base, do you read me?” Luna is unable to hear the responses from the wrist, and continues to listen to half the conversation. “I’m at checkpoint Alpha-7. Looks like these communication devices Rhinox created work like a charm … No sign of predacon activity. Where exactly did the protoform pod land? … Understood. Coyotek out.” The robot transforms back into coyote form and runs off towards the forest. Luna realizes the implications of what she is witnessing … This isn’t a dream. I’m seeing Coyotek’s memories. Why? Undaunted, Luna tracks the coyote on the ground as he enters the wooded area. After ten minutes of following, she observes the coyote stop and revert to robotic form. Not far off, she eyes what she believes to be the goal of this trek: a vessel that appears to have crashed from the sky. In the trees, she also spots a trio of black birds, perched and observing. “Coyotek to base, come in … I’ve located the pod. Looks like it hasn’t activated yet; it may have been damaged upon re-entry … OK, but you’re gonna have to talk me through this. I haven’t performed a manual activation sequence before.” The coyote-robot walks over to the pod. Before he is able to reach, laser fire explodes at his feet. Two other robots reveal themselves from behind various trees. The coyote takes a position behind a nearby tree, pulls out a laser gun and returns fire as he shouts into his comm. device. “IT’S A TRAP! I’M ENGAGED WITH SCORPONOK AND TERRORSAUR! THEY GOT HERE FIRST! I NEED BACKUP! REPEAT, I NEED—“ Another blast blows the covering tree apart and sends Coyotek flying backwards. He lands in a heap, offline and out of commission. Luna observes as the scene around her blurs into nothingness. … The images around her reform into the interior of a laboratory, with herself hovering near the ceiling of a far corner. She sees the coyote, still in robotic form, tied down by steel cables to an operating table. Another robot, with large spider legs protruding from his body, is at a desk working on a device. “Finished,” the spider-robot comments in a raspy, mechanical voice. He turns to the still figure on the table. “Time for you to be my little scout.” Luna observes the spider-robot attach a device to behind the coyote head’s ear. “If you and your maximal friends find any rich sources of energon on this planet, I’ll know about it before Megatron. And in case you become a liability …” He laughs at the thought of potential consequences. A voice over a loudspeaker addresses the spider-robot: “Tarantulas, are you done interrogating the prisoner? Tarantulas walks over to a wall and pushes a button before responding: “He seems to know nothing, but give me a few more clicks.” He returns to the still-lifeless body on the table. “What they don’t know won’t hurt me. Now then … got to make this looks good.” He then undoes the binds holding down the coyote-robot. Pulling out a blaster and pointing it at the prisoner with his right hand, his left hand held behind him in a fist, he then emits a high-frequency pulse. Luna hears nothing, but observes the coyote-robot coming to. “It appears that you are of no further use to the predacons. You know what that means …” Tarantulas’s left hand appears to move slightly; a sudden explosion blows apart a wall to the lab and sends the two flying backwards toward the other wall. Luna is unaffected physically by the blast, noticing the open fields beyond the rubble. Sirens blare as the coyote-robot, seizing an opportunity, reverts to his animal mode and runs from the lab. Luna flies after the coyote, being careful not to be seen. From behind, she spots a vulture giving chase. The vulture passes her, then transforms in flight to a humanoid form. He begins shooting at the coyote, who attempts to evade the blasts by zigzagging his path. In the distance, Luna sees a flash of lightning; a hole forms in the air just above the ground, ever-widening. She watches the coyote and vulture run straight into the void and follows. She suddenly observes and feels as if she is traveling through a wormhole, accelerating faster, until the environment around her goes completely white. … Luna observes her surroundings; she sees the operating table, with Coyotek still bound by steel cables, but everywhere else is an endless nothingness. No walls, no sky … just whitespace. She approaches the table, and sees that the robotic form’s eyes are unlit. Her horn lights up and fires a blast at one of the cables, which snaps. Instinctively, the robot’s eyes light up. “Who is that? What are you doing?” “I’m getting you out of these binds. Now hold still.” “NO! LEAVE ME HERE!” There is terror and anguish in Coyotek’s voice as he pleads with Luna. “I will do no such thing,” Luna responds as she shoots off another charge. A second cable cracks from the shock. “I MUST STAY HERE! I CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORLD’S END!” “You’re incoherent! This is just another nightmare you’re having. Now one more, and you’ll be free!” “YOU’LL DOOM EQUESTRIA!!! PLEASE STOP!!!” One more charged shot severs the final cable. The coyote-robot and operating table explode upon impact; the force sends Luna flying head over hooves backwards, somersaulting over and over until she suddenly crashes into a wall, knocking her unconscious. … “Princess Luna! Wake up! Please, wake up!” Luna wearily opens her eyes. Twilight is standing over her, tears flowing from her eyes, as she pleads for the princess to regain consciousness. Celestia stands behind Twilight, stoic in her appearance; her façade gives way as she sees Luna coming to. “Sister! How are you feeling?” “Such fear … it bore into my soul …” Luna looks to her sister. “Tell me … how long …” “Minutes, dear sister. Mere minutes.” “You were just sitting there,” Twilight adds, “and then you were thrown back to the wall, as if an explosive had gone off right in front of you.” “What did you see, Luna?” “I saw memories,” Luna begins … but before she can continue, a missive spontaneously appears with a bang. Celestia begins to read the message. Her eyes dilate at the words … * * * * “Sis, you think Coyotek is gonna be OK? He’s just been lyin’ there for an hour now.” “Whatever is going on in that head of his, I’m sure Luna will—“ “NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!” The sudden cry of anguish from the coyote shatters the eerie calm. The coyote springs to his feet and inspects his surroundings. He frantically paws at his ears. “No. Not here. Can’t be here.” he says to nopony in particular. “What’s not here? What happened to you? What’s goin’ on?” The coyote ignores Applejack and turns to Spike. “Where’s Twilight?” “She’s in Canterlot with Princesses Celestia and Luna. We were hoping—“ “Can you send a message to them?” “Uh, sure, but—“ “Tell Twilight to come to the Everfree Forest at once. And you better round up all your friends.” “Coyotek, what’s going on?” Apple Bloom asks. “Remember our first conversation? When I mentioned ‘unforeseen, even catastrophic consequences’?” “Yeah?” “Let’s just pray it’s only the first.” The coyote suddenly bolts out of the barn and runs off to the forest.
Chapter 11: New BeginningThis is as good a place as any. The coyote paces around in a clearing in the Everfree Forest, the same location where he witnessed a rainbow and talked with the vulture. I know he’s coming. I wish I knew what to do when he does come. Damn, I feel so naked in this form. A rustling from the edges causes the coyote to spin around quickly. Princess Celestia emerges from the undergrowth, followed by Twilight and the rest of the Mane Six. The coyote instinctively bows, then addresses the group: “I’ve been regaled with your stories about the ‘power of friendship’. For the sake of this world, I hope that power will work now.” “Mind tellin’ us all what’s goin’ on?” Applejack brusquely asks. “Princess Luna’s still shaken up from what she experienced goin’ through your head.” “I wish she didn’t do that,” the coyote responds sullenly. “It would have been better for everyone here not to get involved.” Rainbow Dash angrily confronts the coyote. “Now look! We’ll deal with whatever it is you think is gonna happen, but what we need now are answers. What’s got you so worked up?” “Tarantulas. He’s coming. And it should only be a matter of minutes, now.” “So what is this ‘Tarantulas’?” Rarity inquires. “Some sort of large spider? That doesn’t sound so harmful.” “Tarantulas is a predacon from my world.” “I don’t understand,” Twilight states. “How could anyone from your world get here? You don’t know how you got here.” “Princess Luna triggered my memory of events. I was captured while on a mission. Held prisoner in Tarantulas’s laboratory. He inserted a tracking device ...”, the coyote paws at behind his ear, “… in here.” “But why the hypnotic trance, then? What purpose was that for?” “I don’t know.” “Then take a guess,” Rainbow Dash insists. “I don’t know! Maybe … maybe that device lay dormant because Tarantulas was searching across dimensions to find it. Maybe locking on to its location caused it to operate again. Maybe the tracker requires my neural pathways to remain active, and a fail-safe mechanism inside of me activated, causing me to power down.” “News flash,” Dash persists, “you’re not a robot anymore!” “Not on the outside, but inside? Again, I just don’t have the answers.” “Then try another question,” Twilight continues. “How could this ‘Tarantulas’ follow you across dimensions?” “The technology from our world is advanced enough to allow for travel through time. It’s not a stretch to assume that Tarantulas figured out a way to expand on that technology.” “OK, this is just getting more ridiculous,” Dash protests. “All right. Let’s suppose that this ‘Tarantula’ guy does know how to get here. Won’t he come into our world the same as you? Couldn’t we just step on him and be done with it?” “I really hope you’re right in that regard … but he’s intelligent enough to design ways to block such transformations before entering this world.” Rarity then offers an observation: “Well … if he’s coming, then where is he? For that matter, how do you even know he’s coming at all?” The coyote paws at his head again. “I can feel it, pulsing within me. I’ve felt it since I was snapped out of my trance.” The coyote turns away from the others and resumes pacing around the clearing, waiting for the inevitable. The others just look at each other. “Well this was a fun little anecdote in our lives, but I really need to get back to the bakery. See you all later!” Pinkie grins and hops away back through the forest. “I got work that needs to be done, too,” Applejack adds. She is joined by Fluttershy, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash. Twilight turns to Celestia. “I’m sorry for dragging you out here. We should head back and check on Princess Luna.” “Twilight, if I may have a word with you in private.” Celestia beckons Twilight to a spot away from the coyote, who continues to pace and shake his head. After a brief exchange of words, Twilight bows before flying off. Celestia then approaches the coyote, still pacing around muttering to himself. He looks up and sees that the others have left. “The threat is real,” the coyote pleads. “That’s why I ran out here … to keep the danger away from Ponyville. I don’t want to see any horrors befall this place. I don’t want to be responsible for any of that.” “I understand completely. And I assure you that whatever may come into this world, I and all of Equestria will be prepared to defend.” “… I’m not crazy. I know what I saw.” “I shall see you again soon.” With those words, the princess flies off, heading back towards Canterlot. The coyote is alone again, but remains resolute. Just show up already, Tarantulas. I know you’re coming. Just get it over with. Show your hand. Come out and fight. Time passes. The minutes turn to hours as the coyote continues to pace around the clearing. He looks up to witness the occasional bird or pegasus pass by from above, but then refocuses on the imminent arrival of an old foe. What is taking you so long? What are you waiting for? Just get over here, already! Day gives way to nightfall, and drowsiness starts to settle in. The coyote attempts to fight through the fatigue. Is that your plan? Wait ‘til I fall asleep, and then strike? COWARD! Fight with honor! COME ON! Get over here and let’s settle this. We’re ready for you. We’re ready … for … The coyote stops pacing, gasping to maintain consciousness. NO! Fight the urge! You can’t be out when he comes. The forest is quiet, save for the occasional owl. The coyote lies on the ground, head up, resilient to not go down. He resumes pacing around the clearing, stopping periodically to shake his head and keep alert. Nighttime slowly gives way to dawn. The coyote struggles to stay awake. Got to fight this. Got to be ready. Got to … be stoic … got … The coyote puts his head down on the ground. * * * * The crackling sounds of lightning arouse the coyote from his slumber; he opens his eyes to a swirling-black portal. Trees sway in the gale-force winds. Though the sun is high in the sky, the area all around is dark. A figure emerges from the portal. The coyote immediately recognizes the spider-leg torso and features of the predacon Tarantulas, still in his robotic form. He holds a blaster in his right hand, aimed at the coyote’s head. The coyote stands up and holds firm, staring down his foe. “So this is where you’ve been hiding from me all this time. Not much to look at, I must say.” “What do you want?” “I came for you …” Tarantulas feels a sudden jolt of electricity, causing him to stagger. “… but you are no longer worthy of my time. What I want now is this world. I can feel the endless energy all around.” “I won’t let you take over this world.” “You? BAH! What are you going to do to stop my conquest of this place?” The coyote feels a surge of adrenaline within him, and he pounces at the predacon … and proceeds to bounce off Tarantulas’s chest, crashing to the ground. He shakes his head, still ringing from the contact with metal. Tarantulas holsters his weapon before readdressing the coyote. “As I thought. You’re just a worthless animal here, unworthy of my time.” The coyote gets on his feet and turns to the predacon, unable to speak. His bows his head in morbid acceptance. “The residents of this world will not let you defeat them,” the coyote insists, “and I will do what I can to assist them.” “You’re of no concern to me, any more than you are of use to the ponies in this world.” The comment catches the coyote off guard. “How do you … how do you know about the ponies?” “HE DOESN’T!” A blast of energy from the sky strikes Tarantulas; in a flash of light and amidst the sound of an explosion, the predacon disappears instantaneously. Another blast strikes the portal, causing it to vanish as well. Immediately, the swirling winds die down and daylight floods the clearing. The coyote looks up and sees Princess Luna hovering above; she floats down to the ground. “I’ve seen you before, in my vision.” “Just as you are seeing me now.” All around, the woodland scenery around the two melts away. Soon, everywhere around is white and empty. “I’m dreaming again. Is nothing in my life real?” “You will find your answers shortly, but before I go, I feel it necessary to remind you: your life has meaning and purpose, the same as for all who reside in this world. Never forget this.” Luna’s image fades into nothingness, leaving the coyote alone. A sound from behind causes him to spin around … and he finds himself on top of a bed in a hospital room. Princess Celestia, having just entered the room, closes the door behind her. “How is your head?” The coyote feels behind his head, and perceives stitches behind an ear. “What happened to me?” “Look on the nightstand.” The coyote turns to his side and notices a pebble the size of a marble. Taking a closer look, he sees intricate engravings etched all around the stone. He turns back to Celestia. “Is that …” “The tracking device you saw in your memories. Tangible proof that you perhaps had some reason to fear … and proof that you have nothing to fear.” The coyote turns again to the pebble. “It didn’t survive the trip here, any more than my previous form.” He turns back to Celestia. “I caused a lot of trouble today, didn’t I.” “You acted with the best interests of Equestria in mind. No one will hold you responsible for your behavior.” “So what happens to me now?” “Now?” Celestia chuckles. “Now, my little coyote, you can move on with the rest of your life.” Content that all is well, Celestia leaves the room. Minutes later, another pony enters the room. “And here Trixie thought she had an inflated sense of self!” “Excuse me?” “ ‘Everypony is in peril! I must sacrifice myself to save Equestria!’ ” Trixie laughs; the coyote turns away in shame. “Oh come now, can’t Trixie show a little sarcasm every now and then?” The coyote turns back towards Trixie. “I’m not proud of the way I acted. I certainly didn’t mean to drive everyone else crazy.” Trixie laughs again. “Hang around this town long enough, and everypony will drive you to insanity at some point.” She notes the dour face on the coyote. “It’s more than that, isn’t it?” “I just feel … so insignificant here.” “Why so?” “Everyone I’ve met here seems to have done wondrous deeds. The stuff of legends. And for a brief moment, I actually thought … I might add to that lore.” “You realize that there are hundreds of ponies and other inhabitants in Ponyville alone, to say nothing of the numbers in all of Equestria. I don’t think everypony has his or her own story being passed down through the ages. But so what? What is so wrong with just living your life to the best of your ability and being content?” “I dunno. Nothing, I guess” “And listen: just because your life may not turn into the ‘stuff of legends’ doesn’t mean you can’t leave your mark on this world. Your life can have meaning and purpose; it’s all up to you.” “… I’ll get there. It may take some time, but I’ll get there.” “Trixie looks forward to the day. Now get out of that bed. There’s a firefly exhibit early this evening, and Trixie has plans to incorporate some of them into her next performance. Maybe you have some ideas you’d like to share.”
EPILOGUE“Remember: all three ponies are cloaked so any of them could be a unicorn, pegasus, or earth pony. The first pony says ‘Two of us are from Unitown.’ The second pony says ‘At least two of us are liars.’ The third pony says ‘I am a pegasus’. If I give you the added information that—“ The sound of the bell indicates the end of the school day. “Oh, guess I lost track of time. Next time I’m around, we’ll finish this puzzle.” The colts and fillies file out of the classroom, leaving the coyote and Cheerilee alone to reflect on the day. “The ponies are really liking these puzzles, Coyotek.” “Yeah, I’m happy to see that. Well, same time next week?” “Actually, I wanted to ask: I’ll be going on vacation to Rainbow Springs for a week, and need someone to sub for the week. Are you able to do that?” “A chance to long-term sub? Cheerilee, you can’t be serious?” From outside, Pinkie Pie pops her head into a window. “Hey, I’m watching you pal!” The coyote turns back to Cheerilee. “What I mean is, I’d love to.” “Wonderful. I’ll have lesson plans ready for you, but feel free to go your own way if you like.” “Thank you, and enjoy your vacation.” The coyote leaves the school, where Pinkie is waiting for him. “So my sister Maud wants to see your tracking pebble. She thinks it can keep Boulder company.” “Uh … yeah, sure, no problem. Heck, she can keep it if she wants.” Pinkie gasps. “Maud can keep Tracker? THIS WILL BE THE BEST GIFT EVER!!!” “Well, if it makes somepony happy … that ‘thing’ didn’t do much for me.” “What, you mean become-lodged-against-your-brain-after-a-couple-weeks-so-that-you’d-think-it-activated-a-homing-device-causing-your-mind-to-believe-you-needed-to-shut-down-to-keep-the-big-bad-predacon-from-finding-you-then-convincing-everypony-that-he-was-coming-to-take-over-Equestria-but-really-just-falling-asleep-so-Twilight-could-magically-haul-your-carcass-to-the-hospital-to-surgically-remove-Tracker-from-your-head?” *GASP* “… That’s not the first time you’ve uttered a stream of consciousness, is it?” “It’s who I am! And hey, now that you’re living across the street from Sugar Cube Corner, you can pop over whenever you like?” “That’s nice of you to offer, Pinkie. But, what would we do?” “I dunno? Read stories? I just got done this one story, where …”
Chapter 3: The Vulture‘Wait right here’, she says. OK … hope this won’t take too long. Fun little town we walked through on the way here. So much for everyone living in trees. Gotta wonder how all those structure ever got built without opposable thumbs; I guess it’s mostly done with ‘pony magic’ or something. And that burned-out husk that used to be a library? Probably best to ask about that some other time. Must be one heck of a story there. And then there’s this. So this castle was just created out of … thin air? Too weird. And that’s just the architecture! To say nothing about the residents of this place! Not like every wolf or bear or giraffe looks the same, but GEEZ … for a while I thought I was gonna go into epileptic shock. So. Many. Colors. And what’s with the tattoos on all these ponies? Some sort of coming-of-age ritual? So many questions … but right now, I got one thing on my mind: getting back home. The door opens and a creature half the size of the ponies beckons: “You can come in now.” “Huh? YOU’RE not a pony!” The small, purple dragon rolls his eyes. “What tipped you off?” “Sorry, didn’t mean to … I just wasn’t expecting a non-pony in here. Who are you?” “No problem. Name’s Spike. Come on in.” This must be some sort of war-room. Weird; I wouldn’t think there to be any such need in this universe. But what else TO believe, what with a map of their world in the center of a table with six thrones … oh wait, seven … around it. And I see the two ponies who brought me here. And four others. All just standing there … well, except the blue one, who’s hovering. Be respectful, Tek. The coyote bows. “Ladies? Your Highness?” The six ponies look at each other, then five of them start laughing. The white pony is not amused by their spectacle. “Really now, is it such a joke to show respect. “Aw, come on Rarity,” Rainbow Dash retorts. “ ‘Your Highness’? That’s hilarious!” The coyote picks his head up. “I … don’t understand. You are a princess, am I right?” “It’s mostly a title,” the purple alicorn replies. “None of my friends refer to me as a princess.” “I see … but what about strangers.” “Well you’re stranger than most that we see ‘round here,” the orange pony answers. “Rainbow Dash tells us that you’re from … another world?” “Uh, yes. I believe I am.” Rainbow Dash addresses the orange pony’s question: “I didn’t believe it myself, at first. But unless this guy’s been living under a rock for so many years, he really knows nothing about this world.” “How could anyone live under a rock? Well, bugs I guess, since they’re so tiny and creepy-crawly, but a big-ol’ dog? Unless it was a really big rock. And I’ve seen some really big rocks. Of course, I’m sure Maud has seen even bigger rocks. Maybe rocks that a whole TOWN could live under.” … Uh … what? “Maybe some introductions are in order,” the alicorn continues. “I’m Twilight Sparkle, and I know you’ve already met Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. And these three are Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie. And this is my assistant, Spike. These are my closest friends.” “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Coyotek, and I’m a … that is, I used to be … well, right now I’m just a coyote.” “Well, as long as you’re here, you’re welcome to experience all that our little town has to offer.” “I appreciate the offer … but I was told that perhaps you could help me return to my home world.” “I don’t know if I can. The truth is, we’ve never had anyone come to our world from another dimension before.” “What about the thousands of stories that—“ *Pinkie … ixnay on the ory-stays,* Dash whispers to Pinkie. Huh? Twilight continues: “Do you remember anything about how you got here?” “No more than I’ve already told Zecora and Rainbow Dash. I was running in a field … I forget why … and a tear in my world just opened up in front of me. I ran in, lost consciousness, and woke up in that forest.” “There is probably much regarding the Everfree Forest that we do not know,” Rarity states. “Nothing would surprise me in there.” “But even for that place, this sounds unnatural,” Applejack adds. “If you ask me, I think it was someone who caused this.” Applejack turns to Fluttershy; the other ponies follow suit, while the coyote just stands there confused. Her? “M … me?” “Not you,” Rainbow Dash states, “your ‘correspondent’.” “Oh, no … Discord wouldn’t just open up new worlds like that.” “He opened a rift during the last Gala just to separate you from Tree Hugger,” Twilight reminds Fluttershy. “Well yes, but he learned his lesson from that. He wouldn’t do that again.” “And just what do you base that statement on?” Rarity inquires. “Past experience?” “I know he still makes mistakes, but he’s getting better. And I don’t think he’s the type to do that anymore.” Twilight persists: “But even you must admit that he’s at least capable of something like this. At the least, could you bring this up to him the next time you see him?” “I’ll see him again in a few days. Oh, I hope he doesn’t take this the wrong way. You know how he gets when he feels insulted.” The coyote finally speaks: “Uh, forgive me for asking but … who, or what, is ‘Discord’.” Twilight answers: “Discord is the living embodiment of chaos, a draconequus who has incredible powers and is capable of much … including, perhaps, opening a rift into your world.” “Wait, he’s capable of opening up pathways to new dimensions?” “AND chocolate rain.” Pinkie sighs. “We haven’t had chocolate rain in so long.” … Twilight continues: “Well, I’ll look through my spells and see if I can find anything that might get you back home … but for now, I think you’re stuck here. At least for a few days.” “I appreciate any help you can give. Thank you again.” “We made a new friend,” Pinkie happily asserts. “You know what this calls for … a PARTY!” What is she … HIT THE DECK!!! The coyote hits the floor, eyes closed and paws over his ears. A large explosion makes him shutter for a moment, then dead calm. … After a few seconds, the coyote removes his paws from his ears and opens his eyes. Confetti and streamers are strewn around the room. “WHAT WAS THAT???” “Oh nothing,” Rarity answers. “Just Pinkie’s party cannon.” The coyote stammers to ask: “You got … you got a CANNON? That shoots confetti?” “Well, duh! What kind of party planner would I be if I didn’t have the right tools?” “Don’t mind Pinkie,” Dash consoles the coyote. “You’ll get used to her.” “Uh, yeah, sure. To be honest … I actually feel like I owe you all for your hospitality and generosity. While I’m here, is there anything I can do to help out?” Applejack replies: “Well shoot, if you’re lookin’ for stuff to do, I could always use some help around the farm.” “So you’re a farmer?” “Indeed. Me and my family run Sweet Apple Acres. There’s four of us here full-time, but we get the job done. We don’t usually seek out help, but in your case we’ll make an exception. At least for a little bit.” Fresh, country air? Wide-open spaces? Sign me up! “That sounds great.” “Then it’s a deal. Glad to have ya aboard. Oh, and Fluttershy, can you come back with us too? I got something that you need to see.” “Oh? What is it?” “There’s a bird on our property now that’s been eating our apples. The scarecrow keeps most of ‘em away, but this one don’t seem to care about that.” “Oh dear, I hope this isn’t like that vampire fruit bat problem.” “Nah, nothin’ like that. I just want your expertise on the subject. I never knew vultures to eat fresh fruit before.” Vulture? “I never knew vultures to even be around this part of Equestria. Are you sure it wasn’t a crow or something else?” “Surer than sure. This bird flew in last night and is just hangin’ around the apple trees. I ain’t worried ‘bout the harvest, at least not yet, but this fella don’t seem natural.” During the conversation between Applejack and Fluttershy, Rarity notices that the coyote is now lost in thought. “Is everything all right, dear?” The ponies (and dragon) all turn to the coyote. Spike tries to get his attention: “Hello? Equestria to Coyotek!” “Huh?” The coyote shakes his head violently, as if to get his bearings. “You checked out on us for a minute,” Dash states. “What’s wrong?” “Applejack, you said a bird flew in last night. A vulture? That’s not natural to this part of Equestria?” “Yeah, so?” “I know that vulture.” * * * * “Here we are. Home sweet home.” “This does look very idyllic,” the coyote responds to Applejack. “You say this farm was the start of the whole town.” “Yes, indeed-y.” “I still don’t know why we all had to come,” Dash grouses. “Oh, I don’t mind,” Fluttershy retorts. “It’s always so nice here.” “So, how do you know this bird?” Twilight asks the coyote. Immediately, Rainbow Dash starts in again. “And that’s another thing; why didn’t he tell us about that bird back at the castle? Why wait until right before he meets that bird?” “Hel-LO??? What kind of drama or tension would be had from going through that backstory there? Don’t you ever read—“ *Hey-hey, Pinkie, cut it out! What’d I tell you ‘bout doing that?* *Oh. Sorry.* Pinkie grins. The coyote takes brief notice, then turns back to Twilight to answer her question. “He’s a vulture. And he was chasing me … in my world. That’s why I was running; I broke out of the preda- … uh, the bad guys’ stronghold, and he was pursuing me. I remember now: I was sprinting back to my base while he was blasting at me … oh wait, you probably don’t know what I mean by ‘blasting’.” “If you mean firing shots of pure energy, you clearly haven’t seen Twilight in battle,” Applejack counters. Really? Wow, unicorn magic is more powerful than I thought. “Anyway, that’s my last recollection. And he’s probably just as confused as I am. I need to speak with him … alone.” “But darling, you don’t want to get … ‘blasted’, by him, do you?” “If he’s like me, Rarity, he’s just a vulture now. I should be safe.” “Well, do what you can. And thanks for the help.” The coyote nods his head at Applejack and the others, then heads through an opening in the fence and into the patch of apple trees, heading to the rear as the barn’s sight becomes obscured by all the trees. He eventually comes to a particular tree where a vulture is perched on a high branch, finishing off eating an apple. The vulture notices the coyote approaching and addresses him “Ah, so you finally woke up! Tell me, how was your night in the forest?” “What’re you doing here?” “If you mean ‘in the tree’, I’m having lunch. If you mean ‘in this world’, I’d ask the same about you.” “Let’s stay with the latter thought for a sec. What do you remember?” The vulture scratches below his beak with a wing. “Well lesse … flying after you, shooting at you, seeing a rift in space, following you into the great unknown, flailing, falling … and waking up in a tree in that forest. As a bird. Not a predacon. Not a robot. Just an normal, everyday vulture … or at least, as ‘normal’ as one could get in this world. Oh, and with a taste for stuff other than carrion.” “… That doesn’t make any sense.” “Hey, these apples are too good pass up.” “That’s not what I meant!” “Oh, but it really is, isn’t it.” The vulture’s demeanor turns serious. “Have you seen what you look like?” “I’ve looked at a few mirrors here.” “No, I mean ‘have you really seen what you look like?’ You think that’s normal?” The coyote thinks for a moment. “For a coyote? … Yeah, sure, why not.” “Pfft! You must be visually impaired, but whatever. OK then, how about this: have you had a taste for mice or other small creatures?” Come to think of it … “Well … no.” “All part of a coyote’s diet, right. But not yours.” “Fine, so we both have a new-found appreciation for fresh fruit. So what?” “And how about this,” the vulture continues, “do YOU know how that town got built?” “Well … that question did cross my mind while walking through the town.” “You got no answers for that, do you.” “Well of course not. I’ve only been here a day.” “EXACTLY!” the vulture asserts triumphantly. “Face it: we’re strangers in a foreign land now, my friend. And we’re not going back. It’s time to acclimate and adapt.” “Friend? You were trying to vaporize me!” “Of course I was. You and all your comrades were my enemies. But look now. There’s no ‘good’ or ‘evil’ between us anymore. We’re not on opposite sides of some ‘Great Cause’. We’ve hit the reset button, and it’s time to start over. And I, for one, plan on enjoying this.” “But what about getting back to our world?” The vulture’s response is cold and emotionless, catching the coyote off guard: “Go back for what, war? Dissention? Battles? One skirmish after another? Maybe you’re interested in that, but me? I’m done with it.” “We don’t belong here!” “So what? We’re here now, aren’t we? I say, make the most of it. And besides … what do YOU have to look forward to upon returning?” Again, the coyote is taken aback. “Well … I … …” “I thought so. Look: the past is done. Whether we ‘belong’ here or not doesn’t matter. We’re here. Get used to the idea.” The vulture softens his tone. “Now then, if you’ll excuse me, I intend to see what else this world has to offer.” “WAIT … what if I do find a way back?” “You find a way back, you take that trip alone. Don’t bother looking for me. Enjoy yourself; I know I will.” The vulture takes to the sky and flies away, disappearing into the horizon. The coyote is left alone in the apple patch to contemplate the conversation. Author's Note The vulture was another self-creation from my old fanfics.
